Lower Face/ Neck Lift - Amherst, NY

I am almost 4 weeks since I had my lower facelift and as I have not had any other plastic surgery, have nothing to compare against so my comments are simply based on what I have read online from other experiences. I chose Dr Shatkin because he did a similar procedure on someone I know and after meeting with him felt comfortable based on his many years of experience and as he has done this specific procedure hundreds of times ( approx once per week since starting his career).

I had met with a doctor in Toronto that had very good reviews and he had only done approx 15 - 20 facelifts. As well, Dr Shatkin performs this procedure using twilight anaesthesia which was also appealing to me as it carries less risk. Dr Shatkin provided me with a lengthy list of instructions including foods and supplements/drugs to avoid of which I followed to the letter.

I was given an oral sedative and fell asleep promptly after the IV was injected and awoke when he was finishing up the stitches but didnt feel any pain at all. I awoke fully a few hours later to have some soup, a smoothy and some pain killer. I returned to the clinic the next day to have my bandage removed and returned home where I washed my hair (briefly and gently). I spent most of the next week in bed and though I wasnt really in pain (i only took the pain meds for 3 days as they made me nauseous), I was uncomfortable and very tired.

Some of my stitches and staples were removed after 5 days and the rest after 10 days. I returned to work after 12 days and really should have booked off another week. I was still somewhat swollen and very tired. Only one person commented ( what did you do for your vacation? you look so good, so young!) so the swelling wasnt that obvious but it made me very self conscious? Also my neck and face was so tight so I couldnt move normally, like I had a stiff neck. I am now almost 4 weeks healed and started to exercise a couple of days ago (lightly) which has made me feel better.

I am still sleeping with my head elevated about 30% as I feel a bit swollen and heavy in the jaw in the morning. My incisions are barely visible at this point and I could even wear my hair up loosely. My skin around the perimeter of my face ( in front of my ears) is still numb but tingly and itchy so I believe it is healing normally. I think he did a great job.

I am now almost 2 months since my surgery and my while I am still numb around my ears and tight around my neck (hey, tight is what I wanted right?) everything is back to normal. My facelift is not something that I even think about except when I am cleaning my face or applying cosmetics. I have met up with friends twice that I havent seen in a long time and both were commenting about how good my skin looks - glowing, younger. I think Dr Shatkin did a very nice job and strongly recommend him.