53 and Still Believe in Miracles… - Asheville, NC

Let me start my story with a fairytale I read when I was a girl.
A certain king grew old and his eyes began to fail. He heard that in the end of the Earth there was a kingdom with a magic garden. There were apples of youth and a well with the water of life. If an aged man ate one of those apples he would grow young and if a blind man’s eyes bathed with this water, he would see again…The long story short - even hundreds years ago people including males ? dreamed about being younger again…and I am not an exception!
In the XXI century those miracle apples and water of life are reality. Now we call it more casual as plastic surgeries and LASIK but nevertheless it is still miracles! Just a few years ago plastic surgeries were prerogatives of the rich and famous and now it’s available for most of us. There are hundreds of plastic surgeons offering facelifts and my job was to choose the best for me.
I narrowed my research to Dr. Harley in Asheville, NC. He is a Board Certified Surgeon who specializing only in facelifts. All his before and after photos look very natural and his patients are very happy with their results. And finally, Dr. Harley, Juanita, and Kelly are very attentive and caring people.
I had my surgery on April,13th at 1300, the next day after Txann and MMMcKenzie. I had a pleasure to meet both of them in the morning after their wrap was taken off. I saw their happy faces, which helped to lift my spirit greatly.
During consultation we discussed my wish list: neck and upper bleph. I asked if I needed a lower bleph and he said no but when I turned to talk to my husband he said he noticed “the crepes” at my eyes. It was agreed beforehand that if he felt it should be done that he would do it. It was done and it looks like he made an excellent decision
A few words about my surgery or whatever I remembered. After taking a “cocktail” of drugs, Dr. Harley drew his markings on my face, did a few anesthetics injections and started the procedure. I remember SoutherSister mention it was very painful for her but I could feel only pressure to my face but no pain or anxiety. I guess we all have different levels of pain tolerance. I remember answering questions about my kids and after that nothing.
When we came home about 5pm, my husband said that I look like mummy, I took another set of pain/antibiotic/nausea meds and slept happily till 11pm and then 5 am. The next morning I slept almost till noon and then we went to see Dr.Harley at 1pm to remove my head wrap after surgery. He was very pleased with results and I was surprised to see my neck the first time…I don’t remember having such a skinny chin ever! but cheeks like a chipmunk…I know it’s temporary, can’t wait till it gone
That evening I didn’t take a pain medication any more but only Tylenol.
On Saturday, we officially started our mini vacation and enjoyed the ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway, but this is going to be another story…

Here are some photos from days 1 and 2 which I forgot to include in the previous post, however they all came sideway. Sorry girls. Hopefully I can correct it shortly.

Day 2 and 3 were not remarkable. As I expected there were swelling and bruising but NO PAIN. What a great surprise! I felt like I hit a Jackpot. There was a short end of the suture in my left eye that kept poking me right in the corner of the eye and irritated me a lot. I got a small piece of silicone tape and attached it to the eye lead and it solved the problem. The whole face felt tight , hard, and warm, but not uncomfortable at all…just weird.

I am a side sleeper so I was afraid to go through withdrawal and not to be able to sleep at all. To solve this issue my husband tucked me in a lot of pillows on each side (so I can't turn) and one under my knees to keep it slightly bent. He asked me where do I want a pea? LOL This was my first experience of being a princess. I hope this trick would work for you too. I usually don't sleep well in a new place but the last three night I slept like a baby and woke up just once per night. Beds in this rental house are very comfy!

Today is day 4 and I don't see too many changes. My bruises are turning yellow in some places. I still have hard time to chew hard food and open my mouth wide enough. However, there are plenty of soft or liquid delicious and nutritious food out there. I cooked soup, cause I like it for lunch, and blend fruits and protein shakes for other meals. Jello and puddings are good for snacks.

Yesterday, my hubby and I went for a ride on the Blue Ridge Parkway. (Of course, I brought all my meds and ice packs with me). According to Wikipedia it is a National Parkway and All-American Road in the United States, noted for its scenic beauty. The parkway, which is America's longest linear park, runs for 469 miles (755 km) through 29 Virginia and North Carolina counties, mostly along the Blue Ridge, a major mountain chain that is part of the Appalachian Mountains. We visited Mount Mitchell State Park, the highest point east of the Mississippi River, and returned back. I made a few pictures for my son and co-workers as an alibi of having a good time …which is totally true! It was a great day!
Today, my hubby has a mild migraine, so we stay home. I am going to seat on the porch and watch birds and wild turkeys. the property is located on 2 acres and is very private, so I don't need to worry about people bothering me here. If tomorrow he will feel better, we plan to visit Biltmore Estate. Yeah, almost forgot to tell you. Tomorrow, Txann and her friend are coming to see Dr. Harley to remove her stitches,so we are going to have girls night out :) Hopefully MMMcKenzie will joint us too for a celebrities photo shoot.

Kat1963 asked me about the detailed price of my expenses and here they are:
Neck and mid faced lift-$6400 (CC or checks are accepted)
Upper and lower blepharoplasty$2900 and $2600
Airfare form Salt Lake to Charlotte $408 or $430 to Asheville, we chose Charlotte because the overlay was 4hr
Rental car x 8 days approx. $500 (you could use Uber ( or taxi) on a day to day bases, it’s much cheaper, but my husband preferred a rental car to explore the area as it’s a mini vacation for us too)
No EKG, X-ray, blood work as you don’t have anesthesia therefore much less risks.
anesthesia-$0
Garment is included
I didn’t hire TLC, which is approx. $500 ??? per the first 24 hr, as my husband took take of me. The second day you will not need any help at all
VRBO rental house $130/per night X 8 days
The house has two bedrooms and easily can be shared with another surgery buddy if someone would like to share the cost. I saw some studios for $95-105 but it was not private enough for us.
"Friendly" asked about Costa Rica as I did research on tat too. Here is the detailed cost in Costa Rica ( a quote from Lauradenaley1)
Doctor - $6500 (paid in cash)
Verdeza - $2080 (paid in full charge, 16 days@130)
Unibe clinic - approx $2000, can be charged
Misc expenses:
EKG - $100 cash at pre op visit
Chest X-ray - $90 cash at pre op
Blood work - $180 (insurance paid most)
Extra taxi rides- approx $100
Lymphatic massage therapy 5 visits @$55- $275
Garment - $60
Airfare from Newark - $500