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Absolutely Thrilled With My Results - Dr. David Harley, Asheville, NC

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I truly cannot begin to express my satisfaction...

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centgirl
WORTH IT$6,400
I truly cannot begin to express my satisfaction with Dr. Harley, his staff (Juanita and Kelly) and the results I have seen from the procedures I had performed on May 29, 2015. Anyone considering having a neck/lower face lift should do themselves a favor and have a consultation with Dr. Harley regarding his Biltmore Lift. I sincerely believe you will be impressed with his knowledge, skills, and his delightful demeanor.

I am just a bit past 2 weeks out from surgery. In addition to the Biltmore Lift, I had an Upper Bleph, some fillers injected into deep facial wrinkles and a 30% TCA Chemical Peel. I am extremely pleased with everything I had done.

The most difficult thing regarding having these procedures done was THE WAIT. I swear that was the LONGEST 6 weeks I have ever endured in my life! I contacted Nananna (another person who has posted on Real Self who is a patient of Dr. Harley). After Nan reached out to me, she somehow settled my nerves a bit. She has been my Surgery BFF. I'm going to declare Nan as Ambassador of Asheville.

I have never written a review in my life (not even to get a discount on Amazon). There are 2 reasons why I am writing this one. First, I truly want to highlight the skills of Dr. Harley. He is absolutely OUTSTANDING. His skill is excellent. His patience is unending. I'll use three words to describe Dr. Harley: CALM, CARING and CAPABLE. The second reason I am writing this review is to thank EVERYONE who posted a review before me. It was ALL of you who, by taking the time to document your experiences, who enabled me to summon the courage to pick up the phone and call Juanita at Dr. Harley's office to make the consultation appointment.

This is a very quick review. I have had so many private messages. So many that I will have a difficult time trying to return each one with answers. My husband and I have documented my progress with a high definition camera. I am technologically challenged and will need his help in uploading the photos. That will have to come later. Please be patient. I went to great lengths to give everyone what they wanted. No makeup before or after. Pictures were taken each day until the stitches were out at 10 days. The photos are what everyone (especially you Grace) has requested. Facing front (up close with eyes open and closed), both side views. The same lighting and camera was used for each photo. We even tried to position my head as close to "same" each day. We also tried to take the photo at the same time each day which was upon awakening. In this way, swelling would be portrayed as accurately as possible. One thing for you to remember when I post the pictures...remember I had a Chemical Peel. I looked totally different than someone who did not have a Chemical Peel (A&D Ointment and all). BTW.....I think I've enjoyed the results from the Chemical Peel more than anything....it was INCREDIBLE.

I will answer questions if you post. I will be honest and fair. I have tried to keep an "open mind" regarding Dr. Harley. I did not want to start our relationship with any preconceived opinions. I have to say, however, that I would feel confident to challenge any of you to walk out of his office at the 2 week post surgery mark to not feel as if you were truly fortunate you made the decision to choose this skilled surgeon to do your surgery. Photos later...I promise.

centgirl's provider

David H. Harley, MD

David H. Harley, MD

Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

4.9 | 335 Reviews
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centgirl

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Replies (26)

June 16, 2015
Thanks for your input. I am looking forward to your photos.
June 16, 2015
Couple of ques...are there different strengths of peel offered and i've always seen 35% as the standard TCA~ was this intentionally a weaker solution? Did you feel AnyThing during the procedures- any awareness of sensations, smells, cutting etc? At 2 weeks is the peel healed? And finally ( but never really finally with me :) will you disclose your age and the total cost of all procedures? As always, tks- grace.
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June 16, 2015
Hi Grace: I will turn 58 this month. Yes. There are different strengths of TCA Peels. I believe 35% is the deepest. Since this was my first Chemical Peel, Dr. Harley did a 30%. I did the preliminary preparation of Retin A and Hydroquinone for approximately 4-5 weeks prior to the Peel. To be 100% honest, the Retin A and Hydroquinone was much more difficult for me than was the actual Peel. The Retin A and Hydroquinone created an annoyance of redness and slight peeling as well as itching. I was grateful to hear I had to stop using these products one week before surgery. No. I felt ABSOLUTELY NOTHING during the procedure. NO awareness of sensations, smells, or cutting. I did have an in-and-out "awareness". It was never disconcerting nor scary in any way. Yes. At 2 weeks the peel is healed. I will look back at the pics to make certain, but I'm pretty sure the entire peeling process was over at day 10. I will have my husband take a picture tomorrow. In that way you can see the scars and stage of bruising and the effects of the Peel. I will be removing my silicone strips tomorrow and replacing them. The silicone strips work the same as Mederma for scarring. The difference is convenience (and cost). The first ones were placed on Sunday. I have not had to put anything on the scars since Sunday. In my opinion it beats the heck out of spreading cream several times per day. I will say one thing about the TCA Peel. I would imagine that most people prefer to have this done while somewhat sedated and numbed. It was obviously the last procedure performed. I swear to you, once it is applied, it will wake the dead! THAT is why Kelly stands there holding a fan and offering words of encouragement. So, no one had to coax me into waking. The burning sensation was short lived...but the effects from the peel are FANTASTIC. Did I answer all of your questions?
June 16, 2015
Total cost?~ the posted one is just the Biltmore lift, right? And on the peel, I guess it follows after the eyes....so one minute you feel nothing as eyes are being stitched up and then the TCA solution is applied and you really feel that burning?
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June 16, 2015
I don't have a clue in which order things were done. The reason I made the comment that the Peel must be last because I swear I could have been dead and I would have noticed the initial sensation. My attempt at humor. As for prices, I think I remember the Upper Bleph was $2,600. The $6,400 was the Biltmore Lift. You will have to ask Juanita about the others. The fillers are priced by how many vials he uses. I only had a few lines filled. I'm unusual, but I like my laugh lines.
June 17, 2015
thanks for all the info....appreciate it, grace
June 17, 2015
Thanks for sharing. Like Grace, I'm interested in seeing the peel - along with the other photos. All the best to you!
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June 18, 2015

So glad you are pleased! Thank you very much for sharing on RealSelf.

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June 19, 2015
I'm so glad it went well!
UPDATED FROM centgirl
2 months post

Update on My Biltmore Lift - Asheville, NC

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centgirl
Hi Everyone: I have had several private messages asking about how I am doing. So I thought I'd post a quick update. On Friday it will be 6 weeks since my surgery. First I will update the 30%TCA Chemical Peel. I still LOVE how my skin looks and feels. I do want to emphasize that this was my first peel. I think if I had it to do over, I would have worked up to the 30% TCA. In hindsight I would start with some lighter peels. However, I am still glad I had it done. I will mention to everyone that you might want to consider having a peel more toward the winter months. I am not a big "outside in the sun" kind of person, so it hasn't affected my lifestyle; but if you like to garden, etc. you need to realize that strong sun and 30% TCA Chemical Peel do not mix.

My darling husband has been working SO HARD trying to get the pictures online for all of you. He bought this fancy camera which takes beautiful pics. He has successfully uploaded the photos to his iPad. Now we have to admit that old people shouldn't try new things. Every time we try to access the photos we get a message about iCloud and lack of storage! Aarrgghhh! Guess we either have to dig out the laptop or call the Apple Store for a crash course in iCloud.

My eyes are really doing well. I'm very pleased. If anyone is interested in the dry eye issue...I will tell you my experience. We all remember little Lane who never posted again after she proclaimed she had blurry vision from dry eye. The reason I had the Upper Bleph is because I have a disease called Fuchs' Corneal Dystrophy. Since 2010 I have had had 3 cornea transplants, two corrective refractory surgeries and 2 cateract surgeries with lens replacement. So I feel like I'm the Queen of Eye Surgery. Actually the reason I needed the Upper Bleph so badly is because of all the surgeries. I haven't seen my eyelids in years! For those of you who choose to have upper eyelid work, you will know from your research that there is a chance of blurred vision due to dry eye. Please know this is NOT permanent. I've lived with dry eye for years. There are remedies. I know ALL the remedies. I'm also The Queen of Dry Eye. So do not fret. If you need tips, contact me.

My recovery from the necklift is basically unremarkable. Dr. Harley did not continue the peel anywhere near my suture line. Consequently my bruises and the line of demarcation from the peel were basically in the same place. It has actually given me a good reference point for seeing the results of the peel. My scars are healing beautifully. I have been using the silicone strips on them. In that way I haven't had to use the Mederma. One last thing...I didn't become addicted to the pain medication. I only took a few pills. However, I am HOOKED on A&D oIntment and Aquaphor. One would think I would be one large pimple while using this. Quite the opposite.....smooth, clear,smaller pores and a healthy glow. I am now hooked on peels. I have an appointment with an aesthetician in a couple of weeks for a consultation on maintaining this beautiful new skin.
Hope all have been having a good summer. If you have questions, please ask. Again, to ALL who wrote a review before me...THANK YOU....I am so pleased with my results so far.

Replies (23)

July 7, 2015
Thank you so much for the update! Can't wait to see your pics!
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July 8, 2015
We are working diligently Makeitup. I hate to use a cell phone for pictures because the high definition photos are SO DETAILED. Time will tell.
July 8, 2015
Tks for the update. Was there any concern with doing eye surgery given your history. And why do you think working up to the 30% would have worked better? And is it necessary to get under the care of a dermatologist post TCA peel with reg maintenance or is that something you feel is best? Looking forward to pics :) grace
July 8, 2015
Yes please post pictures would love to see them!!!
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July 8, 2015
Hi grace: no there was no concern about having the Upper Bleph due to my other eye surgeries. My cornea specialist is in Indianapolis. I had already contacted him prior to scheduling the Upper Bleph. He actually was going to do it for me when I returned for a re-check. It is a common thing for transplant patients to need an Upper Bleph. Just imagine how many times my eyelids have been over-stretched for long periods of time. My cornea specialist had a few pointers regarding my dystrophy which he asked Dr. Harley to consider. Dr. Harley had NO problem following protocol (no egos involved). That is one of the reasons I am so fond of him. Humble, kind and compassionate doesn't even come close to describing all of his attributes.

As for the peel....I'm not sure why I think that. Maybe it's because I'm that type of personality. I like to take things in stages. I asked Dr. Harley how often I could have the 30% TCA. HE said "You could have another one now, but I think you should maintain with Retin-A for awhile." I really didn't like using Retin-A (Remember I had to use it for at least 4 weeks before the peel and be off of it at least a week before having the peel).

As for the dermatologist being a necessity after the 30% TCA....No. I don't think it would be a necessity. I went to this guy because Dr. Harley recommended the Medical Spa associated with this particular Dematology practice. In order to go to the Medical Spa, one of the Dermatologists have to refer you. Actually (cute story) the Aesthetician I see turned out to be the daughter of one of the ladies who wrote a detailed account of her experiences with The Biltmore Lift. She is the one who wrote THE story which helped me decide to call for a consult. Small world.

I can promise one thing....I'm going to do everything I can to keep the beautiful effects from this peel. I know I've said it before....but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the results from the peel.
July 9, 2015
Centgirl, it sounds like the TCA peel was the icing on the cake for you! What did you not like about using the retin-a before the peel?
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July 9, 2015
Keely: I used both Retin-A and Hydroquinone for 4 weeks. The hydroquinone was awesome. I had some tiny age spots and they started becoming lighter in just 4 weeks. Then the Peel took them away. Gone. The Retin-A made my face dry, it itched, flaked, turned red and overall made my life an uncomfortable nightmare. The Peel did none of that. It was totally peeled within 10 days. For about 4 days I had the most incredibly soft pink baby skin. It took away under eye wrinkles! That's why I'm scheduled with the Aesthetician Dr. Harley recommended. I do NOT want to lose what has been started with this peel. You were right about having to keep out of the hot sun & using the big floppy hat. I even bought a Battenburg Lace Parasol (love it). So, yes....the TCA Peel was awesome!
July 12, 2015
Was the TCA peel applied to your entire face and what was the cost for that? Did you have to apply anything to your face afterwards ?
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July 12, 2015
Yes, the TCA Peel was applied to my entire face. Dr. Harley left a respectable margin between the sutures and the Peel. The price was $800. I started using A&D Ointment on my face once the bandages came off and the drain was removed the day after surgery.
July 12, 2015
Did he do it or was it applied by his staff and at what point did you feel comfortable going out in public ( due to the peel)? Thanks!!!
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July 12, 2015
Dr. Harley applied the Peel. Kelly, held the fan. I was completely peeled within 10 days. I was pink for maybe 5 days beyond that. I'm sure I could have put makeup on at that point, but truly was enjoying my husband waiting on me hand and foot! Ha!
July 12, 2015
You said how much you like the peel results mentioning the fine lines under eyes being gone. Do you feel that all of your swelling of deep tissues is completely gone or could both swelling and the peel be creating the improvement?
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July 12, 2015
Grace, I honestly don't know the answer to that question. I can offer a guess.....my guess would be that I would HAVE to have some underlying edema. For a short time (not long enough) I do believe that swelling affected the dark circles under my eyes. But those little devils made sure to come back. I suppose the swelling did what fillers should do....take away the hollows which, consequently, take away the dark circles? I still love my peel, though!!!!
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August 1, 2015
Would also love to see your results! From my experience, the only way I could upload was from my lap top. I would email them to myself, download to the hard drive and then upload from there. Great to hear you are pleased with your results!
January 26, 2016
what happened ?