The procedure itself didn't hurt much at all. I had the "small" procedure at my doc's recommendation. She also will not do a second set of injections for 8 weeks, so my hope of looking better through the holidays and my upcoming 60th birthday are dashed. Anyone who tolerates botox/fillers won't be surprised.
But I was surprised by several things: 1. on the phone I was told most people do fine with one treatment. but when I got there the doc told me I might need four!. 2. the price is $1500/treatment so do the math and it might just be more cost effective to have a lower face lift. 2. the doc's nurse had the treatment and told me it had a tightening effect on the loose skin, but the doc said that wasn't the case and I might need laser or other procedures to tighten up loose skin. 3. the post treatment pain and swelling! I feel like I have an giant, painful tire under my chin and it has caused great embarrassment (thank goodness we've had some cold weather and I could wear a turtleneck to a couple meetings) and discomfort.
It's well over two weeks now and it still hurts, though the swelling is going down. At this juncture, I am completely disappointed in the procedure and in myself for not doing enough research in advance. Had I thought this through, and known how long the pain and swelling would last--and thought through the costs--I might have just had a lower facelift as that may be necessary to get rid of the sagging skin anyway.
I have really good skin for my age (almost 60)--but I don't think this procedure is a good solution for someone in my age bracket with slower collagen production, etc. I am slathering on the hylauronic acid and other moisturizing creams in hopes the skin will bounce back, but am not hopeful. Have photos and will post soon.
Updated on 10 Dec 2015:
it's been 20 days now. Certainly no improvement. Still have swelling. Pain. Keep moisturizing like crazy every night. Stri-vectin neck cream, hyalauronic acid, etc. I fear my I will just be relieved that the swelling from the procedure is gone but that I won't see any improvement--and will be seriously questioning the value of the 2-3 more procedures my doctor says I will need (plus thermage).
Updated on 10 Dec 2015:
People have asked for photos. As embarrassing as they are to me, I want to share so you can evaluate whether you think this procedure will work for you--or if you want to look like this for a month.
Updated on 21 Jan 2016:
I still have some limited pain right under my chin but almost gone. I don't think anyone will see any difference in the before and after photos. But shooting photos from this angle I did notice some sun spots I hadn't noticed before....
Updated on 12 Feb 2016:
Really it's been within the last 2 weeks that the last of the pain and numbness ended. Finally.There's still a tiny spot right under my chin that still feels funny. Now comes the decision whether to go for the second treatment (and two more months of feeling like a freak) or just going for a lower facelift. I see the photos of the people who've had the Biltmore Lift and am so envious.