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POSTED UNDER MACS Facelift Reviews REVIEWS

I Gave Myself a 65th Birthday Present. A Facelift and Upper Bleph. It Feels Soooooo Good - Chicago, IL

ORIGINAL POST

I had a facelift when I was 50 with a lower bleph,...

MGM1May 20, 2012
WORTH IT$8,500

I had a facelift when I was 50 with a lower bleph, a forehead lift, and chin implant. At 65 I was seeing changes in my face that really bothered me. It came on rather suddenly. One day, out of the blue, I said I am going to do something about that. It was right around my 65th birthday. I thought, perfect timing.

I saw my doctor and he explained what he would do to address the jowl and neck area. Also my upper eyelids were very hooded. I scheduled the surgery right away.

I went into the surgery center and was greeted by the most wonderful surgery staff. They were so upbeat, and extremely comforting. My doctor came in and marked my face and I walked into the operating room. I was put under general anesthesia and before I knew it I woke up in recovery. I went back to my hotel with drains and bandages all around me head. The next day I went back and everything was removed. I looked absolutely hideous. Luckily, since I had been through this before, I was not freaking out. I went back a few days later to have my stitches removed.

My doctor gave me his home phone number to call if there were any problems. I was extremely impressed by that. He is a compassionate and caring person.

The recovery process for me was very easy. I did not ice because I am too lazy. I just relaxed and by day 10 I got all my energy back and resumed my life. I used a cover up for the bruising under my eyes. I realize that some facelift procedures require more recovery. I had a MACS vertical facelift. Right now I am 4 weeks out from the surgery. All of the bruising is gone and so is the swelling. There is stills some numbness on the sides of my face.

I know the final results of my surgery will not be revealed until around 9 months to a year. But, so far, so good.

MGM1's provider

David A. Ross, MD (retired)

David A. Ross, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

MGM1 rating for Dr. Ross:

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UPDATED FROM MGM1

I just wanted to clarify than "most" of the...

MGM1May 20, 2012
I just wanted to clarify than "most" of the swelling is gone, but there is still some swelling left to resolve. One eyelid is still a little swollen and the outer areas of my jaw is too. I will try to post follow up photos.

Replies (37)

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Sharon at RealSelf
June 6, 2012

Thanks for sharing your story, MGM. Your post-op swelling and bruising looks pretty good. I'm glad your recovery has gone smoothly so far. Please keep us posted on your progress! :)

Shakey
June 13, 2012
Thanks for sharing Sharon. Im 56 and just had another brow lift, upper n lower eyes, jowl and neck lift. This is about my 6th surgery over a 30 year period. Its been 5 weeks and im still very swollen around my upper eyes, this hasnt been a fast or easy recovery for me. I guessed it was my age, until I read your review! I dont think ill have any more surgery, this lot took it out of me. You look fab,! blessings S
Shakey
June 19, 2012
oops sorry, I thought MGM you were Sharon.. THis above compliment was meant for you, but im sure Sharon is lovely too :)
MGM1
June 19, 2012
Thank you, Shakey. How are you doing now? I hope you are coming along and getting stronger every day.
Shakey
June 19, 2012
HI ya, yeah slowly slowly..thats why they say wait 3-6 months...patience never was my strong point haha. The lid on the right eye is still lower/saggier than the right eye...im praying its ony swelling, but I dont think so because that eyebrow is lower too. When i stick a finger above that eye brow and move skin up, the eyelid comes to the same height as the left eye..I think he stuffed up! I am very happy with my neck lift though. I love your hair!!! *is jealous of gorgeous thick hair* :)
MGM1
June 19, 2012
Same thing happened with me. One eye was droopy. Then it would be normal and then droopy again. I think the swelling kind of comes and goes. It is getting to the point where it is mostly normal now, and I am going on 10 months. You are right, it does take 3 months or longer for everything to settle. My eyebrows were uneven too, but now they are even.

Thanks for the hair compliment. It gets really big looking in the summer humidity. Makes me wish the 80's would come back in style.
MGM1
June 14, 2012
I had some swelling that lasted a little longer in my right upper eyelid. At first I thought the result was uneven. Something told me not to panic. Then it started to swell and subside back and forth. Now it is starting to look the same as the left.

You had more surgery than I did, Shakey. I did not have the brow or lower eyes. Also, every facelift is different. You might have had a different procedure. I don't want any more surgeries either. But, I never say never.
chasesmommy
June 16, 2012
I am having a face and neck lift this coming friday. I am scared to death Please everyone say prayers that I dont get any infection and I dont throw up from the antesthia[spelled wrong]
MGM1
June 16, 2012
Sending prayers your way. See if you can get some anti nausea medicine and an anti nausea patch to wear during surgery. It helped me.
Shakey
June 16, 2012
Well God didnt give us the Spirit of Fear, but of Love, Power and a sound Mind . 2TIM1:7,so you are in our prayers, we bind the enemy from his plans for you in Jesus Name. I am still recovering after 5 weeks, with a few issues gone wrong, but im praying all will settle down. I threw up from the anestetic, but the hopsital gives you anti nausea meds, so dont worry. I pray supernatural fast recovery with no problems. Amen
MGM1
June 16, 2012
Amen!!!
chasesmommy
June 18, 2012
Thank you so much.. I will update on the weekend.. I had my grandaughter paint my toe nails today I got a perm on friday and will color my hair wed .. I want to do my fingernails but someone told me I cant have nail polish on during surgery is this true?/
MGM1
June 18, 2012
That is correct. No nail polish. They need to be able to see the color of your nail beds to monitor your oxygen. It they turn blue you are not getting enough oxygen. They need to remain pink.
Shakey
June 18, 2012
HI yes that is correct, do NOT wear nail polish. The nurses got upset with me just wearing clear nail polish..so NO polish :)
chasesmommy
June 18, 2012
geez I just put clear on becuase of that.. Oh well... Keep praying no throwing up and no infections.... GOD is able ...Is everyone happy they did it? Does it involve a lot oa bad pain ?? I am going for pre admitting in an hour.. Getting nervous
MGM1
June 18, 2012
Got here too late to wish you well. When you are up to it, let us know.
MGM1
June 18, 2012
oh, i just read your surgery is Friday. What kind of facelift are you having? That will determine your recovery process. Deep plane will take longer to recover from and may be a little more painful. I had very little pain on the first day. Then almost non. You will probably get antibiotics and nausea meds.
chasesmommy
June 19, 2012
Not a clue what it is called he just said he would cut along the front and back of my ears and a little cut under my chin. It takes about 4 hrs two drains put in for 4 days stitches in for 2 weeks I didnt know there was different kinds.. lol dummy me.. He has an AWESOME reputation here so that is good, He said it is not dangerous and mostly discomfort
MGM1
June 19, 2012
It is not really necessary to know what kind. The main thing is to have a good doctor, which you do. You will do just great. Mine took 3 hours and I had the drains for 1 day. Everyone's experience is a little different. It is normal to be nervous and scared beforehand. The neat thing is you go into the operating room, they stick a needle in your arm, and it feels like two seconds later, and there you are waking up in recovery.
Shakey
June 19, 2012
Yes God is Able... Pray the Lord will guide the Dr's hands during your surgery, the anethiests hands and for supernatural fast recovery. Amen
kaytee1
June 20, 2012
ask your doc for zofran for nausea. they gave it to during and after surgery. it is so important you do not get sick as it can cause hematoma. I told them no morphine as it makes me quesey. when i woke up i felt great with no hangover icky feeling.
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