After surgery I was in quit a bit of pain and it was more than I expected. My husband was there to help with the healing process and take care of the bandaging etc. At first I can tell you I was not sure I did the right thing having the surgery, but now I'm 7 months out since surgery I'm very happy with the results. I still have a little numbness in my left ear, my right ear has total feeling back now. I would recommend Dr. Filaberta! Don't let anyone who has not had surgery by this doctors tell you not to use them. I have found that if you can find others who have used this Dr. for the same procedure and they are happy with the results go by that! Not outside sources! Updated on 22 Oct 2019: I added a current picture which is 4 years after mini lift. I'm very happy with results and would recommend Dr. Filiberto. I plan on returning for fillers. I would recommend having someone to help you after surgery.
Indeed it took me a long time to decide to get my neck liposuctioned! I don't know why I waited so long! I love the way I look now! My neck is very firm and tight. I look 10 years younger easy! My husband loves my new look also, he feels like he is with a younger woman! Not only was I happy with the surgery but I couldn't have asked for a better staff. Dr. Filiberto is a wonderful doctor and has a very pleasant and caring staff. I would recommend everyone to see him!
Two words to sum up so far: EZ BREEZY! Surgery was about three hours ago & it was SO easy. Worst part was the Valium shot! The dr said it would be about 10 minutes----"each eye?" I said, and he said no, both! While I was lying down, he made lines with marker & I didn't feel a thing! Photo was about 45 min after. I will keep updating over next few days. Wish I'd done this sooner! Updated on 7 Aug 2014: ZERO pain. Looks like some bruising is coming up below lids (although only did upper lids). I tried to ice for 24 hours straight, even through the night. I'm taking Arnica tabs under my tongue & using Arnica gel below eyes & corners of eyes where bruising is happening. I feel fantastic. Went out today with BIG sunglasses on, just as I normally do. No issues. Updated on 7 Aug 2014: These are from "before". Hope they turn out ok....technically challenged! Updated on 8 Aug 2014: Surgery was Wednesday around 10:00 a.m. I've been putting the ointment the Dr. recommended on my stitches since yesterday and also I'm using an Arnica gel & putting it below my eyes & in inner corners where the bruising is coming through. I have been trying to ice like mad as well....still having ZERO pain but I'm starting to get little itchies here & there.....hard not to scratch! Waking up in the morning with lots of swelling but it slowly dissipates as I'm up & about. Still absolutely thrilled I did this! Updated on 8 Aug 2014: Easier to see---my daughter helped me with this picture, again I'm technically challenged :/ Updated on 9 Aug 2014: I'm still having some swelling in the mornings but then again I always have, living here in FL. Seems there's always some allergen in the air. Still feeling great. I'm not sure how long to keep icing vs. starting warm compresses...anyone? I was a little worried when I left the Dr's office about the scar & where it would sit after swelling went down. I'm now starting to see that it seems it will be right in my natural crease line, just like Dr said it would. I had my eyeliner tattooed on a few years ago & had forgotten how much I like having it there---just haven't been able to see it lately. I'm still feeling some itchies along the stitch line---my Dr has me applying "Refresh Lacri-Lube"...has anyone here used that? I'm also still taking the Arnica 30x tablets under my tongue 3-4 times a day. Still using the Arnicare gel on the bruises. I will still HIGHLY recommend this surgery for anyone contemplating it. I had been able to disguise the droops very well with makeup (to the point several people said I absolutely did not need to have this done) but over time it would have been harder & harder. I'll post again tomorrow-----stitches come out Monday 9 a.m.---cannot wait! Updated on 9 Aug 2014: Bruising is still red/purple....waiting on the inevitable yellow color which means better healing..... Updated on 10 Aug 2014: Like a rainbow of colors LOL. Feeling great and looking forward to getting my stitches out tomorrow morning. Also NO sign of the "11's" between my eyes, thanks to the 'Tox! I think I'll continue with some icing today on a lesser amount; I guess it can't hurt, right?! Updated on 11 Aug 2014: Obviously my Dr. gave me after-care instructions. He did not mention using warm compresses yet many of the physicians on this site mention BOTH icing and warm compresses. My inquiry was more to ask opinions, NOT substitute my own doctor's instructions. I should have worded my question differently so let's leave it at that. I do appreciate those who replied, even those who chastised me for my inquiry. Thank you. Updated on 11 Aug 2014: Again surgery was Thursday, 8/6 a.m. My skin was actually trying to heal around the stitches so I'm glad I went today to get them out. It was a little uncomfortable, comparing NO pain or discomfort from the actual procedure! Nurse put a small paper bandage on outer edge of each eye & she said it will fall off in a few days. The stitches were removed three hours ago & I can already see the swelling is subsiding---I'm sure it flared up during the stitch removal. Don't have to go back for 30 days. They told me to continue icing if I'd like & using the Refresh LacriLube. All good! Updated on 11 Aug 2014: I was still using the Refresh LacriLube after getting my stitches out this morning. The ointment, of course, moistened the small bandage the nurse had "taped" into place on the outer corner of each eye. Well, I was carefully using a washcloth below my lower lids this evening & was horrified to see (what appeared to be) an opening on my right eye's scar line....and to me, I thought it was pretty "open"!! I probably pulled on the lower lid without realizing it, thus "opening" the suture area. I called Dr. Filiberto's answering service & they put me through to him. He couldn't have been more kind to me & agreed to meet me at his office an hour later (8 pm!!). He immediately put me at ease & said everything was normal and there weren't any issues. I was worried about getting something into the area (being a big baby!!) so he nicely put another paper bandage over the area following my neurosis....! My experience has been absolutely wonderful from surgery through tonight! I will post a photo tomorrow. Updated on 12 Aug 2014: Woke up this morning & was amazed at how the incision had basically closed all the way up. The paper bandage on the left (original one) had fallen off in bed, and the new one the Dr put on last night was still there. It was close to coming off so I took it off. I wasn't as swollen today when I woke up, either. The incision line had some small scabs hanging off so I used a tweezer & took them off.....they weren't attached to anything so I didn't have to pull on anything. I had lots of errands to run today so I put some makeup over the bruises & have posted a picture of that. Looks pretty good. I find if I keep my reading glasses on it helps disguise the scars as well. It hasn't even been a week & even my (SKEPTICAL) husband is saying WOW......literally! Updated on 12 Aug 2014: This is my before, with today's earlier shot to compare. Again, I did put a little concealer & foundation over the bruises below my eyes today. Updated on 13 Aug 2014: This is an early morning picture, and I'm ALWAYS swollen in the morning. (My) right side for some reason has more bruising and the scar is a little wider on the outer edge, hence the darker scab. The scabs are all dried out & I'm no longer using the Refresh LacriLash (per Dr's orders). I do have some crusties along the incision which I just may have to pick off later, haha. Kinda gross having them there.... Updated on 14 Aug 2014: I do have some mascara on here with a touch of eyeliner, plus the foundation on the (diminishing) bruises below my eyes. The scabs on the outer edge & both incisions are completely dried out. I'm sure everything will crust off eventually but I'm still feeling wonderful!! Updated on 18 Aug 2014: Hello, I've been travelling so I haven't had time to update. Every day has been better & better UNTIL this morning when I was trying to gently clean/wash my eyes. I pulled on the scab on my right eye (left side in photo) and it started bleeding....ugh. I had to sit with a tissue pressing on the incision until it stopped. You can see in the photo that the right side scar is darker & more pronounced than the left. It's been that way since the surgery but I'm not sure why. My bruises are FINALLY just about gone----that has been the most pronounced part of this whole thing. I do still have quite a bit of swelling in the morning but I usually do that anyway..... Still SO happy! Updated on 21 Aug 2014: I still have a fairly dark scab on my right eye on the outer edge. For some reason, that area has been the longest to heal :( I have been wearing mascara & adding a little eyeliner as well. Eyes are still a little swollen in the mornings & the lids are still a little numb. I do have a few small bumps on the right eye incision as well but from what I'm reading here it seems they should settle down, so I'm going to just keep watching. For some reason it seems my mascara is harder to apply too---the lashes seem finer or something?? Once again I will say-----SO happy I had this done! Also p.s. I truly am not cross-eyed, LOL. When I'm focusing on the iPhone camera my one eye looks crossed----not that there's anything wrong with that! Updated on 21 Aug 2014: I forgot to mention that my bruising FINALLY totally went away a few days ago. The bruises lasted longer than I expected and I did ice like mad for the first 48 hours and then on & off over the next few days. I used Arnicare gel & Arnica tabs as well. Who knows, maybe I would have bruised even longer without using these products. Hard to tell. Updated on 3 Sep 2014: Overall I'm very very pleased with everything. I do have a small lump on my right eye incision that I'm hoping the Dr can remove for me. The incisions are very red also. I did have some trouble with the outer edge of my right incision where it opened up a few times and FINALLY the scab just came off about two days ago. I find if I put a little liquid foundation over the incisions, covered by brown eyeshadow, you can't really see anything of the scars. I see the Dr Monday for a followup so I'm planning to ask about scar healing & what can/should I be putting on them. They do look rather thick now but it's not even been four weeks so I'm not too worried at this point. Very strange too, but my permanent eyeliner on MY right eye has come off...? I saw a friend Monday & she sort of looked at me a little funny---I let a little time pass, then told her. She said OMG something looked a little different but I thought maybe you'd done your makeup differently or something?!? Funny---I'm just glad I didn't get the stretched & pulled look that I'd been so worried about! Updated on 3 Sep 2014: Here's the before, again....with today, 9/3. Good Lord I look old & tired in the before!!! Updated on 10 Sep 2014: This is with just mascara on & a little foundation dabbed at the outer edges of the scars. I've also been using the RapidLash stuff to grow my lashes---there's not really any better way to "hide" my scars than with my eyelashes & lots of mascara LOL. Hint: try Amazon to buy the RapidLash. I went to Ulta & it was $49.95. After I opened it I found it on Amazon for about half the cost. (Boo!) Seems to be working too! At my followup (30 days) on Monday, Dr's office said the bump on my right incision will eventually go away. It sits in the fold of my eye so you really can't see it. I'm so happy anyways with my overall results I don't even care, I'll wait it out! Updated on 15 Sep 2014: Hi, has anyone here heard of Emu oil and/or used it to help scarring? I was at my health food store today to ask about something for scar healing and to help take the redness out. The young man told me to try Emu oil. Anyone have any luck or feedback? Thanks.
Wish I could give a negative star. Went here last February for my lips to get done, never asked or wanted to see what I was trying to accomplish with my lips. Never explained anything to me. I had swelling for a week, and 4 knots! After 2 weeks, my lips went back to normal, the size it was BEFORE injections. I called and told them my issue and why I was unhappy( because this isnt cheap) they said it’s normal that the injections don’t stick and lips can go back to normal, and that I would need to pay again to have them redone. Redone? After 2 weeks!? That’s [RS bleep], should have explained that to me before hand so I wasn’t taken off guard. Every single friend I have, never had this experience. Very disappointed
I had this procedure for my sagging jowls.. I don't recommend it for anyone unless you're prepared for lots of pain. They make it sound so simple when in fact it's a major surgery. They don't tell you your ears will be severed almost all the way around. They use stitches that DO NOt dissolve so you end up with bumps all under your skin. They don't tell you you'll have nerve damage around your ears and they treat you terrible if you have to go back and have something addressed that went wrong. After 3 procedures they won't even acknowledge my presence. When you watch the videos prior to the procedure your left with the impression it's only a hour away and you can return to work very quickly. They DON'T tell you everything they will do because if they did, Absolutely noone would sit in that chair awaiting the shots they give you so you don't feel what they do, a bandage goes around your face and when it's removed it's then and only then do you realize this is a major surgery you didnt expect. This is not worth waisting money.. Life Style Lift gone wrong. There will be no compensation or help getting the damage repaired ONLY if you choose to pay anothe surgeon. Go to a reputable plastic surgeon! May cost you a little more BUT they know what they're doing. These doctors are solicited thru the board of medicine and most are ENT's praticing this procedure a few days a week to make some extra dollars with no worries about law suits. They will lie in a heartbeat to save the company from a lawsuit. Believe me. I KNOW.... Updated on 16 Oct 2009: I should add my first procedure was done in February 2008 Again in May 2008 and last in January 2009. There is a lot of nerve damage to my ears and the bumps under my skin will not go away on there own. I will need t have them removed at some point. I'm doing everything possible to get LSL to pay for the damage.
I went in for platysmaplasty and all they did was put 2 stitches under my chin where both sides of it was skin hanging. I am suing them. This was at the Maitland, FL office.
I had the lifestyle lift done January 12th. 2009. I have been told by friends and family that I have aged well, but being 60 years old I did have some areas of concern. My jaw line was no longer firm and my neck was showing definate signs of age. My results were stunning! I have beeen so pleased and would urge anyone who is considering having this procedure to check your Dr.'s credentials. Find out how long he/she has been doing the Lifestyle Lift. Don't be afraid to ask questions, and above all have realistic expectations. I found the staff and Dr. at Lifestyle Lift to be excellent and I would rate them all an A+. The surgery itself took a little bit over an hour. There is some minimal pain and swelling at first which is to be expected. This is a surgical procedure. Having met and talked to other women who have undergone this procedure I did not meet anyone who said they would not do it again, I guess the last thing I would add is to have positive mental attitude about your results and they will be just that, positive! Good luck to all, remember to do your homework and your results will be what you anticipated.
I had been researching LSL for a year. While on vaca/business trip with hubby in Florida I called the main headquarters to see if there was a location near Daytona. I explained to them that I had a limited amount of time. They assured me the LSL Center would accommodate my schedual. Sure enough, they got me in for a consultation in 2 days, and my surgery was in 3 days from then. I was READY!! The previous had year had been a hard one. I was sick for 7 months with continuous testing. B ut mostly the worry was from my new beautiful grand daughter that became very ill, very quickly, and developed bleeding in the brain. my son and his family live in Staton Island N.Y> he is 14 years in the U>S>Coast guard, so they werent close to home. It was touch and go, for a while, then, had to undergo a test months later{when she got big enough to have it] that could have caused her to stroke. Through all our prayers, everything finally turned out o.k. But the stress must have aged me 5 years,during those months. Even my husband gently remarked on how sick i looked and how it showed in mt eyes and my skin. At second I knew I had to do something.Thats when I saw the LSL commercials. O.K. Now, the downside would be, for me was the swelling.Everyone is different, keep that in mind.BUT, I had no bruising.There are pre and post op guide lines you MUST follow.Also great suggestions for help with swelling and bruising.[such as Anaca Montana Gel] and pills. etc. facial massage with vitamin lotion,instructionsfor your incisions,scar gel.I Followed those instructions and took very good care of myself. It was much more than i anticapated BUT, I did not want to know alot of that stuff. i just did what they told me.And everything they told me was correct. YES YES YES I would do it again. I also had my eyes done. upper and lower. I had not planned it but im sure glad I did. The neck is amazing.They recommened LIPO for a more defined and sculped look.Sounded good to me. SO SEE FOR YOURSELF. I have changed my hair. make up is soo much fun again. (it doesnt get into the creases and wrinkles,so i can wear any kind. I love putting imphases on my eyes. As you can see with the after picture.The Dr. said to me "I TOOK 15 YEARS OFF YOUR FACE' SO, What do you think.? I know one thing, my husband is amazed....by the way..he is 9 years younger than me. Can't tell it now!!!!!
Pros are the obvious youthful looking results. the follow up staff was phenominal with their care, but the reception staff at the center was indifferent. Cons come in when unrealistic expectations are not met and this surgery isn't take seriously. You will not do this on your lunch break and come back to work. You will swell, bruise, and be in pain fin the first 24 -48 hours. Take a minimum of 2 weeks off and longer if you bruise easily. Be honest with yourself. It is manageable with medication and enough time to heal, but it is uncomfortable and inconvenient. Take anti-nausea medication UP FRONT. I started throwing up and couldn't take my pain meds for the first 24 hours and was miserable until I got a script filled for nausea at the second day appointment. I had surgery done at age 55 because I looked tired (eyes) and was working on a second chin (jowls and fat). I teach and appearance is a big component for a presenter. I didn't expect to look like a young girl: simply fresher and energetic. At 11 days post op, things are just about where they should be. I wish I wasn't still bruised (cheeks and neck), but the chinline looks great.
I would not use a chemical peel for a birth mark. Depending on your skin color (Fitzpatrick I-V) I would consider IPL laser with the appropriated energy for you skin color. May need more than one treatment however you should see some resolution.
You may want to consider a Platysmaplasty, which is a simple procedure which will slow the process of drooping jowl formation. If your present problem really bothers you you should combine it with a mini-lift which would restore your jaw line and remove the droopy jowls stopping the progression of marionette lines.Both procedures take about 45 minutes to perform.
It would be best to separate the procedures. Although a Face/lower neck lift is done as sterile procedure as is the ear procedure. However there is always some contamination with the lift because we are working in the hairline. Infections rarely occur with facial procedures because of the rich blood supply. Ear surgery or Otoplasty involves working with cartilage with a poor blood supply subjecting it to poor healing and greater chance of infection, therefore it would be best to separate the two.
