In my late 40s, early 50s I started noticing more significant changes in my facial skin laxity related to age. I was certain at some point I would have a facelift at some point but of course pursued less invasive treatments such as microneedling, retinol and other skin products first. I learned about Dr. Kim through a local aesthetician I follow on line. She had a face, neck lift and upper bleph done with Dr. Kim and posted a Vlog inclusive of an interview with him. Check out Penn Smith Master Aesthetician on YouTube.
I booked my consult with Dr. Michael Kim in June ‘22 for Sept. 29, 2022. Following our meeting I booked my surgery for a deep plane face lift, neck lift and full face laser resurfacing for May 16, 2023.
In my research for these procedures it was very difficult to find collections of comprehensive recovery photos. My hope is to provide that for myself and others.
My surgery was 5.5 hrs. I was under general anesthesia and intubated. I left the surgical center around 13:30 wrapped like a Q-tip with two JP drains that will remain for the week. Their drainage will help decrease bruising.
Updated on 18 May 2023:
Post op day #1 afternoon: the swelling has really increased. Tried icing with a bag of peas but need to goop the bag so it doesn’t stick.
Post op day #2 morning: swelling continues. Check in with doc and all is as it should be. In fact swelling may increase. Crusting has begun and I look a fright! Drinking smoothies.
Updated on 19 May 2023:
While it may not appear so, my face feels much less swollen. Around my eyes and lips especially my skin feels less tightness related to pressure. The drainage from my JP drains is largely serous/ serosang but is not yet 20cc/ 24 hrs the MD wants for removal. Itching began last night.
Updated on 20 May 2023:
Again, less swelling than day before and skin is peeling. I soaked face gently with a wet cloth then gently applied wound cleanser, allowing only loose skin to come off. I applied alastin skin nectar and ointment after the cleanse.
Updated on 21 May 2023:
Drains had a total of 10cc out since yesterfau morning so boyfriend (nurse) took them out. Surprisingly not at all painful. I did my morning wound care routine and as it is overcast today and I desperately miss exercise we are heading out for a walk in a wooded park.
Updated on 22 May 2023:
Drains out yesterday, still pink and blotchy of course but less crusty every day. Still quite swollen in my cheeks, jawline and neck. Itching has subsided. 1 week follow up tomorrow at 10. Will learn if I can wear sunscreen at that time snd make up to cover the redness.
Updated on 23 May 2023:
1 week follow up for stitch and drain removal. Boyfriend took the drains out Sunday morning (today is Tuesday) because the output was <20cc. Stitch removal was a bit spicy. After stitches were out Dr. Kim applied silver ointment for scar healing and I will now commence to apply 2x daily from here out.
I still cannot apply sunscreen or make up for another week but I can resume regular face washing and stop using the healing nectar and heavy ointment as most of my scabbing and subsequent peeling is complete. Not sure how the scar will look in a week but right now the redness on my skin is still rather striking as is the bruising and swelling. I don’t plan to go very public for another week. As if now though I can begin exercising lightly again and resume my regular exercise regimen at week 2. Next check in with Dr. Kim is June 16, 1 month.
Updated on 25 May 2023:
Heading out for a little cabin getaway in the woods. I knew I would have cabin fever by now and wanted to provide a thank you gift for the boyfriend with this mini vacation.
Fully loaded up with mineral based sunscreen and hat ready for the hike. Incisions are hidden by hair, the redness, bruising and swelling remain
Updated on 28 May 2023:
I am starting to feel discouraged. I still have a fair amount of swelling in my lower face. My cheeks are tender to touch, my right face has a prominent dimple and my neck is very bruised. My face is embarrassingly red and make up doesn’t cover it well as skin is still coarse and peeling in spots which just shows more with foundation. I don’t wear makeup generally.
I know patience is important and tgere is still time for many changes. I just worry I won’t be ready to return to work in 3 weeks and honestly I am tired if looking so terrible
Updated on 30 May 2023:
Today I put on makeup and went to the gym. Feeling cautiously optimistic. Realizing I still have a good amount of swelling, bruising, asymmetry and redness but can get by in public with some foundation. I have 3 weeks before returning to work and hope the lines that remain after the laser treatment will decrease along with the swelling and asymmetry.
Updated on 4 Jun 2023:
I feel recovered physically but my face is still distorted due to swelling. Bruising and redness persist and I am not yet comfortable being seen by people I know., Very thankful I took time off work following so I do have 3 weeks before returning to work
Updated on 17 Jun 2023:
I messaged my MD with these photos with concern for the redness and continued bruising. The incisions at my temples thankfully are mot red and raised as these are. He said fair skinned people can develop this response to incision healing. If needed he will inject them at my follow up cisit in July. I wonder if because they are where I cannot see them the wound was not washed or cared for as well as those I can see? Also curious if the swelling put strain on the incision line. The left and chin incisions are the most raised. I am ising scar gel.
Updated on 17 Jun 2023:
Messaged my MD with these images and concern for the redness and ongoing bruising. He said people with fair skin can have this red raised response to wound healing. Also wonder if I didn’t wash as well initially because I cannot see them or if the pronounced swelling put pressure on the incision line.
Updated on 18 Jun 2023:
Wearing a full face of make up over my mineral base sunscreen, as well as a bandanna to cover my scars and a hat for sun protection. I don’t normally wear make up so this is a very airbrush version of me. I can actually get by without foundation just every day if I’m not really being in a social or public place, but I still have visible bruising on my neck and behind my ears so I need to wear my hair down. If not very close to meet, you can assume that the bruising on the neck is just a shadow but I cover it with makeup. 10 days before return to work.
Updated on 21 Jun 2023:
No makeup, still subtly swollen and bruised behind the ears and neck. The swelling only I notice. The incisions are raised and hard. I am hoping they soften but may receive injections on my follow up on July 5th.
Updated on 26 Jun 2023:
Tomorrow marks 6 weeks and is also the day I return to work. Apprehensive because of the amount of bruising still visible and not easily covered by makeup. Also just generally concerned about the ongoing discoloration and tenderness. My neck feel tight and tender without touch. More so with touch of course. Sent an update with pics in today and See MD next week.
Updated on 5 Jul 2023:
I had my follow up appointment early this afternoon. Dr. Kim had a chance to look at my scars and overall healing.
He didn’t really have much to say about the bruising just that it’s part of the healing and the firm ess is collagen being dumped to remodel tissues. I haven’t seen pictures of other people having bruising going on for this long. However, my scars were a bit more raised than he’d prefer so he injected them with some thing akin to steroids, FU5 or some thing like that. Anyway, it should bring them down and I have a follow up appointment in about three weeks where he will check them and perhaps inject them again if they’re not responding. Otherwise, it has been a journey. Overall I am pleased especially with the neck. I still have to use concealer on my neck when I’m at work, and I do have to wear a bandanna kind of behind my ears and over my head to cover my scars, but other than that I have no make up on in this photo except mascara.
Updated on 18 Aug 2023:
I have hypertrophic scarring behind my ears so still have not been able to wear my hair up. Received injections intended to soften the raised scars but without improvement yet. Dr. Kim feels he will have to do a scar revision
Updated on 18 Aug 2023:
The before photo was taken a couple of years ago at the same window I took most of my update photos. Diffuse natural light. I hope this helps.m those who have asked for a before comparison. I do still have some issues with my scars healing and will likely need scar revision.
Updated on 19 Aug 2023:
A number of people of asked for a before photo actually, My profile photo is a before photo, but this is a photo at the same window that I took all my postop photos so the lighting is similar. This photo was about two years ago after I had my lips tattooed. I’ve tried uploading this several times, it hasn’t taken. I’m not sure why hopefully if this works.