After interviewing 3 surgeons, all very competent and qualified I selected the physician I felt the most comfortable with. He also was the only one to explain I'd be in the OR for at least 6 hours, the others saying 3-4. Now, I am NOT a fan of anesthesia and especially for that lengthy a period but perhaps his diligence in his work has made this surgery much less of a problem than a quicker version. I've previously had Upper Lid surgery, neck lipo and a mastopexy with lipo. None of these procedures were a problem, didn't even take any pain meds and they were all very successfully done when in my late 30's. I'm a very healthy 60 year old who eats organically and exercises daily. When I managed to 'misplace' about 17 lbs in the last year (pre surgical weight of 119lbs, 5'1") the platysmal bands in my neck appeared fast and furious. My PS recommended the neck lift, cheek lift, and only a temporal brow lift rather than the full brow life recommended by the other two Drs. I also opted for a full face fat graft to restore cheeks and other hollowed areas. My surgery was scheduled for Monday, June 15th, 2015 at 8am. Fabulous nursing staff at the hospital, competent anesthesiologist who knew I suffered from severe nausea post op, including wearing a transdermal scopolamine patch all contributed to only one mild episode of nausea compared to previous bouts lasting 5-6 hours in the past. My husband took me home by 5pm that day and I just wanted to sleep it off. Other than tightness my initial discomfort was minimal. He had installed a drain which really was the only annoying part of the whole procedure. I'd hoped to have it come out the day after surgery with the dressing but I was having too much drainage. Trying to sleep elevated is not something that works for me so for about the first week after surgery I got maybe 2-3 hours of sleep. While the drain was in I was definitely uncomfortable so I reluctantly took about half the scheduled meds the Dr prescribed which was alternating 2 oxycodone, 3-4 Advil and 1 Extra strength Tylenol every 2 hours. I HATE prescription meds but when the Arnica I tried to use didn't cut it I finally relented. Finally the 4th day after surgery I got the drain removed. Now, reading some of the horror stories about removal had me scared to death!!! Especially since this thing had probably 'grown' into my body after 4 days. Drs nurse removed it quickly and painlessly, only feeling the 12" drain move from one side of my neck to the other. All that worry for nothing!!! She also took out a few staples with no pain. I go for my 1 week check up on Tuesdayand will have the final staples removed from where the temp,brow lift was done. There's still some bruising which has now morphed into a light green, but every day it looks better and better and I have no pain or discomfort at all during the day, so NO meds! My neck is fabulously tight and smooth, inner ear incisions are virtually flat and incisions behind my ears at the hairline are also wonderfully smooth and healing nicely. There's still some bruising where the fat grafting was done, also to be expected after only 6 days. Numbness and tightness are also subsiding every day. I really wanted to relate my experience because due to human nature we are more likely to complain than praise. If I'd only read about all the unfortunate experiences of procedures I'd had done, I'd never have done them! Last year I had a hemrhoidopexy...easy painless surgery for me, I never took a pain pill! It HAD to be done regardless of what I'd have to endure and reading the blogs I did certainly set me up for expecting the worst. I think the final conclusion here is to be CERTAIN you've selected the best doctor available, then prep yourself as much as you can. I'm confident I will be thoroughly pleased with my eventual result and will post pics over the next 4-6 months when the majority of the healing is done. Anyone living in the Tampa Bay Area and would like my Drs name can give me a shout and I'll be happy to recommend him.