“Post lifestyle lift complications.”
Lifestyle lift: NOT worth it
Pain: Uncomfortable
I had this procedure January 29th in Seattle. I did it because I liked the idea of a less-intrusive surgery, using local anesthetic, and because all the literature given to me, plus the consultation, made it all sound as if I would heal quickly and with few (if any) complications.
I now feel that this was very misleading, as it is almost 3 months, and I have had nothing but problems and anxiety. I have lumps and ridges all along both cheeks, which showed up about a month ago, and a large lump under my chin which is hideous and has been there from the start.
My doctor, at the 1-month consultation, looked at me for about 3 seconds and said, "It'll go away." That was it! I live 4 hours away from the clinic, and it is difficult for me to get there. I am very depressed and nervous. My face is not only a mess, but it still can feel very numb, and at times, as if I were being bitten by fire ants. Is this normal this long after surgery?
I was never told anything except that I would be healed much sooner; and I was not told what the lumps were, whether to massage them, or anything else. he did say to come in for a steroid injection, but that is in another month! Is that too late? Will these things go away? How long can I realistically expect to heal?
I feel as if I've been abandoned by the clinic and that I am a nuisance to the doctor, who just sort of ignores my worries. Help! Am I going to look and feel this way forever.
Apr 20, 2009Comments and replies (98)
14 posts
23 Apr 2009
Birdlegs, I had my surgery the same day in Santa Ana, CA. I too was very anxious as one would expect when you have surgery on your face. I fortunately live about 20 minutes from the office and went back a half dozen times before my first month check up just to make sure everything was going as planned. I delayed my formal check up until (2) months just to get a better feel for how the healing was going before I threw them under the buss I had similar bumps on my face but mostly behind and below the ear that are slowly but surely going away. I too am displeased with the chin area and have (2) pockets, one on each side of the cut where they do the turkey stiching as they call it to get rid of the jowls. The doctor told me the neck would continue to tighten as it has and that I should come back in six months to correct the lumps with another minor procedure. My numbness is slowly going away but I still have the itching which drives me nuts at times but I gather from others on this site this could last for a year or more. If they correct the lumps under my chin and the itching goes away I will call it a success because the facelift for all intensive purposes worked. But of course those are still big if's...
33 posts
23 Apr 2009
Hi, Mr. Bill, Thanks for replying. These sites are so helpful; if only I'd read them before! It helps to know that I'm not alone in what I am experiencing. I'm going back to see the doctor in a couple of weeks and he'll hopefully have some answers for me. I am trying to be calm and patient...(NOT easy!) Keep me informed on your progress, and I hope you continue to heal well!
1 post
25 Apr 2009
I had the same surgery about the same time and because I have had several plastic surgeries in the past 19 yrs. and am a nurse myself I knew what to expect. I think when you celebrate the one yr. mark you will be very happy you did this and should try to relax. All the scary issues you have experienced are normal and will either leave completely or lighten up enough that you are not aware of them most of the time,ie: the numbness. They DO cut nerves after all. Try to relax and smile more...the sooner you do those things the sooner you will be back to your norm. and w/ a fresher face to boot! ps the literature you were given to go home should have warned that it usually takes 6 to 12 mos. to get the edema and wierd feelings to abate. Sorry but this is one the best things I have done for myself next to the breast redux.!!
33 posts
26 Apr 2009
God! Thanks so much! I can't tell you how much you have just helped me!
374 posts
30 Apr 2009
Birdlegs, I am so sorry for your problems. I see from your pictures that this does not look right. I too had the LSL but I did not have anything that looked like your problem show up. I would suggest a 2nd opinion. Is the areas hard???
unregistered guest
4 May 2009
I too am not happy with the results. Have the lumps and bumps under chin. Acquired a couple of scars which, according to another dr. I consulted, says looks like the scalpel slipped!!! Luckily I wear my hair long so it is not easily noticeable. My advice TO NOT PROCEED WITH THIS PROCEDURE! RUN GIRLS!!
33 posts
4 May 2009
Yes, hard and quite painful. I just had some steroid injections and I am hoping this helps. I am trying to be more positive and to believe my doctor who keeps saying that this will all go away eventually; we shall see. I will keep posting until this ordeal is over.
33 posts
4 May 2009
Chrystal, I am glad that you didn't have problems. Could you tell me how long it took for you to heal and to feel better? One of the worst things about all this, besides the discomfort, has been the anxiety and fear, mixed in with embarrassment about having been vain enough to have done this in the first place! I've actually started taking an antidepressant because of this. :-( My doctor was encouraging this time, though, and I'll try to believe this will all be over in time.
94 posts
4 May 2009
I have a friend who had this & it does take some time to heal, however I am personally against this LSL, I think it should be shut down as it has caused so many ppl so much grief and results are mimimal at best....good luck to you* JoJo
33 posts
5 May 2009
JoJo, can you tell me how long it took your friend to heal?