POSTED UNDER Facial Fat Transfer REVIEWS
Fat Transfer to the Lower Face to Correct Excessive Buccal Fat Extraction. - London, GB
ORIGINAL POST
As a result of excessive buccal fat extraction I...
As a result of excessive buccal fat extraction I was left with what I call 'Baggy Face'.
I won't publically go into the details of my surgeon (yet, that may change), but his suggestion was to correct his mistake with fat transfer from a donor site into my face.
I did look at options with other surgeons but because of my low body weight they wouldn't even see me for a consultation.
I felt I had no option but to go with my original surgeon who isn't specifically known as a specialist in this field. He explained he'd take fat from my thigh and inject it into my face in an attempt to fill out the bagginess, and that there was a risk of the fat not taking or going lumpy.
I asked what could solve the saggy neck created from the excess buccal fat extraction. My surgeon did suggest that he put some fat "back under my chin" which I thought odd as that was not an area I'd asked for fat extraction from in my previous surgery. I asked if that would give me a double chin "Good call" he replied. I wasn't inspired, but I felt I had no other choice. I hoped this would resolve everything.
On the day of the surgery the hospital nurse gave me an option of where to have my fat taken from. Love handles, thigh or abdomen/ pubic mound.
I chose the latter (and found out later if I'd have gone for inner thigh I'd have a chance of ending up with a baggy old lady leg before my time). It would have nice to have been told that in advance.
I'm not sure if this is protocol but I received no compression garments for the liposuctioned area. It didn't feel right so I went to Primark after a few days and bought the smallest compression pants they had.
The donor site was more painful than my face and actually remained bruised for quite a few weeks.
Even after the fat transfer I still had "baggy face" but at least it was less obvious when I ate (prior to the attempt at correction you could clearly see the outline of food in my mouth when I was eating.).
6 months later it was clear that I was getting lumps from where the fat had been injected incorrectly.
At this point I made an appointment with one of London's premier facial cosmetic surgeons and booked for a face, neck and brow lift.
I won't publically go into the details of my surgeon (yet, that may change), but his suggestion was to correct his mistake with fat transfer from a donor site into my face.
I did look at options with other surgeons but because of my low body weight they wouldn't even see me for a consultation.
I felt I had no option but to go with my original surgeon who isn't specifically known as a specialist in this field. He explained he'd take fat from my thigh and inject it into my face in an attempt to fill out the bagginess, and that there was a risk of the fat not taking or going lumpy.
I asked what could solve the saggy neck created from the excess buccal fat extraction. My surgeon did suggest that he put some fat "back under my chin" which I thought odd as that was not an area I'd asked for fat extraction from in my previous surgery. I asked if that would give me a double chin "Good call" he replied. I wasn't inspired, but I felt I had no other choice. I hoped this would resolve everything.
On the day of the surgery the hospital nurse gave me an option of where to have my fat taken from. Love handles, thigh or abdomen/ pubic mound.
I chose the latter (and found out later if I'd have gone for inner thigh I'd have a chance of ending up with a baggy old lady leg before my time). It would have nice to have been told that in advance.
I'm not sure if this is protocol but I received no compression garments for the liposuctioned area. It didn't feel right so I went to Primark after a few days and bought the smallest compression pants they had.
The donor site was more painful than my face and actually remained bruised for quite a few weeks.
Even after the fat transfer I still had "baggy face" but at least it was less obvious when I ate (prior to the attempt at correction you could clearly see the outline of food in my mouth when I was eating.).
6 months later it was clear that I was getting lumps from where the fat had been injected incorrectly.
At this point I made an appointment with one of London's premier facial cosmetic surgeons and booked for a face, neck and brow lift.
Replies (37)
November 9, 2015
Dear
Let me answer you in a straightforward way.
It's so sad to hear such a story in 2015. I will take time to analyse your case because it will help many others.
First you wrote"excessive buccal fat pad extraction"
The extraction of the Buccinator superficial fat pad is an error ! Unfortunately many plastic surgeons make confusion with the buccal fat pad described by French anatomist Bichat on babies which get atrophied later.
This Buccinator fat pad in adult becomes obvious when exists some atrophy of muscle Masseter.
The first error was done and the attempt to correct took you with the same Doctor to another error, lipofilling!
You wrote:
" to fill out the bagginess, and that there was a risk of the fat not taking or going lumpy.
I asked what could solve the saggy neck "
At you age the saggy neck comes from the Temporal hollowness and lost of cheek eminences.
The conventional fat transfer gives 6 months after lumps and hollows. Now you think it is time to spend more money and make 3 new errors: face neck and brow lift. Visit www.londonfamiclinic.com gallery to see how autologous svf injection (FAMI in Wikipedia.com) could give you some hope. Restore the triangular youthful face by reshaping the upper face, rejuvenate the eyes and lids, and with the Lower face FAMI, give you back smooth mandibular contours, in one session without touch up. As a plastic surgeon with 30 years experience with scalpel, I am sorry to learn that desperate patient as you found solution in invasive obsolete surgery (brow lift). Take time to consult more than one specialists.
Let me answer you in a straightforward way.
It's so sad to hear such a story in 2015. I will take time to analyse your case because it will help many others.
First you wrote"excessive buccal fat pad extraction"
The extraction of the Buccinator superficial fat pad is an error ! Unfortunately many plastic surgeons make confusion with the buccal fat pad described by French anatomist Bichat on babies which get atrophied later.
This Buccinator fat pad in adult becomes obvious when exists some atrophy of muscle Masseter.
The first error was done and the attempt to correct took you with the same Doctor to another error, lipofilling!
You wrote:
" to fill out the bagginess, and that there was a risk of the fat not taking or going lumpy.
I asked what could solve the saggy neck "
At you age the saggy neck comes from the Temporal hollowness and lost of cheek eminences.
The conventional fat transfer gives 6 months after lumps and hollows. Now you think it is time to spend more money and make 3 new errors: face neck and brow lift. Visit www.londonfamiclinic.com gallery to see how autologous svf injection (FAMI in Wikipedia.com) could give you some hope. Restore the triangular youthful face by reshaping the upper face, rejuvenate the eyes and lids, and with the Lower face FAMI, give you back smooth mandibular contours, in one session without touch up. As a plastic surgeon with 30 years experience with scalpel, I am sorry to learn that desperate patient as you found solution in invasive obsolete surgery (brow lift). Take time to consult more than one specialists.
November 9, 2015
Whilst I thank you for taking time to reply and explain things in medical detail, I will reiterate that I was rejected by every surgeon, well in fact by their P.A as a candidate for fat transfer due to my low weight and BMI, and looking at your location I think it is quite possible that even your own PA did the same (which I completely understand. I don't have much spare fat to go round and I have the cannula tracks over my lower abdomen and empty pubic mound to prove it!).
I have now had the surgery that I probably should have selected in the first place (face, neck and brow lift) to balance my facial features, sculpting the lower third and creating volume in the mid third of my face.
I did not have my brow lift to correct my lower face, but to lift my brow that previously sat in a more masculine plane.
My surgeon was actually amazed at the amount of excess skin I had, which is something I'd told previous surgeons in consultations "I have too much skin for my face". From my early 20s I always felt I was a candidate for a facelift because of this anomaly of mine. My party trick was to mimic a bearded dragon! So while I appreciate that a facelift is a huge surgical intervention I strongly believe that it was the best course of action for me.
Thank you again though for taking the time to reply and I wholeheartedly agree that people should consult a number of specialists and not go to one surgeon for all surgeries, but use a specialist for each feature. A Jack-of-all-trades will never be a Master of one.
I have now had the surgery that I probably should have selected in the first place (face, neck and brow lift) to balance my facial features, sculpting the lower third and creating volume in the mid third of my face.
I did not have my brow lift to correct my lower face, but to lift my brow that previously sat in a more masculine plane.
My surgeon was actually amazed at the amount of excess skin I had, which is something I'd told previous surgeons in consultations "I have too much skin for my face". From my early 20s I always felt I was a candidate for a facelift because of this anomaly of mine. My party trick was to mimic a bearded dragon! So while I appreciate that a facelift is a huge surgical intervention I strongly believe that it was the best course of action for me.
Thank you again though for taking the time to reply and I wholeheartedly agree that people should consult a number of specialists and not go to one surgeon for all surgeries, but use a specialist for each feature. A Jack-of-all-trades will never be a Master of one.
November 28, 2015
Honestly, I'm so tired of these cosmetic doctors trying to impose their myopic 'philosophies' onto (intelligent, paying) customers. I'm sensing an increasing tendency for doctors to 'dictate' to patients and tell US what WE *should* do (in private medicine, shouldn't the onus be on US to bring up these points first?) and how exactly we *must* approach our facial rejuvenation plans. Hope your face lift went well (I'm sure it has, judging by your early results).
November 28, 2015
Thank you! We read from the same hymn sheet Unoq.
I respect those far more who work on attraction rather than promotion.
If a surgeon is pushing his cause rather than his happy patients it makes me question their satisfaction rate, although a quick Google can answer that…
...I'm sure now the good doctor has learned his lesson, just as the person who appeared on the surface to start trolling my other thread has.
As for the results of my face, neck and brow lift, they are looking great and I expect them to keep getting better (until age gets the better of them).
I respect those far more who work on attraction rather than promotion.
If a surgeon is pushing his cause rather than his happy patients it makes me question their satisfaction rate, although a quick Google can answer that…
...I'm sure now the good doctor has learned his lesson, just as the person who appeared on the surface to start trolling my other thread has.
As for the results of my face, neck and brow lift, they are looking great and I expect them to keep getting better (until age gets the better of them).
November 29, 2015
Indeed! Google is definitely your friend when it comes to PS (I've just had a look myself and... well). Notwithstanding the fact that a face lift is a mainstream anti-ageing surgery that can work near miracles when executed correctly. In comparison, 'unpredictable' is the kindest adjective I could use to describe fat grafting - even when the practitioner in question has good intentions. Anyway, your neck looks amazingly clean in your after pics - I couldn't really see the 'issue' with your neck previously - but the profile comparison pic highlights how good that's looking now, as well as the overall "youthing" of your face into a pretty heart shape. Having said all that, one of my favorite parts is the lips! The filler you had made a real difference and IMO made you look prettier as well as younger. Did your doctor indicate how long the face lift would last?
November 29, 2015
You are right, “unpredictable” is now a word I commonly hear from surgeons regarding fat transfer. This is either AFTER they have done it, or if they don’t do it they say it as they try and fix those who’ve had it done.
As for the Thousands-of-Pounds question, how long will this lift last?
Dominic made no promise on longevity. A large part is now dependent on how well I treat it (and myself).
I look on it that if he were a landscape gardener and had just created an awesome gin terrace for me I could either get trashed on gin, leave the furniture out in all weather and never look after the deck and plants, or I could treasure them all and maintain them as a scared space.
I don't know if you are familiar with the comedy show's character Papa Lazarou but to paraphrase his catch phrase it is almost like "You're my face now, Dave"! so I feel duty bound to look after it.
My neck wasn’t massively sagging, but there were angles that it was more apparent, and as no female in my family currently possesses I neck I could see where my future lay, and as one feature is rejuvenated it highlights the areas that aren’t, so I wasn’t going to leave it out of the equation. I still want my upper blephs done, I’ll have to keep on at Dominic until he’s willing to cut me again!
I’m delighted I now actually have a face shape. I used to hate those quizzes “what is your face shape?” I’d want to sit and sob because I fitted none of the categories. I once saw on a hairdressing consolation card she’d written “Chubby”. I was under 8 stone at the time! The Cheek (literally)!
I’m amazed how much of a difference the lip filler made too. Just 0.5ml. When I asked Rebecca she almost dismissed me, I told her, granted, “I don’t need it, but I want it”! I had a good idea of the outcome because a while back I accidentally smacked myself in the mouth (Not domestic violence, I was trying to haul my boobs up in a tight dress and lost my grip on my strapless bra!) the upshot (after the bleeding had stopped) was a nicely swollen top lip. I was quite sad when I healed! I think that the under eye filler makes a difference too although these days I can’t look in the mirror and think “Gawd I look tired” even if I am because it doesn’t show. I don’t know if I’m bragging or complaining on that one…
As for the Thousands-of-Pounds question, how long will this lift last?
Dominic made no promise on longevity. A large part is now dependent on how well I treat it (and myself).
I look on it that if he were a landscape gardener and had just created an awesome gin terrace for me I could either get trashed on gin, leave the furniture out in all weather and never look after the deck and plants, or I could treasure them all and maintain them as a scared space.
I don't know if you are familiar with the comedy show's character Papa Lazarou but to paraphrase his catch phrase it is almost like "You're my face now, Dave"! so I feel duty bound to look after it.
My neck wasn’t massively sagging, but there were angles that it was more apparent, and as no female in my family currently possesses I neck I could see where my future lay, and as one feature is rejuvenated it highlights the areas that aren’t, so I wasn’t going to leave it out of the equation. I still want my upper blephs done, I’ll have to keep on at Dominic until he’s willing to cut me again!
I’m delighted I now actually have a face shape. I used to hate those quizzes “what is your face shape?” I’d want to sit and sob because I fitted none of the categories. I once saw on a hairdressing consolation card she’d written “Chubby”. I was under 8 stone at the time! The Cheek (literally)!
I’m amazed how much of a difference the lip filler made too. Just 0.5ml. When I asked Rebecca she almost dismissed me, I told her, granted, “I don’t need it, but I want it”! I had a good idea of the outcome because a while back I accidentally smacked myself in the mouth (Not domestic violence, I was trying to haul my boobs up in a tight dress and lost my grip on my strapless bra!) the upshot (after the bleeding had stopped) was a nicely swollen top lip. I was quite sad when I healed! I think that the under eye filler makes a difference too although these days I can’t look in the mirror and think “Gawd I look tired” even if I am because it doesn’t show. I don’t know if I’m bragging or complaining on that one…
December 6, 2015
Ha, you're right about that. Personally, I can't understand why so many doctors do the procedure yet are so ill-equipped to deal with any of the side effects (lumps, necrosis, overfill).
Your gin garden analogy is spot on, lol. Sounds like a great way to celebrate a makeover though!
I heard that the average face lift 'lasts' 10 years (not that it'll suddenly collapse at the end of 2025) and I think it's best to try and fix things up earlier rather than later. You didn't look like a typical face lift 'candidate' but I think a face lift should be geared towards making people look more attractive at any age. Facial shape is a big part of that and the maldistribution of fat (natural or otherwise) has a massive impact on a person's overall look. I see people in their 20s who could use a face lift; similarly, I see remarkably youthful looking 40 year olds with virtually no loose skin. I do think many of the newer, 'minimally invasive' procedures targeted towards these patient populations are actually very risky and have more detrimental side effects than face lifts do. Even if you're lucky enough to find a doctor, they're also incredibly difficult to revise. I saw one doctor describe permanent filler removal as 'grabbing sand'.
Due to having an overbite, I was always self-conscious of my facial shape and I can certainly relate to you in that respect (I used to get 'cheer up, it might never happen' comments). I'm also around the 8-8.5st mark at 5'5. So, the most common recommendation in my case was 'more volume'. Yet this turned out to be a disaster, giving me a disproportionate face/body ratio and making my face look longer and much older due to the heavy and lumpy grafts. I think the only way 'out' of this nightmare will be to remove the fat and (eventually) correct my overbite surgically, so as to give my face adequate dental support.
0.5ml isn't a lot - quite amazing really. I would like to do the same for my upper lip border in particular - the definition in this area has been blunted.
Your gin garden analogy is spot on, lol. Sounds like a great way to celebrate a makeover though!
I heard that the average face lift 'lasts' 10 years (not that it'll suddenly collapse at the end of 2025) and I think it's best to try and fix things up earlier rather than later. You didn't look like a typical face lift 'candidate' but I think a face lift should be geared towards making people look more attractive at any age. Facial shape is a big part of that and the maldistribution of fat (natural or otherwise) has a massive impact on a person's overall look. I see people in their 20s who could use a face lift; similarly, I see remarkably youthful looking 40 year olds with virtually no loose skin. I do think many of the newer, 'minimally invasive' procedures targeted towards these patient populations are actually very risky and have more detrimental side effects than face lifts do. Even if you're lucky enough to find a doctor, they're also incredibly difficult to revise. I saw one doctor describe permanent filler removal as 'grabbing sand'.
Due to having an overbite, I was always self-conscious of my facial shape and I can certainly relate to you in that respect (I used to get 'cheer up, it might never happen' comments). I'm also around the 8-8.5st mark at 5'5. So, the most common recommendation in my case was 'more volume'. Yet this turned out to be a disaster, giving me a disproportionate face/body ratio and making my face look longer and much older due to the heavy and lumpy grafts. I think the only way 'out' of this nightmare will be to remove the fat and (eventually) correct my overbite surgically, so as to give my face adequate dental support.
0.5ml isn't a lot - quite amazing really. I would like to do the same for my upper lip border in particular - the definition in this area has been blunted.
November 11, 2015
I think you look great! Sometimes we know what should be done or at least makes us happy without someone pointing out what you should or should not have done/did! I appreciate you sharing what you have done and you never looked bad to begin with but you look really good! I had someone comment on my procedure that was not even what I had done but pointed out something that is apparently not appealing to them but it is what God gave me. pointing out what someone thinks would be better after the fact makes it hard to share, but we have to do what works for us at the time.
Thank you for telling your experience & showing the outcome!
Thank you for telling your experience & showing the outcome!
November 11, 2015
Thanks Lokilou!
Yes, at certain times unsolicited opinions can feel very close to the bone, especially when barbed with criticism.
I too have things that my maker gave me that others would also criticise but can't do anything about.
I have to look on the positive though;
Removing my facial fat means I no longer bite my cheeks (which was a constant and painful occurrence before).
The fat transfer meant I had lipo on my abdomen that I wouldn't necessarily have chosen, but means I don't have that little stubborn "pudding" sitting there anymore.
I may not have holidays for a good long while, but I will look great when I do! ;)
Yes, at certain times unsolicited opinions can feel very close to the bone, especially when barbed with criticism.
I too have things that my maker gave me that others would also criticise but can't do anything about.
I have to look on the positive though;
Removing my facial fat means I no longer bite my cheeks (which was a constant and painful occurrence before).
The fat transfer meant I had lipo on my abdomen that I wouldn't necessarily have chosen, but means I don't have that little stubborn "pudding" sitting there anymore.
I may not have holidays for a good long while, but I will look great when I do! ;)
November 13, 2015
Please can you tell me who was surgeon?
November 13, 2015
The one who messed up? Or the one who fixed me? Dominic Bray just did my face, neck and brow lift which I'm delighted with.
November 29, 2015
Please let us know if surgeon you've schedule consultation with is able to help you. I cringe when I look in mirror at the distorted image that no longer looks like me. Ladies and Gentlemen beware!!!!!!!
November 29, 2015
Hi Create, so sorry you have had a bad experience too.
I have now had a successful face, neck and brow lift. with Dominic Bray.
He spent time moving my facial tissue into a more flattering position (look under my profile for details of my facelift and also of my buccal fat extraction) and I am beginning to make friends with the mirror again!
I have now had a successful face, neck and brow lift. with Dominic Bray.
He spent time moving my facial tissue into a more flattering position (look under my profile for details of my facelift and also of my buccal fat extraction) and I am beginning to make friends with the mirror again!
November 29, 2015
Thank you for you're speedy response. I'm happy that you were blessed to find a doctor who could help you. I couldn't find your newer post. Since having my procedures Co2, fat transfer and chemical peel, I rarely leave my home. For me I don't believe there is a doctor who can help me. Family, friends and strangers were always commenting on my skin and how beautiful I was. Past tense!!!!!!
You're probably wondering why I would have these procedures? I'm not emotionally prepared to tell that story now. My best friend recently confided she almost passed out when she saw me. Close friends and family are very sad for me and have asked many times why this doctor did this to me.
You're probably wondering why I would have these procedures? I'm not emotionally prepared to tell that story now. My best friend recently confided she almost passed out when she saw me. Close friends and family are very sad for me and have asked many times why this doctor did this to me.
November 29, 2015
Create, how long ago was this? After a spate of botched surgeries, I too kept a 'low profile' as I euphemistically call my period of reclusive behaviour. I was quite happy in my own company and that made it less 'necessary' for me to move forward with revisions earlier on. It took me years to come around to the idea of venturing back into consult room. Apart from the fact that PSs can and do get away with all sorts, the crux of the problem is that a lot of cosmetic doctors aren't really cut out for the job, and many don't share the same 'aesthetic sensibilities' as "regular" people do. Very few can really empathise with their patients, which IMO is a fundamentally important quality.
December 1, 2015
Hello, its been 14 months of hell. I'm paralyzed with depression. I can't tell you anymore at this time, if I could you would understand. Did you have your procedures in California?
December 1, 2015
Sorry to hear that you have both had bad experiences too.
I can relate to the isolating. The odd looks from people, The shock from those we know. I told practically no one that I was having a face lift to correct what I'd been left with because for many the idea of another surgery is like fighting fire with fire.
I seem to have been lucky so far with my correction although I'm still aware of a few pockets of lumpy fat which I will address with my corrective surgeon at my 3-month review.
I hope that sharing my progress gives you hope that there is some light out there.
From what I understand finding the right surgeon is harder in the USA because they have more of a tendency towards a God-complex and don't admit that they aren't skilled enough to execute master craftsman results.
I can relate to the isolating. The odd looks from people, The shock from those we know. I told practically no one that I was having a face lift to correct what I'd been left with because for many the idea of another surgery is like fighting fire with fire.
I seem to have been lucky so far with my correction although I'm still aware of a few pockets of lumpy fat which I will address with my corrective surgeon at my 3-month review.
I hope that sharing my progress gives you hope that there is some light out there.
From what I understand finding the right surgeon is harder in the USA because they have more of a tendency towards a God-complex and don't admit that they aren't skilled enough to execute master craftsman results.
December 1, 2015
Thank you for your input. Did you have a facelift and fat transfer? Keep me updated with your progress. Wishing you a speedy recovery. God Bless
December 1, 2015
Just for you, my disaster timeline;
1) Buccal fat extraction which was excessive.
2) 9 months later fat transfer to try and correct the excessive fat removal.
3) 13 months after the fat transfer a face, neck and brow lift to try and rectify the concertina face!
1) Buccal fat extraction which was excessive.
2) 9 months later fat transfer to try and correct the excessive fat removal.
3) 13 months after the fat transfer a face, neck and brow lift to try and rectify the concertina face!
December 4, 2015
Sorry for delayed response. I didn't have a face lift. I will be more candid once I'm able to respond privately. Thank you for your good wishes.
December 5, 2015
You saved yourself further psychological torment by moving forward with a revision fairly soon afterwards. I often wish I'd done that, but things didn't quite work out like that for me. I won't mention any names, but I believe I saw your original surgeon after arriving back in London after my botched surgery + 1 revision. He suggested an additional fat graft to 'blend in' my oversized, lumpy, fat grafted cheeks. I refused, fortunately. Unlike Create, I had pursued a (bad) revision a few months prior to arriving back in London and as a result, I was paralysed with depression for a long time. After 2 unsuccessful consults in the UK (they didn't seem to understand the problem), I was done. I couldn't bear the thought of putting myself through more consults, so I focused on my business instead. I was also fed up with the hypocrisy of surgeons and found myself biting my tongue in consults. I figured that I'd have to go back to the US or possibly Korea to get my revisions done given the nature of the surgeries performed. As of now, I've decided to have my own fat lumps addressed non-surgically with lecithin injections (PPC/DC). But it's true - the USA is a minefield and you really need to go with a strong 'sales BS' radar. Their doctors certainly appear very impressive (with their fancy medi spas and cavernous offices) but they must get away with all kinds of things.
December 6, 2015
Hi Unoq, isn't it hard to find an honest, genuine expert in this ol' world?!
My personal business model is based on honesty. If someone wants more from me than I know I can successfully give ors pressures me for an area I'm not expert in I refuse them and I refer them. I won't take on a client purely to bolster my list or fill my pocket.
That is why I have so much respect for others like myself, and I saw this in Dominic. I wish I'd realised this wasn't quite there in my first surgeon's areas of non-expertise but I was swept along in other conversations and missed important cues that in hindsight were there.
I'm so sorry you are hunting around frustrated. I still have some fat lumps and I'm going to be asking Dominic what can be done about them. They are not horrendous, but they are visible and they detract from the beauty that he has created in my face. So I'll be asking about those injections. How are the injections working out for you?
My correction with fat transfer happened quickly because I wasn't exactly a walking advert for my surgeon and I think he wanted my problem face out of his waiting room before I scared off others!
He went from saying he'd do both sides to saying that he could only do the worst one. While I hoped for the best even at that stage I think I knew in my heart of hearts that it was wasn't going to reverse the problem, which was why I was already looking into facelifts, so the wheels were set in motion reasonably quickly.
I was extremely fortunate that I was in the right place at the right time for my lift and nabbed a cancellation; otherwise I'd still be waiting with my saggy face.
Although I'm chipper now I've had some really dark moments. The most mortifying was when a family friend asked a family member if I was OK because with my sudden change to a skeletal face they thought I was either on hard drugs, had cancer or HIV. Well if one person is saying it then at least twenty others are thinking it but just don't have the balls to ask! The fact I was withdrawing from my usual social activities also didn't help my case with the rumour mill. :(
The only time Hubs sort of paid attention to my changing face, he said he'd never noticed I had "those ugly face divots, dimples and folds before" and how old I was looking.
He can be highly critical and seems to spot the negative in me right away, especially when he's just back from business. The only time he has called my face "pretty" was when I had just had cheek filler to try and balance out the sag (post fat transfer).
He's still not back from his business trip so I don't know how he'll react to my new lifted face, but over the last 2 years he's been more and more distant and I can't help think it is because of how I've looked, so I'm bracing myself for him to see the fat pockets and not the face, neck and brow lift. *le sigh*
I know some people can be judgemental on here and jump to conclusions so I'll head something off at the path and make it clear that I didn't get cosmetic surgery to keep my husband happy. I had it because I wanted to be as pretty as I see myself in my head, It's something I've wanted as long as I can remember. Growing up I was the funny one, never the pretty one.
My nose is fabulous and my new face I'm getting used to loving, it is great (apart from the fat transfer bumps), but just VERY different from the face I had before all of this so it is like a face transplant!
My personal business model is based on honesty. If someone wants more from me than I know I can successfully give ors pressures me for an area I'm not expert in I refuse them and I refer them. I won't take on a client purely to bolster my list or fill my pocket.
That is why I have so much respect for others like myself, and I saw this in Dominic. I wish I'd realised this wasn't quite there in my first surgeon's areas of non-expertise but I was swept along in other conversations and missed important cues that in hindsight were there.
I'm so sorry you are hunting around frustrated. I still have some fat lumps and I'm going to be asking Dominic what can be done about them. They are not horrendous, but they are visible and they detract from the beauty that he has created in my face. So I'll be asking about those injections. How are the injections working out for you?
My correction with fat transfer happened quickly because I wasn't exactly a walking advert for my surgeon and I think he wanted my problem face out of his waiting room before I scared off others!
He went from saying he'd do both sides to saying that he could only do the worst one. While I hoped for the best even at that stage I think I knew in my heart of hearts that it was wasn't going to reverse the problem, which was why I was already looking into facelifts, so the wheels were set in motion reasonably quickly.
I was extremely fortunate that I was in the right place at the right time for my lift and nabbed a cancellation; otherwise I'd still be waiting with my saggy face.
Although I'm chipper now I've had some really dark moments. The most mortifying was when a family friend asked a family member if I was OK because with my sudden change to a skeletal face they thought I was either on hard drugs, had cancer or HIV. Well if one person is saying it then at least twenty others are thinking it but just don't have the balls to ask! The fact I was withdrawing from my usual social activities also didn't help my case with the rumour mill. :(
The only time Hubs sort of paid attention to my changing face, he said he'd never noticed I had "those ugly face divots, dimples and folds before" and how old I was looking.
He can be highly critical and seems to spot the negative in me right away, especially when he's just back from business. The only time he has called my face "pretty" was when I had just had cheek filler to try and balance out the sag (post fat transfer).
He's still not back from his business trip so I don't know how he'll react to my new lifted face, but over the last 2 years he's been more and more distant and I can't help think it is because of how I've looked, so I'm bracing myself for him to see the fat pockets and not the face, neck and brow lift. *le sigh*
I know some people can be judgemental on here and jump to conclusions so I'll head something off at the path and make it clear that I didn't get cosmetic surgery to keep my husband happy. I had it because I wanted to be as pretty as I see myself in my head, It's something I've wanted as long as I can remember. Growing up I was the funny one, never the pretty one.
My nose is fabulous and my new face I'm getting used to loving, it is great (apart from the fat transfer bumps), but just VERY different from the face I had before all of this so it is like a face transplant!
UPDATED FROM BieneMaya
1 year post
!!!SUPER important regarding eating and drinking before surgery!!!
On another topic I follow I have seen people talking about eating the morning of their op (when they shouldn't be). Let me share this with you. I'm going to post it on all of my surgical threads because I think it is SUPER important.
........................
If they say "Nil by mouth" from a certain time before your surgery then OBEY!
DON'T EAT, DON'T DRINK!
If you don't follow the rules you run the risk of vomiting/regurgitation under anaesthesia or pulmonary aspiration (where you breathe in your own vomit) which can lead to MASSIVE problems like, well, oh, I don't know, bradycardia leading to cardiac arrest, brain damage and death!
The risk is twice as common among elective surgical cases as we aren't ill, can be blasé about our instructions and eat or drink when have been told not to!
Don't make your surgical experience any more difficult than it need be.
........................
If they say "Nil by mouth" from a certain time before your surgery then OBEY!
DON'T EAT, DON'T DRINK!
If you don't follow the rules you run the risk of vomiting/regurgitation under anaesthesia or pulmonary aspiration (where you breathe in your own vomit) which can lead to MASSIVE problems like, well, oh, I don't know, bradycardia leading to cardiac arrest, brain damage and death!
The risk is twice as common among elective surgical cases as we aren't ill, can be blasé about our instructions and eat or drink when have been told not to!
Don't make your surgical experience any more difficult than it need be.
Replies (0)
UPDATED FROM BieneMaya
1 year post
Hey folks, I'm NOT fat!
As people have insinuated I look fat on this thread and another I'm going to post some body shots.
You will then see why I wanted a thinner face.
I'd like less chunky arms too, but short of taking away muscle, that isn't going to happen!
At all points in the face photos have I been between around 7 1/2 stone (in the 103-108 lbs or 47-49kg parameters).
My BMI has been around 18.3-19.
In most of these I'm about 36"-25"-35" although currently 36"-23.5"-35".
When people meet me in the flesh one of the very first things they say is "Oh my God you are TINY", especially if all they have seen is a head shot of me.
I'm actually thinking of changing my name to Tiny, I hear it so often!
Here are some body shots so that you can see why I wanted a slimmer face as I've been walking about looking like a lemon on a stick.
You will then see why I wanted a thinner face.
I'd like less chunky arms too, but short of taking away muscle, that isn't going to happen!
At all points in the face photos have I been between around 7 1/2 stone (in the 103-108 lbs or 47-49kg parameters).
My BMI has been around 18.3-19.
In most of these I'm about 36"-25"-35" although currently 36"-23.5"-35".
When people meet me in the flesh one of the very first things they say is "Oh my God you are TINY", especially if all they have seen is a head shot of me.
I'm actually thinking of changing my name to Tiny, I hear it so often!
Here are some body shots so that you can see why I wanted a slimmer face as I've been walking about looking like a lemon on a stick.
Replies (4)
December 8, 2015
First off, damn lady what is your workout routine and how are your boobs still in that high position? Goals. I'm actually a little nervous about mine starting to lose volume at 26.
Second, I don't think your face looks too fat at all. I know it's probably different for you, but I want you to know that i feel like you probably are killin it at whatever age you are (bc I sure can't tell). Fat transfer is really tricky, and I think it's a craft that should only be done by people who are really passionate about the procedure and have done it so much that they have complete confidence in their abilities.
There's a doctor here in the US name Michael Law MD, and I know he's corrected tons of botched fat grafts.
Second, I don't think your face looks too fat at all. I know it's probably different for you, but I want you to know that i feel like you probably are killin it at whatever age you are (bc I sure can't tell). Fat transfer is really tricky, and I think it's a craft that should only be done by people who are really passionate about the procedure and have done it so much that they have complete confidence in their abilities.
There's a doctor here in the US name Michael Law MD, and I know he's corrected tons of botched fat grafts.
January 5, 2016
Hi Luna, thanks for the compliments *blush*
You are totally right, with any true talented professional there must be passion for what they do. I made the mistake of thinking a surgeon's skills for one thing was transferable and it wasn’t (twice!).
If I can't get a resolution with my current surgeon then I will look to other options, so thanks for the tip.
You are totally right, with any true talented professional there must be passion for what they do. I made the mistake of thinking a surgeon's skills for one thing was transferable and it wasn’t (twice!).
If I can't get a resolution with my current surgeon then I will look to other options, so thanks for the tip.
June 15, 2020
I sincerely do not follow what she is talking about. Her head looks fine on her body. Her body is not super tiny but more of an average size.. minus her waist if it is 23.5 inches.
Thank you for sharing with the community.
With sharing our experiences we can help others avoid aesthetic hell and nudge towards aesthetic heaven!
:)