POSTED UNDER SMAS Facelift REVIEWS
59 Yrs, SMAS Facelift and Neck Lift with Local Anesthesia
ORIGINAL POST
About me: I have been on RS for several years now,...
WORTH IT$9,900
About me: I have been on RS for several years now, read and researched and asked questions, looked at many before and after photos, followed many surgeries and the healing process, and even videos of the procedure (ew!!). I don't believe there is ever "too much information" lol.
In 2014, I started truly considering a neck/face lift. Menopause had done a number on my face; seemed like overnight I had aged at a ridiculous rate (and losing 20# didn't help either.) But I decided I wasn’t ready then. Too uncertain if I truly needed it, too worried of the outcome and recovery, and too expensive: how do I justify THAT kind of money just on my face? As time went on I continued to look at my reflection every day and not like what I saw. Family photos showed a tired me, a sad and saggy neck and face that didn’t belong with my personality. In Jan of 2015 I had the most wonderful vacation to India with my 80 yr old mother, but when I looked at our many photos, I saw that my neck looked as old as hers. I could even see how often I tried to hide my neck with my hair, with a dupatta (long scarf) or something in my hand. Well that just ain't right!
I had previously gone to 3 plastic surgeons and gotten estimates/quotes (sounds like I went to a auto body shop) for face and neck lifts. Different doctors, different approaches, different prices. All very nice and qualified doctors. I went back to the second doctor I consulted with, Dr. Wyatt To. He specializes in facial surgeries, nothing else. No boobs, no butts, no bellies. He studied my face like a work of art, and liked what he saw. He suggested the LA Lift, which is his patented procedure. It’s a combination of a SMAS face lift and neck lift with platysmaplasty done under local anesthetic with oral sedation.
Which brings me to now. I had a second consultation with Dr. To in April. He reacquainted himself with my face, still very pleased with my bone structure, skin elasticity, and felt I was a good candidate for the LA Lift. I like Dr. To very much; he's such a gentleman, soft spoken with an artist's eye and sculpture's hands.
"Just do it!" my best friend said, so I did. I made the decision, paid my deposit and set the date. May 25th, just a month away. Oh, and I added lateral brow lift at the doctor's suggestion, which will help improve my eyes without bleph surgery (which I do not want)
Since i have been researching this procedure for so long, I found that very few reviews focus on the local anesthetic approach. It just seems so strange to not have general for such a lengthy surgery. And the idea of being 'conscious' or 'awake' is slightly terrifying. So are the needles (ya, I watched the videos, omg.) So I will be very specific with the details as well as the experience with the doctor and staff, pre-op, post-op, and follow ups at 3 and 6 months. I'm not going to go crazy with photos, just a few at a time with good lighting and well focused on the important details.
So whoever wants to follow, hop on board and ride the "OMG, What Have I Done??" train with me!
In 2014, I started truly considering a neck/face lift. Menopause had done a number on my face; seemed like overnight I had aged at a ridiculous rate (and losing 20# didn't help either.) But I decided I wasn’t ready then. Too uncertain if I truly needed it, too worried of the outcome and recovery, and too expensive: how do I justify THAT kind of money just on my face? As time went on I continued to look at my reflection every day and not like what I saw. Family photos showed a tired me, a sad and saggy neck and face that didn’t belong with my personality. In Jan of 2015 I had the most wonderful vacation to India with my 80 yr old mother, but when I looked at our many photos, I saw that my neck looked as old as hers. I could even see how often I tried to hide my neck with my hair, with a dupatta (long scarf) or something in my hand. Well that just ain't right!
I had previously gone to 3 plastic surgeons and gotten estimates/quotes (sounds like I went to a auto body shop) for face and neck lifts. Different doctors, different approaches, different prices. All very nice and qualified doctors. I went back to the second doctor I consulted with, Dr. Wyatt To. He specializes in facial surgeries, nothing else. No boobs, no butts, no bellies. He studied my face like a work of art, and liked what he saw. He suggested the LA Lift, which is his patented procedure. It’s a combination of a SMAS face lift and neck lift with platysmaplasty done under local anesthetic with oral sedation.
Which brings me to now. I had a second consultation with Dr. To in April. He reacquainted himself with my face, still very pleased with my bone structure, skin elasticity, and felt I was a good candidate for the LA Lift. I like Dr. To very much; he's such a gentleman, soft spoken with an artist's eye and sculpture's hands.
"Just do it!" my best friend said, so I did. I made the decision, paid my deposit and set the date. May 25th, just a month away. Oh, and I added lateral brow lift at the doctor's suggestion, which will help improve my eyes without bleph surgery (which I do not want)
Since i have been researching this procedure for so long, I found that very few reviews focus on the local anesthetic approach. It just seems so strange to not have general for such a lengthy surgery. And the idea of being 'conscious' or 'awake' is slightly terrifying. So are the needles (ya, I watched the videos, omg.) So I will be very specific with the details as well as the experience with the doctor and staff, pre-op, post-op, and follow ups at 3 and 6 months. I'm not going to go crazy with photos, just a few at a time with good lighting and well focused on the important details.
So whoever wants to follow, hop on board and ride the "OMG, What Have I Done??" train with me!
Sue182's provider
Replies (16)
May 3, 2017
Thanks so much for the background info and for sharing your journey. I'm also thinking about a lower face lift with a local anesthetic, so really look forward to following your story.
June 16, 2017
Sue, I read your review and wanted to offer support and encouragement. I'm your age and felt the same way, especially about my neck. My jowling didn't bother me as much until about a year ago when photos at the local AAA office for a passport followed by a driver's license photo had me reeling. I had no idea I looked that old. In fact, I nearly cried.
After 50 or so the changes started really kicking in but it was the last few years with a highly stressful job and the death of my sister that just put things over the top (or in my case under the top...lol).
I had a "Biltmore Lift" by Dr. David Harley in Asheville, NC on April 12th of this year. I never thought I'd ever have a facelift/neck lift but instead of moping about feeling depressed I decided to take action and after all the great reviews here I went for it.
I can tell you that it's the best thing I've ever done for myself! I also had the (corset) platysmaplasty as your doctor will do and I had the oral sedation. I was not awake or at least if I was I don't remember anything except very briefly some of the fat removal along my jawline on one side when the doctor was performing lipo. The "cocktail" of drugs right before surgery included valium and from what I understand, that induces amnesia. The little bit I remember didn't bother me in the least, and I'm a wimp. lol
My only fear now is the loosening of the results, which naturally will happen (nothing drastic but within several months the results aren't quite as tight as they were right after surgery from what I'm told).
I'm cheering you on from the sidelines! You're already beautiful and I know you'll be so thrilled with your results. :-)
After 50 or so the changes started really kicking in but it was the last few years with a highly stressful job and the death of my sister that just put things over the top (or in my case under the top...lol).
I had a "Biltmore Lift" by Dr. David Harley in Asheville, NC on April 12th of this year. I never thought I'd ever have a facelift/neck lift but instead of moping about feeling depressed I decided to take action and after all the great reviews here I went for it.
I can tell you that it's the best thing I've ever done for myself! I also had the (corset) platysmaplasty as your doctor will do and I had the oral sedation. I was not awake or at least if I was I don't remember anything except very briefly some of the fat removal along my jawline on one side when the doctor was performing lipo. The "cocktail" of drugs right before surgery included valium and from what I understand, that induces amnesia. The little bit I remember didn't bother me in the least, and I'm a wimp. lol
My only fear now is the loosening of the results, which naturally will happen (nothing drastic but within several months the results aren't quite as tight as they were right after surgery from what I'm told).
I'm cheering you on from the sidelines! You're already beautiful and I know you'll be so thrilled with your results. :-)
October 13, 2017
Best SMAS facelift I have seem! And I like the idea of a Doctor who only perform and especializing in only face only! I would want to make an appointment with Dr. To soon. Thank you so much for sharing this!
October 13, 2017
Thanks Ruby, I can't say enough good things about Dr. To and his office. They treat you like family, and truly care about you. I had to trust Dr. To with his plan and follow his instructions for recovery. No ice, no massage, no scar cream, just leave it all alone for 6 weeks to heal. Bruising and swelling is all a natural response to trauma, and gravity is your friend!
October 14, 2017
Hi Sue182, I really meant it. I haven't seen anyone had such beautiful stitches and recovery. Most of all of your beautiful result that really caught my eyes. That's when I started to read your story. This surgery really took at least 25 years of you. May I ask how did you find Dr. To? Have you seen his other works I meant other patients? I have been trying to find a very good SMAS facelift surgeon. I did so many research. I actually found one in South Korea who was also well known for facial SMAS facelift only. He specializing only on facelift nothing else. But It's really weird. I had spoken to him and had a consultation with him couple months ago, and he is at a clinic called April 31 Plastic Clinic is quite well known in South Korea. But now in three months, I am ready for my surgery that I can't find him anymore. He has been in that clinic for over 20 years. But then your photos and Dr. To came in while I feel so lost that I didn't know where to go after a long 6 months of research.
I am just wondering if any others had their surgeries done at Dr. To's?
I will definitely give them a call and flight over for a consultation. I just truly blast I had found another facial specialty doctor. Once again thanks for sharing.
I am just wondering if any others had their surgeries done at Dr. To's?
I will definitely give them a call and flight over for a consultation. I just truly blast I had found another facial specialty doctor. Once again thanks for sharing.
November 22, 2017
rubyyu, thank you so much for the compliments! Dr. To is in my city, and I had two other consultations with PS in my area. Dr. To just felt right, even though he had only one book of before and after photos. And those were a while ago. He explained that not many women want their faces in the book, and many of his patients travel to him. I was very skeptical, and even asked if I could speak with someone about their surgery, and he said yes, he could provide someone, but I never did call anyone. I just went with my gut, that Dr. To would do exactly what I wanted. And he did. I'm 10 weeks out now, and still tingly and numb in areas, but I love what i see every single day!!! You can pm me and I will certainly be of as much help as I can. Any woman who wants this procedure should find a specialist who only does faces.
UPDATED FROM Sue182
5 months pre
30 days pre op
I'm at the 30 day mark, and not close enough to the surgery date to freak out yet. I do have some concerns at this time though.
I don't smoke but I do vape. Smoking is a no no, and my dr said no nicotine at least 2 weeks prior. I've read other reviews where they said no smoking 3-4 weeks, or even 8 weeks prior to surgery. So I've gone to 100% ZERO nicotine in my e-liquid. Of course my dr still said no to that, so I'm not sure what I'll do. I do realize the importance of this, so I fully intend to do whatever necessary to make this surgery a total success!! If that means quitting the vape, then so be it. I'll have to quit drinking 2 weeks before too. Hmmm...
Then there's the pre-op doctors appointment. I called my primary and asked if this visit could be coded so the insurance would cover it. It's a routine physical, but with EKG and blood (which of course isn't covered.) The nurse got a bit noisy and offended and said "It's PRE OP, we can't change that!" I'm like, okay okay, chill out lady. I was just asking ;)
My center said the blood nicotine test might be expensive, but that they could do a urine test on May 11 at my pre op appointment. Which I think they do anyway, so not sure if I need the blood nicotine test.
Maybe I'm just being cheap now, which is ironic *lol*. I'm spending as much as it will cost to repair the front porch, so I am now referring to this surgery as 'fixing the front porch'. The ladies at work know when I refer to the "porch" I'm talking about my face.
I'm enjoying writing all this, whether other's read it or not. Something therapeutic about putting all these thoughts into a blog so to speak.
I don't smoke but I do vape. Smoking is a no no, and my dr said no nicotine at least 2 weeks prior. I've read other reviews where they said no smoking 3-4 weeks, or even 8 weeks prior to surgery. So I've gone to 100% ZERO nicotine in my e-liquid. Of course my dr still said no to that, so I'm not sure what I'll do. I do realize the importance of this, so I fully intend to do whatever necessary to make this surgery a total success!! If that means quitting the vape, then so be it. I'll have to quit drinking 2 weeks before too. Hmmm...
Then there's the pre-op doctors appointment. I called my primary and asked if this visit could be coded so the insurance would cover it. It's a routine physical, but with EKG and blood (which of course isn't covered.) The nurse got a bit noisy and offended and said "It's PRE OP, we can't change that!" I'm like, okay okay, chill out lady. I was just asking ;)
My center said the blood nicotine test might be expensive, but that they could do a urine test on May 11 at my pre op appointment. Which I think they do anyway, so not sure if I need the blood nicotine test.
Maybe I'm just being cheap now, which is ironic *lol*. I'm spending as much as it will cost to repair the front porch, so I am now referring to this surgery as 'fixing the front porch'. The ladies at work know when I refer to the "porch" I'm talking about my face.
I'm enjoying writing all this, whether other's read it or not. Something therapeutic about putting all these thoughts into a blog so to speak.
UPDATED FROM Sue182
5 months pre
Recent pics, in natural light
Good lord, I thought it would be prudent to take a few pics of me today, 28 days pre-op, but I wasn't ready to see these!! Seriously, it's not like I don't see this face every morning. Photos are rarely flattering, and the few that I actually like are when I'm smiling, but I didn't realize until just now how freaking old I look...
Replies (13)
April 27, 2017
Hey, Good luck! You don't look that bad but I know how you feel?
April 27, 2017
I agree with buddy. But I think you are nipping it in the bud and that's good imho. I have waited till the very last (69). Drew it out until there was no more denial. So good for you in taking care of business now. I'll be following along and cheering you on!
April 27, 2017
What type of brow lift is he performing under just oral meds and local shots? Probably not an endoscopic? And how long will the results last? I have heard that a bleph lasts much much longer than most types of lateral brow lifts (except the most invasive which probably can't be done without at least IV sedation). You're going to look wonderful since the starting point is already sensational!
May 1, 2017
Thank you for your comments grace! The brow lift is a lateral, which means a small incision at the temple to lift the outer corner of the brow. It will 'open' my eyes at the -outer corner, but that's it. Will last about 6- 8 years.
May 1, 2017
Great to read your review! I am also scheduled May 25 for a lower facelift without general anesthesia. Just called the quickie lab for my CBC, but will have to see regular dr. for preop & EKG -- not sure how they'll like me taking in my own CBC results, but oh well! it's my $$. Will be following your progress as I walk along you . . .
May 2, 2017
Thanks for the comment and good luck with your surgery! How did you get the CBC without a request? Just curious. I'm getting mine done tomorrow, hopefully won't be too expensive.
May 1, 2017
Good Luck with your surgery, I'm 7 months post smas facelift, i had general anaesthetic but wish now I had local, your recovery should be quicker and smoother. Looking forward to seeing your updates and progress.
May 2, 2017
thanks for the comment, it's the long recovery that worries me now, I know everyone heals differently, so we shall see!
May 2, 2017
Hello sue, congrats on your decision to have these procedures for yourself! I know I was so happy to have extra skin removed and the platysma muscle tightened! I feel like I look like "me" again, just refreshed! Best wishes, and I look forward to following your progress !
Anyway, this is your review, not mine, so I'll shut up now. Don't worry too much about the awake surgery. It'll be fine and you'll feel a lot better afterwards without all the general anesthesia side effects. Also, nothing will hurt until about 8 hours later when all that local wears off. Also, do not be surprised if you cannot move your forehead or eyebrows for about 18 hours. All that local anesthetic deadens your forehead, too. The one thing I would do differently is to start pain meds BEFORE the local wears off. I waited too long and by the time I was in pain, I was in serious pain, which is much harder to get under control if you wait too long.
Good luck to you and I wish you the best!