52 and Didn't Care for the Strange Old Lady in the Mirror! London, GB

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  • 16 May 2016
  • 4 months post
Here are the products ...

Obagi Nu Derm plus sunscreens.

  • 16 May 2016
  • 4 months post
I forgot to mention that I began using the Obagi Nu Derm skin programme, 5 months ago, which I highly recommend. It is quite a commitment both time wise and financially, but i figured if I was going to have a nice new face I wanted my skin to be in the best condition it could be. Wow, what a change of attitude from my sun worshiping days! In my case the first 2 weeks were the worst with redness (ironically looking like sunburn)! and lots of unsightly flaking of skin. But after that, things started improving bit by bit and I could really see a difference, both in the quality and tone. You have to factor in getting up a little earlier as I apply no fewer than 8 different potions in the morning, and it's a bit of a bind if you nod off on the sofa at night and suddenly remember - oh no the dreaded lotions! But if you can stick with it it's a fantastic product and I would never use anything else. Having said that my replacement products have been ZO Medical (By Zein Obagi, MD), which is even nicer. In a month's time, I will begin the maintenance programme and cut out some of the lotions, but will be using a factor 50 sunscreen and big floppy sunhat on holidays! Incidentally, I would say the only thing I didn't like was the Obagi Sun Shield factor 50. I found it made my foundation rub off along with some skin (not pretty) and I found myself having to start the whole skin care ritual again, so I gave up with that. Since then I have used Heliocare advanced Gel SPF 50 and Ultrasun tinted anti ageing for very sensitive skin SPF 30 which I wear instead of foundation, both are lovely to use. It's quite liberating to not wear any foundation now, I only use the tinted sunscreen, plus Boots No7 Instant Radiance Concealer (40), which is brilliant (and I have tried all the expensive brands)! Plus a little Bobbi Brown sheer finish pressed powder in pale yellow, to reduce any excessive shine, and a final dusting of Bobbi Browns illuminating bronzing powder in Antigua. This is obviously only useful information if you have similar colouring to me! but if you want a natural look but like to feel a little 'made up' they are very light products but give you the security of some coverage, if that makes sense!

4 months later

  • 16 May 2016
  • 4 months post
Hi lovely ladies! I thought it was time for an update. It has now been 4 months since my face, neck and lateral brow lift and I am feeling happy because I'm feeling really normal! It sounds strange to say because up until about 2 weeks ago I still felt some numbness around my ears and jaw and when I smiled I was conscious of that (sensation), and wondered if I looked different or as if I'd had something done. I still have some numbness, and some days the area around my ears and jaw feel warmer than say my cheeks, but I'm assuming that's all part if the healing process. These however are small triflings compared with the old, very old, me! I think as the swelling subsides and your face settles down to it's new normality, it is very easy to forget the old version of yourself. A quick flick through the Before photos soon reminds me of how far I have come and I just feel so happy. So if you are reading this and contemplating surgery with Dominic (as he is the only one I can vouch for), I would say without any hesitation, just do it. You will be so pleased you did!

Provider Review

Dominic Bray, MBBS, FRCS
Physician
70 Harley Street, London,
Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
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  • 30 Jan 2016

I've been putting off the moment when I would write my review of Dominic because I wanted to think of something original to say, but it seems all the glowing superlatives have been used up, so five months post op, I'll just have to join the other thrilled Bray Babes in my praise and just say a huge thank you to the man who has made every day infinitely better for me. Choosing to have a facelift is not something you do on a whim. I did as much research as I could before going ahead and my objective was to find a surgeon who could reverse some of the life style damage caused by sun worship/smoking and alcohol. I wasn't wanting to look 25 or even 35, just the best example of me I could be, but initially wasn't sure how feasible that was. Like many people, I was nervous of making an irreversibly bad decision, fuelled by images of celebrities who had spoiled their looks in an attempt to restore their former beauty, I worried that if this was what happened to those with millions at their disposal what hope was there for me? But I continued my search and soon came across the RealSelf forum which led me to the person who really improved the way I feel about myself. Dominic is one of the most genuinely kind and charming people I've had the pleasure to meet, quite apart from being a superbly skilled and intuitive surgeon. From the first meeting, I knew there was no reason to continue my search and had absolutely no qualms about the impending surgery, such was my level of trust in him and his team. This proved to be well founded, and I sailed through the procedure, which didn't feel like surgery at all, more like a pleasant day dream! The twilight sedation was one of the things that most appealed to me as I did not want to risk any unnecessary general anaesthesia, and the fact that he could produce a more natural result, by asking me to smile, move my brows etc., during sedation, was key. I really cannot add anything more complimentary to say about Dominic, and his extremely professional team that hasn't already been said by so many and will continue to do so, other than he is unquestionably THE BEST! Lucy, his PA, and right hand woman deserves a special mention too as she is a walking angel, kind, patient, beautiful and super efficient to boot! Andy, my anaesthetist on the day, was also wonderful, and made me feel so safe and calm, I simply couldn't have wished for a better experience. In short, if you are considering surgery, and want a naturally beautiful result with fantastic before and aftercare, look no further. One of Dominic's previous patients aptly described hers as a 'life lift' which is exactly what it is and for me, continues to be, beyond price. A million thanks Dominic - you deserve all your stars! X