51 Yr Old Lower Face/Neck Lift, Upper Blepharoplasty, Lower Lid TCA Peel- Dr. Harley - Asheville, NC

I first noticed signs of lower face aging at 49. Now at 51, I have significant neck banding and laxity (with a weird "crater" thing in the middle of my neck) with lower face jowling and have decided to look into getting a lower face and neck lift. I did hours of research and had consults with several local plastic surgeons, but nothing felt right. One wanted to do a lot of filler (Bellafill) along with a lower lift, another wanted to to do the lower lift without a corset platysmaplasty because he "didn't like chin scars." What?!! Loose/lax platysma muscles are my main problem, so that was a big "no" to that guy. Thankfully, I came across Dr. David Harley who practices in Asheville, NC. After reviewing his training, credentials (double board certified, by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology!), patient reviews and his incredible before and after photos, I knew he was the surgeon for me. Added bonuses are he uses local sedation and only does facial work. I filled out an intake form and sent in my photos (yuck!). Dr. Harley called me a few weeks later, answered all my questions and it was decided I was a candidate for his Biltmore Lift (lower face/neck lift) and surgery was scheduled for November 2. I flew into Asheville on November 1 and had my in-person consult with Dr. Harley. He was very personable, answered all my questions and was up front about realistic expectations for outcomes. During this consultation, I elected to also get an upper blepharoplasty and a 30% TCA peel to my lower lids. Needless to say, at this point I was very confident in proceeding with Dr. Harley.
The next morning I arrived at his office at 6:15 am and was greeted by Dr. Harley and his wonderful nurse Kelly. I signed all the consent forms, took the cocktail of pills (Valium & ATX), pictures were taken and then I was escorted to a big comfy chair. By this time I was really relaxed. I remember him injecting my face. It didn't hurt, just felts like little sticks and then I was out. Next thing I remember is getting into the car and going back to the hotel. That afternoon I slept most of the day. The only pain I had was bilateral lower jaw pain, bottom mandible... that was pretty uncomfortable until I took the pain meds.
The next morning I went back to Dr. Harley's and the compression wrap and drain were removed (did not hurt). I returned to the hotel and pretty much just took it easy and iced all day. I will continue to update as I continue to heal.
As an aside, I want to thank those who have posted reviews and so generously shared their experience, especially with pictures ... all have been very helpful to me and I'm sure to many others.
Also, my "before picks" are from the cheeks down because I wasn't sure if I wanted to publish full face pics. However, since I had a blepharoplasty, my post procedure pics will be full face.

I finally am able to post pictures from my phone. Here are the painful "befores." The neck is a lot of real estate around the face and I think the laxity and banding in that area really aged my appearance Also present is lower face jowling.

The last several days have flown by. I have continued to take it easy, mainly watching movies and reading. My energy level is definitely diminished, however, I have gotten out several times for walks (only had a rental car the day I arrived) and that has been enough activity for me. I am in awe of the gals who have gone out sightseeing and been more active during their recovery... that most certainly has not been in my stamina zone. I have had some post procedure discomfort, nothing terrible. At first it was mainly bilateral lower jaw pain and lateral neck aching starting below my ears. Once the compression head wrap was removed PO Day 1, the lower jaw pain disappeared. I have continued to have lateral neck discomfort, along with a tight feeling under my chin, but that has easily been controlled by medication, first two days with Hydrocodone, now just with Tylenol. My incisions are healing well. My "sideburn" incisions look great, very fine, perfect suturing by Dr. Harley! The incisions in front of my ears, below my chin and lateral upper lids are covered with silicone tape, but as far as I can tell, look very good. The incisions behind my ears and in the back are not as good, kind of bumpy and a source of discomfort. I believe that is not uncommon so I am trying to be patient while I heal. Not surprising to me, despite doing the pre-procedure Arnica montana, eating pineapples and blueberries (ad nauseem, I might add), bromelein, low Na diet, hydrating and icing/using cool packs, I still managed to swell and bruise impressively. My cheeks were swollen by PO day 1, then I developed swelling around my ears, my lateral neck and under the chin. I iced religiously the first three days, which I think minimized swelling, now I ice just for comfort. I have discoloration/ bruising behind my ears that extend somewhat down my neck and scattered light yellow areas in various places on my face, neck and chest, subtle, but can be seen in some of the photos I am going to post... not pretty, but not terrible either. The upper blepharoplasty and lower lid TCA peel have been a total breeze. My upper lids are a pretty shade of purple, but lightening in color already. I have had no pain, minimal dry eye and no vision problems. I already love how my upper lids look! My lower lids are a kind of pinky/light brown from the peel, no discomfort, keeping aquaphor on the area around the clock, slight peeling just started today. I was initially going to have a full face peel, but weanied out... now kind of wishing I had done it. I am going to keep on cruising until this Wednesday when I get my stitches out (YAY!), then fly home on Thursday.