Lower Face Lift and Rhinoplasty

I have to review these procedures separately on RS so I am starting with the lower lift, I will do a separate review for the rhinoplasty. I have relied on many reviews here and I really appreciate everyone sharing so I want to do the same. ?
I gained and lost about 40 pounds and it really showed in my face. Also, I have not stopped aging – so I wanted to tighten up my jowls and neck.
I had my surgery on Thursday February 7, 2019 at 8:30 AM. I chose my doctor based on reviews, before and after and pics and my consult. He’s very thorough and to the point. Basically what I wanted in a surgeon – I wasn’t looking for a friend, I was looking for a professional and Dr. Stein and his staff made me comfortable and confident in their abilities.
Day of surgery – Thursday - (they called it “ground zero”): I was TERRIFIED but everything went well, I woke up and came home and the pain was tolerable. The only issue was my drains were not working properly. My mother and boyfriend were with me and we thought nothing of it but fortunately Dr. Stein called that evening around 9:00 PM and when we explained the issue and he was very concerned. Apparently that’s a big issue so I wanted to share. If you have drains that are not draining properly (the bulb is supposed to stay deflated, mine stayed inflated most of the time) – If this happens you need to glop (yes, glop) Bacitracin onto incisions because there is a leak. Basically incisions and drains work together, like a straw. If there’s a leak it must be filled. Dr. Stein was great about explaining this to us over the phone. He was also willing to meet us after hours if necessary because apparently this is a very important step to avoid infection.
Day One: Friday - No swelling, no pain. I thought I was such a rock star. They pulled out my drains and told me how great I was doing at my follow up. They literally PULLED my drains out – they’re really long and I kind of freaked but it really (surprisingly) didn’t hurt. So I was still okay - then I came home and woke up to…
Day Two: Saturday - OMG I cannot open my mouth, I can barely chew I am swollen and I hurt a lot. I’m sleeping on my sofa on my back with a “husband” pillow (Amazon – not cheap, like $88, but worth it). I cannot breathe through my nose; Aquaphor is great for hydrating my lips as I mouth breathe. Throat is dry but okay w water. I can’t eat anything without it feeling “tangy.” You know how when you eat a lemon and it makes your mouth pucker? And it kind of hurts but passes? That’s how everything feels – water, plain eggs, plain yogurt, etc… but it lingers. OMG. Awful.
Day Three: Sunday – worst day so far. I am so swollen and still can’t chew and can barely swallow. The pain is bad, especially in my jaw and neck. My nose and ears hurt too. I ate baby food from a butter knife because I couldn’t fit anything else into my mouth. Pain meds help (I hate taking them but I am setting my alarm to take them on time) and hot tea helped a little.
Day Four: Monday – today. I’m finally caught up with my update. Today was better. I still can’t chew well and I cannot smile but my jaw doesn’t feel quite as tight. I still have the sharp/tangy effect in my jaw. . My BFF asked if this was worth it – I did my research and I know it’s too early to call. We’ll see – I hope so.