Great story, Carol. It makes me think of things I've wanted to change for years (and might be wise to) but haven't been able to afford sooner (i.e., the days when healing tends to be quicker and more complete). As for external changes their impact on the inner world... I had plastic surgery at age 21, and I have to say that the confidence it gave me (especially the fact of going from a blatant breast deformity to scarred-but-now-symmetrical, breast-shaped breasts) might very well have saved my life; prior to that decision, I felt like a lesser-value woman, so I was accepting years of abusive men. Afterwards, I found the confidence to leave and start rejecting more of them.

Given that the physical side of ourselves very much plays a role in shaping our emotions, it's reasonable that sometimes the changes we make to our physical selves absolutely can lift us into a healthier self-concept. ;)

May you heal quickly and well from your lower facelift and enjoy the results for many years to come!