POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS
60 days away from a new face
ORIGINAL POST
60 days away from a new face
$15,320
I'm turning 55 in March, but I don't feel 55 and I definitely do not want to look it! I'm not a stranger to cosmetic procedures - I had a breast augmentation in 1998 (that still looks good 22 years and two kids later - lesson here is look for the best surgeon, not the best price), and I've had botox a few times over the years. So I always knew that someday I would have work done on my face when the time came.
Well, now is the time. I've always been lucky in that I have always looked younger than my age to begin with (thanks mom for your good genes) but I went through menopause a year ago and suddenly my face has jowls and marionette lines and heavy eyelids - like wtf? Where did this all come from?? Ugh!
So I started researching my options. I don't like the idea of injecting fillers or using any kind of heat on my face - plus the cost o maintain fillers isn't a sustainable option for me anyways and I wanted a more long-lasting effect. I decided that a facelift would be the way to go. Yes, it's a lot of money up front, but worth it to me.
I wanted the plastic surgeon who did my breast augmentation 22 years ago to do my facelift, too. He was an artist, meticulous, and as a nurse I knew his reputation well. It was stellar. If you're in the Detroit area, you may have heard of Dr. Melek Kayser. I trusted him implicitly. Well, when I called his office I was heartbroken I find out that he retired - a year ago. Go figure. I was lost. Now what? The girl that answered the phone suggested that I see the current doc at the practice, Dr. Daniela Rodriguez. Well, I was still in shock about the news of my doc retiring, and I knew nothing about this doc, so I declined, saying that I wanted to think about it first.
I decided to research Dr. Rodriguez. I talked to fellow nurses who work at the hospitals she operates at, and I heard nothing but good things, and her actual credentials - as far as experience, schooling/training, certifications, and awards were truly impressive. I decided to book an appointment to see her.
I was just as impressed with the doc and her staff in person. She and her wonderful assistant Rhoda sat down and we discussed everything. I felt very confident and comfortable with Dr. Rodriguez and her knowledge and skills, so I said "let's do it!" It made me feel good when she was taking my "before" photos and said that I'll have a really nice result because I have good bone structure. So I guess I have that going for me ;)
So I'm booked on 4/15 for a full facelift, upper/lower blepharoplasty, and a fat transfer. I'm excited and terrified all at once. Two months seems like a long way off, but it's not. It will be here before I know it.
I also have to make an appointment with my FP to get pre surgical clearance within 30 days of the procedure. I have no underlying health issues, so I know that won't be a problem. I also have an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez for exactly two weeks prior to the surgery so she can Botox my forehead to drop my eyebrows before the procedure - she explained the rationale for that, and it made sense to me, but I can't remember the reason now. I'll update when I see her again so I can explain it better. Anyway, she and her assistant warned me that I would look "pretty bad" for those two weeks prior, so be prepared for that. Great. I was really hoping to keep this a secret at work - like my plan was a two week vacation, and coming back looking refreshed - but I work with doctors and nurses, and they aren't dumb. I'm probably going to have to fess up. I just hate giving the proverbial grapevine something new to talk about, ya know?
As far as the other details, I'll be having my surgery at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan as an outpatient. I had the option to stay overnight, but I'd rather go home. I'm lucky to have a lot of nurse friends who are going to be there for me. Total cost including hospital and anesthesia fees will be $15,320 ($11,500 of that is the doctor's fee). I had to put down a $5500 deposit to book the surgery and will pay the rest prior to the date of surgery.
So begins my journey! I welcome and will be grateful for any helpful advice or tips for my recovery process from anyone who's been through this. Thanks! :)
Well, now is the time. I've always been lucky in that I have always looked younger than my age to begin with (thanks mom for your good genes) but I went through menopause a year ago and suddenly my face has jowls and marionette lines and heavy eyelids - like wtf? Where did this all come from?? Ugh!
So I started researching my options. I don't like the idea of injecting fillers or using any kind of heat on my face - plus the cost o maintain fillers isn't a sustainable option for me anyways and I wanted a more long-lasting effect. I decided that a facelift would be the way to go. Yes, it's a lot of money up front, but worth it to me.
I wanted the plastic surgeon who did my breast augmentation 22 years ago to do my facelift, too. He was an artist, meticulous, and as a nurse I knew his reputation well. It was stellar. If you're in the Detroit area, you may have heard of Dr. Melek Kayser. I trusted him implicitly. Well, when I called his office I was heartbroken I find out that he retired - a year ago. Go figure. I was lost. Now what? The girl that answered the phone suggested that I see the current doc at the practice, Dr. Daniela Rodriguez. Well, I was still in shock about the news of my doc retiring, and I knew nothing about this doc, so I declined, saying that I wanted to think about it first.
I decided to research Dr. Rodriguez. I talked to fellow nurses who work at the hospitals she operates at, and I heard nothing but good things, and her actual credentials - as far as experience, schooling/training, certifications, and awards were truly impressive. I decided to book an appointment to see her.
I was just as impressed with the doc and her staff in person. She and her wonderful assistant Rhoda sat down and we discussed everything. I felt very confident and comfortable with Dr. Rodriguez and her knowledge and skills, so I said "let's do it!" It made me feel good when she was taking my "before" photos and said that I'll have a really nice result because I have good bone structure. So I guess I have that going for me ;)
So I'm booked on 4/15 for a full facelift, upper/lower blepharoplasty, and a fat transfer. I'm excited and terrified all at once. Two months seems like a long way off, but it's not. It will be here before I know it.
I also have to make an appointment with my FP to get pre surgical clearance within 30 days of the procedure. I have no underlying health issues, so I know that won't be a problem. I also have an appointment with Dr. Rodriguez for exactly two weeks prior to the surgery so she can Botox my forehead to drop my eyebrows before the procedure - she explained the rationale for that, and it made sense to me, but I can't remember the reason now. I'll update when I see her again so I can explain it better. Anyway, she and her assistant warned me that I would look "pretty bad" for those two weeks prior, so be prepared for that. Great. I was really hoping to keep this a secret at work - like my plan was a two week vacation, and coming back looking refreshed - but I work with doctors and nurses, and they aren't dumb. I'm probably going to have to fess up. I just hate giving the proverbial grapevine something new to talk about, ya know?
As far as the other details, I'll be having my surgery at Beaumont Hospital in Grosse Pointe, Michigan as an outpatient. I had the option to stay overnight, but I'd rather go home. I'm lucky to have a lot of nurse friends who are going to be there for me. Total cost including hospital and anesthesia fees will be $15,320 ($11,500 of that is the doctor's fee). I had to put down a $5500 deposit to book the surgery and will pay the rest prior to the date of surgery.
So begins my journey! I welcome and will be grateful for any helpful advice or tips for my recovery process from anyone who's been through this. Thanks! :)
laurieann22's provider
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