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POSTED UNDER Lifestyle Lift REVIEWS

From Elated to Devastated - to hopeful again!

ORIGINAL POST

I wanted to look younger to fit with how I feel...

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ladynthedesert
$7,000

I wanted to look younger to fit with how I feel and otherwise look, as I still have a nice figure. Thought I would get LSL's info and then go home and think about it. After learning I could save several thousand but only that day, signed on to the lift and a brow lift. $7000.

Appt. was for 11 AM the next day but by the time I got home received a call telling me to be there at 6AM. Not convenient as I lived 2hrs. away. But I showed, and they said no makeup so I complied other than some lipstick to brighten my face a bit. They made me remove it for the ghastly pictures they take of you prior to surgery. Horrible lighting, backround and a high powered expensive camera. I was told to take a 10mg valium prior to arrival and was given another one while there. I could not feel them at all. Asked for whisky after first round of shots-lost count.

Doctor left the room while I laid there shaking and with teeth chattering. Came back and gave more shots and began the cutting. I heard him cut what sounded like thick layer of skin, but only once. Judging by how I look, I don't think anymore was cut off. I have scars for a brow lift, but no evidence one ever happened. Eyes still droop at corners. Looked pretty good the first month- went on a trip I'd planned a week later- added a fall to my already long hair to help hide the stitches.

Got looked at by 30something and youger men! Then as the months passed- it is now month5 it all went away, the small jowls and lines near my mouth returned. The fine lines that had been smoothed away returned. I did not go for the one month pics they wanted....now I see why they want to see you then...but complained in writing to my Dr. who saw me a few weeks ago. They again took pics, I had on full make up, my hair was done (was not in first pics) and they used soft lighting and a cheap hand held camera instead of the fancy tripod model they used at first.

The doc tried to get me to "see how far I'd come" by comparing these incomparable pictures as I pulled up my brows and cheeks and complained of jowls, lines and brow that sat on my eyelids. At one point I asked Which picture is that? It was a profile taken that day and the only way I could tell was by the earrings I was wearing....this went on for 20 min. He said he did not know what corporate would say but then reluctantly agreed to a revision in one month. As I was leaving, I coughed a little and he said rudely" Oh yeah you don't smoke, don't start. So what,if I smoked the whole mess would get blamed on that ?

So last week I found this jewel of a doctor on real self, Dr. Remus Repta who saw me for free and told me what likely went wrong, looked at the pics they asked me to bring, was kind' caring, I must say I was quite impressed...and he is VERY handsome! His assitant borught me their pricing and offered to answer any more questions , no pressure, no used car atmosphere like LSL. The surgeons' fee was less than LSL only the hospital made it more expensive. Ladies, my advice is stay away from LSL, there are too many stories like mine out there. I've yet to decide whether to go back for the revision and would like to hear from those who have.

ladynthedesert's provider

Michael N. Desvigne, MD, FACS

Michael N. Desvigne, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

ladynthedesert

ladynthedesert rating for Dr. Desvigne:

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UPDATED FROM ladynthedesert

I keep remembering other little tidbits so thought...

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ladynthedesert
I keep remembering other little tidbits so thought I'd add them to my review. During the surgery I felt a strong pulling on my left cheek and asked the Doc: " What are using, a winch?" He then asked me what a winch was and I said,"You know like on a tow truck" At the time I thought I was being pulled nice and tight, now I feel my skin was stretched beyond belief adding to the sagging I have now. Also during the post-op interview/complaint I was told "to let it settle" Excuse me? Let it settle? Like grout on saltillo floor?.

Replies (7)

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March 31, 2013

Thanks so much for sharing your experience on RealSelf. I'm sorry you didn't feel your results lasted. Please do keep us posted on what you decide to do.

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April 1, 2013
Now that I've given my Doc a terrible rating don't imagine I'll go for that revision. After hearing Dr. Repta's explanantion as to what likely went wrong, I can't count on him to do it right the 2nd time anyway. Other ladies have said they get the runaround on these revisions- or worse, they do it, get the same results and go through that hellish procedure to boot. At least give people some nitrous for those shots!!! The forehead shots left me in tears they were so painful and then no browlift. Would like to hear from anyone who has sued....they owe us our money back and then some...hoping I can see Dr. Repta again soon and get pretty again!!! Thank you for your interest and kind comments Angiemcc!
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April 1, 2013
I would like to add that the above pics are 2yrs old. LSL claims to take up to 10-15 yrs off your appearance. They did not even take off 2yrs...will post a post-op pic if I allow one to be taken.....!! Oh and he left a nasty scar behind my left ear, no more hair up for me....nice since I live in the desert where it gets up to 120 degrees....Dr. Repta said he could repair it.
April 5, 2013
My doctor also offered a revision. I cannot imagine undergoing the procedure a second time and still not being happy. I do not have the confidence in my doctor to allow a second chance. My money was wasted and I will find someone else to do what I thought would have been done the first time. You are brave to consider this.
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April 5, 2013
I have considered asking for some sort of refund instead as I feel the same as you. No more trust, and if he can't/won't do it correctly the first time why would the 2nd be any different? And now that I know the horrors of the procedure--I would really like to see Dr. Repta but my husband is quite upset about money already spent...I don't know that brave describes anyone who does this twice!!! But thank you and good to hear from someone, would you mind saying where you had it done?
April 12, 2013
Honestly if it were me I would ask for a refund and would find another Dr. What if he really screws up the revision and you end up looking like Bruce Jenner? And it also would make it more difficult for a good result.
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April 12, 2013
Thank you for your input, Kris. I appreciate any and all advice/comments.I am scared of such a scenario also, but think it is more likely I'll get another 1 month lift....also not good. I have yet to find anyone who has gotten any kind of refund. And now I know how awful the procedure is. I asked for nitrous for this "tentative" revision-just to get through the shots and was told NO. I pay up 100 bucks to my dentist for nitrous for one lousy shot and won't get my teeth cleaned without it....they tell you you will be made comfortable for the procedure-I disagree- there is much more they could do to make it bearable. I can't recall was Bruce Jenner looks like! Yesterday I was in tears over this when 6 mos ago I was thrilled. I get angry, depressed, feel foolish for buying into Madison Ave. propaganda and not checking into them first. My husband used to sit and marvel at me saying I looked 18 again, now he is saying he may as well have taken 7000 wadded it up and threw it away, so there is all of that to deal with also.
UPDATED FROM ladynthedesert

Today I received a call from my Dr. who performed...

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ladynthedesert
Today I received a call from my Dr. who performed the surgery. He was concerned about my postings here and wants to meet with me posibly April 30 for a talk and revsion. Perhaps we were not clear about my expectations the first time and he wants to be sure he understands exactly what I expect. We disagreed on the cameras used for the before and after...He was very accomadative as to my living 2hrs away and would schedule the talk and revision for same day. I did not get the impression he was angry but does wish to preserve his rep as a surgeon. I was glad to hear that. The way people talk here I get the impression their doctors don't care, don't know what they are doing or both and I suppose I began to think of my Dr. the same way. H e spent a great deal of time talking to me and was courteous, stressed he wanted me to be happy and I am feeling better about seeing him again.

Replies (9)

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April 9, 2013

I'm so glad your doctor called and wants to work with you! Please let us know how it goes.

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April 15, 2013
These star ratings for the docs seem to leave out a couple of crucial inquiries- are you happy with the results now and are you stll happy 6mos to a yr. out? The first ratings I gave my doc I had to under-emphasize some good points so the whole deal would reflect the "terrible" rating I thought the work deserved. He is quite personable, upbeat and energetic and did a GREAT job distracting my mind from the procedure as it unfolded. I never asked many questions because I really did not want to know the gory details- just trusted the doc would know what I needed by looking at me and by my showing him what I expected. Now I know what needs to be done and yeah they actually sort of filet your skin off your skull-undermining I believe, raise and suture the underlying muscalature, at least that is what should have happened and after reading over 100 posts from doctors here it seems the LSL does little to none of that so the procedure was wholly inadequate for my goals.....little late to find that out :(
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May 1, 2013

Great point! I will pass your suggestion on to the team.

April 15, 2013

glad I read these posts. Was considering LSL but I think I'll stick to makeup

April 20, 2013
No doctor can guarantee a result. And every "second opinion" doctor falls for the temptation to criticize the previous one. It's easy to do that. You needed to really understand what a facelift was so you would be better prepared for all risks and contingencies, including the potential need for revision.
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April 20, 2013
Hello Arnold, So I should've been told that a result isn't guaranteed? Of course people expect "a result". Are you a doctor? EVERY 2nd op doctor "falls for the temptation"? I don't buy that. These people are professionals who adhere to a code of ethics....or not? The 2nd op doctor I saw did not criticize the 1st doctor per se but told me what I already knew-I still needed a FL. The doctors here on Realself explain why LSL's don't work for most patients, mine worked for about 1 month! I believe that had I been given the correct procedure I would have received the results I was told to expect-at no time was I told that I may not get those results or that the results would be minimal, quite the contrary. People don't throw around thousands of dollars because they were told they may not get results......as for "understanding what a FL was" yes, I could've asked more intelligent questions had I known more about the procedures, but I did not want to know what all they did-afraid I'd be too creeped out to go. I trusted that the doctor could examine me, ascertain what was needed to effect the results we both thought were necessary and that no technical discussion would be needed. I think the plastic surgery industry would lose a lot of customers if they told everyone that they could not guarantee "a result". And it would be a lot more affordable.
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May 6, 2013
Yes, thank you. Do you know anyone who had the LSL with Dr. Michael Rodriguez? Seems you went for a 2nd opinion to a "regular" plastic surgeon, but, BACK to LSL for your revisions. Is that correct? Definitly wish you all the best---and I wish myself the same. (lol) I am scheduled in less than a week.
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May 6, 2013
The name of the doc you mentioned does not ring any bells for me-is he in Phoenix and/or affiliated withLSL? Yes I stayed with the original surgeon as starting over w/ new doc would have set me back nearly $14,000. Thank you for the well wishes and I wish you the same. Would love to hear how things work out for you!
May 8, 2013
As a medical professional myself. I agree with Arnold. BEFORE any procedure...do the homework necessary. Get 2nd and 3rd opinions/consults. Check to make sure your cosmetic surgeon is listed with the major cosmetic affiliations for their specialty. Check for any complaints. Your own primary care physician can be a big help with finding someone who is reputable and skilled in the procedure you want. Bottom line...you do get what you pay for. It may take longer to get the best...but it is well worth it.