At Long Island Facelift, we have had the privilege of helping countless individuals achieve a refreshed, more youthful appearance through facelift surgery. While the results are often transformative, we know the journey can bring questions and uncertainties.
To offer clarity, we reached out to several of our past patients and asked one simple question: What is the single most important tip you would share with someone preparing for a facelift?
Each response provides a unique perspective, shaped by personal experience. These are not medical opinions, but insights from those who have walked the path before.
Below, these patients will share advice for anyone considering or preparing for facelift surgery.
Planning Ahead Made All the Difference
When I first began researching facelift surgery, I underestimated how much planning would affect my experience. I assumed I’d go in, have the procedure, and rest for a week or two. I quickly realized there was a lot more to consider, both physically and emotionally.
The best advice I can offer is to prepare your home and your schedule before the surgery. I took three key steps:
- Stocked Up on Essentials: I filled my fridge with soft foods and set up a table next to my bed with everything I’d need. That included pain medication, tissues, a thermometer, and extra gauze.
- Cleared My Calendar: I took three weeks off work instead of just one. I also asked friends not to visit until I felt ready.
- Prepared Mentally: The first week can be uncomfortable. Swelling and bruising made it hard to recognize myself. I reminded myself this was temporary and focused on resting.
Facelift recovery is a short phase compared to the long-term results. But those first few days are much smoother if you plan ahead.
Trust the Timeline and Don’t Rush the Reveal
I thought I’d bounce back quickly. I’ve always healed fast and don’t like sitting still. But facelift recovery is different. My biggest tip is to trust the process and avoid rushing your timeline.
Around day ten, I made the mistake of trying to meet a friend for coffee. I was still swollen and wearing makeup to cover bruising. I didn’t feel like myself, and it showed. I ended up cutting the visit short and felt emotionally drained afterward.
My surgeon gave a realistic recovery timeline, and I should’ve followed it more strictly. Once I gave myself space to fully rest, everything improved.
Here’s what helped me during that phase:
- Avoid the Mirror Too Often: In the first two weeks, I limited how often I looked in the mirror. My face was healing, and every day brought changes.
- Delay Social Engagements: I waited five weeks before seeing people outside my immediate family. When I did, I felt confident and proud.
- Take Progress Photos: I snapped photos every few days. It helped me notice subtle improvements I wouldn’t have seen otherwise.
Recovery is not a race. Let your body heal at its own pace. You will get there, and when you do, the results will be worth it.
Follow Every Instruction (Even the Small Ones)
I’m the kind of person who likes to figure things out on my own. But facelift surgery is not the time to skip steps or tweak instructions. If I could give one piece of advice, it would be this: follow every post-op instruction to the tee. Even the ones that seem minor.
For example, I didn’t realize how important it was to sleep with my head elevated. One night, I flattened my pillows because I missed sleeping on my side. The next morning, my swelling had increased. That setback reminded me to stick with the plan.
These were some of the small instructions that made a big impact:
- Head Elevation: I used a wedge pillow to stay upright. It reduced swelling and made sleep more comfortable.
- No Bending or Lifting: I avoided picking up even light items. This prevented unnecessary pressure and helped healing.
- Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of water helped flush out medication and kept my skin in good shape.
The surgeon’s team provided a detailed guide. Once I committed to following it step by step, recovery became much easier.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help
Before my surgery, I thought I’d be able to manage most things on my own. I didn’t want to bother my family or seem dramatic. But the reality is, recovery is not just physical. It’s emotional too. Asking for help was the smartest thing I did.
I arranged for a friend to stay with me the first two nights. She helped with meals, kept track of my meds, and even managed my dog. Just knowing someone was there gave me peace of mind.
Here’s what I recommend setting up in advance:
- Meal Prep or Delivery: You won’t feel like cooking. Having meals ready or scheduled delivery is a lifesaver.
- Transportation: You won’t be able to drive for several days. Plan your rides to follow-up appointments ahead of time.
- Emotional Support: Choose someone you trust to check in on you daily. Even a quick call helps.
Support from others not only made recovery smoother, it reminded me I wasn’t alone.
Accept That You Might Feel Strange Before You Feel Beautiful
One of the most unexpected parts of my journey was how emotional I felt after surgery. I expected some bruising and swelling, but I didn’t expect to feel so disconnected from my face at first.
The truth is, healing comes in phases. The first few weeks, I didn’t feel like myself. But I learned this is normal. My tip is to be patient with how you feel emotionally, not just physically.
These mindset shifts helped me:
- It’s Okay to Feel Uncertain: You won’t love how you look right away. That doesn’t mean you made the wrong decision.
- Focus on Progress, Not Perfection: I celebrated small changes like when the bruising faded or my jawline became visible.
- Remind Yourself Why You Did It: I kept a photo of myself before surgery as motivation. I wanted to feel refreshed, not different. And that’s exactly what I got.
Facelift surgery gave me confidence, but getting there took time. Being gentle with myself was just as important as anything else.
The Importance of Choosing the Right Time in Life
I spent years thinking about getting a facelift. But I waited until I felt truly ready. That made all the difference.
My tip for others is to choose your timing carefully. Not just in terms of age, but also your lifestyle, career, and emotional readiness.
Here’s what helped me decide the right moment:
- Work Flexibility: I was able to take time off without added stress.
- Support System: My family was in a good place and ready to help.
- Mental Readiness: I felt at peace with the idea of change, rather than rushing into it out of frustration.
The procedure was a gift I gave myself. And because I waited for the right moment, I appreciated the results even more.
Your Facelift Journey is Unique
Each patient’s experience is different, but one thing is always true: preparation and mindset play a big role in recovery.
These firsthand tips from real patients highlight the importance of planning, patience, and self- compassion throughout the process. Whether you’re just beginning to explore facelift surgery or already preparing for your procedure, their insights can help you move forward with more confidence.
At Long Island Facelift, we’re committed to helping you feel supported every step of the way. If you’re considering facelift surgery and want personalized guidance, we invite you to schedule a consultation to learn more about your options and what to expect.
