Byron Bay influencer Ruby Tuesday Matthews, 33, has experienced a series of distressing events, most recently tearing her facelift stitches while crying over the death of her best friend. Matthews, who underwent an endoscopic facelift in Seoul last month and has been documenting her recovery online, shared the incident with her followers on Instagram.
Emotional Turmoil and Physical Setbacks
Matthews revealed the accidental tearing of her stitches during an emotional Instagram live session, stating, “I’ve obviously re-ripped my stitches.” This incident occurred during a period of intense grief following the death of her close friend, Byron Bay property developer Myles Trainor, aged 41. Trainor’s passing in June left behind two young sons, and Matthews had previously paid a heartfelt tribute to him, noting he was the godfather to her daughter, Holiday.
The emotional strain has been compounded by other significant personal challenges. Matthews disclosed that she had undergone a dilation and curettage (D&C) procedure that failed, necessitating emergency surgery. She described the hormonal impact of these medical events as “f**ked me,” adding to her already considerable stress.
Navigating Grief, Motherhood, and Career Pressures
The influencer detailed the overwhelming nature of her current life circumstances, citing the profound impact of losing her best friend. “Just been through some of the biggest changes as of late, losing my best friend, which I think has just really hit me,” she explained. The medical complications from the failed D&C and subsequent surgery further exacerbated her distress.
Beyond personal loss and medical issues, Matthews is grappling with the demanding realities of motherhood and professional obligations. “Working with the most insane deadlines. I’m struggling so much in motherhood and navigating my children,” she admitted. As someone who identifies as neurodiverse and has ADHD, she highlighted the particular difficulty she faces with emotional regulation.
Adding to the pressure are “financial obligations” and her recent decision to part ways with her management team. Matthews emphasized that her intention in sharing her struggles was not to solicit sympathy but to offer an honest portrayal of life’s difficulties.
The Reality Behind Social Media Facades
Matthews shared her experiences from a hotel room in South Korea, aiming to connect with others who might be facing similar hardships. “There’s so many other people who reach the end of their tether,” she stated. “And I just wanted to say that, like, I feel you and I’m a normal person too.” She expressed a belief that people often forget that social media typically showcases only the positive aspects of life, not the full, complex picture.
The physical toll of her recent endoscopic facelift, performed in Seoul, has also contributed to her exhaustion. She described feeling unwell and unlike herself, drawing parallels to her experience with postnatal depression. “I’m at this weird point, I haven’t felt since kind of like having postnatal depression where I’m in such a weird headspace and usually I can get myself out of it,” she shared.
The demanding schedule, which requires her to continue working overseas despite her physical and emotional state, has left her feeling depleted. “But I’m obviously overseas and I have to go to work an hour and pack my suitcase and keep going.” Matthews reiterated her feeling of being overwhelmed, stating, “I’m just at the point of overwhelm.” She acknowledged having a support system but confessed to feeling “so f**king alone. And I’m feeling it pretty lost.”
Public Reaction to Facelift and Transparency
Matthews’ decision to undergo a $16,000 facelift in South Korea has ignited a discussion online. While some have criticized her actions, labeling her a “bad influence,” others have commended her for her openness and transparency with her followers regarding her recovery and personal struggles.
Her candid sharing of both the cosmetic procedure and the profound personal challenges she is facing offers a glimpse into the complex realities that can lie beneath the curated world of social media.

