Michelle Obama: Never say never to surgery

Michelle Obama says women should have the freedom to do anything to look good. Picture: AP

The first lady, long admired for her toned arms and svelte figure, said she believed women should have the “freedom” to do anything to look good.

In an interview to mark her 50th birthday tomorrow, Mrs Obama said she would consider Botox or a full operation if it felt right.

She also revealed that she was modifying her workout regime – to avoid breaking a hip by overdoing it.

On the face of it, Mrs Obama would not seem to need any assistance from the surgeon’s knife.

The glamorous mother of two has drawn praise for her biceps which she maintains through 90-minute workouts six days a week at 4:30am.

She has appeared at dozens of high-profile events wearing designer dresses which sell out as soon as she is seen in them.

But apparently that is not enough to keep the effects of time at bay.

Mrs Obama told US magazine People: “Women should have the freedom to do whatever they need to do to feel good about themselves.

“Right now, I don’t imagine that I would go down that route, but I’ve also learned to never say never.”

Americans undergo some 14 million procedures every year, with women over 40 making up almost three-quarters of the patient list, according to the latest data from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

Mrs Obama explained that she has one eye on what will happen in her 70s and 80s and so has begun to change her workout regime.

Mrs Obama said: “I’m seeing myself shift from weight-bearing stuff – even though that continues to be important – and the heavy cardio and running, to things like yoga that will keep me flexible.”

The former lawyer and hospital executive joked that she was making the transition “so that I’m not falling and breaking a hip one day”.

Mrs Obama was asked if she thought she had reached the peak of her life and said that being US first lady is “pretty high up”.

She said her life is “ever-evolving” and she doesn’t have the right to “just sit on my talents or blessings”.

Mrs Obama said: “I’ve got to keep figuring out ways to have an impact, whether as a mother, or as a professional, or as a mentor to other kids.”

By the time she and president Barack Obama leave the White House in 2017, her daughter Malia, now 15, will be at college and Sasha, 12, will be heading the same way.

Mrs Obama said that rather than deal with an empty nest –not to mention leaving the Oval Office – she was positive about it and said “at that point in life, whoa, the sky is the limit”.

President Obama is said to be planning the festivities for Mrs Obama’s birthday celebration, prompting speculation that superstar Beyonce will sing at the party.

Guests have reportedly been told to eat before they arrive and to wear comfortable shoes, suggesting that there will be dancing involved.