“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)
24 posts
18 Jun 2009
American Osteopathic Information Association at 1-800-621-1773 An Osteopath is NOT a plastic or reconstructive surgeon.... So being a member of AOBOO does NOT mean he is QUALIFIED as a Plastic or Reconstructive Surgeon.... it doesn't even qualify him as a SURGEON of ANY type
258 posts
20 Jun 2009
Hmmm, you may be wrong there. There are all types of subspecialties w/ a degree in Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine. They go to school as long as a regaular MD.. They are just taught in a different way. I know of cardiologists,endocrinologits,gynes, etc, all being D.O... As far as being able to operate, I belive they are allowed.An ENT, D.O. can operate as a ENT, MD can. It's so confusing. I wish one of the Docs here can explain it in laymans terms.. Sharon, can you post this question to your docs here?
258 posts
20 Jun 2009
JK I will add to the above post that not all ent's are certified to do plastic surgery, even if their specialty involves the face. They need more training. I recently had an appt. w/ an ENT for a cyst on my face. Because I was embarrassed about the LSL scars I mentioned what happened. He said he has no experience w/ facial work in that area, which seemed weird to me, but if he said that, I believe him. It's better he was honest than to say, he is experienced, right?
258 posts
20 Jun 2009
C- What did your new surgery entail? Did they have to do a full lift or lowerlift like LSL unknowingly did on us? I'm seeing 2 PS next week. One says he's fixed quite a few LSL's.. The other one is just so nice& both have great credentials. I got both doctors here through realself & they have been very patient w/ me. I've had to cancel a couple times due to my mom's hospitalizations. She's been very ill from having a new aorta replaced , getting 3 aneuysems fixed
33 posts
21 Jun 2009
Update:5 Months past the "LSL:" 1.)Face still is very sensitive, tingly, achy... I am almost never NOT aware of it. 2.)Discoloration is still evident, lumps still there. The ridges are a bit less noticeable, but still there. 3.) Chin still looks awful; full of lumps and very sore.
258 posts
22 Jun 2009
Go for a 2nd opinion! As i mentioned Realself has many doctors that offer consults, some at no charge.LSL did the same thing to me. They always said' Give it 3 mos., then 6 mos., then a yr, etc. etc. They may be luring you along til it is too late to get a lawyer. Go get a 2nd opinion. I'm sure Sharon or Tom here will be happy to direct you..
258 posts
22 Jun 2009
Thanks Sharon & Tom for posing my question to your doctors here on Realself...
33 posts
23 Jun 2009
I got a second opinion...he too, told me to "wait!" This doctor had never heard of "LSL" (They are not allowed to operate here in Canada) and he was quite disapproving of the procedure, although he said my ear sutures were well done. He said my LSL doctor seems to have pulled the skin too close (?) (huh?)...he says that he thinks that the lumps and ridges will slowly improve, but was dubious about the lumpy chin, which he thinks might have to be "redone in the future." But he did say all I can do is wait 12 months and "see what happens." *Sigh*
258 posts
23 Jun 2009
Hmm, that's what LSL said. Give it 6mos, give it a year, 'some people take up to 2 yrs'... They said i healed well in front of my ears. They just forgot to say they weren't going to do a small incison, as promised. You can ask docs here for opinions. I hope it does get better for you...
24 posts
26 Jun 2009
I talked to a friend who has LSL about 4 years ago - she said she was at her best (appearance wise) at 1 month out, and down hill from there as swelling receded. she says 4 years later she still has: 1 - lumps around ears 2 - burning or biting pain around the ears and side of face 3 - numb area on the side of the face 4 - the occassional piece of plastic suture that still pokes out of the skin 5 - no notable improvement from the procedure - EVER 6 - bad memories of the surgical experience in their office I just feel really dumb, I wished I had checked around first and kept my money