Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews

Lower Facelift (Neck Included), Lower Lids and Eyebrow Lift - Metairie, LA

ORIGINAL POST

I was 61 and felt "dragged down', especially in...

$15,000
I was 61 and felt "dragged down', especially in the neck area, so I decided to go for a consult. After seeing one patient's great presentation, I opted to go for all of it. (I had already had my upper lids done many years previous.) The operation took over 6 hours. It has been a tough recovery in that I did not involve many "supporters", other than my husband and sister. My face was badly bruised (for first 2 weeks) and extremely tight and uncomfortable for many months afterward. However, it looked "normal" within several weeks, and I was able to go in public. My doc said I did very well with few complications. Results are so subtle that most people did not know anything was done. The few who did said that I had a "good result" and I've been pleased aesthetically. However, the pulling itching tightness has been very difficult to handle. At 10 months post op I am still a bit uncomfortable and self conscious. My concentration is off and I'm not really enjoying myself at parties. It seems worse at some times than others. I've tried gentle massage with coconut oil and that gives some relief temporarily. Also, taking a low dose of Atavan makes me relax and feel a bit better. Although I much prefer my neck now, and I am told I look 40 something, I do question whether I should have done it, as I worry that I will feel uncomfortable forever.

shrinkmom's provider

John T. Lindsey, MD

John T. Lindsey, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Dr. Lindsey is extremely professional, competent, and has a good bedside manner. He came to my home the next day to remove the shunt and some of the bandages. He provided about 6 sequential post op office visits and responded quickly when I called him in a panic on one occasion. When he released me, he was sorry to tell me that I was his only patient who was still having discomfort 6 months post op., but said there was nothing more he could do for me. Unfortunately, he did not have any recommendations either, but told me he thought it would improve in time. It does seem to be slowly improving, and, at 10 months post op, I do feel much better than I did at 3 months. ( I just want to feel normal again.)

Replies (26)

Shrinkmom, You sound discouraged and frustrated! I am only 8 weeks post op and of course I still have tightness in my neck. I am now getting feeling back in neck places that had been numb and have been surprised at the new feelings of tightness. A warm shower helps most of the time, but it is nowhere near what was normal before my FL. For me for now i guess this is my new normal. I hope your situation continues to improve as the next few months pass.
thanks Bski, You are a "baby" in the process. It improves everyday , at least in the early stages. And I'm hoping my tightness will relax at some point and smiles will come easier. Some have recently told me that it can take 15 months to feel normal, but don't worry - that is not the norm. You'll probably do better. Keep us posted.
Hi Bski, Yes, the warm shower is nice, but transient. But it is way too soon for YOU to worry. Take it easy and try to stay positive. Most do not have the problems some of us have.
I am right at 6 months post op. My right ear is still numb and tingles badly when touched but maybe not as bad as 2 months ago? My biggest issue is the tightness under my jaws like a hat tied on way too tight! I thought this would have eased up by now but if it's possible, it has gotten worse. I have discussed this with my PS but all he has said is that it's impossible for me to choke to death, ( ok, that's reassuring! ) and there is no way the tightness can affect my vocal chords BUT I disagree with him on that one. Sometimes it's so tight that it affects my swallowing and sound of my voice, WTH?? He just sort of blows me off and then tells me I'm the only one of his clients still having issues at this stage? I don't believe it. I think this is a dirty little secret clients are not told about as it doesn't affect everybody but enough people that it needs to be talked about at the first consult. I don't go back til the end of October and if I feel better than I'll consider myself blessed! I'm not kidding myself though, I expect this to last for a while and I have to find ways to cope with it. It does suck though. But I am pleased that my turkey neck is gone and my overall look is much better, but dang!!, what a price to pay.
Trublu. I know exactly what you're talking about. Smiling can even be an effort. Worse at times than others. You? The docs just want the $ and the superficial results. Not enough warning from the get go. He told me I had thin skin, so maybe that is a contributing factor. I'm also 61. But, even though my neck looks better, it seems I got more compliments before! But I guess that's a function of feeling better back then. Honestly, it is slowly improving so hang in there TruBlu! We can encourage each other. It's quite an alienating experience, so I'm grateful for RealSelf.
shrinkmom it is alienating. I am not the same person I was before this but I am trying hard to find me! I won't even go out if the temp is over 85 I cannot take the heat. For some reason heat just sets my facial nerves into a fit and it feels like an iron mask has been clamped on me. Oh well, enough complaining :)). It will all go away sooner or later and this will be another thing I will look back on! But no fond memories!!
Trublu, Yes, I agree. the heat does make it worse! I live in a hot humid climate, so I'm anxious for the weather to cool down a bit. But it's also alienating in that you feel so different and so preoccupied with yourself - at least I do - and you just can't or shouldn't talk on and on about it with those who are not in this subgroup. Some are jealous because they don't have the option of the surgery. Others think you're crazy for doing it - I don't even tell them. My husband just tells me that it will improve...so it gets a bit lonely...at least that is my experience. I'm generally fairly happy go lucky, but not when I'm worried about possible nerve damage. All I can hope for is that it will continue to improve. I can live with it feeling a bit different, just not TOO tight for TOO long. I am an optimist by nature, so we'll see. Yes, let's hope we will be looking back on this one day in the not too distant future!

I'm sorry you're still dealing with discomfort! It looks like you're already getting some nice support from others in the facelift community. You might want to check out this post in the facelift forum where folks are discussing how long FL recovery REALLY takes. Please keep us posted!

Hi Angiemcc, I thought I HAD posted my story. I even proof read it and submitted it.?? Not sure what happened. If not found, I will rewrite in time. So many interesting things being discussed. But I'm tired and will write soon.
I have found also that my PS staff doesn't really want to hear my concerns or make suggestions to ease some of my discomforts. This forum has been my best resource! I was told by another doc not to take it personally - that most surgeons are like that :(
In all fairness, regarding my PS, I live two hours' drive from his office, and I think he 1) believes that time will resolve my concerns - I'm just past 8 weeks - and, 2) he and his staff don't want mee to have to drive 4 or more hours round-trip for him to tell me that. I think most of us are impatient for recovery to be completed - I know I am - but that's really my issue, not my surgeon's.
See More Facelift Reviews
See All Reviews