My Facelift Journey: One Year Later – What I Wish I’d Known
Before &
6 Months After my Deep Plane Facelift
One year ago, I had a facelift—and today I want to share the full, honest story behind that decision. I shared much of this journey on Instagram and on my Podcast, but there are details, emotions, and lessons that simply don’t fit into a reel or a highlight.
This post is for any midlife woman who is curious, considering it, questioning herself, or simply wants a real conversation about what a facelift recovery is actually like.
Why I Chose to Share This Publicly
If you know me, you know I’m pretty open. I don’t share everything, but I do believe that sharing our experiences helps other women feel less alone.
I watched so many facelift journeys online that made it look easy—almost effortless. And while I truly believe it is easier for some people, that was not my experience. I felt it was important to share the parts that don’t always get talked about: the mental struggle, the vulnerability, and the reality of recovery.
Why I Decided to Have a Facelift
I never thought I’d have a facelift. I always assumed I’d manage aging with lasers, Botox, and filler. But when my jowls really started to bother me, I realized injectables weren’t going to fix gravity.
I was 59, about to turn 60, and my oldest son was getting married. It felt like the right time—for me. Not to look different, but to look refreshed and still like myself.
What I Had Done
I had quite a bit done at once:
Deep plane facelift
Endoscopic brow lift
SMAS work in the nasal folds and lips
CO2 YAG laser around my eyes and mouth
It was a lot. I chose surgery over injectables because I had already tried fillers and Botox, and they simply couldn’t address my jowls.
Choosing My Surgeon
I actually consulted with my surgeon years earlier and was advised to do a mini facelift—but the idea of repeating surgery again in 10 years didn’t sit well with me.
This time, I consulted another surgeon out of state but ultimately chose Dr. Rousso in Birmingham, who specializes in facial surgery. I cannot say enough good things about him or his practice. Being close to home for recovery turned out to be incredibly important.
What I Wanted (and What I Got)
My goal was simple: I didn’t want to look different. I wanted to look refreshed.
That’s exactly how I feel now—one year later. My jowls are tighter, my face looks more lifted, and I still look like me.
The Reality of Recovery
This was the hardest part—and the part people don’t always share.
My recovery was difficult for several reasons:
I traveled the week before surgery (which I would never do again)
I developed pneumonia during recovery
I had multiple procedures done at once
The first two weeks were extremely hard. I couldn’t sleep because I had to stay elevated. My head hurt intensely from the brow lift. The laser around my eyes made it difficult to see. I was exhausted, sick, and emotionally fragile.
I questioned my decision constantly.
The Mental and Emotional Side No One Warned Me About
What surprised me most was the emotional toll.
I felt shame—for choosing this, for causing my own pain, for feeling vain. I cried. I beat myself up mentally. And yet, the more I shared honestly, the more women reached out saying they felt the same way.
Recovery wasn’t just physical—it was deeply mental. January, cold weather, being stuck inside, not being able to move my body or get outside… all of it mattered.
What Took the Longest to Heal
The YAG laser, without question.
I was told it would take six weeks—and it did, if not longer. Redness around my eyes and mouth lingered. Makeup didn’t fully cover it at first, and I wondered if it would ever fade. Thankfully, it did.
What I Would Do Differently
If I could go back, here’s what I would change:
Hire help for at least 4–5 days (someone who truly takes care of you)
Do not travel before surgery
Prepare mentally, not just physically
Limit mirror time in the early days
I underestimated how much support I would need—and how vulnerable I would feel.
Skincare Before and After
I’ve always been consistent with facials and microneedling, both before and after surgery.
Immediately post-op, I followed my doctor’s instructions exactly. The only products I used at first were Hydrinity (a spray and serum), which were incredibly soothing and effective after laser treatment.
Once approved, I added:
Jane Iredale HydroPure Tinted Serum (it didn’t really cover my redness very well)
After about 6 weeks, I could add other items with active ingredients.
Listening to your surgeon here is critical.
Skincare & Tools I Used After My Facelift
One question I get often is what skincare and tools I used after my facelift—and just as important, when I used them.
First, this matters more than anything: always follow your surgeon’s instructions first. I did not add anything new until I was cleared.
Immediately Post-Op (Doctor Approved Only)
These were the only products I used during the first couple of weeks, especially because of the laser treatment:
Hydrinity Hyacyn Active Spray – incredibly soothing and calming for healing skin
Hydrinity Restorative HA Serum – helped support hydration and recovery
These were the only products my skin tolerated early on, and I truly believe they helped my healing.
Sun Protection (Non-Negotiable)
Once approved by my doctor:
Alastin HydroTint Pro Mineral Broad Spectrum Sunscreen – gentle, protective, and gave just enough coverage when I wasn’t ready for makeup
After Healing & Clearance for Actives
Once my surgeon gave the green light, I slowly reintroduced:
Medical-grade skincare products
Gentle active ingredients (introduced one at a time)
Professional facials and microneedling (spaced out and conservative)
I rotate skincare often because I love trying new things, but everything I share is something I personally use.
👉 You’ll find my current skincare favorites and post-procedure essentials linked here.
Lymphatic Massage & Scars
Lymphatic massage has been a huge part of my recovery, especially for tightness and lingering numbness around my neck and jawline.
As for scars—I truly can’t see them. That’s a combination of a skilled surgeon and following post-op instructions carefully.
How I Feel One Year Later
I’m glad I did it.
And I’m very glad I don’t have to do it again.
It didn’t change my life or suddenly make me more confident. I simply like that my jowls are gone—for now. I’m realistic enough to know gravity will return.
I did this for me. And that’s the only reason anyone should.
Final Thoughts
A facelift is a deeply personal decision. It’s not right for everyone. Healing looks different for everyone.
If you’re considering it:
Ask questions
Line up help
Be honest about your “why”
And remember—someone else’s easy recovery doesn’t predict yours.
If you want to see my full journey, check out my Instagram highlight. I’ve also linked the skincare products I currently use and my full list of post-procedure products.
If you have questions, feel free to DM me or email me at Deanna@wellandworthylife.com. I’m always happy to share honestly—because I believe that’s how we help each other make better decisions.
