So—What About Facelifts?

If you’re new here, welcome! You’re in good company because I’m new too!

This is my very first blog post for Glowfully Her—a space dedicated to all things female, where we’ll chat about skincare, fashion, investing, travel, shopping, and so much more. And to kick things off, I’m diving straight into a biggie: facelifts.

Preparation for a facelift procedure, with marked lines and arrows indicating areas for surgical enhancement.

My Unexpected Facelift Consultation

A few months back, I decided I wanted a little boost—just a subtle lift for my brows with some Botox and a touch of filler (like Restylane or Juvéderm) around my mouth to soften those marionette lines. I asked a friend for a recommendation and ended up with glowing praise for an internationally renowned plastic surgeon in a nearby city.

Feeling hopeful, I made the appointment. When I arrived, I was promptly whisked into a room where the surgeon’s assistant started snapping photos of my face from every angle. After about 15 minutes, the doctor came in, briefly introduced himself, and immediately started examining the photos.

What happened next caught me completely off guard.

Without even asking why I was there, he launched into a detailed pitch about getting a full facelift—not just an eyelift, but the whole shebang—to the tune of $20,000.

I was stunned. A facelift? It had never even crossed my mind! I just wanted a little Botox. But somehow, the way he talked about it made me feel like this was my only shot at looking “pretty.”

When I hesitated and mentioned that I couldn’t afford it, he handed me a brochure on how to finance the procedure. I said I’d think about it, but truthfully, I walked out of that office feeling worse than when I walked in—questioning my appearance and feeling like I wasn’t good enough as I was.

A Reality Check on Facelifts

If you’ve never looked into facelifts, it’s worth knowing just how intense they are. The surgery usually takes 4 to 6 hours under general anesthesia. The surgeon makes incisions along the hairline, around the ears, and sometimes under the chin. They then separate the skin from the underlying muscles and connective tissue, tighten and reposition the muscles, remove excess fat, and finally pull the skin back into place before closing the incisions with sutures or staples. Sometimes, drainage tubes are placed to prevent fluid buildup.

In other words—it’s a big deal.

I couldn’t help but think about shows like Botched (even though I’ve never watched it, friends have filled me in) and the horror stories of surgeries gone wrong. Not to mention the endless monthly payments and interest if I went down the financing route.

Self-Care Without the $20,000 Price Tag

Did I need a facelift? Some might say yes, but I didn’t feel that way. I want to look like myself—just a little better. It was disappointing that the doctor didn’t even consider my original request for Botox. Instead, he made me feel pressured and inadequate.

Thankfully, after a few weeks, I moved on. I went back to focusing on my skincare routine and reminded myself that self-esteem doesn’t come with a price tag. A facelift might be right for some people, but for me, it’s just not worth it. I’d much rather spend that money on experiences or other things that bring me joy.

Self-care doesn’t have to break the bank—and neither does self-love.

I hope this story resonates with you or helps you feel a little more confident in making choices that feel right for you. Remember, beauty isn’t about perfection—it’s about feeling good in your own skin. 💖