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POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews

Loved Meeting Dr Kremer

UPDATED FROM newmia777

Five days post op - Dr Kramer

newmia777
Dear ladies,
I feel absolutely great! Today is the final medication day and I could not be happier!
I had my girlfriend for lunch yesterday and was perfectly mobile and joyous, doing my best not to bend downwards and not to laugh with my mouth open. Apart from that, smooth sailing!
My bruising has made its descent to the neck area and the swelling is going down.
I was very happy to have discovered O2-ZAP (ozonated olive oil moisturiser) just in time so I was using it post-op. Apart from its smell, it is quite soothing and gentle. I have already mentioned that I was taking Colostrum supplements and the fast recovery might be due to that also.
I just spoke to Ali from Dr Kramer’s surgery and felt as if I was chatting to a friend. Cannot tell you how much it meant to me!
The whole experience (pre -post op) was very gentle, considerate and loving affaire.
I am very lucky!
Meeting Dr Kramer in week or so for the stitches...will update!
PS I cannot post any photos due to privacy issues but am very happy to discuss this experience in depth with anyone looking for more information

newmia777's provider

Dirk Kremer, MD

Dirk Kremer, MD

Specialist Registered Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 99 Reviews
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Replies (5)

May 7, 2019
How are doing? If I counted correctly it's been 2 weeks for you now and I hope you are feeling great!
May 7, 2019
Hello Anska

I have typed a long answer and just lost it....
I’ll try to sum it up:
I am 2 weeks post op and am feeling great which is mostly due to my mindset. My face is still swollen and bruised in places but numbness is what is hardest to manage . I would advise anyone considering facelift to be truly aware of what that entails (although you can simply not imagine in spite of the best possible preparations). Mindset has to be made of iron in order to take this with a smile ( my daily task).
Healing process is long .
I miss my fitness, yoga, badminton....for now - patience!
My stitches and staples are off tomorrow. Let’s see how it goes from there....
Thank you for your interest. Did you book your consultation or you are still pondering?
I could only say at this stage - if you want to go ahead, do it by being fully aware and help your body any way you can to heal better and faster.
For that you need to be prepared!
May 9, 2019
Great to hear you’re healing well and have such a positive mindset, congratulations. It’s funny how different we all are, I found the whole process a walk in the park! Once I’d made up my mind to have a face and neck lift I breezed through it, felt great the day after surgery and within a week I was going for daily walks and feeling wonderful, obviously bruised and swollen but nothing too alarming. It’s nearly 6 months since my surgery so I’ll update my review once I’m back from holiday, needless to say I’m still amazed at the awesome result and so grateful to Dr Kremer. All the best.
May 9, 2019
So happy to hear this, especially 6 months post op! Well done!
Have a great holiday
May 9, 2019
Hi Newmia777,
yes I've had my consultation but still very unsure about having surgery. Your and foocjd 's comments just confirm my intuition that it's absolutely crucial to be 180% sure about your decision. The whole healing process is not a walk in the park, so you better be sure before jumping.
May 9, 2019
Anska, hello again!
I think that one can never be truly ready for this experience but one can be decisive. That frame of mind would then guide you through the process.
It is definitely not an easy operation but to me it was better option than looking at myself daily with disapproval. If there was something that could make it better those were not fillers, nor Botox . The only other solution wasa facelift! Hence, I followed!
I am now over 2 weeks post op, still slightly bruised and swollen but much more positive.
I have learned a lot, yet again!
PS Dr Kramer is adorable, glad you had the consultation
May 9, 2019
I agree that you probably can't ever be completely ready, but if there is no doubt in your mind anymore, that this is the best possible solution to your (daily) satisfaction....then you have reached the right point in time to have a facelift. I think this is true with any plastic surgery. It just makes the psychological ups and downs during the healing process easier. I had a rhinoplasty as teenager after I had been absolutely desperate about the appearance of my nose for years and years. The healing process was a long, very very long process, but I took it in strides because I wanted the procedure more than anything in my life at the point. Something absolutely dramatic would have had to go wrong with my nose job for me to be really disappointed. I think if you have plastic surgery in that frame of mine you are just so much more psychologically prepared for any bumps in the road than someone who isn't as psyched. So in my case I'm at that stage where I know I will have to have a facelift rather sooner than later because several surgeons confirmed there's no other solution to my jowls (and sad appearance)....but at the moment my mind knows but fear still outweighs the emotional urgency to go ahead with it..
May 10, 2019
I truly understand you. Also, you are absolutely right that decisive mind will overcome any obstacles and I am going through that as we speak. I firmly believe that we can heal ourselves better than anyone else (opposite is true as well). If it’s the fear , just know that everything ahead is unknown anyway but firmly believe that you can handle it.
Before anything though, be comfortable with your decision, whichever path you take.
I will be happy to answer all your questions and help.
Best of luck :)
May 10, 2019
Thank you! It's already so incredibly helpful already that you share your journey here! Takes the mystery out of the process, at least a little bit.
May 10, 2019
You are welcome. It is my pleasure as I can guess how it feels during pre - decision period . Be free to ask anything further !
UPDATED FROM newmia777

Operation DONE

newmia777
Dear ladies
THE DAY of the operation just happened yesterday! I took 3 weeks of most serious preparations for this event by doing DAILY sports including fitness, badminton, scooter kick riding and finally yoga ( huge MUST for good preparation).
On the day itself I decided to go by myself in order to be completely immersed and independent for what was to come. Following the registration at the reception I have been admitted to my room (see photo attached) where I have been greeted by adorable male nurse who completed my paperwork and gave me a hug. It was in the same room that I met Dr Armstrong who was pivotal for me, he was in charge of my general anaesthetic. I was so impressed as he reassured me with his vast knowledge and experience. Finally Dr Kramer appeared and the room brightened up - he is just very bright, loving, direct and commitment to beauty. We swiftly exchanged thoughts, suggestions; photos were taken and soon enough I was taken to the theatre (very relaxed place with lots of smiling staff and adorable Dr Kramer in the middle). I was duly given time to pray and shed two tears and......that was it! I woke up again in the little blue room with another lovely nurse by my side. It is at that time that I understood why everyone was mentioning the bandage....it is tight and uncomfortable but it is the part of the process.
I thought that the night will be long and challenging but it was nothing as such. I was given dinner (healthy option) and was in care of truly remarkable nurse called Sally. She took me out of the room for few light walks, let me have some fresh air and took really good care of me.
I was released the following morning after having seen Dr Kramer again who took my bandage off. That was painless.
Curiously enough, my appetite tripled (very unusual for me, I am quite slim ).
I am at home, swollen but not bruised as such. Feeling great, walking around but mostly resting.
On the whole - great experience and not at all traumatic.
Let’s see how long the recovery will take.
Will update.....

Replies (5)

April 25, 2019
Thanks so much for posting. Did you have a face and neck lift? Sending best for your recovery
April 25, 2019
Thank you for your wishes, I do need them as the swelling is active but it is a part of the process. I did not get a classic neck lift but rather a partial one, together with the facelift.
If I could help others considering this operation I would say BE AWARE and totally responsible in preparing yourselves. It is not a light procedure but you can do a lot to help by remaining calm (specially in front of the mirror for the first few days). Read a lot and be as healthy as possible....
April 26, 2019
Congrats. Glad to hear everything went well. LOL, it was my room too, b t w. The nurses at the clinic are really attentive. All in all, it is an interesting life experience, I would say. :) Have a nice recovery.
April 26, 2019
Thank you!!! How long did it take for your swelling to go down? I am second day in- you can imagine!!
However, I am not taking any painkillers
April 26, 2019
The most acute swelling, when I looked funny and distorted, went down after 2-3 days (counting the first post-op day as Day One). Then, there was that type of swelling left that made me look youthful and round-cheeked. I loved it. But it almost disappered by now, 9,5 weeks after the surgery
April 27, 2019
Thank you, I am marching courageously through the first post op phase that I call NO Mirror phase. Lots to go through, including constipation.... however, I did not take painkillers once. That is a good sign, surely!!!
Thank you for the feedback, are you happy with your results?
April 27, 2019
Ah, post-operative constipation..... I had it too. First, I was a bit uncomfortable, but then got used to it. :) It was helped by taking Dulcolax. Good on you not having to take painkillers, in my case I had to, as I had some mild to moderate pain. However, it was manageable and not as bad as, say, period pain. Do you feel any tightness around your face and neck? You look great post-op, I am sure your results will be good. I am happy with mine at the moment but, as I am not fully healed, I need to wait until at least 6 months post-op to be able to see and judge the final result.
April 27, 2019
I do have tightness and it is quite bearable but the reaction to my ears is challenging. They have gained total independence, as in being numb, but if I touch them by error I feel strong pain.
I cannot say at this stage what the result would look like, head is big and features are out of proportion. I am 3 days post op and still quite swollen.
Constipation bothers me, I wish I could find more effective natural remedy....still searching....
April 27, 2019
Hi Newmia, thanks so much for sharing your journey with us! Incredibly helpful and I will follow you closely because as I mentioned, I'm also considering Dr. Kremer. Keeping my fingers for your crossed. Do you feel prepared by Dr. Kremer for this very early stage i.e. did he tell you in detail what to expect, what to do/not to do and do you have someone as a point of contact in his office (if not himself) who would be available at all times if you had some urgent questions at this stage?
April 27, 2019
Anska hi!
Prior to meeting Dr Kramer I had a long chat with his PA Ali who was very generous with her time and information (I contacted other surgeries before whose staff were cold and rigid, and Dr’s were often non welcoming).
Dr Kremer was very different from other surgeons I spoke to. He was more relaxed, more welcoming and very fresh. His schedule was perfect for me also. I felt that he prepared me well but I must add that I counted A LOT on myself (my own research and study on the subject).
At this stage I feel very free to contact Dr Kremer ‘s office knowing that Ali will be there with swift information (and that Dr Kremer will be informed of any of my updates).
Brief, this is so far very beautiful experience for me andI only hope that my face will confirm that once I heal.
April 28, 2019
Thanks for letting me know, that's good to know that you feel Ali would be available if need be. I do agree however, that's it's also important to rely on oneself and research as much as possible. Expecting to be spoon fed every single detail that might be useful would never be a good idea. Hope you are feeling ok and making progress, even if just baby steps :-)
May 4, 2019
Hello again, I just wondered if your numbness is still there?
I feel very numb, that is to be expected (not even 2 weeks post op).
Thank you for the update
May 4, 2019
Hi there my numbness lasted several months. I would say it’s diminished by 50% and is improving all the time. I don’t notice it at all now and anticipate the return of full feeeling in a couple more months. Some people it might return sooner, we’re all different I guess! Wishing you all the best.
May 4, 2019
Thank you very much for the reply, it is reassuring!
I guess patience is very important.
Best to you!
May 4, 2019
I also have numbness, 2.5 month post-op, but it's improving. This is completely normal for a surgery where a large area of the skin was separated from the underlying layer. The nerves and blood vessels have to reconnect too the skin again. It takes a while.
May 4, 2019
Thank you! It is to be expected, I just wondered how long does it last with others....it is quite unusual sensation
April 26, 2019
Here's to a fast recovery and great result! You will look fabulous, just need to be patient. I'm now 5 months post and absolutely delighted. I'll do a full review at 6 months and post current photos then. Wishing you all the best.
April 26, 2019
Thank you so much. I am swollen, numb in many parts of my face and ears have gone independent:)
How long did it take your swelling to go down?
April 26, 2019
Can't remember exactly. I know I went to a Christmas lunch 3 weeks post with some girlfriends that knew I'd had the lift, wore lots of make-up to hide some bruising. I was still swollen (more on my rightside) but no one that didn't know me would really notice. At 6 weeks I really started to look good, there was still a little swelling but I have a sluggish lymphathic system (very swollen feet in the heat) so I was expecting it to hang around. My advice is not to look at the mirror too much as it's such a gradual change. Key dates are one week, three weeks, 6 weeks and 3 months. I have the feeling back in my ears, areas of my cheeks are still numb but improving all the time, I really don't think about my face much now, just getting on enjoying life. The last 5 months have flown by! x
April 26, 2019
My ears and the outmost sides of the cheeks are also somewhat numb but it doesn't disturb me that much. The overall result is worth it and I am too happy to worry. I rather have a bit of numbness for a while than go around with a saggy face and neck. The only one thing that bothered me at that point was that I could not sleep on my side without some pain because of the pressure, and I am a side-sleeper.
April 27, 2019
I fully agree with you! Do you have the numbness still though?
ORIGINAL POST

Loved Meeting Dr Kremer

newmia777
I just had my first consultation with Dr Kremer and found him adorable. I spoke to another surgeon prior to this consultation who was literally repulsive, hence seeing Dr Kremer was refreshing and informative.
Brief, I have decided to go ahead with a Facelift just ahead of my 49th birthday!
Will keep you posted as I have nobody to discuss this with apart from one family member ....top secret!
PS I literally stopped smoking for this, which I consider a double win!

Replies (5)

April 5, 2019

Congrats on finding a doctor for your procedure! I wish you all the best on your journey and hope you keep us posted! 

April 7, 2019
Thank you Anja! The most amazing winning so far is that I actually managed to stop smoking! Such a gift!
April 7, 2019
I also think Dr Kremer is beyond adorable! And very handsome and nice to be around. :) You are in good hands, I had a face and necklift with him 1,5 months ago, very happy with the results. And I also had to stop smoking because of the surgery and it was a really great bonus to everything else good that came out of this surgery. I was not a big smoker, 2-3 cigs a day before I went to bed, but it was an old habit that was difficult to kick and I lacked motivation to stop. Such motivation would only be an immediate health scare, like an onset of cancer, but show wants to wait until that?? :) The surgery became such a motivation! Smokefree now and love it. Will never resume smoking again.
April 9, 2019
Thank you for your feedback, so right about the smoking - double win!!! I am getting ready now for the 24th April, scheduled date for the operation! Feeling very happy with Dr Kramer and Ali, they are so attentive!!!
April 7, 2019
Well done stopping smoking!! You are in amazing hands with Dr Kremer. I'm 4.5 months post surgery and couldn't be happier with the outcome of his surgery. Best of luck
April 9, 2019
Thank you so much! I am happy to hear about your good results!!! Did you use any special cream for the scars?
My intervention is scheduled for 24th April!!! So excited!!!
Very grateful for the support !!!