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POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS

Facelift at 53, "Because I'm Worth It" (Of Course)

ORIGINAL POST

I need a new face, because I've started a new life...

0female0
$5,057
I need a new face, because I've started a new life. The old sad face goes with the old sad life. To the Matmos with it! ;)
I'm 53, have always been in good shape but took a severe beating after divorce and breastcancer, operations and chemo in 2014, and much more horribleness. I've always felt selfconscious about my deep nasolabial lines but the sagging cheeks and jowls seem to have appeared overnight. (?!) That, plus the neck and chin, UGH, and the heaviness that has gradually installed itself on my lower face. It's become rectangular. Enough is enough.
After reading hundreds of reviews I have settled on Dr Oelbrandt from Belgium. He comes with excellent credentials, and while we haven't met in person yet, I am soon going to have my first Skype consultation with him.
I wasn't sure if I wanted to post a review here because I feel uncomfortable putting up photos of myself, but I've drawn so much encouragement and support from what I've read that I think it's normal to return to the community what it has given to me.
I hope to get some encouragement along the way... because I know I'm nervous and prone to worrying and scared to be a bother. So here I am, uploading the first few photos pre-op. Enjoy!

0female0's provider

Bert Oelbrandt, MD

Bert Oelbrandt, MD

Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 152 Reviews
PROFILE

Replies (14)

October 9, 2016
Hi there. I applaud you. I'm 42 and in the same type of situation. I looked great just a few years ago. Then some hard, sad times with lots of crying (destroys your face) and now I'm hating seeing my own face in the mirror. You can move on with your life to a large degree, but if your face keeps reminding you...

I was happy to read that you are doing something about your unhappiness with your appearance. I applaud you. I am doing the same, but am working on selecting a surgeon. Dr. Hamra in Dallas seems promising. I wish you all the best in your quest and hope you continue to share how it all progresses.
You are still stunning, btw... but if you are not happy- best to be doing something about it, I say! We reupholster our couches and get body-work on our vehicles. Why go around with a face that does not illustrate how we feel on the inside?
October 9, 2016
Hey Pretty, thanks! Yes, crying destroys our faces, as if it's not enough already; add insult to injury.

Just my thoughts. Why is it okay to redo the facade of your house, but not your face? Anyway, after browsings the thousands of photos here I don't think it's such a big deal either; it's not all that invasive. I've been through 8-hour microsurgery in 2014 (among other operations) so I know what it's like. These two small incisions don't compare.

I will update, promise. I have one month to go and I'malone; have to travel 2500 km to Belgium... just another hurdle.

I wish you much success too! Hope you find the best surgeon for what you have in mind!
October 9, 2016
i think you look absolutely fab as you are but of course its how YOU feel :) Best of luck! x
October 9, 2016
Thank you alicemo! You're all much too kind. x
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October 12, 2016
Congratulations on your decision. You'll look even more beautiful than you do now. I can empathize with your situation. I too went through a life-threatening illness and other traumatic difficulties. It does take a toll and menopause only makes it worse :( I wish you all the best and look forward to following your journey.
October 12, 2016
Thank you so much! It's good to feel the support here.
October 13, 2016
You look fabulous so pretty
October 13, 2016
Thank you, so kind.
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October 15, 2016
You've had a lot going on in your life. I hope you have good support pre and after surgery. Looking forward to your updates!
October 16, 2016
It's exciting. I'm still rocking to and fro, but have finally seen and agreed to the 'model' of the consent form and received pre-operation instructions, so I guess I'm ready to go. Ticket has been booked couple weeks ago. :)
19 days to go. Exciting.
UPDATED FROM 0female0
25 days pre

couple more photos

0female0
A couple more photos taken in daylight outside with some distance from the mirror. Makes for a more realistic angle. While they're not as ugly as the selfies with forward facing camera, you can still see what bothers me.

Am supposed to Skype with Dr. Oelbrandt in an hours' time. Better get going!

Replies (2)

October 9, 2016
Hallo Ofemale,
how did your skype consultation go? What did Dr Oelbrandt suggest? I think you look great, but I can understand your issues. What procedures would you like, just a lower facelift?
October 9, 2016
Hi Britannia, thanks for replying! I just had my Skype with him. He's straightforward, doesn't mince words. He suggests a facelift with Dan Baker technique, and a partial necklift. A full necklift (the type with the long incision behind the ear) wouldn't be necessary yet, he says, it's not like a have a turkey neck. But he will pull on my neck and see if I need some liposuction; all that needs to be determined when he can actually see me in person and touch my skin etc. That's it, so far. :)
UPDATED FROM 0female0
25 days pre

just can't believe how sad I look...

0female0
It's only now that I notice how sad I look. I know a facelift is not a miracle cure for the problems in my life, but getting up in the morning and finding a prettier face in the mirror will be a great help. And last but not least, okay, maybe I don't desperately need it yet, but why wait any longer? I'm 53. If I want to rebuild my life, I have to start right NOW.

Replies (10)

October 9, 2016
Hi Ofemale, you can to try to have other doctors opinions too. London, Indian, Turkish doctors throw Skype or by email. At the moment i am doing same things. That is not practical idea to go Belgium for a consultation;)
October 9, 2016
HI ladylady, I much appreciate your good advice, thanks!
I'm not going for a mere consultation to Belgium; I'm going for the operation itself. It's true that I haven't had multiple interviews with surgeons. I used to live in Belgium which is why I want to have my surgery there. I've read very good reviews on Dr Oelbrandt, he's very qualified and he has great work experience in reputed hospitals. That's basically why I chose him.
October 9, 2016
I can attest to the fact you Will LOVE waking up in the morning & seeing a fresher version of you! I'm 2 weeks out from lower lift & very pleased! I've listened to my mother say for years how she wants to get her neck done. Now at the age of 70 after seeing mine done, she is getting hers lifted! While I'm thrilled for her it makes me a bit sad that she didn't go ahead & do it when she was in her 50s so she could have enjoyed all these years. You're going to love it! Your are a beautiful women now & will be even more so. :)
October 9, 2016
Oh I certainly hope so! Facialgirl, I have been following you all that time. You were lovely to begin with, but your transformation by dr Harley was nothing short of miraculous. You look truly fantastic! Exactly, and I feel for your mum that she didn't do it earlier. That's what I want to avoid. I need a facelift NOW and I'm going to get one.
October 9, 2016
You're so beautiful, after all that planned procedures you'll be stunning. I'm also 53, dealing with similar "issues". Fingers crossed for you, can't wait to see the final results.
October 9, 2016
Thank you SO much! The 50ies are a trying age, aren't they. I will keep you all updated.
Are you thinking of having similar stuff done, lidijarapoti?
October 10, 2016
Yes, they're trying indeed. I'm thinking about it for a while, but my budget won't allow me so far. I would certainly do it. :)
October 10, 2016
I hope you can soon save up enough.... x
October 10, 2016
You are very attractive, I think you are going to look and feel great after your procedure. I am two years older than you and am considering surgery, so shall be following your journey. Good luck and thanks for sharing so far.
October 10, 2016
Ohh thank you so much.
I have been thinking about a facelift on and off for the past 5 years but when things suddenly started deteriorating fast, I thought, it's now or never.