Written by Lori Haygood | Photography by Brittany Strickland
At 50, I became increasingly bothered by my aging face and neckline. Botox, fillers, and medical grade skincare were no longer enough—menopause and GLP-1s had taken a toll. My neck and jawline had lost definition, and my tired eyes had lost their sparkle.
Most doctors and nurse injectors told me to wait 10 more years before considering a facelift, but Dr. Lindsey Pennington offered a different view: “It’s not about age.” She emphasized personal goals, anatomy, and how I felt. It was clear we were aligned from the start. My advice? If you’re not loving the skin you’re in, you’ll love it more when it’s tighter, smoother, and more youthful.
The Highs
From the moment I stepped into Pennington Facial Plastics, I felt like I’d entered a spa, not a clinic. The space was calm, feminine, and filled with warmth. Dr. Pennington and her team—Haley and Heather—welcomed me like family, and their confidence immediately put me at ease.
On the morning of surgery, I slipped into a soft gown and robe. Nurse Annie greeted me with kindness, and Dr. Pennington—poised, focused, yet comforting—swept in to carefully mark my face. It felt less like preparation for surgery and more like watching an artist at work. Recovery began with love. My mom and my friend Tracey cared for me those first days—icing, monitoring medication, and driving me to appointments. Local patients like me can lean on family, but out-of-town patients? Dr. Pennington has thought of everything: sitter services, a chef-curated anti-inflammatory meal plan, even connections for recovery companions. She has designed a process that feels seamless and, dare I say, luxurious.
And then came the milestones—the ones that felt small but meant everything:
- Seeing my jawline emerge on Day 1.
- My first hyperbaric oxygen chamber session (a game changer for recovery).
- Finally washing my hair after days of feeling less than glamorous.
- The relief of suture removal.
Every single day—even weekends—Dr. Pennington personally checked in. Haley hugged me at each visit and treated incision care as if it were sacred work. That consistent attention made me feel cared for in ways that went beyond medicine.
Then came the reveal. When I saw my before-and-after photos, I cried—not because I looked different, but because I finally looked like me again.
The Lows
Of course, not everything was rainbows and sunshine. Sleeping upright in a recliner was difficult. The low-salt diet, while healthy, wasn’t exactly fun. As someone who thrives on activity, being told to “sit still” for two weeks nearly drove me crazy. One day, I felt so good I decided to do the dishes. Big mistake. Swelling quickly reminded me that healing requires patience, not pushing.
The truth? The hardest part wasn’t physical. It was surrendering control and letting time do its work.
Looking Back
Even with the frustrations, I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Surgery isn’t a straight path—it’s a winding road with detours, doubts, and unexpected joys. But the right team makes all the difference.
For me, that team was Dr. Pennington and her extraordinary staff. They didn’t just perform surgery; they walked every step of the journey with me.
If you’re considering a facelift, know this: it’s not only about how you’ll look. It’s about choosing the people who will hold your hand through the tough days, celebrate each little victory, and remind you that beauty is not just found in the mirror—it’s in the courage to take the leap.
This wasn’t just a facelift. It was a fresh start—one that gave me the confidence to embrace every part of life with a renewed spirit.
What I Wish I Knew Before My Facelift
What I Wish I Knew Before My Facelift- Sleeping Upright Is an Adjustment
Prepare for recliner life. It’s awkward at first, but it truly helps with swelling. - Food Matters
Low-salt, anti-inflammatory meals speed recovery. (And yes, you’ll miss your favorite snacks!) - Patience Is Part of Healing
You will feel amazing some days and frustrated on others. Rest anyway. - Support Is Essential
Whether it’s family, friends, or sitter services, don’t try to do this alone. - Milestones Are Worth Celebrating
The first time you wash your hair, step outside, or see your jawline again—it’s magic.
See the Full Journey
Want to see what recovery looks like—day by day? I kept a full video diary of the process, from Day 1 to the reveal. You can watch it on Dr. Pennington’s social media: @PenningtonFacialPlastics.
Dr. Lindsey Pennington
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Pre-op Photos Courtesy of Pennington Facial Plastics