Turning Back the Clock

Two months to the day post op. I’m on a ‘girl’s trip’ to Jackson Hole, Wyoming. In spite of my best efforts a tiny bit of sunburn, crazy sunblock on my lips hahaha. I’m still feeling so happy with my choice. It’s funny how refreshing your face makes you feel refreshed and younger on the inside

I don't know if I mentioned that the pictures are 28 days apart!
I still have a some minor swelling and slight bruising above my left cheekbone but from what friends who've had the same type of surgery tell me, my recovery is moving along ahead of schedule.

After two years of doing my research on Real Self for a plastic surgeon I confidently chose Dr. Christian Drehsen MD of Clinique of Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg, Florida (I live in Ohio!) His before and after photos convinced me of his talent.
While visiting with a friend in Tampa last year I mentioned that I wanted to "get some work done." She said, "Oh you should see the doctor my sister went to in St. Petersburg and she looks amazing but I forget his name..," I said, "Is it Dr Drehsen?" She said, "Yes! How did you know?" I laughed and said I'd been stalking him on Real Self, Twitter and his website for some time.
The whole experience was wonderful. I had several phone conversations with Karina Brown, his patient coordinator (and former patient!) I sent pictures and asked 100's of questions. I booked a consultation visit and a flight.
The doctor spent a lot of time with me examining my 66 year old aging face and neck. We talked about what bothered me and what I wanted to achieve. I said I didn't expect to look 30 but I wanted to look the best I could for my age. I said I wanted to tighten and lift my face, see my jawline again (which was looking like Richard Nixon's.) I mentioned I wanted an upper eyelid bleph. He told me he didn't think I needed my eyes done but he recommended a brow lift and a ZO (Zein Obagi) Controlled Depth Chemical Peel. In order to give me the best results along with some fat grafting to the cheekbone area. I trusted his judgement. After all, he was the artist and I was the canvas. I flew back to Ohio and excitedly marked off the days on the calendar until my approaching surgery date.
Karina made arrangements for me and my husband to stay in a nearby hotel at a discounted rate that Clinique of Plastic Surgery has negotiated for their patients. If I had chosen, a nurse could have stayed in the room with me the first night but since my husband is a physician, I was in good hands. The hotel was so accommodating, accustomed to the needs of a recovering patient. The suite had a kitchen and there was a daily breakfast buffet downstairs.They provided free shuttle transportation anywhere I wanted to go in St. Petersburg (which was mostly to and from Dr. Drehsen's as well as a few other stops, museums, Publix, CVS etc.)
The morning of surgery I was greeted by Dr. Drehsen's surgical nurse, Joy and Angelica as well as the anesthesiologist. Dr. D popped in while I was being prepared to review the things we had talked about. He then chatted with my nervous husband. The next thing I knew, I was waking up.
I'll admit the anesthesia left me a little loopy for a few days hahaha and very tired. I was uncomfortable but not in pain. In fact I took a pain pill the night of the surgery and one the next night so I would sleep well but beyond that I only took Tylenol.
Everyone told me, "don't look at yourself!" but of course I did. As predicted, I looked like I'd been in a boxing match the day after surgery and even worse the next day but after that, things began to look up. The chemical peel was the most interesting. At first my skin looked like I had a mild sun or windburn. The next couple days my skin felt very tight and dry but there was zero pain. On the fourth day.., I looked like the Walking Dead with skin peeling off my face. I had to fight the urge to just pick it off but I was good. The new skin underneath looked fresh and healthy, not red at all. My new skin is flawless, NO lines absolutely NO hyperpigmentation.
My husband stayed with me for three days and had to return to work in Ohio. I remained in Florida until the following week to recover and have my stitches removed.
Overall, I couldn't be happier with my 'Rockstar' doctor, Dr. Drehsen and his AMAZING STAFF. During my postoperative appointments throughout my recovery, the doctor had his wonderful esthetician, Shay give me a series of lymphatic drainage facial massages to assist with the swelling. It's funny, the left side of my face was significantly more swollen than the right in the week following surgery but that quickly resolved.
I'm headed back down to St. Pete in a couple weeks for my six week followup. On that visit he doctor is going to zap some broken capillaries with a laser as well as using the laser to 'feather over' my scars (which are healing very well.) He's an admitted OCD perfectionist when it comes to his finish work. I told him that's exactly what I wanted in a surgeon! Hahaha!
I could go on and on more describing the skill and kindness of Dr Drehsen and how delightful the women in his office are but by now I'm sure you're bored! If you're considering this type of procedure, you would clearly be making a good choice with Dr Christian Drehsen and Clinique of Plastic Surgery in St. Petersburg, Florida.