Lower Face & Neck Lift - Cleveland, OH
I'm 48 and for as long as I can remember I have...
I'm 48 and for as long as I can remember I have hated my "fat face." That has only gotten worse with age and weight and, sadly, I have inherited my mom's neck waddle and jowls.
Yes, I could stand to lose weight but even when I was 40lbs lighter, that waddle was there and so were the jowls (just not as pronounced . . . but I was also 40 and not closing in on 50.)
This board has been very helpful in educating me about what to expect. I am nervous but I think that is to be expected.
I have done a lot of research and am fortunate to be near the Cleveland Clinic. My surgeon, Dr. Jason Leedy, who I found on RealSelf, was very informative at our first appointment. I will be going back for my pre-surgery appointment and pre-op testing next week.
Dr. Leedy's fee is around $5,600 and the rest goes to the surgical center as I will be under GA.
I have purchased VitaMedica Plastic Surgery Pre & Post-Op Program 4pc Kit (w/Vitamins, Arnica, Bromelain) and will start taking them two weeks before surgery. For years I have taken mega vitamins but since they contain some minerals and vitamins not ideal for surgery, I'll be replacing them with the VitaMedica. I have had PS before and feel Arnica is a hugely important factor in helping to keep bruising down.
OhGirl's provider
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Well . . . my surgery is in just a few hours. It's...
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DAY ONE I want to thank everyone who has posted...
I want to thank everyone who has posted here before about this surgery. Your stories were helpful to my understanding of what to expect. So I am trying to pay it forward for others.
I was at the hospital at 7AM, get registered, taken to a room, given an IV, and then the doctor came in and marked my face. They they took me into surgery at 9AM. They actually didn't start the surgery until 10AM.
I had my surgery at Merrymount Hospital and I have to say the staff made it a wonderful experience. I will definitely go back there and would highly recommend them. They are a Catholic hospital and while I'm not Catholic, I appreciated the God Bless yous that I received from the staff.
The surgery actually lasted five hours - 30 minutes longer than he had anticipated. It was because the "extra" skin of the neck -- it wouldn't drape the way he wanted, so he had to keep working at it until he had the results he wanted.
I have to say Dr. Leedy has wonderful bedside manner. And every single nurse told me that he does beautiful work, that's he's great, that he's a perfectionist, and that if they were having cosmetic surgery he is the one they would go to! That was encouraging because if it wasn't true, they wouldn't just choose to say nothing.
I was in recovery for three hours. They had a hard time getting my blood pressure down. The first thing I remember hear was, "You look like a teenager" and while that may not be true, it was very sweet to hear.
I went to Dr. Leedy's office this morning at 8AM and he removed the drains/tubes. I was dreading that but it didn't hurt at all.
Dr. Leedy is thrilled with my results, in fact, he was beaming from ear to ear with a big grin. I have not actually really seen the results as I have been sleepy and groggy from the all stuff they gave me. Dr. Leedy took a profile photo and showed it to me and WOW, what a difference.
Here are some photos:
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Thanks for posting those photos, I already see a big difference! How are you doing with the drains? So happy for you!
Kate
Oh that's great! I figured they'd have to be in for a week or two like a tummy tuck. I'm so glad you are doing well and your doctor set solid expectations for your recovery.
Hi OhGirl,
Thanks for posting your review! Arnica should definitely will help you with the bruising; I used it with a surgery before and it worked great! When is your sx scheduled for?
So excited to follow your journey!
Kate