POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS
Face Lift, Neck Lift, Endoscopic Brow Lift at 56 After 20 Years of Gaining and Losing Weight - Orange Country, CA
ORIGINAL POST
Surgery is scheduled for June 27th for a face,...
SusieAJune 18, 2013
WORTH IT$13,500
Surgery is scheduled for June 27th for a face, neck and brow lift. I found this site with my first surgery (2 years ago; full abdominoplasty, breast lift with augmentation) and learned so much. I always wanted to post and was so private I never did. This time, I know I need even more support than with my first surgery as I have so many conflicting emotions, with no one to talk with. I am also considering minor rhinoplasty (is there such a thing as minor?) and will discuss with my PS this week.
A little about me; married for 38 years to a very simple man-still the love of my life! 2 grown boys, each with their own children (5 grandchildren in all). An RN for 30 years, yikes a long time! Does that make me feel old saying that! I am a 2 time Weight Watcher lifetime member, who has finally figured it out. Over the years I went as high as a size 26, now I am a 0 or 2! I still cannot believe it! I have realized that the consistent gaining and losing has played havoc with my confidence and self image. This, I am sure is a major part of my decision for surgery.
Reading everyone’s story on RealSelf has helped so much. For my first surgery, I was determined to be a perfect patient; learning from everyone’s comments. For this surgery I want to share my journey, hopefully my story will help someone else. Pre op June 19th: What I have done so far to prepare: healthy eating (part of my Weight Watcher lifestyle) and exercise. I stopped all my daily vitamins 2 weeks post op, and started: Arnica Montana, Bromelain, Vitamin C. I stopped drinking red wine (I wanted this to stop 2 weeks pre op; ended up to be 11 days....just could not give up that red wine after coming home from work, and then there was Fathers Day with the family), I could not remember what was on the “stop list” from my first surgery, so I hope I have not forgotten anything. I am planning on taking the entire month of July off, as only a few people know about this surgery besides my husband (my family-at this point do not know). I hope it will be long enough to return to work relatively “unnoticeable”.
A little about me; married for 38 years to a very simple man-still the love of my life! 2 grown boys, each with their own children (5 grandchildren in all). An RN for 30 years, yikes a long time! Does that make me feel old saying that! I am a 2 time Weight Watcher lifetime member, who has finally figured it out. Over the years I went as high as a size 26, now I am a 0 or 2! I still cannot believe it! I have realized that the consistent gaining and losing has played havoc with my confidence and self image. This, I am sure is a major part of my decision for surgery.
Reading everyone’s story on RealSelf has helped so much. For my first surgery, I was determined to be a perfect patient; learning from everyone’s comments. For this surgery I want to share my journey, hopefully my story will help someone else. Pre op June 19th: What I have done so far to prepare: healthy eating (part of my Weight Watcher lifestyle) and exercise. I stopped all my daily vitamins 2 weeks post op, and started: Arnica Montana, Bromelain, Vitamin C. I stopped drinking red wine (I wanted this to stop 2 weeks pre op; ended up to be 11 days....just could not give up that red wine after coming home from work, and then there was Fathers Day with the family), I could not remember what was on the “stop list” from my first surgery, so I hope I have not forgotten anything. I am planning on taking the entire month of July off, as only a few people know about this surgery besides my husband (my family-at this point do not know). I hope it will be long enough to return to work relatively “unnoticeable”.
SusieA's provider
UPDATED FROM SusieA
8 days pre
Checking things off my list
SusieAJune 19, 2013
Mammogram, hair appointment, facial, massage, manicure, pedicure scheduled. Trying to think of everything that I need (or want) to get done before next Thursday. I am looking forward to seeing my PS tomorrow for my pre op, so many questions and concerns.
Replies (4)
June 19, 2013
I'm so glad you started your story with us on RealSelf! It sounds like you've really learned how to take care of yourself and that you have a great family. You're ahead of the game! :0)
Here's a list of supplies that might help you prepare for recovery.
Just a little over a week to go. Please keep us updated as you get closer.
You might also want to check out this forum thread for people having their facelifts in June and July. I've noticed that a lot of folks love to check in with their surgery buddies as they recover.
UPDATED FROM SusieA
7 days pre
Another decision to make...
SusieAJune 20, 2013
Met with my PS today, trying do decide if I want to add rhinoplasty. My husband (with love), and my son, with humor, occasionally refer's to my nose as "the beak". I have to make a decision by Friday. I miss my glass of red wine!
Replies (15)
June 20, 2013
SusieA, That's so interesting about your Rhinoplasty decision, because my kids say the same thing about my nose! You'll probably have seen from my own pictures. :) There was something out there called tip plasty , I think? I fleetingly thought about it, never actually discussed it with my doctor though. I'll be interested in hearing your decision. btw... ask your doctor about the manicure and pedicure pre surgery... my instructions specifically indicated to leave one finger and one toe 'undone' if you do have a manicure/pedicure. The medical profession out here can confirm but the color of the nail bed is vital to monitoring you during the surgery I believe and can present signs. Anyway, it's worth a question at minimal with your PS. :) So glad you're out here! I'm excited for you! And oh... how I missed my glass of red wine too!
June 20, 2013
You look like you have great bone structure, you should come through looking fantastic. You will truly be one of the "Housewife from Orange County".
June 21, 2013
Congrats Susie on your upcoming surgery! You only have a week to go, so exciting. I think the rhinoplasty would look very nice in addition to what you are already having done. I wish you the best of luck & a speedy recovery. I am considering a facelift & upper eyes/lids in the next few years so I really appreciate your long term updates. Thanks so much!!
June 25, 2013
Thanks amelia girl, just a few more days, starting to get a little anxious about everything...
June 21, 2013
Hi Susie! From your picture it doesn't look like you need a neck lift, plus your jawline is lovely. I am in Dana point, my surgery was in march, I do have a review posted here someplace. I'm assuming the pic doesn't show it "all" right?
One month should be ok, but you won't be sleeping on your side yet and may need some camouflage! My girlfriend, also an RN is on day 18 and won't come out yet. Sorry to be non positive and upbeat, but this surgery, fl and nl and brow are huge. Maybe we could talk before your surgery if you want. I have some ideas.
June 21, 2013
let me know if you'd like my two cents. I've gone through these surgeries (including the 'minor rhino').
June 24, 2013
check out my post there is a lot of detail about each surgery.
I would say the biggest surprise for me was the length of the recovery. It is not weeks but rather months of swelling that migrates (including on the nose, eyes, and upper cheek where I had the fat transfer). The scars look really good a year and a half out of surgery and I can wear my hair up. Unless someone is looking very closely they cannot detect the facelift scars. My undereye bags are gone and there is no hollowing, just a smooth transition. Regarding the Rhinoplasty: in your case it's a lot of tip work (just like in my case). There may be prolonged swelling and the size/shape of your nostrils may change over a period of months before they settle down (as mine did). I think you'll have a lovely result with the rhinoplasty. I can picture it already. Let me know if you'd like to know anything specific.
June 25, 2013
I would love you input mcat 1045, it is wonderful getting input from someone who has already gone through surgery. Your pictures are great.
Replies (7)