We've Only Just Begun! - Houston, TX

At 47 I began noticing the typical lower face sagging, more pronounced nasolabial folds, and baby jowls. It was the beginning jowls, and the left nasolabial fold that bothered me most. Considered fillers but was not keen on having to repeat injections every 6 to 12 months. At 48 I discovered the secret lift tapes which worked wonders and took years off. I wore them about a year daily, but developed a fear of the wind when outside. One good blow and voila the tapes could be seen. I just had my 49th birthday and chose the Lifestyle Lift as the gift of choice. My husband and I made it to Houston June 20, 2012 for my lift. My husband's support has been sustaining. We were greeted by a professional and genuine staff. My excitement level was pretty high, and to my surprise, no nerves. The procedure went well. Dr. Smith and his assistant were absolutely fantastic. It was obvious they love what they do. The worse part of the procedure was the numbing needles. Other than that I felt no pain. However, they did warn me that the numbing affect will wear off and to start the pain meds prescribed. The procedure took about 2 hours maybe a little less. About 6:00pm it was time for pain meds!! However the prescribed pain killer caused nausea so I discontinued it, and have used extra strength tylenol as needed. Pain on a scale of 1 to 10 has ranged from 2-5. On day one after the procedure I took tylenol twice during, and twice on day two. I was warned by the lifestyle nurse that swelling usually increases day two and three. Day three after the procedure there was noticeable swelling on left side, and the worse pain experienced, but bearable took two tylenol for it. My experience so far has been very good. Pictures to come soon.

Update: Day 6 I have no swelling, and incisions are healed nicely. Tomorrow the stitches will be removed. There is some hardness just in front of the ears, and the neck where muscles have been lifted. Each day these areas soften. The journey has been amazing, one that begin with prayer, and continues with thanksgiving! I believe God's hand has been on this process since the onset! My husband loves it, and is the only person in my circle of family and friends whom I told I was having this procedure. I have worn a straight haired wig for the past 19 years daily. Couldn't wear for the procedure so I got rid of it on that day, and have been wearing my natural afro hair since. On day four, post-op, I went to church with my natural hair. Several generous compliments were given on my appearance. My favorite, "You look like you stepped out of a magazine! They all attributed looking good to the new hair style! On day five post-op my 21 year old daughter and I sat next to each other on the bed in conversation. She said I look younger with my own hair! I'm grateful that the results look so natural. Personally, I think I still look 49, not younger, just better. That's just what I wanted!

Day 11 Post-Op: Healing nicely, numbness on sides of face diminishing each day along with hardness. This will get better to with time. Swelling is gone on both side now. Day 3 was the last day I took tylenol, and by day 5 I felt no more pain. Stitches are out, see scar shots at day 11 post-op, not bad. There's been no complications, quite happy with results.