At Long Island Facelift, Dr. Breitbart has helped countless patients feel refreshed and more confident through personalized facial rejuvenation procedures. One of our patients, Ellen, came to us seeking a natural-looking lift after years of feeling like her reflection did not match how vibrant she felt inside.
In the interview below, Ellen opens up about her facelift journey, what made her choose Dr. Breitbart, and what she learned along the way.
Ellen will now give us more insights into what her facelift experience was like from start to finish.
What made you decide to get a facelift?
I started noticing changes in my face around my late 50s. My jawline was softening, my cheeks looked a bit deflated, and I had loose skin along my neck. I tried all the creams and non-surgical treatments, and while some helped a little, nothing made a real difference.
The turning point came when I looked at vacation photos and barely recognized myself. I felt young and energetic, but my face told a different story. That disconnect started to affect how I showed up socially and professionally. I wanted to look like myself, just more refreshed.
How did you choose Long Island Facelift?
I wanted a facial plastic surgeon who had extensive experience with facelifts specifically. A friend recommended Dr. Breitbart, and after reading more about him and the practice, I decided to book a consultation.
From the moment I walked in, I felt at ease. The staff was professional, and Dr. Breitbart took his time getting to know me. He was very honest about what the surgery could and could not do. I appreciated that he focused on natural results and didn’t try to oversell anything.
What was your consultation with Dr. Breitbart like?
It was in-depth and very reassuring. Dr. Breitbart asked me what bothered me most and what I was hoping to improve. He examined my face and neck, then explained the procedure in clear language.
He showed me how the deeper layers of the face would be lifted, not just the skin, and that helped me understand why the results would last and still look natural. We also discussed recovery time, risks, and how to prepare for the weeks after surgery.
I left that consultation feeling informed, heard, and confident in my decision.
What were you most nervous about before surgery?
I had two main concerns. First, I was worried I might look too “done” or not like myself afterward. I didn’t want people to think I had work done, I just wanted to look rested and healthy. Second, I was nervous about the recovery process and how uncomfortable it might be.
Dr. Breitbart explained how he avoids the pulled look by working with the deeper tissues instead of just tightening the skin. That put my mind at ease. He also outlined what the recovery would be like day by day, so I knew exactly what to expect.
What was the day of surgery like?
I was definitely a little anxious that morning, but the surgical team made me feel very comfortable. Dr. Breitbart met with me before the procedure to go over everything one last time. I felt like I was in very good hands.
The next thing I remember was waking up in the recovery area. I had a bandage around my head and some swelling, but I was not in pain. Just a little groggy. The nurse gave my caregiver instructions, and I went home that same day.
What was recovery like for you?
The first few days were the hardest, mostly because of the swelling and needing to keep my head elevated. I took the prescribed medication and followed all the post-op instructions closely.
By day four or five, the swelling started to go down, and I was able to do more around the house. I avoided social events for about two weeks and felt presentable enough to go out in public by week three.
Here are a few things that helped me through recovery:
- Keep your head elevated: This made a noticeable difference in reducing swelling.
- Ice packs and rest: I used cold compresses during the first two days and rested as much as possible.
- Follow every instruction: I did not skip a single step in the aftercare guide, and I believe that helped my healing go smoothly.
Patience is key. Every day brought small improvements, and by the one-month mark, I felt like myself again.
How do you feel about your results now?
I could not be happier. My jawline is defined again, the sagging around my cheeks is gone, and my neck looks tighter. What I love most is that I still look like me, just a more refreshed version.
Friends and family say I look well rested, but no one has guessed that I had surgery. That was exactly what I hoped for. I feel more confident and no longer avoid mirrors or cameras.
What advice would you give someone considering a facelift?
If you are feeling unsure, schedule a consultation and just gather the facts. It is not about looking younger. It is about feeling like your outside matches how you feel inside. A few tips I would offer:
- Be honest about your goals: Let the surgeon know exactly what you want and do not want.
- Do not expect instant results: Swelling takes time to go down, and your final results will keep improving.
- Choose a specialist: Working with someone like Dr. Breitbart, who has extensive experience with facelifts, made all the difference.
- Give yourself time: Plan ahead so you can recover without rushing back into your normal routine.
Doing this for myself was one of the best personal decisions I have ever made.
Thinking About a Facelift on Long Island?
Ellen’s story shows how powerful a facelift can be when done with care, precision, and attention to detail. At Long Island Facelift, we create results that restore a patient’s natural features without making them look overdone or different.
If you have been thinking about facial rejuvenation, feel free to schedule a consultation. You deserve to feel confident every time you look in the mirror.
