A recent revelation from a woman who underwent cosmetic surgery highlights the emotional complexities and realities faced after a facelift. Lori Skeldon, a beauty and wellness influencer known on social media as Align.2.Shine, candidly shared her feelings of dissatisfaction regarding her facelift and necklift results just four and a half months post-operation. Her Instagram posts have struck a chord with many, prompting a wider discussion about the often unseen struggles of cosmetic procedures.
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In a heartfelt video, Lori expressed her disappointment after looking at her profile, which revealed loose skin around her neck area. She candidly admitted, “I honestly had no idea that facelift revisions were such a normal thing until now,” underscoring how many patients may not be fully aware of the potential for dissatisfaction that can follow surgery. “I’m definitely starting to think a revision is in my future,” she added, even as she recognised the importance of waiting for the healing process to fully unfold, particularly as the six-month recovery mark approached.
The emotional toll of recovery became increasingly evident for Lori as she navigated her post-surgery experience. “Recovery is a lot to go through only to be dissatisfied,” she remarked, elaborating on the mental strain that accompanied the physical healing. While the initial stages of recovery felt manageable, it was the weeks that followed that brought frustration, especially when comparisons with others’ timely progress on social media began to take a toll. “Staying at home to rest prompted me to spend more time on Instagram looking at facelift content,” she recollected, reflecting how this exposure amplified her feelings of inadequacy as her results did not align with others’ experiences.
Lori, who had consulted with a trusted surgeon familiar to her from previous successful operations, had not conducted extensive research into potential outcomes beforehand. “I didn’t look at any online content beforehand because I didn’t want to freak myself out and change my mind,” she explained. Although her surgery had no complications and her physical recovery was relatively smooth, the discrepancy between her expectations and reality led to significant emotional distress.
The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery describes the deep plane facelift that Lori underwent as a meticulously crafted procedure intended to create natural-looking results without the tight, artificial appearance. However, the emotional journey following such a procedure can be complex and varies dramatically from patient to patient. Lori’s account serves as a vital reminder that the roadway to recovery can be unpredictable and may come with significant mental challenges.
In her follow-up posts, Lori reported receiving numerous messages from other women who resonated with her sentiments, many of whom expressed similar dissatisfaction with their surgical results. Some shared that despite their unhappiness, they chose not to pursue further revisions, feeling overwhelmed at the prospect of additional surgery. This collective experience has drawn attention to the commonality of dissatisfaction in cosmetic procedures, as statistics from the AAFPRS reveal high numbers of patients requesting revisions for various surgeries, including facelifts and rhinoplasties.
Highlighting this trend, Lori remarked, “Revisions and not being happy with your results is actually more normal than any of us realised.” She emphasised that a need for revision does not indicate the selection of a poor surgeon, reinforcing the idea that expectations and surgical realities can sometimes diverge significantly.
As she anticipates her next consultation in September, Lori is focusing on maintaining a sense of patience and engaging fully in life’s other pursuits. “I suspect the fullness under the chin is remaining laxity and a revision will be in my future,” she shared, conveying a sense of cautious optimism. Importantly, she has no regrets about openly discussing her post-surgery struggles online. “If I can provide knowledge to just one person, it’s worth it,” she affirmed, taking pride in her role of fostering more honest conversations around cosmetic surgery outcomes.
Lori Skeldon’s journey underscores the necessity of realistic expectations regarding cosmetic surgery outcomes and the shared experiences that many patients encounter post-procedure. As more individuals step forward to share their stories, the dialogue around the emotional ramifications of cosmetic surgery continues to evolve, fostering greater understanding and support within the community.