POSTED UNDER Lower Facelift REVIEWS
I think I'm Happy with my Facelift ??- Jackson, MI
ORIGINAL POST
So, I had my lower facelift/necklift 5 days ago...
$9,200
So, I had my lower facelift/necklift 5 days ago (3/7/13) and I'm pretty sore and swollen/bruised. I am wearing a compression headpiece? for a week as many hours a day as I can tolerate (PS said 24/7 for a week unless eating or going out). Definitely not going out yet, but the thing is kind of uncomfortable. It has velcro straps at the neck that keep rubbing on my incision under my chin and doesn't really feel like it fits me right, not much compression, but I'm still wearing it. I will talk to my PS on Thursday when I go to get my stitches out.
My motivation for having a facelift was because I didn't like the way my neck looked. I had a couple of neck surgeries in the past (cysts on my thryoid gland) (when I was 15 yrs old and again when I was 24 yrs old) that caused some scar tissue that kind of attached itself to my throat area at the incision point. And as I got older the skin along the side of my neck seemed like it was trying to 'hang over' where the scar tissue was. Anyway, my PS released the scar tissue hoping that it won't attach again and did a lower facelift/necklift together.
Right now, I still feel so sore and swollen that I'm not certain if I will look any different. My jaw areas as well as my ears are quite painful, not unbearable, but tight, hard, swollen and sore. (I only take 1/2 of a pain pill, full dose makes me feel too nauseus). But again, it's only been 5 days. I did quite a bit of research before I made the final decision to have this done. I had told my husband for several years that I wanted it done, so after the holidays I made an appointment for a consultation, scheduled the surgery and now it's done. I really don't expect to look alot younger, that wasn't my goal.
I am 62 years old, very active with my horses, pets and my life, just didn't like looking in the mirror anymore at my 'chins' and sagging neck. I have earned any laugh/frown lines that I have so I will keep them as reminders of my life, but the neck things just had to go. I kind of went into this without talking to anyone who has had it done, so I really wasn't sure how I would feel after the surgery, only what I had read and researched online. I had considered one of those 'quick fix facelifts' that you see advertised on television all the time, but I really believe you get just what you pay for and I'm glad I didn't go with that type of cosmetic surgery. My PS was previously an otolaryngolist before specializing in plastic surgery so I'm certain I selected the right doctor. I am bruised from my chin down into my right breast (don't know why mainly on one side more than the other). The bruising doesn't really hurt, just ugly. Would I do it over? Not sure yet. Keeping an open mind, trying to be patient.
myownhope's provider
UPDATED FROM myownhope
So I went and had my one week follow-up and had my...
So I went and had my one week follow-up and had my stitches removed. It has only been 1 week and I see a change already. I will be patient for the swelling and hardness/tightness to subside and hope you all are doing ok in your recovery process too. I have a ways to go, but my PS was able to detach the scar tissue I had from previous thyroid surgeries years ago and gave me exercises/massages to do to hopefully prevent the scar tissue from attaching itself again. So far, so good.
Replies (36)
March 14, 2013
Thank you SO much for sharing your experience thus far. You're in a hard part of recovery right now, so hang in there. Today was your appointment. How did it go?
March 14, 2013
Angiemcc....today was my one week follow-up to have my stitches removed. Everyone in the office said I look great and have taken years off my face, even while I'm still quite swollen. My PS said I was doing really well, to start massaging my neck area upward with my thumbs about 1 minute per hour during the day and while in the shower to help soften, and reduce the swelling and hardness. I'm to let my scars rest for one week, don't put any lotions etc. on my face for one week, then I start my scar therapy. It's a scar creme with silicone that he recommended and provides in his office. He recommended that I also wear my compression garment while sleeping for one week. The tightness, hardness and swelling are all part of the process, so all in all, I'm doing well and I go back in one month. (Should I submit a picture and get other's opinions?)
March 18, 2013
Hey There,
It's great reading your story as I'm right behind you. I had a lower face/neck lift on 3/12. Today was my 1 week and I had my stitches removed. I feel like you have described in terms of the hardness/swelling/tightness.
I am happy I do not have to wear the compression garment you describe. I'm only 48 and my doctor said my skin has great elasticity so I didn't need to wear one. Of course, with the swelling, I wondering what the finished results will look like but I'm trusting him.
My doc gave me the scar cream and is having me start today. He mentioned the massaging but said at this point it's optional.
Thanks for sharing your story.
March 18, 2013
Hi OhGirl....Hope you are feeling at least comfortable at this point in your recovery. I think the most important part of recovery and healing is being patient. I have days that I feel better than others, I need to kick-start myself to get motivated more than before my surgery, but I'm sure I will get going more when the nice spring weather finally gets here. It's 11 days post-op for me now. I have to keep reminding myself that it hasn't been very long. My swelling has gone down considerably, it seems to feel more swollen than it actually is if that makes any sense.. Still quite a bit of tightness and hard feeling, but It actually helps me to read posts from others who have gone (or are going) through the same experience. Keep the updates coming, especially since it sounds like we had about the same thing done. Your younger than me, so you might recuperate and heal a little faster. Wishing everyone all the best.
March 19, 2013
I am three weeks post op tomorrow. Hang in there girlies! I have found the hard spots soften, and I cannot stress enough how if you overexert one day you had better lie low the next or it seems the recovery will stretch even longer. I think one thing we as women do is beat ourselves up for not being quite up to par as quickly as we would want to be. We have endured the hard part..now comes the patience. I am getting plenty of rest and still attempting to sleep with my head somewhat elevated . Good luck everyone!
March 20, 2013
Hi Girls,
Today was one week post op and it was my worst day ever. I saw the doc yesterday and we discussed getting another Rx for pain meds we decided I would just take Tylenol if I needed to. Guess that was a big mistake because the tightness and pulling were horrible today - makes me feel clausterphobic in a sense and the way the swelled flesh feel makes my skin crawl.
I had a big ole pity party for myself today - my sisters were great in understanding. I mean, it's crazy to get an expensive cosmetic procedure done and then crying over it. But I swear, this has been way worse than my breast implant surgery!
I finally called Dr. Leedy after hours, he was very calming and understanding. He asked what I was feeling. He could not call in a Rx for percocet and I can't take vicodin because it makes me itch. Sooo, he ended up prescribing an anti-inflammatory and something for the anxiety in hopes it would reduce the feeling of claustrophobia. I had to add a 200mg of Tylenol with it and this has seemed to work.
He said I can come in tomorrow for the Rx of percocet and he'll take another look at things. I just saw him yesterday, so I don't think anything has changed but it is kind of him to be available if needed.
He did say to me when we spoke that I am at the "frustrating" part of the recovery. He says we kind of feel like we should be getting back to regular life and we really can't. I think I am having some of that . . . .
FunTNGirl, how is your jaw? You're two weeks ahead of me - are you looking and feeling more normal? I have hear day 21 is the "magic" day when most feel they look normal.
March 22, 2013
Hi Oh Girl...Sorry to hear you are having a rough time. I am now at day 14 and and can defintely relate to the tightness and pulling sensation. I am occasionally taking 1/2 of a vicodin to relax me. I get tired quite easily but fortunately don't have the anxiety that you are experiencing. The most discomfort I am feeling is around my ears and both sides of my neck just under the jaw, numbness but tingling and tight, a little itchy, scabby around both ears. I agree that we are in the very frustrating part of recovery. I will wait for that magic day 21 one week from today and hope it gets better. I notice that I have some clear stitches sticking out in a couple of places around the ear area. I hope these are the type that are supposed to dissolve and not have to be clipped and removed. I should call my doctor and ask huh? My best friend asked me if I had it to do all over again, would I have it done. I said yes, probably, I am satisfied with how the results seem to look around my neck area, just uncomfortable with the way I am feeling right now, so I told her to ask me again in a few more weeks....It's probably a good thing the weather's not so good right now so I don't mind being stuck in the house and not going out very much yet. I don't think my discomfort would be obvious to anyone, but I still don't feel good enough to be doing much socializing. Still waiting for my head to feel like it really belongs on my shoulders.....Hope you are all doing OK and feel better each day.
March 22, 2013
Hi FunTNGirl...thanks for the post. I think you are one week ahead of me in recovery so it helps to hear from someone who knows what I'm going through. I agree with getting plenty of rest, just amazing how tired I still am. For some reason, we just seem to think we will (or have to) bounce right back quick. Keep us updated on how you are doing, I think I need to go take a little snooze now. Take care all.
March 22, 2013
Hey hope...girl....
Snooze. Slow down salt. Hydrate...and i think three weeks is our first big corner turner.
I cannot hear really well with the swelling but !!!that can be a good thing! Hard spots are softening...swelling is subsiding underneath chin. I have the same thing with pieces of dissolving sutures. Thankful no big social affairs or weddings!!! In six months almost eveeything will be scrubbable!!
March 22, 2013
I"m with you on those stitches - I have had two long ones come out from behind my ear. Hoping that is natural ;o)
One of the good things to come from this is a loss of appetite for me, love that ;o)
I'm really so swollen that I honestly can tell some difference but not a lot, especially because the incision of the chin is puckering with the swelling around it, looks horrible.
I am not advertising that I have had this surgery so I have a pretty small support team which is why it's so great to have you all online.
I am the exact opposite with you on being stuck in the house. It is sending me into a depression - I asked my hubby if we could take a quick trip to SC next week but he said NO. Not feelin' a whole lot of support coming from him these days. I would rather be "stuck" in the house with nice weather so I could at least be outside with a big hat on - but doing this surgery with six weeks of winter left was not a smart move on my part, even though it was purposeful since I thought I could wear turtle necks and scarves to cover things up.
Sending good thoughts your way & hoping tomorrow is a good day for you.
March 23, 2013
OhGirl.....Sure hope you are doing better today...Hang in there, it's got to get better, at least that's what I hear....I had to take a pain pill today, the worst discomfort today is both sides of my neck, can't even stand to have anything touch my skin, maybe the nerves are trying to reconnect or something, but it almost makes me feel a little sick to my stomach. So hard to explain to anyone who hasn't gone through this, but the sensations are really wierd, sometimes like electrical shocks, usually feel like I am being choked, and just generally hurts, numbness and tingling, tight pulling feeling, now I have a headache to go along with it. I try and act like I'm just fine, but I'm really not that fine, at least not for the last couple of days. I really don't want to be feeling like this 3 months from now. I can function and no one outside of this site would even know how awful I feel unless I told them, which I'm not going to do. I think I will put on my compression support tonight, maybe that will help my neck. It really is nice to have somewhere to go to know there are others that are going through the same type of recovery. Hope we can all say we are so glad we did this when we are all healed. Well, tomorrow is a new day, hope everyone feels better and sees daily improvement.
March 23, 2013
MyOwnHope . . . so sorry it was such a bad day for you - that was me yesterday. So I think the good news is that at least they are not all bad days :o). What day of recovery are you on? I'm at Day 10.
Next Friday is my 49th birthday. When I scheduled this surgery it was kind of as a birthday present. I said to my husband, "Well, I should be feeling and looking good for my birthday." I certainly hope that will be the case as I'll be on day 17 by then.
I know what you mean about your neck and not having anything touch it - this "diminished sensitivity" as our doctors call it is the weirdest thing, isn't it? My skin by/behind my neck/ears doesn't even feel like human skin - to me that area feels like what I imagine dolphins feel like - thick and smooth.
I am feeling sick to my stomach as well. - not sure if it's the meds or what. I have lost 10lbs in the 10 days since my surgery, so at least there is a silver lining. :o)
I have to take the pain meds because the headaches/tighness/pulling/ pressure/choking feeling is so bad. I have not started to feel those electrical shocks - yet - but I know they are a sign of healing. My doctor is not having me wear the compression garment - not sure if that's a good thing or bad but it's one less thing I have to put up with!
When I feel bad, I don't act as if I feel good - it's just me and my hubby here at the houseand handful of people who know I have done this. I whine and cry to them and for the most part everyone but my husband has been very sympathetic. I know how crazy it is - this expensive, elective surgery and I'm crying about how bad I feel. Whatever, it is true. I don't think any of them think I am a big whiny baby.The last couple of days I have been depressed and crying and today I did not cry, so I feel like that was progress. I also did a load of laundry, yippy!
I am right there with you when it comes to this forum for support from others who are going thru this. I have not be getting a whole lot of sympathy from my husband - he acts as if I should be over this or something. So having you girls here on the board is wonderful - we know we are not alone. Others understand what we are going thru with our recoveries.
From everything my doctor has said and everything I've read at RealSelf, by six weeks we are going to be feeling SO much better and then 3/6 months looking even better. Hoping that is all true.
I think I am going to watch a funny movie tonight for a few laughs. I love "What about Bob" with Bill Murray - he starts his day off saying, "I feel good, I feel great, I feel wonderful" to try and convince himself that he does.
Hang in there, we're all in this together!
March 23, 2013
Myownhope: Glad to hear you mention the electrical shocks...and glad to hear Ohgirl tell us it is normal, as I have those too. I think they cause me more anxiety than pain which is actually, in my opinion, is the most annoying part of recovery....that feeling of awakening with the "ring around the neck" tightness. I am post op 24 days( not even a month) and it does get better each week. I am most happy to see swelling reduce underneath my chin. I like reading what some of the physicians write on here about the post swelling concerns and I just read one that said we all experiencing normal symptoms. One thing for sure is that at three weeks you feel more like leaving the house, going grocery shopping, and seeing close friends. I am going to attempt the stationary bike today for first time. We just cannot overdo it!!!Have a restful weekend and dont' do too much. You will be better next weekend!!!! xxoo
March 23, 2013
Congrats on your great day yesterday. I hope you have another one today or tomorrow. I know the strangeness behind your ears is yucky, but it will improve for sure and be normal. On my last surgery, the ear sensation returned last and I could live with that. And CONGRATS on the ten pounds that is great!!!! You really are going to wake up one morning and put on your makeup and feel 100% better. :)
March 23, 2013
Do you have a scar under you chin? Right now that isy biggest concern. With the swelling right under my chin and downy neck a bit, that incision is so prominent and puckered that I can't really go out in public or see clients.
With being sick I have been able to make real excuses as to why I can't see them, however, I thought after two weeks I'd be able to go out in a turtle neck and scarf. But this scar can't be covered up by either one of those.
I was up half the night in the bathroom, the little bit I ate at the restaurant went tight thru me, did you have anything like this in your recovery from the drugs?
At 24 days are you able to go put and " look" normal?
March 23, 2013
I can go out every 2 or 3 days. The lack of flexibility in my neck and some residual bruising on front of neck are noticeable, but swelling would only be noticed by me probably. I can use a hat scarf and no one knows. So Yes!
March 23, 2013
Hi OhGirl and FunTNGirl.......I am quite a bit better today, thanks. Sorry I was whiny yesterday. It sounds like we are all going through exactly the same feelings of discomfort, tightness, etc. so it must be normal. I remember reading a post the other day where a gal was really having a bad time, wondering if she did the right thing, painful and uncomfortable, just like we are right now. Another person wrote back that she shouldn't be complaining, very unsympathetic, that this surgery isn't even like surgery, blah, blah, blah, and made the first gal who posted feel like a real whiner. I would like to say to whoever the person who responded (can't remember her name and really don't feel like searching for it either, not worth it).......give us a break will you? We are all just trying to help each other get through this recovery, and for most of us, it is not a breeze. We all hope we will be happy with the end results, but I know I for one didn't 100% realize exactly what it would be like. So there, I certainly feel better now. Hope you all have a great day and an even better day tomorrow. I am 16 days post op now.
March 23, 2013
Amen Myownhope. The wonderful thing about this forum is the support it brings for people going thru these elective procedures. I know days 7/8 were not good for me and I completely saw the irony that I was whining about an expensive ELECTIVE surgery but you know what? It IS major surgery and it's a blessing we can all be here for each other.
I'm so glad you are feeling a bit better today! It's okay to whine because we understand ;o)
March 24, 2013
myownhope,
I might be the one who wrote about how hard this surgery/recovery is, and someone commented that I shouldn't be complaining if I'm not in pain. You are right, she wasn't the most empathetic or comforting in my hour of need. Some recoveries are just harder than others. I've read about enough hard recoveries that I feel certain that we are not just whiners (one woman's symptoms were so difficult that she actually committed suicide). You can see this woman on YouTube videos. So very sad. Her symptoms literally drove her crazy. Wish she had found this supportive group!!! I am 4 weeks out, and am feeling better daily. Saw my grown children today for the first time...and they didn't even notice that I've had anything done. It's funny how no one really studies faces carefully or critically. It's actually kind of lucky for those of us who are feeling like we look so swollen, scarred, and odd. No one notices the defects that we see in ourselves.
March 24, 2013
Hey There BarbyDoll,
So glad you are feeling better. I'm only 11 days out and days 7&8 were brutal for me. Very depressed. I'm glad I had this board and that I talked to my doctor and got additional drugs including an anti anxiety drug.
On one of my bad days I'm glad my sister came to the house, my husband wast very sympathetic but my sister stayed for several hours, called my doc for new meds and made sure I was in a better frame of mind before she left.
It's interesting that your kids haven't even noticed your surgery, hopefully that means your doctor produced very natural results!
I have read 3 weeks is kind of a magic number when you finally feel kind of normal. Was that your experience?
March 24, 2013
OhGirl,
At the end of week 3, I ventured out of hiding. I didn't mind seeing strangers in stores...and even had a long conversation with a fellow church member who saw me out shopping. She didn't act like she was frightened by me...which was good. At 4 weeks, I am looking more normal, but with numbness, tightness, and other weird sensations on and around your face, it's hard to feel normal. I'm still quite swollen and the daily improvements are extremely gradual. That's why they say that complete healing takes a year.
March 24, 2013
Babydoll.."daily improvements extremely gradual "is so accurate. I am four weeks this wed and am out again for second day in a row...just told a friend i had a peel when she stared at my neck!:))
March 24, 2013
BarbyDoll. Hope you are doing well today (also OhGirl and Fun TNGirl too)....I had my post all done and accidently did something and deleted it, so here I go again....hope I can remember what I said, lol.... sure is nice to have others that can help us get through our recovery isn't it? I am day 17 post op today, the hardest part is waiting to feel better on a daily basis and that just isn't happening that fast for me. Not feeling real bad, just the same old day after day complaints. I was thinking to myself this morning as I was walking out to the barn to feed my horses....what if I have these wierd sensations in my face and neck for the rest of my life? Will I have this creepy choking feeling forever? And is the scar under my chin as noticeable as I think it is? Yikes, I hope not!! And my ears....I could go on and on but I'll stop. I'm probably not the first one to ask themselves these questions, it's only been 17 days but it sure seems like a lot longer. Barby, you are so right, we are much more critical of ourselves than others are. I'm not real certain if anyone who doesn't know I had anything done will really notice a change in my appearance, maybe just more rested? I notice quite a change in my neckline and that is what I wanted. And I agree with you, we are kind of lucky that others don't notice what we FEEL is swollen, scarred and odd at this point. I am trying to be active, cleaning stalls and feeding my horses twice a day, doing a little painting in the house. We had some remodeling done before my surgery and now need to do our part, like deep cleaning, painting, putting the house back together, etc. Still moving a little slower than before my surgery, but hopeful that I will regain my energy and motivation more and more as weather here finally turns nice again. Seems like it's been a long, long winter. And I can't wait to feel 'normal' again. Thinking of you all.
March 24, 2013
Hey Hope & All the Girls,
Just know you have company ;o) Well, honestly I have not yet started to get the electric shock treatment but I know it's coming any time. Ugh, you are at 17 and still struggling? Day 17 will be my 49th birthday and I was really hoping to be feeling good.
I have noticed the change mostly with my jowels and around my mouth - those marionette lines are gone! The swelling around my jaw line had greatly diminished but the swelling under the chin and the prominent scar - yep, gott'em!
I was kind of under the impression that by the end of my second week I would be able to start seeing clients but honestly, as things stand today I can't see that happening. Not really sure I can safely drive because of the diminished range of motion with my neck. Plus, the SCAR under the chin. I think it looks like a scar and it's still puckered and I don't think it looks like my natural chin crease (yet). So HOW am I supposed to start working again? It's too high to cover with a turtle neck or scarf!
I agree, it's been a loooooooooooong winter and I'm not sure if anyone will notice the change if I don't say anything, yet I know the before/after is noticeable. I mean, it is crazy that we spend all this money on this surgery and go thru a pretty challenging recovery and then no one notices, LOL!
March 25, 2013
Hi OhGirl.......Your post made me chuckle, we just have to have some humor through all this irritating stuff going on from our neck up......I hope you have a wonderful birthday and I will try and remember to send you a happy birthday greeting on that special day. Got to tell you, I haven't had ALL bad days. I think it was only 8 days when I went out to eat and even had a couple of drinks with my husband, daughter and son-in-law. I put on a little make-up, lipstick, mascara and even a little eye-shadow, spent a little extra time on my hair and had a nice evening. My son-in-law said several times that he thought I looked great, and even noticed that I have lost some weight. (Of course he knew I had the surgery, hoping he wasn't just complimenting me to make me feel good). Anyway, that made my day! (But I must admit, the restaurant we went to is always very dimly lit, which was the only reason I agreed to go, lol). So, get plenty of rest the day/night before your birthday, and tell yourself you can do this, fix yourself up and I really think it will make you feel good when you look at yourself in the mirror. Your hubby will just have to tell you how great you look....My best friend hasn't actually seen me since my surgery....She knows, and I've talked to her on the phone several times.....She will definitely give me her honest opinion...Wonder what it will be.....She better say something....what if she doesn't notice anything, ??? But like you said, I know the before/after is noticeable. And I am the one I did this for, just me. Once I really start getting out more, I will probably catch myself looking at other people's faces/chins to see if I can tell if they have had any work done, :o).
March 25, 2013
:-) we girls are all alike I guess!
I just went out to dinner for the first time on Friday as I HAD to get out of the house! I selected a dark restaurant too, lol!!!
Glad you have gotten out some and gotten fixed up and felt good about yourself. I'm sure your Bestie will totally support you and affirm what you have done!!
I really hope my hubby will say something about me looking pretty on my birthday. He is a great guy but I don't know why he isn't making positive comments about my results since they are totally noticeable if you're looking.
April 3, 2013
I had my surgery 16 Nov. I took a Carribean cruise on 16 Dec 2013. My 2 cheeks were still very swollen , there were 2 big blue bruises under each of my eyes and big blue bruise under my chin. I used concealers under my eyes and chin, brushed dark powder foundation along the cheeks and chin to make them look smaller. A soft animal print scarf covered the neck. No one noticed anything, no one seems to care. I enjoyed my cruise, not worrying about my bruises.
April 14, 2013
My surgery is Friday and I think it's just the incisions around the ear. That alone scares me. I need to get back to work asap. How long do u think it will take. Did you u use frozen bags of peas for the swelling. Will I need someone to help me or what. Thanks
March 24, 2013
How are you feeling now?
March 27, 2013
Still recovering, day 19 post op. Not bad, just quite sore in jaw area, both sides in front of my ears. Haven't got feeling back yet there. Neck still very sensitive to anything touching my skin, still have that creepy 'ring around my neck' feeling. Almost feels like I have a shirt collar touching my neck when there is actually nothing touching it. Discomfort enough to take 1/2 pain pill at night to help me get more comfortable and sleep better. But I'm getting there, I know it is going to take some time to feel normal again. That is what I am really looking forward, to have normal feeling from the neck up. Still some swelling in and around my chin, but I probably notice it more than anyone would.
April 3, 2013
I had facelift and necklift 4 months ago. As I had some lipo on the neck, my neck was sore and felt tight for couple weeks. I would feel some pain if I turn my head too much. I took sleeping pills to sleep the first 2 weeks as I could not sleep well upright on the Lazy boy. After 2 months, the bruising, the pain, the discomfort and the neck pulling sensation is over. You will enjoy your new face so much . Hanging in there.
UPDATED FROM myownhope
I am now 20 days post op. Functioning well, but...
I am now 20 days post op. Functioning well, but having quite a bit of discomfort in my upper neck area, both sides, just below the jaw line, burning sensation and very tight feeling. Difficult to explain, but continues to feel like something is rubbing it raw, when in fact there is nothing touching my neck at all. I usually only take 1/2 vicodin at bedtime to help me sleep, but today I have taken 1/2 pill 3 times to try and get some relief. Sure hope this is normal, right now I wish I hadn't had anything done. I don't go back to my PS until mid-April. For some reason today, I don't think my neck looks any better now than before my surgery, at least that's what my mirror is saying to me. But it is what it is, and I can only hope that it will get better with time. I have always thought I have a high pain tolerance, but this is starting to get me down. Can't wait to post what a great day I have had and how I am feeling better every day. Hope you all are doing well and recovering nicely. Tomorrow is a new day.
Replies (10)
March 29, 2013
Well that STINKS! Since you are ahead of me by a few days I am always hoping you are my (good) preview! I'm sorry the neck thing is requiring you to take the meds. I"m wondering if maybe you should be taking a low dose Rx for anxiety? My doc gave me one and it made a HUGE difference last week when I was feeling claustrophobic. Maybe call the office and talk to them? I think it's important to keep the lines of communication going. Last week I called after hours because I just could not take the "feeling" -- Dr. Leedy could not have been nicer, even with me crying and kind of losing it, which I HATE to do. That med made a world of difference. I only had to take it for a day or two. I still have some left over JIC!
My neck is super sensitive, too, but generally as long as I don't have a scarf or something around my neck, I can tolerate it.
I told my doc today and all of us are kind of in a "not sure if I would have done this" stage right now -- he promises it WILL get better.
Hang in there girl. Keep us posted.
March 29, 2013
Happy Birthday OhGirl! I hope you have a wonderful relaxing day filled with lotsa love and support!!!
March 29, 2013
OHGIRL.....HAPPY, HAPPY BIRTHDAY to you. Hope you have a great day. I think maybe I have been overdoing it and that's why I am having the discomfort I'm having. I went to the antique malls (out-of-town) with a couple of friends the day before yesterday for about 6 hours and I think my body just isn't ready for that much activity yet. That's the only think I can figure. My neck area is still very sensitive today and feels quite hard so I think i will take it easy and see if that helps. I will call my PS on Monday if I don't feel any better. Glad you are doing better and I'm sure I will be OK in a while. I'm like everyone else, just expected a quick recovery (like two weeks lol), and that just isn't happening. Again, Happy Birthday and hope you get to go out and have a fun day and special day.
March 29, 2013
Thanks!
Yes , over doing it might be the culprit. But you are in good company. I've GOT to start working again, taking appointments, etc. I was our yesterday after my doctor 's appointment for maybe six hours running here and there. Just try not to over do it, girl!
April 6, 2013
Hi, I just had the same experience and it's week 5.. just today I felt a little better. So much worry and stiffness, numb jaw, ears hurt etc.. I will keep in touch. Hope you feel better. Ps I couldn't even take 1/2 dose of pain pill, so in lots more pian! Hope you feel better.
April 8, 2013
Hi Wainui3.....I will be at week 5 this Thursday, 4/11. (I had my surgery on March 7th.) I did go to the doctor last week because I was feeling so miserable and he said what I am feeling is 'normal', so I guess this is my 'new normal' for now. Still have no feeling in front of both ears, (at the cheek bone area on down to the bottom of my ear lobes, my ears even feel kind of plugged but they aren't). Very uncomfortable from under my chin, ear to ear. Extreme tightness and actually very tender to touch, still don't like anything touching my neck, creepy and raw feeling. Sometimes still feels like that when nothing is touching it. I did ask my PS if there was a possiblility that I may never get feeling back and he said it wasn't likely, that it should take about 3 months. So I guess I will hopefully be happier in June, lol.....So, I think I look better than I feel. I am pretty much living like I did before my surgery now, so my discomfort doesn't show. Thank goodness for that. Hope you are doing well, and it does help to know that I'm not the only one feeling like this at around 5 weeks. I can't say that I'm really sorry that I had this done, just like most everyone else, I wasn't prepared for the recovery. I so hope we can eventually be healed and happy. Take care and keep me updated on your recovery.
April 9, 2013
I'm 62 and had facelift and necklift 4 months ago. I still have some light numbness at the cheeks area and under chin now . My neck was feeling raw , similar to you but slowly it recovered and the pain went away. I could not turn my head to look back without feeling some pull, tight and sore on the neck. Now it is fully recovered. Hanging in there, everything should be ok soon.
April 9, 2013
I hear ya, Myownhope! I'm nearing week 7 now...and my ears will get really sore if someone keeps me too long on the phone. Just like you, I'm pretty much living my regular life (just painted 2 coats on my bedroom). But, on our way to church Sunday, I told my husband that I felt like I had baby carrots in my ears...(just so he'd know I was in a bit of misery...). Don't want him to think I feel normal :-)
April 9, 2013
Hi there, well today was my first day back at work and thank goodness I didnt have any clients. I did post my story on the main page if you want to read it. I am in my 6th week and still numb. My ears feel clogged up to and I just got over a cold. Could you imagine have to blow your nose? plus flying puts the pressure on. So now I feel better and the pain is easing up no meds or anything. I dont feel like this was the best idea yet but glad I have my upper lids done. That healed like a walk in the park compare to the neck!!!! If I cant feel my cheecks in a month I will be very freaked that all I can say. keep me posted!
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