68-year-old mom gets dramatic facelift from her plastic surgeon son but is surprised by the cost

Linda Truesdale, 68, trusted her son, board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale, to perform her long-awaited facelift.

Choosing her son for such a personal procedure, Linda’s decision involved both emotional challenges and a deep sense of trust.

In an interview with PEOPLE magazine, she shared her journey, which began with a conversation about cosmetic surgery and ended with a life-changing transformation.

Here are the key details behind Linda’s decision and her experience with Dr. Carl Truesdale:

The emotional journey of trusting a plastic surgeon son

Linda had been contemplating cosmetic surgery for years, especially after significant life changes, including weight loss and relocating.

When her son, Dr. Truesdale, asked if she was ready for surgery, she took the time to consider her options.

Although she initially considered rushing into it, Linda decided on a more gradual approach that ultimately led to the first phase of her transformation.

“I had been asking him for a couple of years if I was ready for anything. And he’s like, ‘Mom, you don’t need anything,'” Linda recalls.

As her son is known for his skill in age-defying results, Linda trusted his expertise to achieve a youthful yet natural look.

Although Dr. Trusdale joked about making her look as young as she did when he was born, Linda preferred a more realistic outcome, aiming for an appearance that would make her look around 40.

The facelift procedure and recovery

Linda’s first phase of surgery included a lip lift and upper eyelid lift, which took place when she was 68.

Linda chose to remain awake during the two-hour procedure, using local anesthesia, as she wanted to witness the transformation firsthand.

Although the recovery process was smooth for the most part, Linda did experience a minor setback after not adhering to post-operative advice, such as avoiding excess salt and keeping her head elevated.

Despite her slip-up, Linda quickly recovered and was back to normal within two weeks.

Linda underwent a deep-plane facelift four months later, addressing sagging skin on her neck, jowls, and chin.

The seven-hour procedure was done under full anesthesia. However, Linda later wished she could have remained awake, just as she had during her first surgery.

The recovery process was relatively smooth, with minimal pain and few complications, thanks to the expert work of Dr. Truesdale, her trusted plastic surgeon.

Trusting a plastic surgeon son for a life-changing procedure

Linda never considered seeking a second opinion, fully confident in her son’s abilities.

In fact, she trusted her so much that she joked she would let him perform hip surgery if necessary.

However, the night before her surgery, she experienced some doubts and spent hours praying about the procedure.

Despite her worries, Linda’s unwavering faith in Carl as a plastic surgeon helped her overcome her fears.

Dr. Truesdale shared that performing surgery on his mother was both meaningful and challenging.

“Of course, every patient matters deeply to me, but there’s something unique about operating on your own mother,” he said.

Throughout the process, he maintained the same professional standards he applies to all his patients.

To ensure Linda’s recovery went smoothly, she stayed in the guest house behind his residence, where he could closely monitor her progress.

As Linda approaches her 69th birthday, she reflects on her journey with newfound confidence.

“It’s just good to be able to make people feel good when they see you,” she said, recalling a compliment she received about her beautiful skin.

Linda’s story shows how trusting a plastic surgeon with personal, transformative surgery can lead to a positive, life-changing experience.

Dr. Truesdale’s expertise and deep connection with his mother created a unique and successful result, reinforcing their emotional and professional bond.

Here’s Linda getting a facelift done by his plastic surgeon son, Dr. Carl Trusdale:

@doctor.truesdale The 5 month update we’ve all been waiting for! 🤩 MAMA T is back! I have my mom a facelift about 5 months ago and I am forever grateful for the immense amount of support and positive energy you all have given us! Thank you! #facialplasticsurgery ♬ Gorgeous International Really Lucky – Coco & Clair Clair