Deep plane mini facelift in a few weeks!!!

I've spent over a year reading and researching various procedures to correct the early signs of jowling, loss of cheek volume, and nasolabial lines. After lots of provider questions on RealSelf, tons of homework, and many many questions addressed to my surgeon of choice, I finally decided on the deep plane lift. I don't have significant sagging so a mini will address all my concerns, and the deep plane approach with release of ligaments will give me the most natural and longest lasting results of the possible options. I didn't want to keep spending on annual fillers- in the long run surgery seemed the more cost effective route. And after a recent hashimoto's diagnosis, fillers were a no-go anyway. I'm posting unflattering but "tea life" photos in natural light with no make up as a before reference. My surgery is scheduled for November 14, only a few weeks away. I'm preparing by exercising and eating a healthy diet low in salt, added sugar and processed foods. I will stop using nutritional supplements and my topical Retin-A cream about a week prior to surgery, and resume them once doctor gives me the green light at my one week follow up appointment. A few days prior to surgery I'll start taking bromelain and arnica to reduce swelling and bruising. I am 49 years old and have previously had a lateral brow lift about 6-7 years ago.

Had my preop appointment today and my many questions were answered to my satisfaction. With each meeting I find Dr. Balikian to be very patient and willing to give me the time and care in answering my questions thoroughly so that I feel well-informed about every step of the procedure and setting realistic expectations. We did have some trouble getting a good EKG reading today and I’m not sure why that is. I actually had to go to a second facility to get an accurate reading and they had difficulty there as well so clearly the issue is on my end and not on the health providers’. That and my status as having Hashimoto’s does give me some pause but from everything that I have asked and researched it sounds like surgery can still proceed. I was given a supply of arnica and bromelain capsules which I’ll start the day before surgery. I’ve been asked by several people if I’m nervous or excited- I can honestly say I don’t feel either just yet. I’m more preoccupied with being well prepared and I think getting informed has made me feel confident about the safety and efficacy of the mini lift. One thing I am disappointed about is that I had hoped to lose about 10 lbs prior to surgery but the Hashimoto’s has made that difficult. I understand that losing much more than that amount post- surgery can affect results so I will have to be cautious about keeping any weight loss slow, steady and moderate. This is something to keep in mind if you’re considering a facelift in your future.

Part of me thinks I’m crazy: Do I really even need a facelift yet? Am I going to lol worse after? I can’t believe I’m spending this much money! How long will it be before I can go out again? Will friends be able to tell I’ve had something done? All those touches are nagging at me- but I also know those are emotionally triggered anxieties that my logical and well-researched brain has addressed and put to rest. Today I’m posting close o photos of my ears pre-surgery so I can have a good before set of ogres for comparison later. Today I’ll go buy some soft foods to have ready for recovery. A sweet friend dropped of a thoughtful care package for me with cozy slippers, a blanket, some journaling supplies so I can record my experience…. I’m feeling as well prepared as I can be.