At Long Island Facelift, we see many patients who’ve thought about facial rejuvenation for years but hesitate due to uncertainty about the process. It’s a big decision, and knowing what to expect can make all the difference.
In this post, we’re introducing a 56-year-old business owner from Huntington, NY. Like many others, she had spent years investing in creams, fillers, and non-surgical treatments. But when those options stopped giving her the results she wanted, she began exploring facelift surgery.
She will now share what she wishes she had known before getting her facelift, from emotional hurdles to the actual recovery.
Why I Finally Chose a Facelift
For most of my 40s and early 50s, I relied on less invasive treatments. Botox, fillers, skin tightening devices. You name it, I tried it. And for a while, they worked.
But after I turned 54, I started to feel like I was constantly chasing youth rather than maintaining it.
No matter how many syringes I got or how many treatments I booked, my lower face still looked saggy. My jawline was soft, and I started to notice jowls in every photo.
I didn’t want to look “done.” I just wanted to look like myself, only fresher. That’s when I started considering surgery.
What Held Me Back
For a long time, the word “facelift” felt too extreme. I imagined dramatic, pulled-tight results. I also worried about downtime and pain.
Most of all, I was afraid people would know. I wanted to look better, not different.
It took a few months of research and quiet soul-searching before I even booked a consultation.
When I found Long Island Facelift, their approach made me feel comfortable. They focused on natural-looking outcomes and explained the details in a way that was easy to understand.
What I Wish I Knew Before My Facelift
There were many things I only learned after going through the experience. If I had known them earlier, I would’ve moved forward with confidence a lot sooner.
Here are the biggest insights I gained:
- It’s not about looking younger: It’s about looking rested. I didn’t look 30 again, but I looked more refreshed, less tired, and more like myself.
- It’s a face lift, not a face change: My features stayed the same. The sagging skin and drooping jawline were just gone.
- Recovery wasn’t as bad as I imagined: I had swelling and tightness, but very little actual pain. I didn’t even finish my prescription pain meds.
- You’re more presentable sooner than you think: I was nervous about being out of sight for weeks. But after 10 days, with makeup and a scarf, I felt fine leaving the house.
- No one could “tell” unless I told them: I shared my surgery with close friends. Others just thought I looked well-rested or had changed my skincare.
Understanding these things would have eliminated most of the fears that held me back.
What Recovery Actually Looked Like
I had surgery on a Thursday morning and was back home that afternoon. The first two days, I rested, iced, and followed every instruction.
My Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline
To give you a clearer picture, here’s how my recovery unfolded:
- Days 1–3: Most of the swelling showed up during this window. I kept my head elevated and moved around slowly.
- Day 4: Started feeling more like myself. The tightness around my jaw was the main thing I noticed.
- Day 7: Stitches were removed. Swelling was down by about half. I could already see the improvement.
- Day 10: Light makeup made a huge difference. I went for coffee with a friend and felt normal again.
- Week 3: Swelling was mostly gone. My face looked natural, and the incisions were already fading.
- Week 6: Full return to exercise and regular routine. I had forgotten what my old jawline looked like, and this felt better.
Recovery took patience, but it wasn’t overwhelming. Staying organized and keeping my expectations realistic helped a lot.
What Changed for Me After Surgery
People often ask if a facelift changes your life. In some ways, yes, but not because it transforms who you are.
It gives you back the version of yourself that you feel inside.
The Changes That Meant the Most
Here are the things that stood out most in the months after surgery:
- Renewed confidence in public: I stopped avoiding photos or checking my angles on Zoom calls.
- Clothing choices shifted: I felt more comfortable in styles that showed my neckline.
- No more chasing filler appointments: I still do minimal skincare, but I no longer rely on constant maintenance.
- A sense of closure: I stopped obsessing over the aging process. I felt like I had taken control.
The changes were subtle but powerful. I looked like me, not a different person.
Things I’d Tell Anyone Considering a Facelift
If you’re on the fence, I totally understand. It’s not a light decision.
But if signs of aging are affecting how you feel about yourself, and non-surgical options aren’t cutting it anymore, it’s worth exploring.
Here’s what I’d recommend:
- Do your research: Find a practice that focuses on facelifts and shows examples of real results.
- Ask questions: The right facelift surgeon will welcome every concern and explain everything without pressure.
- Prepare your space: Having your home ready with meals, pillows, and a few cozy outfits made a big difference.
- Set realistic expectations: It won’t erase every line. But it can restore structure, lift sagging areas, and refresh your appearance in a very natural way.
Once you’ve made your decision, trust the process.
Thinking About a Facelift on Long Island?
At Long Island Facelift, we believe facial rejuvenation should enhance your natural features and not replace them. Our goal is to help patients look like themselves, only more refreshed and confident.
If you’re considering a facelift, we’re here to answer questions, provide guidance, and support you every step of the way.
Schedule a facelift consultation to learn more about what a facelift could do for you.
