GoodHeart | Dr Sandra Swaby champions beauty beyond age at global pageant

Jamaican cosmetic surgeon Dr Sandra Swaby, who was crowned the 2026 Mrs Queen of the World first runner-up last Saturday, told The Gleaner that her decision to enter another major pageant was to “show women how ageing can be a beautiful experience”. The competition, which recently took place in New York, featured some 27 contestants from around the world and aimed to redefine narrow beauty standards by promoting inclusivity and diversity, affirming that beauty is diverse, ageing is a privilege, and women should always be celebrated.

“It (ageing) should be celebrated, even after children, marriages, and careers. We women go through so much, and, after a certain age, don’t feel seen. I myself had a difficult 2025, including a near-death health issue, and my self-esteem was really challenged. So I also wanted to show myself that I can still do something this challenging, while inspiring others,” the physician and anti-ageing expert explained.

Swaby, who is no stranger to championing self-empowerment and self-love, generated buzz on the local pageantry scene during the 2024 Miss Universe Jamaica pageant as one of the oldest contestants, becoming the first over-50 competitor to place in the top five. At the Queen of the World pageant, which features categories including Miss, Mrs, Ms, and Elite, she captivated both the audience and judges with her style, sophistication, and message of self-love and inner beauty.

“As a surgeon, I enhance the outer form – but true transformation begins within,” said Swaby. “This platform has allowed me to share that beauty is deeply connected to self-love, discipline, and emotional healing.”

While balancing work was challenging, she said the support of her husband and business partner, along with a capable team, made it manageable. “The balance also comes from knowing when to rest, knowing when to say ‘no’ to things that don’t serve my energies, and knowing when to fill my cup, pray to the Almighty, exercise, eat healthily, hydrate, supplementation, and have a positive mindset and self-care.”

Her biggest triumph, she shared, is recovering from surgery for Eagle Syndrome last year, which she said caused “a significant decrease of oxygen in my brain over a significant period of time”.

“I had surgery to correct the issue, but the symptoms remained, and some still do, but I am so grateful to God for choosing me to see another day, and a part of my purpose is now to spread the message of self-healing to overcome whatever faces you,” she added.

For the naysayers who feel that at her age she should cover up, pack it up, and just be a cheerleader to younger women, Swaby said there is a place even for those individuals because, at the end of the day, they keep you honest with yourself. “I understand the value of criticism. I do agree that some spots of society might not consider older women attractive, but I can’t even respond to that because I am hot!” she said, laughing. “Having different opinions is okay. What’s more important is the opinion that women my age and I have of ourselves.”

While critics existed, the cheerleaders are even more abundant and loud, encouraging her from the sidelines, sending emails or messages with unwavering support. “I got quite a few messages sent to me after the finale from fellow queens. I think what it says is that I showed up as me, as authentically me, and my light shone through.”

Italy’s delegate was crowned Mrs Queen of the World, while the USA’s delegate placed third. Swaby also copped sectional prizes for Congeniality Queen, People’s Choice Queen, and Ambassador Queen for public speaking.

nicola.cunningham@gleanerjm.com