Facelift: Stories

Surgery took 4 1/2 hours. Yes he did lipo on my neck. I saw the doctor today and they took the stitches out of my eyes and neck. I'm going home tomorrow.

You'll look fantastic. Sounds like you had much the same procedures as I did. How long did your surgery last? My PS had my incisions go around my ears but when it came down the front of the ear, he went inside my ear, over the tragus. You can't see or feel any incision, that part inside the ear, healed perfectly. I'm glad he did it that way. Did you have any lipo with your neck and chin? I was fortunate, I didn't bruise that badly really, I had some on the sides and the back of my neck, but it left quickly. Good luck!

Day 2 I took a shower and washed my hair. They put this gel stuff in it before surgery. I have 2 long cuts that go from my ears up toward the top of my head about 3" instead of at the front hair line area which is good because my hair is thin there. My neck and chin hurt the most. Can't wait to see what this looks like a month from now. Eye stitches come out in 3 more days some of the others around the front of the ear and around the back of the ear will self dissolve and the ones back further near my ears going up 3 inches will be removed in 3 weeks. The people at the Marriott in TJ are so wonderful and helpful. They get a lot of medical tourists here.

You look great already!!! Even with swelling and bruising. I did the same and watched youtube videos beforehand lol! I showed some to my daughter and she about passed out, so when I came home from surgery, she nearly fainted and vomited thinking about the vids lol. I looked at your before pictures and I was reminded of how my neck and chin(s) used to look. I'm quite pleased they are fresh and young looking now.

Wow!! I can see some amazing results!! Congrats and happt healing!

Waiting to hear on you! Wish you a speedy recovery!

Hello Good Bye 50. So you had no problems from this doctor? I cannot remember what I read about him at the moment. But I think the patient chose the doctor she wants and is going with him....are you trying to promote this doctor to her?

Hi 5Dogma, I have been reading your post with interest as I am going to take the plunge and have a facelift in the near future, I hope. I am 65 ,so older than you but have the same issues. Also as I live in New Zealand I 'm finding it difficult to decide where to have the procedure done. I feel the best options are the USA, Mexico or Malaysia. I think I would also need to stay longer than 2 weeks wherever I go to have the procedure done as it the flight time is quite considerable. Have you decided on a surgeon yet? I wish you all the luck in the world and look forward to seeing your 'after' photos. Also thankyou for sharing your experience with everyone as I am finding this site a great source of information and a real help with my decision making.

I'm having surgery on May 14th by Dr. Luis Suarez in Tijuana, Mexico. I feel confident in my decision having talked with or corresponded with a couple of his recent patients. He also has good reviews on this site as well as another plastic surgery site. My daughter will be going with me and she is having a breast lift and implants. Will definately post my complete experience. In the meantime if someone else has had recent experience with Dr. Suarez let me know.

Have you decided where and who you will be having surgery with? Please keep us updated on your journey.

Having had surgery a few times in Costa Rica, I am most comfortable with that area. That said, I know more than a few who have gone to MX with good experiences. Do you have an existing scar? I thought z plasty was for repairing those, so I looked it up... "Z-plasty is a plastic surgery technique that is used to improve the functional and cosmetic appearance of scars. With this technique...Some possible complications of z-plasty include flap necrosis, hematoma formation und Perhaps you misunderstood? As GB50 said, a good neck lift is done with a corset platysmaplasty. "The advantage of a corset platysmaplasty is that it helps prevent falling neck lifts, recurrence of neck muscle bands, pixie ears, and thickened scars behind the ear. Some surgeons believe that trying to perform a neck lift by tacking the back edge of the platysma muscle behind the ear with performing a corset platysmaplasty could potentially be a contributing factor in the failure of a neck lift."

Good morning 5DogMa, how are you? As part of my complete facelift my muscles were tightened including in the neck area which I believe is the z-plasty that you are referring to (I remember it as the corset tie - - (I do not have much of a memory for the medical terms)) If it is the same procedure it does leave a small incision under the chin. I was told about the scar that it would leave and decided to go ahead with it as it's benefits outweighed the cons's (in my opinion). I am so glad that I did it as my neck looks amazing. The doctor basically (through a small incision goes in and corset ties your muscles back into place) - - a lot of work. After the surgery the incision is quite traumatized. I am now at about the 10 week mark and the swelling is down about 95% and it has already faded (with the help of mederma). Thrilled that I did it! I imagine that you have been reading about Pat Marino at FaceLiftMexico.com and Dr Koelliker. Have you contacted them? Worth the call :) Also, San Miguel is such a lovely town - - BBC Travel just did a story on San Miguel - - check it out. Apparently, links are not allowed as I was just told when I hit the submit button so if you are interested in seeing what the BBC has to say about San Miguel go to bbc.com; then the travel section; then feature; (the feature was published on 20130319 (March 19th, 2013) ; the feature is titled: Living in Cities Known for Art and Culture Whichever you decide I wish you the best! For me, I breathe a sigh of relief every time I look in the mirror - - I definitely did the right thing as now when I look in the mirror I see me :) Good luck with your decision!

Thanks for starting your story on RealSelf. We're so glad to have you here! Here's what some doctors say about choosing the right surgeon for your facelift.

I hope it helps and that you'll keep us updated!

All great questions and concerns. I recently had my complete facelift in Mexico and had an excellent experience. When you get a moment, check out my review at (you may have to cut and paste it): http://www.realself.com/review/dr-koelliker-facelift-complete-face-lift-50-the-new-30-dr-koelliker-in-san My RealSelf name is - - goodbye 50 hello 30 Dr Koelliker is a highly talented surgeon (he also does great breasts and lipo) and your recovery with Spa|Club Casa Marino is worry-free, reassuring, relaxing and rejuvenating - - exactly what you and your daughter will need and want after your surgery. During your recovery you can take in the sights in the magical town of San Miguel de Allende. Certainly an option worth looking into :)