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Now for the fun part!
Now that I am getting used to my reflection in the mirror, and the swelling is greatly reduced, and I feel GREAT, it is fun. There is a real process involved in adapting to one's appearance. It is hard! I expected that, but it is still weird to experience. There are so many times when I'd look in the mirror and think, "Oh I see how I will look", but then things would settle differently than I expected. It is a roller coaster and I tried to stay as detached from it as I could. I just ignored the mirror except to check on progress. Now, I do wish I could wear more makeup, I really do. But I have extremely sensitive skin and there are very few products I can tolerate, especially when it comes to eye makeup. I did find a mascara that I can wear, as long as I only apply it to the tips of my lashes. It doesn't do much good if you can't just pile it on! But that's OK. I can deal with a "natural" look.
So - about my neck. I had a lot of asymmetrical swelling beneath my jaws and the doctor says this remaining little bit of swelling is really my submandicuar glands. They can be removed, but he doesn't do that. I am fine with it. Of course, I'd rather have a perfect neck, but this is the best it can be and I am fine with it. Honestly, if he said he would fix it, then I would have gone through a revision. But this way, I can just relax and say, "OK, that's it!" No revisions for me, I am done with this. That is a relief.
I didn't do this for compliments from other people. Frankly I DGAF what other people think about my face or my neck. I did this because I have experienced disappointments and losses over the last few years (yep, just another regular human being, right?) and it just so happened I had the resources (ie time and money) to get a facelift. It was a small way of taking charge and fixing something that WAS within my power to fix.
When I had to be extra careful during weeks 3-4, it was hard because all the muscles in my shoulders and neck cramped up. That made the journey back to fitness a little longer and more challenging than I expected. I learned to incorporate regular massages into my fitness activities and that made a big difference. Lately I am completely flexible and strong and I really don't need the massages anymore. YAY! I mean massages are great and all, but it's another appointment and another expense that I am happy to discontinue.
All in all, this has been a boost to my morale and I feel like I am strong and capable and ... yes! I am a patient person, too! Did I like being patient? Was I good at it? No, but I did it anyway. It feels really good to get to the other side!
So - about my neck. I had a lot of asymmetrical swelling beneath my jaws and the doctor says this remaining little bit of swelling is really my submandicuar glands. They can be removed, but he doesn't do that. I am fine with it. Of course, I'd rather have a perfect neck, but this is the best it can be and I am fine with it. Honestly, if he said he would fix it, then I would have gone through a revision. But this way, I can just relax and say, "OK, that's it!" No revisions for me, I am done with this. That is a relief.
I didn't do this for compliments from other people. Frankly I DGAF what other people think about my face or my neck. I did this because I have experienced disappointments and losses over the last few years (yep, just another regular human being, right?) and it just so happened I had the resources (ie time and money) to get a facelift. It was a small way of taking charge and fixing something that WAS within my power to fix.
When I had to be extra careful during weeks 3-4, it was hard because all the muscles in my shoulders and neck cramped up. That made the journey back to fitness a little longer and more challenging than I expected. I learned to incorporate regular massages into my fitness activities and that made a big difference. Lately I am completely flexible and strong and I really don't need the massages anymore. YAY! I mean massages are great and all, but it's another appointment and another expense that I am happy to discontinue.
All in all, this has been a boost to my morale and I feel like I am strong and capable and ... yes! I am a patient person, too! Did I like being patient? Was I good at it? No, but I did it anyway. It feels really good to get to the other side!
10 weeks
Lots of progress here, but still a lot of healing is left. Overall, I am very happy with the results. My jowls and saggy neck are mostly gone and my eyes look great.
I can still feel the bands of tightness under the skin of my neck and jaws. There is still a lot of numbness in my ears and jaws. But these physical sensations aren't too hard to live with. I am a little disappointed that there is still swelling on the left side of my neck - it looks like I have a swollen gland. But - I can see that my face is quite assymetrical to begin with (when I look at my nostrils, it is really evident) so I guess it shouldn't surprise me. Anyway, I understand that 10 weeks is too early to make a big deal out of it. In time, it may heal completely.
The scars on my eyelids actually turned a bit purple over the last few days, and then went white. There is still a bump at the outer corner of my left eye, but I assume that will turn to white soon, too. This healing process is a loooong process! I don't mind. I am very happy with my new refreshed look!
I can still feel the bands of tightness under the skin of my neck and jaws. There is still a lot of numbness in my ears and jaws. But these physical sensations aren't too hard to live with. I am a little disappointed that there is still swelling on the left side of my neck - it looks like I have a swollen gland. But - I can see that my face is quite assymetrical to begin with (when I look at my nostrils, it is really evident) so I guess it shouldn't surprise me. Anyway, I understand that 10 weeks is too early to make a big deal out of it. In time, it may heal completely.
The scars on my eyelids actually turned a bit purple over the last few days, and then went white. There is still a bump at the outer corner of my left eye, but I assume that will turn to white soon, too. This healing process is a loooong process! I don't mind. I am very happy with my new refreshed look!
a couple more pics
I found a couple of pics from early recovery.
It is hard to find "before" pictures because I have been avoiding the camera for quite a while now!
It is hard to find "before" pictures because I have been avoiding the camera for quite a while now!
Provider Review
Board Certified Plastic Surgeon
4 Park Center Court, Owings Mills, Maryland
Dr. Vogel and his staff are great. When I had the surprise bruising & swelling, they dealt with it quickly while reassuring me that I was OK. That meant the world to me - I went on on a Saturday for one of the visits. I honestly thought I would be an A+ patient and heal fast, so when this happened, it also made me very glad that I had chosen a good doctor that I trusted completely.