Bull Horn Lip Lift as well as Revision Chin Augmentation and Alar Base Reduction

I want to begin by saying that I have undergone numerous facial reconstructive surgeries in the past and was a nervous wreck going into this. I was asking for a revision to the fifth surgery on my chin--each one came with its own set of issues, feel free to ask me if you have any questions about chin surgery or my experience--as well as a revision alar reduction to bring symmetry to my nostrils. Additionally, as I have aged my upper lip began to sag terribly. When I was young it was sort of pouty and cute, and then it lost its plump youthfulness and began to hang over my bottom lip, making me look like I was sad all of the time. People were constantly asking me what was wrong even when I felt perfectly happy. I work with people a lot, students specifically, and want them to feel good around me, so I had been looking into a lip lift procedure for some time.
After 15 of living with screws in my chin and a terrible pressure on my jaw bone, as well as nostril asymmetry that seemed to be looking worse over time, I went to see several doctors about these revisions and also to ask about lifting my upper lip to give more levity to my expression. With my third doctor I felt I had found the right people to do my surgeries. Dr. Weber and his surgical assistant Camille, are a great team. I especially appreciated her open communication style and his thoughtfulness upon meeting them. He has topnotch credentials, and unlike my previous surgeons, only works on the face. No tummy tucks or breast enhancements, just beautiful noses (wish I could afford one!), lifts, and lovely work with fillers (which I am generally not a fan of and wouldn't want myself, but he seems to have a way with them). I decidedI wanted to work with him after my first visit, and we scheduled my surgery out a few months when I knew I could have some time off of work this summer. I had my surgery on June 27th, which is exactly one month ago today. I had scheduled three weeks off, but only needed to take two. I healed so quickly. I honestly couldn't be happier. It went so much better than I had anticipated. Here is some info about my experience:Consultation: I spent a lot of time talking to Camille, and not quite as much with the doctor as I would have liked, but this ended up being just fine in the end. I was very nervous, as I mentioned early, and needed to really talk through the surgery and results with someone. I did come very prepared to my pre-op. I had photoshopped pictures of what I hoped my results would be. Not severe photoshopping, just sort of adjusting shadows and adding a little hand drawing, so that I could be sure the doctor and I were on exactly the same page in terms of my expectations. I did a before and after example similar to the one I have here, but with my then current face and hoped for results. I think this helped a lot. Preparation: I prepared for my surgery beginning about a month prior by not drinking or smoking anything, eating tons of fruits and vegetables, doing yoga, and about two weeks prior, began taking supplements to help with bruising and swelling. I took arnica (orally), bromelain, ester c, and vitamin k. I also got a handheld red/infrared light which I used to promote healing. Surgery: Maybe two hours? Pretty quick for the three procedures I thought. I did it under a local, which was perfectly fine for me. I felt no discomfort and Dr. Weber and his surgical assistants were extremely kind (even though I had been a terror of a pre-op patient since I was so nervous due to bad past experiences with other doctors). I had brought a scarf to cover up after the surgery, but it really wasn't as bad as I anticipated and I didn't use it. I could see right away that it had gone well.Healing: You will see in my photos that my healing process moved pretty quick. I was most swollen around day 3 and the minimal bruising I had peaked at about day 7. By day 5 I felt well enough to go on a mild hike, which I did. I was perfectly able to go back to work by day 15. I still have some swelling and a bit of numbness around my incisions, but this is normal. After previous surgeries I have experienced muscle impairment and far worse numbness. Everyday things are looking a little better, and feeling a little better. I do think the supplements helped. I also use a little "massager" on my scar tissue to break it up as there is a lump under my right nostril where I had a previous incision. It isn't very visible, but you can see that my right side is more swollen than my left. Results: After so many bad past surgical experiences I wasn't expecting perfection. There was severe asymmetry in my chin and nostrils, some asymmetry in my mouth, and a dent in the right side of my chin. While there is still some asymmetry, it is definitely a lot better and getting better everyday. I should know in 3 months or so what my final results are likely to be. Even if it didn't get any better than I am now, I am still extremely happy with the results. I do think I will be happier once the swelling goes down on the right side and things begin to settle, but with what the doctor started with, I think he did an amazing job.

So, it has been about six months since the initial surgery. In that time I have moved and switched jobs, so I have been a little busy! My feelings are still that the surgeries were worth it. Every thing I had done is an improvement. Having the old implant out of my chin feels amazing. No more pins sticking out, no more pressure on my bone. However, the asymmetry is still an issue due to all of the surgeries. I have tissue and bone loss. Maybe one day I will go in and have fat grafting done. I don't do fillers, so this is not an option for me. My nostrils are still a little off, so I might talk to a doctor about revising those in the future, but I think it might have more to do with the failure of the initial rhinoplasty. It is definitely better, and I am happy with the work Dr. Weber did to correct previously poor surgical work. The best surgical procedure I am most happy with has been the lift lip. I can't tell you how much this has improved my expression, and I think the last time someone asked me if something was the matter, when something was actually the matter! I don't look sad all of the time, so that is wonderful. The updated image shows the scar with no makeup. I don't think anyone notices it at all. I am still really happy with Dr. Weber's work, and were I to get this done again I would go back to him.