I recently had a MACs facelift. I did a lot of research prior to actually booking the procedure and reading several testimonials. I am extremely pleased with the results and the recovery time was very precise. It is the best decision I made and it has restored a youthful look. In considering a MACs facelift, I was very apprehensive due to the amount of bruising and swelling I would experience. To my surprise, it was exactly what I was told, roughly two weeks to see most of the bruising and swelling to subside. My neck was still yellow and my cheeks but a scarf and a bit of cover up make up made it presentable to go out in public.
So here is the start of my experience. If you've read my posts under the mini TT category you know this has taken me a while to reach this point! I'm just in the middle of my first ok procedure. So far so good. It did hurt a bit at first. A mix of stinging and burning. Right now it's more like a dull sting. I'll write more once I get home later... Updated on 27 Apr 2015: The massage following the procedure hurt. My abs were very sore to the touch. I went for lunch with my daughter and things were fine. I was sore, but ok. I took a nap as I was tired and sore. When I woke up I felt ok but when I tried to stand, ouch! It's as though Gravity was pulling everything down and the weight caused a lot of pain. I had forgotten I'd read about compression helping so I went to WalMart and got a couple pairs of compression shorts. Medium compression-THEY HELP. Things don't feel pulled down which causes less pain. I did a lot of research but missed the part about more pain when you've had the large applicator applied. My abs hurt and are very sensitive but I'm trying not to take any pain meds if I can help it. Going to bed now (wearing my shorts) I'll post more tomorrow. Updated on 28 Apr 2015: Things are moving along pretty well I think. Turning over in bed hurt a bit so I used a small throw pillow from the couch to add some support which helped. I got up feeling ok, had a shower and vacuumed the house today. No major pain just tenderness. Accidentally leaning against anything was like getting a jolt! Very sensitive! I spent the rest of the day relaxing in the sun. Wore my shorts all day and plan to for the next few days as I'm definitely swollen. I go back to work on Friday and will be working a double (psw) so I'll try to rest up as much as I can Updated on 28 Apr 2015: Updated on 28 Apr 2015: Updated on 29 Apr 2015: So far so good. Still swollen. Very numb and have had a few pinching pains. No intense sharp pain whenever I accidentally lean into something, just little ones. I've trained myself to strike the 'butt out' pose now hahaha! I keep reading reviews and I'm getting scared that the stabbing pains I read about might start soon!! Maybe I should stop reading :) Updated on 30 Apr 2015: Today was a pretty good day! Had a new sensation that started all of a sudden last night-ITCHING!! Wow! Couldn't really even gently rub the area coz it's too sore and sensitive :( More pinching today too. All fairly manageable but the itching can drive one a little nuts after a while. NOT COMPLAINING at all tho! I know it could be so much worse. The most surprising thing to me is how similar these feelings are to what I experienced after both c-sections. First day/night back to work tomorrow. Keeping my fingers crossed! Updated on 2 May 2015: Ouch pretty much sums it up. LOTS of pinching, burning and tenderness. REALLY uncomfortable, doesn't matter how I sit, stand or lay. I hope this doesn't last too long :( Updated on 3 May 2015: I thought today started out pretty good pain-wise until I started to move around a bit. After the pain I had from working a double (needed an ice pack and Advil (defeating to me as I don't like taking meds) to get through the night and enable me to sleep) I decided to stay home today. VERY glad I did. It'd be great if I could lay or sit all day and not move but we all know that's not very realistic is it? I'm normally pretty good with pain but when it doesn't seem to let up I start to feel despair :( I know, be patient. I'm trying.. Updated on 4 May 2015: MUCH better day today! Still hurts but more tolerable pinching and some burning. The swelling is gone and I actually didn't wear my shorts today. Gentle Massaging helps a lot. I think I'll wear my shorts to work over the next few days just to be safe. I think I'm finally getting through the worst :) Updated on 6 May 2015: I can honestly say I'm feeling 90% better!! Still tender with a mild numbness and a few jolts here and there. Swelling is gone and I 'think' I can see and feel a slight reduction. I sure hope it continues coz this teeny bit isn't enough for me to do it again so I'll try to be patient :) Updated on 6 May 2015: I had time before going into work so I thought I'd post this. Updated on 6 May 2015: Updated on 6 May 2015: Updated on 7 May 2015: Ok so I'm not sure if it's because I worked midnights last night and slept most of the day today but I had next to no pain today!! It's still tender (especially if I lean against something) and numb but NO pinching or sharp pains! Yay! :) Updated on 12 May 2015: Updated on 12 May 2015: Updated on 12 Nov 2015: First off, I'll tell you this hurts more than the first time! I have 25 mins left. It hurt pretty bad when the applicator was applied and since then it's been a mild burning pain. I'm toughing it out. I asked why it hurts more this time and was told it could be the tissues. There isn't as much fat as there was the first time. Makes sense. That's what I was thinking. I guess you just can't ever totally be prepared. I'll be throwing my compression shorts on when I get home for sure!! I'll keep you all posted! Updated on 14 Nov 2015: So here I am a few days later. I've kept my compression shorts on and nothing major yet. No real intense pain or agony. It's very sensitive as before and it's starting to itch now. I have this week off work so I'm hoping if it does get rough at least I can rest. I'll keep you informed... Updated on 16 Nov 2015: Started last night, the nerves have awakened. Lots of burning and pinching. I'm trying to ignore it but it keeps reminding me it's there lol Updated on 19 Nov 2015: Ok this was definitely not this bad the first time! Last night was almost unbearable! I'm back at work today and keeping busy helps but the pain is still there and almost as strong. I really don't know if I'll do this again. I took 2 Tylenol last night and after an hour I took another coz there was zero improvement :( Updated on 29 Nov 2015: Still sore and tender. A LOT of itching but this time it's surface itchiness. I'm really wondering something. It really burnt this time. So much so that even applying my hot/cold bean bag thingy over top my thick polar fleece pants burnt so badly I couldn't use it. What I'm wondering is, the skin in that area is damaged (I have a lot of stretch marks and it's very lax) and I think the extreme cold may have damaged it further. There is no outward signs but maybe it's underlying. I know the itching indicates healing but I wonder if it's healing from the burning or if it's shrinking. I'm thinking the former. I'm keeping it moisturized well in any case. Oh well, we'll see...keep your fingers crossed for me!
I had the full adominoplasty on August 14, 2013 and am 10 days post op. I chose Dr. Weiglein because he had worked on my son's face when he had a ski accident and he had great results. There was a time in my schedule which allowed me to be bedridden with no responsibilities mid August until mid September. I took this opportunity and made an appointment with Dr. Weiglein. He advised that I would require a full adominoplasty with lipo on the sides. I booked the appointment, without really realizing the "pain" associated with the procedure. I had a drain and pain pump connected to me. They were both removed on Day 5 po. After reading alot of others experiences on real self, I realized how great my tummy tuck is. I know things can change but so far so good. I'll post photos when I get them. Updated on 26 Aug 2013: At my visit with the doctor today, I had my stitches removed. Everything is healing nicely. These photos are of me 12 days po. The first week of recovery is really a blur now. I wish I had of done this earlier... Updated on 1 Sep 2013: How time flies while surfing RealSelf. My photographer leaves for university tomorrow, so I needed him to take some photos for here. I like how I can compare the previous photos with these, I highly recommend the new patients to do the same. I am far more active, but know when to take it easy. Overdid it on Friday, and paid the price yesterday. Big Time, alot of tightness in my stomach, couldn't get comfortable, etc. But woke up today feeling refreshed and back on track. I have always had an athletic shape ( ie no waist) but could never get rid of the stomach particularly the part above the belly button. So I am thrilled with the result. The scar is puckered etc, my doctor told me it was on purpose and each pucker disappears as the healing progresses. My back occasionally reminds me that it is sore, but that's closer to bed time anyways. For those who don't know who to tell, in the end I told my parents the night before. My parents aren't the type to come down to care for me, but I was afraid I would get the "why would you pay all that money....." which I didn't get it, a nice surprise. I "confessed" to my girlfriends in NJ before I move to NYC, because I am going to see them soon, and if they see me now and I said, "oh, I dieted" they would call bulls##t in a heartbeat. They are happy and jealous at the same time. As my husband lives in NYC and only comes home on weekends, it was my kids who were the superstars in my recovery. They walked the dogs, brought me soup, etc. My girlfriend across the street, got the phone call the first time I saw my scar and I said "what did I do to myself" and questioning my decision. (a very bad day) But 5 days later when I walked across the street to show her, all she said was "It was worth it". I need to thank who ever termed it the Frankenbutton, I love that nickname. Updated on 15 Sep 2013: Well I guess I'm close to a month and a bit PO. I moved to NYC this past weekend. I was dreading the drive 8 hours, but took a few breaks and somehow managed quite fine. I will post pix of stomach when my husband is home to help, I'm so tech adverse. I have had no real swelling or seranomas ( touch wood). My scar looks good. I know this is still considered early days of recovery but I hope it continues like this. My PS said I didn't have to wear a binder after my last appt. I was wearing it for support, but realized when I was driving to NYC that it was really uncomfortable and causing me discomfort. I took it off adn I haven't worn it since, and that was 4 days ago. I've read that some PS's advice is to wear a compression garment for a longer duration, and some PS advise you don't have to. I suggest you go by what your PS advises. The tightness in the stomach is still there, but very dull compared to early days. It reminds me to stand tall. This is THE best thing I have ever gifted myself..and my husband is reaping the rewards! Good luck to everyone on their journey, as this really is one.
This doctor only cares about money, when I tried contacting his office for my concerns he didn’t care, when I went for second opinions that told me his word was a disgrace and the scars he placed on my breasts were improperly done, he brushed me off and told me the only way I would see him is if I supplied the second opinions to him, which I wouldn’t out of respect of other doctors. What a disgrace!
I wanted my sad eyes gone and he reassured me a brow lift would do it but not my eye are bad hanging over my eye led worst than before surgery I am still hopeful he will fix this ! I hope he reads this and understands how hurt I am he has pushed me off as he has Please help !!!
I wanted to not look sad because of my lids where sagging and under eye Got talked into brow lift I trusted him and went ahead. the result was a big disappointment. My lids are no different and maybe worst. Explained I had allergies. he understood and told me the sagging could be fixed with the brow lift I think pictures say it all. the stress of spending all this money and not feeling any result! I trusted him and now he will not do anything to help me.which was my biggest disappoint he blames the sagging on my allergies.the loose skin on my lids is not my allergies. Can anyone help?
Booked this doctor after doing about 2 years of research and talking to people I know that have used this surgeon and couldn't be happier. I had originally booked with a different doctor to have this procedure done over a year ago but other things were going on and I had to cancel. Bummed then but seems to have been a blessing in disguise. 2 weeks today is surgery day. I have done my pre op with my family doctor and all is good. Blood work happens today. I am a mom of 2 kids (7 and 2) both breastfed for almost a year. I didn't have huge breasts before them but they were nice and I was happy with them. I never would've thought I would ever be doing this. However they have left me completely flat. No saggy breasts which is good since i won't need a lift too. , I feel I'm all nipple with a tiny bit of breast tissue. I work out 5 days a week and decided to do this as it is something that no matter how clean/good i eat, and workout that will never change. I really just want to be proportionate to my body. I do have broad shoulders, and right now I'm in "off season" so I'm about 10-15 lbs heavier than usual. I have booked with Dr. Weighlein of Burlington, ON. He was so professional, witty, and knowledgeable. Made me feel very comfortable, and my husband too. We both wanted to be confident in the doctor doing this. We are going with 485cc gel, under the muscle. He will also be reducing my "breast feeding nipples" at the same time :) Updated on 10 Jan 2017: Had my pre op yesterday and confirmed size. 485cc moderate profile We changed it from my consult which we had thought we were going to go with 605cc HP. Quite a difference I know but I believe the 485 mods will get me more of the look I'm going for. I even put both sizers in my shirt before seeing the dr yesterday and passed him in the hall on the way to the mirror and asked him which one (without him knowing what I had in my shirt) and right away without hesitation said the one that had the 485. This confirmed it for me and makes me feel so much more confident in the size I picked. 8 more days to go. Very excited but am dreading the time away from the gym. I will prob go back after 10 days off and sit on a stationary bike or something at least. I don't want to fall too far out of routine so at least if I go, that will make it not so hard getting back full time like I usually go. If anyone can suggest helpful items to pick up ahead of time please share. This site has been so helpful, I appreciate everyone's feedback! Updated on 13 Jan 2017: Anyone else's doctor not want you to use a post surgical bra?! I have no problem with it as he want them to freely fall into the pocket with no restrictions. I will get a band for on top but no bra. Anyone else? Updated on 16 Jan 2017: Updated on 20 Jan 2017: I had my surgery Wednesday (it's Friday now). They were late getting started due to an issue with another patient. Was hard for me not eating anything from midnight and wasn't in till about 4pm. Everything went super well and nurse mentioned they look great already and I will be very pleased. Hope she's right! Anyways we got home and my husband made sure I was comfy and taken care of. My poor kids were clueless about what was going on :( we told them since. Was in a lot of pain last night but slept well considering. I did have a scare though. I got up to use the washroom in the night while my husband was up and on my way there I fainted and smashed my face on the closet. Luckily he was close and caught me and laid me down. I'm ok but it was freaky for both of us. Last night I slept much better and am working on cutting out the pain meds. Anyone else feel like they are bruised all thru their ribs?? Updated on 20 Jan 2017: Updated on 20 Jan 2017: Updated on 21 Jan 2017: Anyone else feel like their back and ribs are bruised? I'm 3 days post op and am so sore. Stopped pain medication yesterday morning and don't want to take more if I don't have to. Just curious if this is normal Updated on 29 Jan 2017: Update photos Updated on 29 Jan 2017: Some progress pics Updated on 29 Jan 2017: Updated on 4 Feb 2017: Updated on 22 Jul 2017: 6 months almost to the day I had a BA revision (on Monday, it's Saturday now) I had bottomed out on my right breast and pocket was too tight on left and it never dropped properly. Healing and recovery has been much smoother this time around and in way less pain. I gained 5 lbs within 6 hours of surgery due to water retention again but not as bad as the first surgery. I went there for 1pm as scheduled but didn't get in and on the OR table till 3:25pm. Done at 4:55pm I noticed a difference from my first surgery and my revision, which I think may be the reason for the error etc and needing a revision. With my first surgery I didn't get marked up while awake, it was done after I was out. Perhaps this is why the error occurred....was marked prior to this one though. I go in Monday for my 1st post op apt. Currently wearing a surgical bra 24/7
I can hardly wait to get these giant bags out of me. I miss my flat chest. Lost myself when I decided to get these things in. Can't wait to be back to myself again. They are beautiful, however, they just aren't me. If you are trying to decide on getting them, be sure to be happy with yourself, and make sure you are in a very stable place in your life. Sometimes we make decisions based on the emotional stress we are feeling, and even though sometimes it works out, sometimes it doesn't. My walk changed since these c cups are in. I became less confident with these. I'm a small girl, and went from a to c. I miss me. Updated on 28 Jan 2016: BREASTS ARE GONE AND IM SO HAPPY. I feel lighter and sexier. The end.
I am 60 years old and have done more diets and diet pills to lose weight which i am not a big frame just have a big tummy and so hate it . I have spent thousands on pills and diets and spanx to make me look like i did even ten years ago, lol, like i may as well try this and it better work...... Will keep this up dated staring OCT12/13 Updated on 12 Oct 2013: Well i am here and started my 1st 1 hour. Wow it was cold then-the pain which is nothing so far. The large one is working while i lie here typing. 3 hours of this to go. I think i have posted this twice. Updated on 12 Oct 2013: On 2nd hour is pinching a little more then then front of tummy Updated on 12 Oct 2013: All good the last hour was the same as the 2nd hour home now tender tummy still very cold. But it is good. In 6 weeks i go back for pics Updated on 13 Oct 2013: Not so bad i have some bruising on lower tummy. Very tender but still ok. Cooking turkey for Thanksgiving. So all good Updated on 20 Oct 2013: 4th 5th 6 & 7 day hurts burns but still hopeful
I have ample experience using the Halo hybrid laser, and it is highly likely that patients with olive skin will see PIH (Post Inflammatory Hyperpigmentation) following their treatments. This is common with all lasers or energy treatments. Knowing this is why pretreatment of the skin is crucial to minimizing PIH. Ideally, you would have begun using the hydroquinone several weeks before your treatment. I also provide a post-procedure skin care kit to all patients to help manage these aspects of recovery. Your dark spots should begin fading soon but may take up to a year to fully resolve. Remember to stay out of the sun or wear a quality, broad spectrum sunscreen.
Many patients I see ask me this very same question. As others have already mentioned, the difference between ablative and non-ablative lasers is the depth of treatment. Ablative lasers strip away the top layer of skin, providing significant improvement in only 1 treatment (usually). This comes at a cost of more downtime. Non-ablative lasers target the deeper layers of skin, involve less downtime, but require multiple treatments. The Halo fractional hybrid laser that I use at my practice is rather unique in this regard. It's really the first treatment that treats both layers of skin in a single pass. It is excellent for treating the conditions you mention, and I encourage you to find a qualified plastic surgeon who offers this treatment.
Light- and laser-based treatments won't cure active acne, so you may see additional breakouts after a laser procedure. Laser treatments may temporarily worsen acne, but they can ultimately be beneficial for many patients. Combining light and heat energy improves the appearance of both active acne and acne scars, which are treated deeper in the skin.
Great results, minimal number of treatments, as little downtime as possible. Each laser skin resurfacing will be a bit of a trade-off between those 3 variables. Fraxel is an effective laser, but I offer the Halo hybrid fractional laser because it enables me to customize treatments, so patients don't have to choose between great results or more downtime. I consider it a real breakthrough when it comes to laser skin resurfacing treatments, especially if IPL treatments didn't work for you.
There is no definitive answer to your question, because each patient's skin condition and needs are different. Total FX is a fractional CO2 laser that can be effective, but you will likely require multiple treatments. I use the Halo hybrid fractional laser, the first and only laser to combine 2 laser wavelengths in a single handpiece. That allows me to adjust the treatment's intensity based on the patient's cosmetic goals.
