POSTED UNDER Neck Lift REVIEWS
Severe Platysma Banding + Eye Hooding - Asheville, NC
ORIGINAL POST
Hi all! I've been so encouraged and inspired by...
rebnieMarch 6, 2018
$6,900
Hi all! I've been so encouraged and inspired by members of RS who've had the Biltmore Lift and wanted to do my part in sharing my journey in the hope it will help anyone else who struggles with similar issues to mine. Feeling that support has been so important to me and I hope it helps you in your decision too. So far, I have a phone consultation scheduled with Dr. Harley later this month. He did see my photos and feels I am a candidate for his procedure so I'm very happy about that. I've also reached out to several lovely women who've told me they continue to be happy with their results -- one to three years post procedure. You can see in the photos that lighting shows off my platysma banding in different ways; none good. I've known about this issue for awhile but only recently allowed myself to really examine it with these selfies (I have to tell you that they, frankly, shocked me - nothing like self-denial). I had absolutely no idea about that flesh toned turtleneck when I looked down until I took the photo. Of course, it's really the straight on shots (those I know people see and have become a part of my features) that Really get me down. Well.... here is my platysma in all it's outspoken glory! Ugh. (I cannot wait until I'm able to post after photos!) (I also plan on upper eye bleph).
rebnie's provider
UPDATED FROM rebnie
Post Phone Consultation
rebnieMarch 30, 2018
My long awaited phone consultation with Dr. Harley was last Wednesday, March 28. Much thanks to RS posters -- because of you I was VERY prepared with an extensive list of questions that I could check off, each categorized by area; Neck, Eyes, Ears, Lips, etc., and other general questions. Dr. Harley (very nice personality) was thorough, clear, and unhurried in answering and I felt it went very well. Some negative reviews (no judgement intended here, I sympathize, it's all quite scary to me too!) caused me a lot of angst prior to that call but, I have to say, it's all for the good because it made me more clearly aware of the potential risks and possible delayed healing that may come with of this type of surgery. Those reviews also led me to research the reasons for why different surgeons choose different techniques; particularly the pre-tragal versus post-tragal incision. (Here is a really good explanation on that decision making process from the surgeons pov -- http://messageboards.makemeheal.com/facelift/yang-explains-pre-post-tragal-incisions-t62692.html). I'm still very early in my journey and will update close to my surgery date.
Replies (31)
March 30, 2018
Good for you for being prepared. Do you mind sharing the questions you asked or point me to the discussions you referred to to prepare yourself. I;ve just made a consultation appointment and it's time for me to get it all together. Thanks.
April 2, 2018
Hi Lilah. I really thought about what my personal issues were (them main issue being my neck banding) The questions below addressed my main concerns and were jumping off points.
NECK
1.To what extent can he correct my platysmas bands? Banding and excess skin - In some patients on RealSelf he goes up the ear and then in towards the hairline to pull up skin laxity - would that work for me?
CHIN
1. Bumps on my chin which I was told are attachment locations for neck bands. Would the bumps be gone after lift.
LOWER FACE
1. Some filler may remain from last September. Will that impede his ability to perform the lift? Facial asymmetry - smile corners move very differently on each side, can this be lessened?
He uses a SMASectomy (imbrication or cutting technique. Not a plication or folding technique)
I don’t have a lot of excess skin on my face.Does that create a higher chance that scars may be raised or widened due to tension?
I have a narrow face without much fat…. will volume be removed from my face with the biltmore lift?
EYES
Almond shape—
1. Lifted upper eyelids in 1999 —shape was not altered.
2. My left eye is more hooded than right.
2.. Lower eyelids? - laxity and puffy but not sure there is enough to merit a lift there. How might he correct tat?
Would he remove fat pads? Would he lift from inside? Would it risk changing my eye shape? Does he use a lower gauge thread on eyelids?
EARS
Will the shape or position of my ears change?
Should I worry about a Misshapen earlobe?, red scarring? I don’t have a lot of excess skin on lower face yet I have a lot of deep rather than fine wrinkles around eyes when smiling --would that be lessened or exaggerated more post BL?
LIPS
1. Upper lip lacks symmetry and is thin what does he recommend?
2. would he recommend lip lift to fix it?
3. How to address puffy areas just next to both corners of my mouth?
SKIN CONDITION
1. Used Retin A for 20 years so no wrinkles but have many small red broken capillaries from rough exfoliation. — Does he have or recommend laser to get rid of broken capillaries?
2. Should I worry about filler injections I had (April 2015, July 2015, Dec 2015, Sept 2017)
3. Fillers left me with more fullness in lower face, will that be corrected.
4. Do they have a laser for broken capillaries?
PALSEY - RISK? HOW GREAT?
Post surgery — other patients mention bumps and dents under skin and suggest they are under skin sutures — do those self dissolve? How do the lumps resolve themselves?
NECK
1.To what extent can he correct my platysmas bands? Banding and excess skin - In some patients on RealSelf he goes up the ear and then in towards the hairline to pull up skin laxity - would that work for me?
CHIN
1. Bumps on my chin which I was told are attachment locations for neck bands. Would the bumps be gone after lift.
LOWER FACE
1. Some filler may remain from last September. Will that impede his ability to perform the lift? Facial asymmetry - smile corners move very differently on each side, can this be lessened?
He uses a SMASectomy (imbrication or cutting technique. Not a plication or folding technique)
I don’t have a lot of excess skin on my face.Does that create a higher chance that scars may be raised or widened due to tension?
I have a narrow face without much fat…. will volume be removed from my face with the biltmore lift?
EYES
Almond shape—
1. Lifted upper eyelids in 1999 —shape was not altered.
2. My left eye is more hooded than right.
2.. Lower eyelids? - laxity and puffy but not sure there is enough to merit a lift there. How might he correct tat?
Would he remove fat pads? Would he lift from inside? Would it risk changing my eye shape? Does he use a lower gauge thread on eyelids?
EARS
Will the shape or position of my ears change?
Should I worry about a Misshapen earlobe?, red scarring? I don’t have a lot of excess skin on lower face yet I have a lot of deep rather than fine wrinkles around eyes when smiling --would that be lessened or exaggerated more post BL?
LIPS
1. Upper lip lacks symmetry and is thin what does he recommend?
2. would he recommend lip lift to fix it?
3. How to address puffy areas just next to both corners of my mouth?
SKIN CONDITION
1. Used Retin A for 20 years so no wrinkles but have many small red broken capillaries from rough exfoliation. — Does he have or recommend laser to get rid of broken capillaries?
2. Should I worry about filler injections I had (April 2015, July 2015, Dec 2015, Sept 2017)
3. Fillers left me with more fullness in lower face, will that be corrected.
4. Do they have a laser for broken capillaries?
PALSEY - RISK? HOW GREAT?
Post surgery — other patients mention bumps and dents under skin and suggest they are under skin sutures — do those self dissolve? How do the lumps resolve themselves?
April 2, 2018
Wow. Fantastic questions. You were really prepared. Hope Dr Harley was able to answer them to your satisfaction.
April 20, 2018
What marvelous research and preparation you did! I’d like to hire you to help me decide whether to go forward with a neck lift!
April 2, 2018
Hi,
I just had my upper bleph, lower facelift with restyle around the nasal labial and marionette lines, and neck lift with lipo on March 20, 2018. I want to let you know the I am ECSTATIC! Not only did I have a 100% pain free surgery, I woke up in the middle of it, and had a nice conversation with Dr. H. and Kelly his assistant. I didn't feel any pain or discomfort at all. My Boyfriend took me to the hotel after the surgery and I slept much of the day again no pain, just had to loosen the compression bandage a bit around my chin and then everything was good enough for me to put away a bowl of chicken noodle soup from Panera (delicious) and two slices of pizza (I know we should avoid salt but I had cravings and my boyfriend indulged me. I slept propped up without a problem and the next morning had my bandage and drain removed. Both Dr. H. and I were very happy with the results. I had zero bruising although my cheeks and under the chin area was swollen which is no big deal because I just wrapped my knit scarf around my neck and head and went to explore Asheville with my boyfriend. 2 days after surgery we drove to Charleston SC about 3 and a half hour drive and took a 90 minute "haunted Charleston" tour through the city and graveyards, it was a blast. WE stayed at a comfy airbnb in Charleston and the next day we toured the Magnolia Plantation, ate like piglets because the food in the Carolinas is amazing and drove back to Asheville. The fact that it was always either raining or snowing or just very cold in Asheville was great because I could keep my neck and swollen cheeks under a nice woolen scarf and also cold weather is better for healing swelling than humidity or heat. I am not a good rule follower and didn't do any of the things the other ladies swore by. I had no icing masks, I used a bag filled with ice from the hotel ice machine wrapped in a towel and no smoothies, or lotions, special pillows, I only bought the medic tape at the local CVS and the Arnica Montana (5 teeny tiny pills under the tongue 3 times a day) which I barely remembered to take once a day. I had my stitches removed on 3/27 and headed for the airport back to Los Angeles. I have been getting less swollen and the numbing is less every day. My friends have been coming in droves and are amazed at how good I look without looking like I had surgery. I will be posting pictures soon, although I want to wait until at least a month post surgery so my Real Self ladies who read reviews as voraciously as I did can have a better picture of the progress. Don't worry and anything, I can tell you from personal experience that in my 60 years of various medical procedures including 2 C-sections, 2 sinus surgeries, 5 trigger finger surgeries, 2 carpal tunnel surgeries and last year ankle reconstruction which was pain beyond belief, this was less fuss and zero pain than a tooth filling.
April 2, 2018
hello !! please keep me posted on your healing - I would LOVE to see pics and I am having a little bit of a challenge navigating this website and staying on top of everyone’s updates :) TY - You have made me so excited to do this !! I’m so ready !
April 2, 2018
Hi Lilah117
Im not sure if you are dressing me about questions I asked the doctor during our phone consult, but I will answer you anyway. I'm overweight and my main concern was if I lose weight would that impact the results of my surgery. He said if it's no more than 30 to 40 pounds it should be OK. I also worried about the upper bleph because I read one woman having issues with her eyes not closing. I have no problem with the eye work that Dr. H. did it came out gorgeous. He had to do a revision of a botched up job by Dr. Alice Song in L.A. who ruined my eyes. Dr. H. is very realistic and honest about what you can expect. Just be realistic and optimistic and you will be extremely happy with your results and the care you receive with Dr. H.
Im not sure if you are dressing me about questions I asked the doctor during our phone consult, but I will answer you anyway. I'm overweight and my main concern was if I lose weight would that impact the results of my surgery. He said if it's no more than 30 to 40 pounds it should be OK. I also worried about the upper bleph because I read one woman having issues with her eyes not closing. I have no problem with the eye work that Dr. H. did it came out gorgeous. He had to do a revision of a botched up job by Dr. Alice Song in L.A. who ruined my eyes. Dr. H. is very realistic and honest about what you can expect. Just be realistic and optimistic and you will be extremely happy with your results and the care you receive with Dr. H.
April 2, 2018
Thank you so much for posting details of your experience. It helps me, and I think it will help anyone reading about it. Also, I'll follow you as you update!
April 9, 2018
Hi
The day you had your phone consultation with Dr H, I had been at a 6:15am appointment with him....
And I am so so soooo happy with the results.
The day you had your phone consultation with Dr H, I had been at a 6:15am appointment with him....
And I am so so soooo happy with the results.
April 14, 2018
This is so good to hear. Thank you! I’ve been following your updates, which I think are wonderful! —results id be very happy with. My date is in 2 weeks—a little nervous but also excited . I’ll update and may reach out in a pm to you.
April 14, 2018
Oh how exciting, I'll follow you then I can keep up to date with you, feel free to pm me any time
Amanda
Amanda
April 14, 2018
Thank You!!! I’m sure I’ll have questions as I go through things. I’ll definitely be in touch!
April 14, 2018
Rednie, Have you seen lifeisbetterafter40's review? She used Lisa at Care Car & highly recommends her and her home and said it was cheaper than many lower priced hotels!
April 14, 2018
Thank you for the info, Lynn. My big day is in 2 weeks ( yikes). I almost went with Lisa but because I was waitlisted and also because I may try to drive home early (alone-8 hours- is this idea completely crazy? please l me know ). A nurse friend could remove stitches at home, all that ambiguity about timing made me go with TLC. Susie, the owner, has been so wonderful on the phone and is flexible and assured me excellent care, before, during, and after. I heard that Lisa is also excellent and has her own apartment, which sounds great! I’m happy there are such great choices to choose from.
April 14, 2018
Yay! Exciting!! How early is early? I was feeling great by the 3/4 day but turning might be a bit difficult. Glad you have someone that you like. Just thought I'd mention just in case.
April 14, 2018
Lynn, if I remember correctly, you didn’t have eyes done-right? With eyes I’m not sure if it’s a different recovery schedule? That’s what I’m told though- takes longer? Really appreciate you remembering me and reaching out with info. Hey, I’m confused by posts that mention hard checks. Did you have that? How long did it last? Assuming it went away, if you did? —I just want to be sure my expectations are in check. Your results are so gorgeous— posts Like yours keep me steady!
April 14, 2018
I had an upper bleph too but other than the tape being on the stitches and not being able to wear contacts for 7 days, it was a non issue. Not sure what you mean by hard checks. Glad to hear & thank you!!
April 14, 2018
haha - no never had hard cheeks. had a bump that turned into a bruise in front of my ear on the right side but nothing else - not under my chin either as some have had.
April 15, 2018
I don't know about 8 hours and driving yourself, I couldn't of driven , not only that Dr H told me that while being driven home on day 3 , That I had to not be looking left and right twisting my neck, but to just look forward!
April 15, 2018
Thanks....have no idea how my body will react. I like the possibility that hard cheeks aren’t a certainty though.
April 15, 2018
Hard cheeks....
I have hard cheeks, but not the whole cheek, just in front of my ears, the area he worked in, I also have it under the chin too, hard and numb, but it's starting to soften now, and tingle as the inside starts to heal.
I'm now on Day 17
I have hard cheeks, but not the whole cheek, just in front of my ears, the area he worked in, I also have it under the chin too, hard and numb, but it's starting to soften now, and tingle as the inside starts to heal.
I'm now on Day 17
April 15, 2018
So, if I have that I’ll be very interested in how long it takes yours to soften to where you don’t think about it anymore. A month or two, I’m guessing.
April 15, 2018
Oh, okay, thanks! That helps. Susie from TLC also didn’t recommend an early trip home with me driving or even plans I had to tour Ashville and the Biltmore Estate. She said, espically bec I’m getting upper bleph as well, that her advice is, to rest and heal. Makes sense, I guess - to keep swelling down at the beginning (with lots of ice applied ).
April 15, 2018
My scars are still a bit scabby, but I can tell you, they look GREAT, I think Dr H was a Tailor in a previous life, I'll post pictures once the scabs fall off... Sounds delightful doesn't it lol
The worst part of this whole thing for me has been Sleeping on my back, I got a wedge, but should of saved my money, because a few pillows work just as well!
2nd worst is.... Sodium is not your friend... LOL
If I was something too salty, which I try not to and always have a low sodium diet, but even the slightest sodium, you will know, as for me, things feel tight, being my ears, under my chin, it feels like Simone is tieing my bonnet tight LOL.. it's not painful or anything, it's just a little bit noticable.
The worst part of this whole thing for me has been Sleeping on my back, I got a wedge, but should of saved my money, because a few pillows work just as well!
2nd worst is.... Sodium is not your friend... LOL
If I was something too salty, which I try not to and always have a low sodium diet, but even the slightest sodium, you will know, as for me, things feel tight, being my ears, under my chin, it feels like Simone is tieing my bonnet tight LOL.. it's not painful or anything, it's just a little bit noticable.
April 15, 2018
I plan on going back, definitely! to get my upper & lower bleph
I hardly iced.. I know I know, I'm a terrible patient!
I hardly iced.. I know I know, I'm a terrible patient!
UPDATED FROM rebnie
Time is near!
rebnieApril 14, 2018
My surgery date is in 2 weeks. I’m not sure how I’ll feel when I get bandages off but will try my best to show the healing process as it happens. Eating lots of pineapples and blueberries, of course. Drinking my last glass of wine as I write this. As so many have stated, through the generosity of RS posters sharing their ups and downs, I was able to make my own personal decision feeling that I’m making the best decision I could make. Thank you.
Replies (4)
April 19, 2018
Hi Rednie, hope all is well and can't wait to hear about your experience. Your weather should be amazing there and it is sooo beautiful. The mountains ... 3 Billboards outside Ebbing Missouri was filmed partly in Black Mountain very close by if you're feeling up to taking in the sights.
April 21, 2018
Rebnie, you are just around the corner. It is an exciting time, but can also be scary. I predict you are going to be very happy...it sounds like you are prepared, plus you are going to be in the best of hands with Dr. Harley. Looking forward to following your recovery!
Replies (26)