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POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS

68-year Old...farewell Heavy Eyelids, Jowls and Turkey Neck - Daytona Beach, FL

ORIGINAL POST

My surgical fee does not include the surgical...

laureenvApril 27, 2015
WORTH IT$12,600

My surgical fee does not include the surgical facility or anesthetist's fees. In addition to the confidence and peace of mind I have that I've chosen the right PS to refresh my face and neck, after following the journeys of many of you, you've given me the reassurance the pain I'll experience will not be horrendous--the pain is my greatest fear--and I'll survive! Something none of you mentioned was whether your doctor had you provide pictures of you when you were young. Were any of you asked to do this??? My surgery is scheduled for Thursday, May 7. My doctor will be performing face/neck lifts, upper bleph, lower eyelid laser and perifacial fat injections. 

On Monday, April 13, I had an IPL photofacial treatment to remove age spots and surface capillaries and as of today, they're almost gone. I'm planning to have another IPL treatment one month after my FL, along with a Dermapen (skin needling) treatment on my upper lip. I thank for your warnings--not to go for vigorous walks too soon; to sleep elevated; to reduce salt intake; to be patient, patient, patient; to rest and pamper myself; what to expect with numbness, swelling, tightness; and the pings and pongs I'll feel while healing. Thank you for your suggestions on what to eat--pudding, Jello, squeeze yogurt, ice cream, mashed potatoes and soup. I think I'll buy Boost, or something equivalent, to ensure I'm getting the nutrients I'll need. 

I bought a Jobri Wedge Pillow to sleep on. I have my stash of arnica I'll start taking Saturday, May 2. I had several inches cut from my hair so I can wear it down to hide the incisions along my hairline above my ears and around my ears. Big mistake... Its too much work! Thank goodness its still long enough to clip up as I don't need to wear it down with this sagging face! The first picture was taken in 2009 when my hair was long and up. The others were taken Monday, April 27. The second picture, I'm wearing my robe; the remainder are in my bra and against a plain wall. My plan to is to take all pictures like this so there aren't any distractions with clothing or the decor of my home. These are the first selfies I've EVER taken... I sincerely thank all of you for sharing your experience and for your helpful suggestions. This website is a God send for me! I'll review and post the name of my doctor after my surgery, and after I've asked permission to post his name. Have a wonderful day!

laureenv's provider

Sergio M. Zamora, MD, FACS

Sergio M. Zamora, MD, FACS

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

laureenv rating for Dr. Zamora:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
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Replies (48)

MissLucy
April 27, 2015
The best to you, I'm sure everything will come out wonderful. I will be following your journey.
laureenv
April 27, 2015

Thanks so much!

EmmaCairn
April 28, 2015
Hi Laureen, I was not asked to provide photos from earlier years but his assistant did snap a photo in the office prior to surgery. I did a series of four dermabrasion treatments prior to the surgery and going in my skin looked pretty good. I found that rest was the best thing the first 10 days out.
laureenv
April 28, 2015

I will rest for the ten days you're suggesting. Thanks for your note!

Casey656
April 28, 2015
How exciting!! I wish you all the best and will be patiently waiting for your pics "on the other side" :)
laureenv
April 28, 2015
Oh, thank you!!!
my turn soon
April 28, 2015
Hello Laureen , im so excited for you , you have a pretty face already , you are going to look even more beautiful , im 7 daus post op today , lower face lift and lower bleps eye bags done , there has never been pain , its sore at times which is well controlled with tabs , I did m y home work on real self site and really paid of as each experience you go through you have read about and think oh yea I remember this its what the real self team have described , most of all love yourself , take care and pamper yourself , your worth it , my turn soon UK [RS bleep] I will follow you in your journey
laureenv
April 28, 2015
Thanks so much for your note. I feel selfish I'm spending so much money on myself. Also, I have a neighbor who's my age who has so many serious health problems; and another neighbor whose twice survived ovarian cancer treatment. Then, there's me who feels guilty that my only worry is to get rid of my saggy eyelids, jowls and turkey neck... I'm blessed and thankful I inherited great genes from my mom and dad. Have a wonderful day!
my turn soon
April 28, 2015
Don't you feel guilty at all Laureen, im really sorry for the other ladies but thats not your fault and you only have one life , one face and you are blessed to make the most of it girl so good and don't worry we all feel a pang of gulit cause we are doing something for US , well im delighted up to now with my results and iv been a single mum for many years and have put 2 teenagers through uni , no wander I needed facial surgeey at 53 :) working every hour god sends , but ww don't need excuses whatever your circumstances im happy for you and you are a very brave lady , believe me , I know , but its honestly not that bad , I will be following your journey , you soynd like a lovely person xx
laureenv
April 29, 2015
Thank you for your kind words... Have a wonderful day!
akopjak
April 28, 2015
Best to you! I hope all goes well and I can't wait to see your great results. Angie
laureenv
April 28, 2015
Hi Angie - I see you're in Dana Point. I lived in Irvine from 1979 to 2007! I have a sister in Irvine who wants to have a facelift. Have you had any facial rejuvenation procedures? If so, who was your doctor? Thank you so much for your best wishes... :-)
UPDATED FROM laureenv
8 days pre

Meant to say the "anethesiologist's" fee, not the "anesthetist's" fee...

laureenvApril 28, 2015
I had my EKG today--all is well! Here are pictures with hair up. I can't believe I'm showing close-up pictures of my neck. Yuck!!! It'll be gone soon. Hooray!!!

Replies (9)

d4
April 28, 2015
Can't wait to see the after pics. You are already beautiful. Lovely face. So lovely that I don't notice the neck. But you do and I know that we are all over-focussed on our perceived flaws. Best wishes for a positive outcome.
laureenv
April 29, 2015
Thank you for your kind words... =) Have a grand day!
CeeBee
April 29, 2015
Hi Laureen! How exciting for you! My suggestion is, instead of jello and sugary foods after your surgery, use your blender and throw in frozen pineapple, and mixed berries and make smoothies. You can also throw in spinach, apples, etc. all healthy, anti-inflamatory foods. Be sure to clear your calendar, for the first 10 -12 days....rest and listen to your body!
laureenv
April 29, 2015
Hi to you, CeeBee! Oh, my! I can't thank you enough for your words of advice for not eating jello and other zero-nutrient foods. I'll do exactly as you suggest! I have a Vitamix blender and make a delish pumpkin soup - haven't made it in ages - and will make it along with smoothies. I'll fill my freezer with frozen fruit and will buy fresh greens to add to the smoothies. The advice I've received from the FL-ers who've gone before me is invaluable! Have a great day!
CeeBee
April 29, 2015
Laureenv,......Also, may want to get a baby-toddler toothbrush for the first 2-4 days,...sometimes it is hard to open your mouth! Also, toddler spoons.....I used the first couple of days.....Get frozen pineapple chunks for your smoothies.....great for swelling and bruising.....Costco,....if there is one near you, have big bags of Organic frozen blueberries, strawberries, etc. READ the sodium content of ALL processed foods.....it can be extremely high and WILL make you swell.....not good! I bought Rachel Ray's broth stock....160 mgs of sodium and made my own soup by just cutting up all kinds of vegetables and throwing them in the pot, till soft!
Misskittycat
April 29, 2015
Yes small tooth brush. Lost 5 lbs since I couldn't open mouth much.
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Angie_M
April 29, 2015

I'm so glad you started your story! Your date is coming right up. Exciting!

Island Girl 1962
May 22, 2015
Actually aneshetist and anethesioligist does mean the same thing. Thank you for sharing your experience.
laureenv
May 22, 2015
Thanks for the clarification... =)
UPDATED FROM laureenv
5 days pre

My surgeon's name...

laureenvMay 1, 2015
My surgeon is Dr. Sergio Zamora for those who may like to know. A little bit of an update for this week--I had my teeth cleaned as I won't be able to open my mouth widely for several weeks; made my mammogram appointment in July that's due May 14 as I don't think I'll be ready to be seen in public one week after surgery; and am having my car serviced on Monday. I'll report in next Wednesday after my pre-op appointment.

Replies (6)

lsdjm
May 2, 2015
Hi Laureen thanks for the post! I'm so happy to have found all these helpful comments,especially the one about showing my PS pictures of my younger days, I hadn't thought of that. I have scheduled my surgery for June 11th so I will be right behind all of you lovely ladies and following all your fabulous results! Laureen, wishing all of you tons of luck and a quick recovery. I'll be checking in.
laureenv
May 9, 2015
Good afternoon - I'm so glad to be on the other side! I feel great! As many others have said, there's really no pain which I don't understand, but I'll take it! I wish you the very best and will be following you. I am pampering myself as I don't want to do anything to negatively affect the work of Dr. Zamora. Have a wonderful day!
lsdjm
May 10, 2015
Thanks Laureenv, I'm so glad to hear from you. I've been checking in to see how your surgery went and I was getting a little nervous not seeing any posts. I was so happy when i opened my profile and saw that you were okay. Well, its over and as they say you're on the other side, things are looking good and it seems like you have a wonderful daughter to keep you comfortable and help you throughout your recovery, what a wonderful Mothers Day gift! I just want to thank you again for letting us walk with you throughout your journey,it has already helped me tremendously. As I was reading your review I found someone who is having her surgery a week after me and using the same surgeon! We have aready been comparing notes and following one another. So once again, thank you, thank you,thank you and best wishes throughout your journey. I'll be praying for your speedy recovery. Happy Mothers Day. (Sorry for any typos I'm on my tablet and I'm afraid real self isn't tablet friendly, I can't check my posts without losing them! Lol)
laureenv
May 10, 2015
Good morning! Thank you for your note, for "following" me, for your concern while I was MIA, and most importantly, for your prayers. How fabulous you've connected with another woman whose going to your doctor. Oh, my goodness, you two are going to be there for each other!!! Fantastic!!! Today is Post Op Day 3 and my feeling is - "Are we there yet?" I read on one woman's blog that days 3-5 were her most difficult. I can't say today is "difficult", I'm just feeling soreness. And, my face is swollen like a marshmallow. This too shall pass! I could ice, but since my doctor doesn't feel its necessary after 48 hours, I'm not going to bother. I thought eating was going to be a challenge; I thought it was going to be difficult; I was almost fearful to eat. It hasn't been--hooray! My son-in-law made a delicious goulash with a variety of fresh veggies and chicken and I'm having no problem mooshing it so I'm able to swallow it. Again, I'm eating a little something every four hours when I take my pain med. Rather than eating a "meal", eating a snack every four hours is working perfectly for me. You may find this works for you as well. (I'm back--I took my shower and washed my hair as my daughter came over (before she and her family go to the beach) to again apply Aquaphor to my under eyelids and Bacitracin to the incisions around my ears and into my hair. I'm now drinking 16 oz. of hot prune juice as I haven't had a movement since Thursday morning before surgery. I must've been inwardly nervous as my body cleaned itself out which was perfect timing! I'll be posting on my page today and will include the pictures my daughter took this a.m. after my shower. As with you, I am so thankful and appreciative for all the women who've shared their facelift journeys on RS. I think I'm sailing through these days with no worries because of them. Have a Happy Mother's Day... :-) xoxo
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maggie1030
May 2, 2015
I never thought about the teeth cleaning thing. I think I have a dental appointment in June, so I may have to postpone that for a while. I scheduled a haircut and haircolor for a few days before my scheduled surgery date. It's so good to hear about your preparations....You are really thinking ahead!!! Good for you.
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Sookie1950
May 2, 2015
Good luck as you move forward! It is exciting and I will be anxious to see your results. We are close in age so I certainly appreciate you sharing your journey! As d4 said, you are lovely, but I do know how we all tend to focus on areas where we would like to see improvement and I am happy you are doing this for yourself!
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