Actress Famke Janssen is refusing to follow the Hollywood cosmetic surgery trend because she is terrified of going under the knife.

The 48-year-old X-Men star, who has embraced writing and directing in recent years, insists she would much rather step behind the camera than fight the ageing process.

She says, "Gravity will work against you. You can try to fight the process, but you're not going to win the battle. I'd rather focus on writing and directing than trips to the dermatologist or to the hospital, which frankly terrify me...

"There is something about plastic surgery that doesn't make people look younger. It just makes them look stranger."

"I think you should make the process of ageing look graceful. I work in a tough industry known for being brutal to women who get older, but I have to say I'm busier than I have ever been in my life."