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POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews

SMAS Facelift and Necklift with Dr. Verret - Plano, Texas

UPDATED FROM lvb2013
19 days post

Two weeks 5 days post

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lvb2013September 24, 2013
WORTH IT$8,700
I am pretty much free and clear as far as re-entry into the world. Nobody notices that I have had anything done, my bruising isn't noticeable and my swelling is minimal. My next door neighbor who knows me well, didn't even notice...I had to tell her, and she still didn't really see it. That is exactly what my PS said would happen (he has a habit of being right...thank goodness!). I see a huge change and I love the freedom it has allowed me NOT to obsess about my neck anymore. I can take a picture now and not freak out over my neck and lower face. I have numbness that is improving in my ears and upper neck. The feeling is coming back now and it's a little unpleasant but I adjust daily. I haven't liked touching my neck the last few weeks because it's tender and weird and numb and it doesn't feel right. The last few days have been much better and the feeling is returning. I'm back to normal skin care and the clairasonic on parts of my face now.
I wanted to mention that I started taking Wobenzyme at about 5 days into recovery. I took 5 tabs 3X per day AWAY from any food. This was for swelling and inflamation. It dropped my swelling out fast. I purchased them at Whole Foods but they are probably cheaper online. Don't take with food as they will act as a digestive enzyme instead. Please consult with PS before, of course. I am only using Vasaline on my incisions as per doctor's instructions. I don't have any real scars to deal with because you can't see any of them so it's just the healing.
I don't think I need to post more pictures so these will be the last ones I think. I am extremely blessed to have had such an easy recovery. I really believe this was due to my PS. I had a major facelift...SMAS and full neck rejuvination and I had almost NO bruising to my face. Amazing. There is certainly tightness, numbness, swelling...etc. all the things expected for this type of surgery but I really believe if you have a skilled PS like Dr. Verret, you can recover quickly and beautifully. Please don't hesitate to contact me if you have questions and best of luck to all of you that are on this journey.

lvb2013's provider

D.J. Verret, MD

D.J. Verret, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

lvb2013

lvb2013 rating for Dr. Verret:

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Replies (5)

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Awesome granny
September 25, 2013
You look fabulous!
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lvb2013
September 25, 2013
Thank you so much! Feedback and comments on this site gave me the courage to finally do it !
AEllen
September 25, 2013
You look terrific! I think you were smart to do it before you got much older. My results look great but the recovery is still taking time--perhaps more than if I had done it 15 years ago. My neck is still causing discomfort (sort of a stinging sensation) at times ,mainly in the early morning and evening, though my swelling is pretty much gone. I'm beginning to get feeling back but it still doesn't feel normal yet and it's been 9 weeks, I think.
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Awesome granny
September 25, 2013
Thanks AEllen. My neck is still tight and stiff although most of the swelling and bruising is gone. I'm sure it just takes time for the feeling to come back. I don't feel like I have completely recovered from the surgery and being put under.
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lvb2013
September 25, 2013
I have all kinds of things going on with my neck and EARS...I still can't sleep on my side because my ears hurt with any pressure on them...my neck is tight in places and I experience weird and uncomfortable sensations. I don't think these will resolve in the next week...I anticipate a slow go with that part of the recovery. I'm tolerating this well because it's early. I may not be so forgiving about the discomfort 9 weeks out. Who knows? But I do know that I needed to push the years back a few...for a variety of reasons...and this did it for me. So, no pain/no gain and I think the trade was worth it...mostly for me it translated into more time AWAY from hating my neck. I have some of those "buckwheat" type pillows that you can "dig" little holes in and rest your head...away from your ear. Only relief for a little while but a little "normalcy" is worth a lot when your sleep has been disrupted! I'm just committed to "speed recovery" lol.
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lvb2013
September 26, 2013
I had two days of extreme sadness recently. No reason. Physiological I'm sure. I attribute it entirely to being put under anesthesia. That, no matter what anyone says, is the most critical aspect of this whole experience. I'm through it because I recognized it for what it was and I have a good support system to talk me through. But we tend to make light of these things and you are right to acknowledge the recovery phase. BTW, you look really amazing and if you gauge the cost of it all by your results...you are on the PLUS side big time. Really! WAY worth it!
AEllen
September 30, 2013
Hi lvb2013. It's been since July 11 for me and though I look great and the swelling under my chin is almost nonexistent, I still get little needle prick pains behind my ears now and then, and my neck gets very tight during the night and takes a while to start feeling semi-normal after I get up. And if I get a lot of exercise it still swells a little bit. I'm beginning to get sensation back in my neck, but limited to a tickly feeling when I run my finger across it. I once heard that it takes four months to replace tissues, so I'm figuring on at least that long. Guess we just have to be patient, huh?
AEllen
September 30, 2013
I've had "down days" now and then too. I've attributed them to just wanting my neck and ear areas to feel normal again. Though not really uncomfortable on a scale of one to 10, it's just continually feeling the tightness in my neck, even with having my mobility back. Kind of like a buzzing fly or a dripping faucet that just won't go away!
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lvb2013
October 2, 2013
I think I remember my PS telling me that the nerves all had to reconnect and that it would be 3-4 months before I could expect that to happen. I'm very surprised about the numbness, tightness and some "off and on' shooting pains (hate the "needle prick pains!") as my face and neck come back to sensation. I am most fascinated with my ability to almost totally IGNORE this information before I had the proceduce, given the fact that I researched facelift surgery for years before doing this. Further, I have 2 advanced science degrees and I should have been concerned about all this... but, ya know, the desire for the result simply blinded me to the recovery. It's definately "a pain in the neck" but I would do it all over again in a heartbeat! I have a strong feeling that this will be a long recovery till normal; I think all we can do is "go with it' and be glad we achieved the results we wanted!
AEllen
October 2, 2013
Lvb2013__So true!! I too have two advanced science degrees (!) and though I intellectually understood recovery would take time, I never really thought about any discomfort that might be associated with that recovery. I'd read about numbness and was prepared for that. But these needle pricks?! And I still have a stretchy feeling on the side of my neck where the hematoma occurred, which makes it feel weird when I turn my head to the right. I'm just thankful that outwardly none of this shows. But I, too have no regrets. I feel so much younger! At nearly 69 that means a lot. And I do so enjoy it when people who don't know I had a facelift tell me how great I look--and they don't know why. At least some days I can almost forget about the weird feelings in my neck. And it is reassuring to know you've had the needle pricks too. Thanks so much for sharing your experiences. And you really do look amazing!
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Bski
October 3, 2013
I also have a couple of advanced degrees - mine are in education, tho - not science ;) And I also heard before surgery but did not process the information about recovery time. I'm wondering if either of you had witnessed first hand anyone who was going thru the recovery process. I hadn't, so my own recovery is my first experience with it.
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lvb2013
October 4, 2013
This is very interesting...really. I suppose the decision to have a FL is actually an almost purely emotional decision. Even though I would have said I was one of the most "informed" FL patients that I know, I believe I actually only considered the anesthesia risk, paralysis and OMG, turning out UGLY and weird as my top three recovery issues. I have to laugh now that I didn't even pay attention to recovery issues other than that. On the other hand, for pre-FLifters reading this, everyone's recovery is unique and although there are similarities, many things vary having to do with time, sensation and results. I've been seeing my PS almost every week since post because I have a friend that had a CO2 full face and neck procedure done with him yesterday and I've been going with her for support. He mentioned that my recovery was really excellent but that numbness, hardness, swelling and bruising vary greatly with each patient. He told me today that if I was getting feeling and sensation in my ears and neck at 4 weeks, that was a great indication that I would recover all sensation over time. I think I mentioned that I couldn't even stand to touch my neck the first 3 weeks because of how numb and sore I was (I love that...how can you be NUMB and SORE at the same time?) but I have been! I was terrified of having a hematoma!!! So sorry for you. I honestly believe that all of this will resolve for us with time. And the best thing is that we are really, really happy with our results!
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lvb2013
October 4, 2013
I actually have two close friends that had FLifts. However, although they were close friends, I did not actually witness the day to day recovery process of either. One friend had a terrible result and I was depositioned in a trial concerning the outcome. I had gone to most of her pre and post appointments with her so I was a first hand source. Her face and eyes were misshapen after the FL. Actually, because I have seen a number of very bad FLifts, I was extremely cautions about my PS choice. I decided to post my recovery and results on RealSelf because I was very grateful to the women brave enough to share their experiences here...both good and bad. My other friend, with good FL results from years ago, went with me and has supported me through this whole process. She has been an excellent source of information whenever I start worrying about how much my ears hurt or lumps or swelling...etc. She had the same experience and it's very reassuring! She just had CO2 laser yesterday with my PS...can't wait to see the results of that!!!
AEllen
October 4, 2013
I only knew of one woman who had a facelift-- about 10 years ago. She's now 65 and looks really good--much younger than her age. She's pretty much forgotten about her recovery time now and couldn't tell me much. (Maybe it's a bit like childbirth, where the pain is forgotten after a time, with the results being paramount?). At any rate she was my inspiration to go ahead and have it done.
AEllen
October 4, 2013
Hi lvb2013-- you described it perfectly when you said you had pain and numbness at the same time. To me it feels like the pain is deeper than the numbness, which makes sense since it's the skin that's separated from the rest--which gets traumatized and bruised by the pulling and tugging of the underlying tissues. I've found my level of discomfort varies a lot with time of day, being worse in the morning and evening, better in mid day. The underside of my jaw is still very tender, as is the area right below my ears. It's reassuring to hear that if we have feeling at four months, we're likely to have full recovery of feeling.
Dsail
October 17, 2013
I had my facelift on May 14. I can tell you that 5 months out I still have issues with my neck, swelling and extreme tightness. I am working out 3 days a week with my trainer, and in ptherapy for my neck as I really do not like the numbness and tightness and swelling at this point. I am 59 very active also work full time and am very fit so I am told that I hold all my tension in my neck which is causing it to still have issues. I am happy I did it, but it takes a long time to resolve. My cheekbones are almost back with feeling but getting a facial recently is a weird feeling. My new issue is upper eyes when open look great but when closed or looking down there is a big line of scar tissue that has built up. It is worse when tired. My ps says he thinks they look fine and that he can't fix them as if he did when I got really old I would not be able to sleep with my eyes fully closed. I am thinking of getting a second opinion as he is somewhat arbitrary about things. He is 71 and while still considered one of the best sometimes I wonder. ( he refuses to do brow lifts for example) . Anyway getting off topic when all I wanted to say is this recovery has taken way longer than I thought.
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lvb2013
October 17, 2013
Uh hu. I'm now 6 weeks post. I have had the most WICKED week with nerve pain in my neck. Again, it's like a nerve pain, itch, tingle, random tightness, pinpricks...gee, you name it...I've had it this week. Annoying and disconcerting. So, it seems that this recovery doesn't just resolve itself and end like most things. It sort of drags on and makes you jumpy when you least expect it. I thought I was so over this and that it would only get better. Hey, news flash! I think this is a PROCESS that is not well explained or documented...not that it would have really changed my decision but you should go in KNOWING that it might be a long road to recovery. Ya know, I don't really think it's a perfect science...71 years old "best doc"...or my really "on top of it" young PS, you just have your individual experience...and so it goes. My ears and neck are driving me crazy this week...fire ants crawling...swelling on and off...the incisions way back from the neck lift are itching...jeesh. I'm still taking the stance that if I IGNORE this long enough it will resolve itself. Hate to hear 5 month out stories like yours...numbness and tightness still going on. I think it's good to share the experiences because at least we know it's "business as usual" and we can get through it! Nothing I have is really PAINFUL...just annoying. It's the kind of thing you actually CAN ignore for a minute if something WAY more interesting is going on at the moment..lol It's worse at times, better at other times. Sometimes this week it felt like the stitches in my neck were pulling so tight I would snap...for no reason. Just lovely! Thanks Dsail for sharing...I needed it right now!
Dsail
October 18, 2013
Not a problem! I had another facial tonight and my face has developed tiny red broken capillaries which have not gone away and my facialist agreed they were not there prior. I will have to wait until a year for my vein md to try and remove. Ugh but, she commented that the flift looked really good no scarring except still red on my neck . She suggested something for the scar tissue on my eyelids so I will ask my ps. So I felt better that despite all the issues someone thought my ps did a good job. Hang in there and you are right this is a process and overall I look better than before!
annonymous487
December 19, 2013
Great results - I really emphasized with your review and progress. I felt like we went through the same process. You are further ahead though. I too did a lot of research and got an excellent surgeon. He did a browlift fist four years ago, so I felt confident to do the facelift and neck lift. They really don't tell you about the EARS, you are so right. I had icepacks on them for the first 6 days to take away the itch, as you said like ants running across your skin and ears - that's just what I told my friend. My neck has been a breeze really, very little bruising or pain of any sort just tightness. I did stay indoors for 3 weeks only out twice in that time. It is good to read and see that you had such a good result.
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lvb2013
December 20, 2013
When I saw your pics and read your comments, they seemed more like the results and progress I was experiencing. I still have some tightness; the itching (normal they say) comes and goes. I take a natural supplement called Wobenzyme (I take it away from food) on the days the inflammation is worse (which causes the swelling and tightness). It helps a great deal. I take 5 at a time so I don't take every day. From what I can see with your pictures, you had an excellent procedure and I'm so glad your results are beautiful. For me, the procedure offered me freedom from worry about my neck and jowls...that's really all I was after! I am very happy that your results are so good!!! (BTW, your surgeon did an excellent job on your stitches...you won't see yours either).
annonymous487
December 20, 2013
So good to share experiences! I looked up Wobenzyme and it looks like a great idea. I made juices with pineapple for the bromelain which is an anti-inflammatory. But my doctor gave me two shots of steroids after the op to reduce inflammation, no drains. I also slept on a big wedge pillow with pillows on top of that to ensure the swelling went down. I was upset about the jowls for about 3 years, then someone took an awful photo of me showing the jowls and put it on facebook and I was really upset. That outweighed the fear of having the surgery. My surgeon does the 'Ten Years Younger' programme, so his work has to be top. He is actually in New York speaking on SMAS at the moment. He also meets with a very small group of surgeons that specialise in natural looking surgery. So he is a find.
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StillSouthern
August 16, 2014
Beautiful result! I read your posted question about sedation with a full SMAS facelift, but didn't see in your review here what your doctor used? Would you mind sharing that information and how it went?
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Monaali2
August 24, 2014
Hi are u still happy with ur results?
UPDATED FROM lvb2013
15 days post

Sorry no pics but will post soon

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lvb2013September 21, 2013
I think this is one, if not the best decision and investment I've made in my health...so happy with the results. My face looks just like I wanted. I am waiting on my neck to "clear". I had a great PS. I was out of the house by day 7 and I'm at a restaurant at day 10. I could not be happier with the results. My boyfriend told me tonight that my swelling was almost gone and my face looked beautiful. I have to tell you, I don't obsess anymore about my face!!!! I hardly look except to do my makeup and I simply stopped seeing any of the problems that plagued me every day in the mirror. I am really at peace with this. It's great. Will post pics soon. Very busy being happy.

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UPDATED FROM lvb2013
7 days post

Sutures OUT and follow up was GREAT!

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lvb2013September 12, 2013
Again, choose your surgeon carefully. I realized again today why I trust this doctor. He knows what he's doing. He had a plan for my face and it's all coming together on schedule and it's just what I expected and wanted. I had some questions, some concerns...and his answers to me reflected that he had thought all of this out and knew exactly what my face was doing as it healed. I don't know any other way to explain it except that his answers were better than any of my questions. This is a good...very good PS. A little discomfort taking the sutures out...all good. I'm extremely happy about my progress. Best wishes to all who are in the healing process!

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