POSTED UNDER Lip Lift REVIEWS
I'm 40! (Time to rejuvenate)
ORIGINAL POST
I had my virtual consultation with Dr. Rodriguez...
$3,200
I had my virtual consultation with Dr. Rodriguez today for a bullhorn lip lift. My philtrum is like, 20 mm long and it's always bothered me. I didn't even learn about this procedure until last week, and since then I've done extensive research on it. I also have researched doctors and patients' before/after photos, and hands-down I know who's the best in town to perform this procedure. I researched Dr. Rodriguez's credentials and bio. He's studied abroad to learn new techniques, he's a long-time medical professor, and he's an expert in lip lifts. I didn't know until my consultation today that he may be able to improve my Cupid's bow! I'm so looking forward to booking my appointment soon.
BellaButterfly's provider
Replies (39)
April 5, 2016
exciting.....how much are you taking off?
April 5, 2016
Well I'm not sure yet, but I know I definitely won't have the 1.0 to 1.3 cm "ideal" philtrum length. I'm hoping to get to 1.5. Dr. R stated he'd rather be conservative bcz we can always do a revision and take out more, but we can't go put length back in if we remove too much. We have to determine the exact length in person, just before surgery.
April 6, 2016
Your lips are nice and full, I think they will look great! All the best! :) Read up a lot on it
February 14, 2017
Thank you for a lovely compliment, Summerlym :)
I ended up taking too much time researching, because it's been almost a year and I am just now getting around to scheduling my surgery. I will upload post-op pics in a few weeks when I go through with it.
I ended up taking too much time researching, because it's been almost a year and I am just now getting around to scheduling my surgery. I will upload post-op pics in a few weeks when I go through with it.
April 6, 2016
I'm from Baltimore and Live Dr. R's work. He is a teacher and student. Studying and teaching some of the best techniques!! Saving now for my LIPO
February 14, 2017
Hi Kelco,
Yes, I also read his bio and am really impressed. After meeting him and our consultation, I wouldn't trust anyone else to do work on my face. I feel very fortunate to have found him.
Yes, I also read his bio and am really impressed. After meeting him and our consultation, I wouldn't trust anyone else to do work on my face. I feel very fortunate to have found him.
April 7, 2016
Was the consult via skype?
February 14, 2017
Hi Metalux,
Sorry for a replying so late! I'm not sure if you are still wondering, but we did our consultation via FaceTime on iPhones, but yes, if I recall correctly, Skype was the other option. He wants to meet in person the day prior also, just so he can assess in person.
Sorry for a replying so late! I'm not sure if you are still wondering, but we did our consultation via FaceTime on iPhones, but yes, if I recall correctly, Skype was the other option. He wants to meet in person the day prior also, just so he can assess in person.
UPDATED FROM BellaButterfly
9 months post
Finally getting around to it!
Happy Valentine's Day Everyone!
I haven't been on here in almost a year, and am deeply apologize for the delay in responding :(
I actually have not yet had my surgery. It is scheduled for next month, on March 8. I don't know why I chickened out last year, because this feature still bothers me. I am looking forward to it, and have only a tiny bit of apprehension.
Now I wish I would have maintained contact, you all are so supportive! None of my friends or family know that I am having this procedure, so to log back in and read all of your encouragement makes me feel very connected.
I will keep y'all updated, and will start to reply individually (if anyone is still out there and interested in my case, LOL).
Valentine Hugs!
BellaButterfly
I haven't been on here in almost a year, and am deeply apologize for the delay in responding :(
I actually have not yet had my surgery. It is scheduled for next month, on March 8. I don't know why I chickened out last year, because this feature still bothers me. I am looking forward to it, and have only a tiny bit of apprehension.
Now I wish I would have maintained contact, you all are so supportive! None of my friends or family know that I am having this procedure, so to log back in and read all of your encouragement makes me feel very connected.
I will keep y'all updated, and will start to reply individually (if anyone is still out there and interested in my case, LOL).
Valentine Hugs!
BellaButterfly
Replies (5)
February 15, 2017
Good Luck. I think you will have amazing results. I had some hypertrophic scarring so be sure to ask doctor about that. Sometimes early laser treatments at the 4-6 week mark help if you are prone. Looking forward to your after picks.
February 15, 2017
Wow! Thanks for the tip!! I've not heard of that but I'll be sure to ask and have a contingency plan (and budget) for scarring.
February 15, 2017
Congratulations on your decision to move forward. I've been considering a lip lift for quite some time and will be anxious to see your photos and updates. Thanks for posting.
February 17, 2017
Good luck. Having balanced features is the key to beauty. You may also want to ask around about whether you could see an improvement with a chin augmentation. These two procedures (lip lift adn chin) can make a dramatic difference.
UPDATED FROM BellaButterfly
10 months post
Jitters
Well, I'm a few days pre-op and was forced to tell my sister because it turned out that hiding during recovery will be unavoidable. She's supportive, but in a way that was like "It's whatever that would make you happy" and "Sister, It's your face."
I don't really have reservations about going through with it, because I have researched this procedure for over a year and I have the best surgeon available, who has pioneered his technique. I do, however, imagine anyone would have a bit of jitters, because we all are hoping for a positive outcome when we start cutting into our faces.
I hope the result is subtle enough that only I notice it. I really don't want a drastic change.
I don't really have reservations about going through with it, because I have researched this procedure for over a year and I have the best surgeon available, who has pioneered his technique. I do, however, imagine anyone would have a bit of jitters, because we all are hoping for a positive outcome when we start cutting into our faces.
I hope the result is subtle enough that only I notice it. I really don't want a drastic change.
Replies (13)
March 4, 2017
Hi Bella, i understand completely. When i told my family i was getting rhinoplasty they were not that supportive my sister cried because she was worried i would have a bad result or be unrecognizable. Although they didn't necessarily support my decision they came over to take care of me after surgery. I am also scheduled for the 8th and i am more excited than scared. I didn't tell them about the lip lift , I'm praying for a good result for both of us!
March 4, 2017
Thank you Happi! Yes, I will pray for both of us also. I'm also likely to get rhinoplasty and chin augmentation next year, so I really appreciate your supportive words.
March 6, 2017
Hi bella, 2 days to go and i have a cold and mild fever. I was sent home this morning and will take tomorrow off. I am determined to get this surgery done! I have been drinking tons of water , orange juice and chicken noodle soup. I also have a heating pad on my chest and the humidifier going. Wish me luck!!! This surgery is happening! I turned 40 a couple years ago and i decided to get everything done i had always wanted. I say go for the additional surgeries they are definitely a self esteem booster.
March 7, 2017
Yes Sister GET WELL SOON!! You are almost there, and a stinking cold bug has the nerve to attack you! Smh!
Thank you for encouragement. I will check on you in a couple of days, and hoping we'll still be post-op healing partners :)
Thank you for encouragement. I will check on you in a couple of days, and hoping we'll still be post-op healing partners :)
March 7, 2017
I just spoke to my ps office and they told me it was ok as long as i dont have a fever, which i don't anymore. So i am SUPER EXCITED. One more day. My surgery is at 7am. What time is yours?
March 8, 2017
Mine starts at 10:30 am. My pre-op was very positive, Dr. R said I have very good expectations and he expects good results.
I measured 23 mm and we're going to 17 mm. Neither of us wanted to push that number, and we can reevaluate in a year or two after I get braces and get them off, and perhaps the rhinoplasty/chin augmentation I mentioned before.
I'm feeling pretty good about my decision. I am also feeling good for you too! I'm so glad you won't have to reschedule. I'll continue to keep you in protective prayer.
I measured 23 mm and we're going to 17 mm. Neither of us wanted to push that number, and we can reevaluate in a year or two after I get braces and get them off, and perhaps the rhinoplasty/chin augmentation I mentioned before.
I'm feeling pretty good about my decision. I am also feeling good for you too! I'm so glad you won't have to reschedule. I'll continue to keep you in protective prayer.
March 5, 2017
It's probably normal to feel a little anxious, but you have done enough research to know what you want.
I have decided to not tell anyone (except husband of course who is being supportive). I'm hoping for a noticeable improvement and am back and forth between 6 mm and 7 mm but will know more when I talk to the doctor. The reviews here have been very helpful.
The science is settled for me, a shorter distance between upper lip and nose is aesthetically pleasing. My braces and extractions changed my face and I will just be putting my lip back where it was.
Hope everything goes well for you, sounds like you are making an informed decision.
I have decided to not tell anyone (except husband of course who is being supportive). I'm hoping for a noticeable improvement and am back and forth between 6 mm and 7 mm but will know more when I talk to the doctor. The reviews here have been very helpful.
The science is settled for me, a shorter distance between upper lip and nose is aesthetically pleasing. My braces and extractions changed my face and I will just be putting my lip back where it was.
Hope everything goes well for you, sounds like you are making an informed decision.
March 8, 2017
Yes I agree that a more proportional philtrum yields softer, more aesthetically balanced features overall. And you're also right that I have definitely done enough research and have given myself about a year to reconsider. I still come up with the same decision to improve this feature and become a better version of myself.
Similar to you, I have also decided on shortening my philtrum by 6 mm. My PS says that is a realistic goal, and we both agreed that it was neither too aggressive nor conservative, considering my facial structure.
So I guess the "science is settled for me" as well. Thank you for that reassurance. Meanwhile, I'm sending lots of encouragement and desired outcome vibes your way! Keep us posted <3
Similar to you, I have also decided on shortening my philtrum by 6 mm. My PS says that is a realistic goal, and we both agreed that it was neither too aggressive nor conservative, considering my facial structure.
So I guess the "science is settled for me" as well. Thank you for that reassurance. Meanwhile, I'm sending lots of encouragement and desired outcome vibes your way! Keep us posted <3
March 12, 2017
" I'm hoping for a noticeable improvement and am back and forth between 6 mm and 7mm..."
Your words are helping me keep from being a shrinking violet, and giving me courage to be bold in the face of change (no pun intended)! Why shouldn't I hope to receive compliments after undergoing a beautifying procedure? Like, I'm not broadcasting that I'm having facial surgery, but what fun would it be if noone notices that I have a newly acquired je ne sais quais?
Thank you for sharing your courage.
Your words are helping me keep from being a shrinking violet, and giving me courage to be bold in the face of change (no pun intended)! Why shouldn't I hope to receive compliments after undergoing a beautifying procedure? Like, I'm not broadcasting that I'm having facial surgery, but what fun would it be if noone notices that I have a newly acquired je ne sais quais?
Thank you for sharing your courage.
March 8, 2017
Hi Bella, thinking about you. Hoping your surgery went well.
March 8, 2017
Hey Happi, I love my new face already!! Almost the whole time during the procedure, I kept praying for both of us, calling you by name (well, by handle-name but God knew who I was referring to. How did your surgery go? How do you feel about it at this stage?
March 8, 2017
Hi Bella, Yayyyyy, i am so happy that you see impovememt already and thank you for the prayers. I am so thankful that you went through with the procedure. I don't have alot of swelling ,but my lip is aching! I took my pain meds, but i don't think their working. I definitely feel good about my decision ..my nose looks like bozo lol! but i feel good about my decision. Do you have any pain? How does your nose look? Bella... WE DID IT!!!!
March 9, 2017
YES WE DID!!! My nose has become wide enough to park two 18-wheeler Mack trucks side-by-side each other, but other than that I only have moderate swelling, today moreso than yesterday because I suddenly look like a turtle from the side.
I still feel pretty though! I won't look like a big-nosed turtle for long, LOL :P
I still feel pretty though! I won't look like a big-nosed turtle for long, LOL :P
I am finally getting it done this year, in a few weeks. Hoping for a great result.