POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews
Revision face and neck Lift w/ fat transfer - thrilled with my beautiful jawline and neck
UPDATED FROM PrincessAndThePea
1 month post
Before and Afters (week 4)
WORTH IT
I'm still not feeling social, I think that I may have a bruised nerve which is causing issues with my facial movement. I had the same issue with my first facelift, though in a different part of my face. This is almost always temporary, but it does happen, and can prolong the recovery period. I am looking into botox on the active left side to temporarily freeze the muscle. I just contacted Dr. Marten's office so we'll see what he says. Last time the movement restored itself naturally in a couple of months. My sister says it's not noticeable but I am self conscious about it so if botox will help I'd like to give it a shot. I don't normally do botox or fillers so I will need to find someone locally that is able to help or fly back to SF for a follow up with Dr. Marten.
Aside from that I am absolutely IN LOVE with my results. The week before surgery I took a bunch of photos of my face and today I tried to recreate the angles for a side by side comparison (this is what happens when you have too much time on your hands haha). Wow what an amazing change! It's crazy how fast you get used to your new face but when you do a side by side like this it's so dramatic. I was pulling at my jowls and neck in the mirror for years, unhappy with what I saw and it feels so good to actually like what I see in the mirror again. So worth it, even with a longer than expected recovery!
Aside from that I am absolutely IN LOVE with my results. The week before surgery I took a bunch of photos of my face and today I tried to recreate the angles for a side by side comparison (this is what happens when you have too much time on your hands haha). Wow what an amazing change! It's crazy how fast you get used to your new face but when you do a side by side like this it's so dramatic. I was pulling at my jowls and neck in the mirror for years, unhappy with what I saw and it feels so good to actually like what I see in the mirror again. So worth it, even with a longer than expected recovery!
PrincessAndThePea's provider
Replies (5)
February 10, 2023
Results are so amazing! The changes are dramatic, yet are completely natural looking. Your results are so sublime that no one would ever think "facelift. But they will guess your age to be at least 25 years younger. You are my inspiration to wait 11.5 more months!!
February 10, 2023
Oh my goodness, thank you! I feel like I have a new spring in my step when I catch a glimpse of my reflection :) 11 months will go by fast, hope to hear all about your experience!
February 11, 2023
You didn't mention how old you were? You don't look much older than 40 in the before?
February 11, 2023
Closer to 49 than 48 now. I started getting jowly in my mid 30s. Definitely a sagger not a wrinkler!
February 11, 2023
Your lips look awesome! Did Dr. Martens to any fat transfer? Or, filler - I may have to fly to SF!
UPDATED FROM PrincessAndThePea
1 month post
Post surgical super food recovery smoothie recipe!
As a (non practicing) health coach, I wanted to share my smoothie recipe for optimal post op healing. It's packed with antioxidants, anti inflammatory compounds, electrolytes, fiber, healthy fat, protein and collagen. Everything your body needs to heal and function at an optimal level in a liquid meal. I was drinking two of these a day during the first week before I could eat solid food, and at week four I am still drinking one every day as I find it's nearly impossible to get the same nutritional punch any other way. Enjoy!
*Measurements do not need to be exact, they are an approximation. Use a food scale at first, then you can just eyeball the portions.
Smoothie base
20 oz organic coconut water (electrolytes)
Vegetables, leafy greens, herbs:
20 grams organic celery (reduces inflammation, boosts hydration)
25 grams organic spinach (high in antioxidants)
25 grams organic cucumber (boosts hydration, reduces inflammation)
5 grams organic parsley (aids digestion, reduces inflammation)
5 grams organic cilantro (high in quercetin, helps absorbtion, reduces inflammation)
Small pinch of organic ginger (lowers inflammation, soothes stomach)
50 grams organic avocado (healthy fat, potassium, and vitamin k which helps with clotting)
Fruits:
50 grams organic pineapple (fights swelling & inflammation, promotes tissue healing, aids digestion)
30 grams organic apple (high in pectin which feeds healthy gut bacteria)
25 grams organic banana (high in potassium and fiber)
25 grams organic blueberry (super antioxidant, vitamins C, K & fiber)
25 grams organic strawberry (vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese)
Protein, fat, & additional fiber:
1-2 scoops Designs for Health Pure Paleo bone broth protein powder (Vanilla flavor)
2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (Vanilla)
3 scoops Designs for health Paleo Fiber (helps with post op constipation, feeds healthy gut bacteria)
2 tbsp Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil( or extra virgin coconut, avocado, or olive oil )(healthy fat/helps with vitamin absorption)
6 capsules Ortho Spore IG soil based probiotic (anesthesia kills healthy gut bacteria which is the basis of your immune function). You do not want to get sick on the flight home!
*Measurements do not need to be exact, they are an approximation. Use a food scale at first, then you can just eyeball the portions.
Smoothie base
20 oz organic coconut water (electrolytes)
Vegetables, leafy greens, herbs:
20 grams organic celery (reduces inflammation, boosts hydration)
25 grams organic spinach (high in antioxidants)
25 grams organic cucumber (boosts hydration, reduces inflammation)
5 grams organic parsley (aids digestion, reduces inflammation)
5 grams organic cilantro (high in quercetin, helps absorbtion, reduces inflammation)
Small pinch of organic ginger (lowers inflammation, soothes stomach)
50 grams organic avocado (healthy fat, potassium, and vitamin k which helps with clotting)
Fruits:
50 grams organic pineapple (fights swelling & inflammation, promotes tissue healing, aids digestion)
30 grams organic apple (high in pectin which feeds healthy gut bacteria)
25 grams organic banana (high in potassium and fiber)
25 grams organic blueberry (super antioxidant, vitamins C, K & fiber)
25 grams organic strawberry (vitamin C, folate, potassium, manganese)
Protein, fat, & additional fiber:
1-2 scoops Designs for Health Pure Paleo bone broth protein powder (Vanilla flavor)
2 scoops Vital Proteins Collagen Peptides (Vanilla)
3 scoops Designs for health Paleo Fiber (helps with post op constipation, feeds healthy gut bacteria)
2 tbsp Bulletproof Brain Octane Oil( or extra virgin coconut, avocado, or olive oil )(healthy fat/helps with vitamin absorption)
6 capsules Ortho Spore IG soil based probiotic (anesthesia kills healthy gut bacteria which is the basis of your immune function). You do not want to get sick on the flight home!
Replies (5)
February 9, 2023
I think pre and post op nutrition is so under-estimated! At my 8 day follow up Dr. Marten said I had very minimal swelling compared to other patients (don't get me wrong, I still felt incredibly swollen) and that there was no urgent need for me to do lymphatic massage. I do think a lot of that is due to an anti-inflammatory diet :)
February 16, 2023
Appreciate help for sharing…having my surgery next month! You look fabulous’
UPDATED FROM PrincessAndThePea
22 days post
Week three
Everything continues to settle and heal. I am extremely happy with the changes to my neck, jaw, and mid face. I am guessing that my upper eyelids are still swollen and will continue to resolve over time. I know that hollow eyes are not considered beautiful but I've always had a large crease so a more hooded eye is hard to get used to.
I am not in any pain but my face and neck still feel quite numb and uncomfortable. I keep getting sharp pins and needles sensations as the sensory nerves heal. Facial movement isn't 100% back to normal yet, but all of this is to be expected for only three weeks out. Today was the first day I actually put on makeup and it felt good to be a little more pulled together!
I am not in any pain but my face and neck still feel quite numb and uncomfortable. I keep getting sharp pins and needles sensations as the sensory nerves heal. Facial movement isn't 100% back to normal yet, but all of this is to be expected for only three weeks out. Today was the first day I actually put on makeup and it felt good to be a little more pulled together!
Replies (5)
February 5, 2023
You look so young...and so natural. Amazing...he does not have so many reviews though so how did you select him?
February 5, 2023
Thank you so much! Dr. Marten is considered one of the top facelift surgeons in the world, though he is in the class of surgeons that does not advertise or self promote. His waiting list is a year out so I guess he doesn’t need to. I heard of him years ago through a private plastic surgery forum, though he has also been featured in many fashion magazines. He is renowned for his dramatic yet extremely natural facial rejuvenations and has dedicated his practice solely to facial rejuvenation. He also teaches other surgeons in the US and around the world on facelift and fat transfer techniques so any plastic surgeon will know his name. This 2022 ranking by Newsweek, based on a survey of healthcare professionals lists him as the #2 facelift surgeon in the country.
Dr. Daniel Baker in NYC is another such doctor. You won’t find him on Real Self either. I consulted with Dr. Baker as well but ultimately chose Dr. Marten based on his extraordinary before and afters and stellar reputation. He sends a paper booklet in the mail at the time of consult though many of these images can be found on Google search. l also love that Dr. Marten only operates on one patient per day so your face will have his full and undivided attention.
My prior facelift was a bit of a dud that didn’t really address the issues I was concerned about which was such a letdown. I see a lot of that; Dr’s that don’t have the skill to truly pull off a dramatic change but they don’t want to botch their patients so the before and afters are very similar and they call it “natural”. I also didn’t want to risk being botched with pixie ears or a distorted hairline so I really wanted the best the second time around and I’m so so happy with my decision!
February 15, 2023
omg..you hit the head on point!! I have been looking at lots of photos from other doctors and literally half the patients look exactly the same in their before and afters!! Why so few reviews for this doc though with so many patients?
February 15, 2023
The high incidence of fake medical reviews is well documented. Search the terms “fake reviews, doctors”, there are countless articles on the subject. They’re part of the highly aggressive marketing campaigns that many surgeons (and other businesses) employ and this site is full of them.
Often businesses will use them to water down the bad reviews in order to maintain a 4 or 5 star rating. If you filter by lowest rated reviews you will find some big name surgeons with many legitimate negative reviews (reviews that include photos illustrating an objectively unfavorable result), yet the business has a hundred or more glowing reviews from accounts with a single post and no photos that bring their rating back up to 5 stars. To me that’s a glaring red flag.
In comparison, businesses that don’t engage in aggressive online marketing will have far fewer reviews in total, which is what is suspect is behind the fairly small number of total reviews for Dr. Marten. That’s one of the reasons I decided to document my photos and experience here, the gaming of the review system makes it really hard for patients to get an accurate lay of the land.
Often businesses will use them to water down the bad reviews in order to maintain a 4 or 5 star rating. If you filter by lowest rated reviews you will find some big name surgeons with many legitimate negative reviews (reviews that include photos illustrating an objectively unfavorable result), yet the business has a hundred or more glowing reviews from accounts with a single post and no photos that bring their rating back up to 5 stars. To me that’s a glaring red flag.
In comparison, businesses that don’t engage in aggressive online marketing will have far fewer reviews in total, which is what is suspect is behind the fairly small number of total reviews for Dr. Marten. That’s one of the reasons I decided to document my photos and experience here, the gaming of the review system makes it really hard for patients to get an accurate lay of the land.
February 7, 2023
You look absolutely stunning! I have a consult with Dr Marten in February 2024.
February 7, 2023
I was wondering if you booked the aftercare nurse for the first night or two after recovery? And whether you think that’s a necessity?
Also, thank you for sharing the cost in a previous comment. I was quoted 50k over the phone as well. I was wondering if you might be able to share what the lip lift cost as that’s something I definitely need as well.
Also, thank you for sharing the cost in a previous comment. I was quoted 50k over the phone as well. I was wondering if you might be able to share what the lip lift cost as that’s something I definitely need as well.
February 7, 2023
Hi! I stayed in the in-office dedicated recovery suite with a nurse on the first night (I think that is required for every patient). The next day I had Kelly, one of Dr. Marten's nurses come back to my airbnb with me for half a day to help get me settled and show me how to use the Aquacool mask (this device is definitely worth it, really helps with swelling). After that I was on my own. I was OK by myself but I'm quite independent so I think it would be a personal preference. I think a lot of people would like the company and reassurance of having someone there taking care of them. You will look CRAZY on day one and it can be a little shocking and scary.
You will not be able to eat solid foods for at least 4 days (for me it was a week). I had Whole Foods deliver groceries and stocked the highest shelf of the fridge with yogurt, bone broth, and produce for smoothies so I was able to prepare my food pretty easily without looking down or moving my neck. I got there two days prior and set everything up beforehand so that no bending or lifting would be required.
I also pre arranged all of my transportation with the car service that Dr. Marten's office uses to pick patients up from the airport. I had one driver the entire time for all of my post op appointments and return travel, and he helped a lot. I would not want to take my chances with Uber post op especially when you need additional help.
I did not have a lip lift with Dr. Marten so I'm not sure what he would charge for that but it can be a great procedure when done correctly.
You will not be able to eat solid foods for at least 4 days (for me it was a week). I had Whole Foods deliver groceries and stocked the highest shelf of the fridge with yogurt, bone broth, and produce for smoothies so I was able to prepare my food pretty easily without looking down or moving my neck. I got there two days prior and set everything up beforehand so that no bending or lifting would be required.
I also pre arranged all of my transportation with the car service that Dr. Marten's office uses to pick patients up from the airport. I had one driver the entire time for all of my post op appointments and return travel, and he helped a lot. I would not want to take my chances with Uber post op especially when you need additional help.
I did not have a lip lift with Dr. Marten so I'm not sure what he would charge for that but it can be a great procedure when done correctly.
February 7, 2023
Wow! That’s so reassuring to hear you were okay all by yourself from the day after surgery! I would prefer to be on my own after surgery too as I don’t like anyone fussing over me and like you, I’m very independent. I didn’t realize it was possible not to have any additional help.
Im assuming you got all the other procedures before the face/neck lift then? Just wondering what the order should be.
Im assuming you got all the other procedures before the face/neck lift then? Just wondering what the order should be.
February 9, 2023
Somehow, I missed this post previously., so I'm sorry I asked the same question.
This info is very helpful! I'll plan to do the same- have the nurse come back to get me situated and ensure I'm using the cooling mask properly, and I'll also plan to use the car service that Dr. M uses. Again, great advice!! Thank you for being so generous with your time and for sharing this journey.
This info is very helpful! I'll plan to do the same- have the nurse come back to get me situated and ensure I'm using the cooling mask properly, and I'll also plan to use the car service that Dr. M uses. Again, great advice!! Thank you for being so generous with your time and for sharing this journey.
February 9, 2023
So glad to be of help! Another little tip that I found helpful was to place my empty suitcase on the spare bed after unpacking (pre-op). This way I was able to re-pack without having to bend down at all post-op. Then my driver closed my suitcase and carried it to the car for me :)
I left the fat placement up to Dr. Marten, aside from specifying that I wanted some in my lips and upper eyelids. He also injected my cheeks, chin, and forehead. In our pre-op I mentioned that I didn't like how my chin was looking long and fatty. He improved that as well with a little lipo and well placed fat.