41y/o Female, Genetic Jowls and Jawline - Louisville, KY

I wanted to post regarding my mini-lift experience because, upon researching this procedure, I didn't see a lot of "younger," (i.e. 40-50 y/o) women who had this procedure whom I could compare my "problem areas) with. I've ALWAYS had jowls - even as a teen at 5'6" and 100 pounds. I am currently 140 pounds, which is still slim for my height, but the jowls were never going to go away without cosmetic surgery. I wanted to get this procedure because I felt that at my age, I still have plenty of time to take advantage of looking and feeling better about my appearance. My "chubby cheeks" were something I had always felt self-conscious about, and my significant lack of a defined jawline was another problem area that could be fixed with this procedure.
I am now 10 days away from my procedure, having had my pre-op appointment today. And although I'm a bit nervous, I'm also very excited to see what the improvements are going to do to my looks and confidence. My only real concern is that this procedure will not "fix" my jowls/marionette lines - although I'm being told I have realistic expectations and that the mini-lift WILL, in fact, take care of this for me. Here's hoping. I will post more information, as well as post-op pictures, after the procedure.

Surgery went smoothly yesterday. I was so much more excited than nervous, however, did have a few last minute doubts when the ladies in the office couldn't believe I was 40 and questioned why someone who looked so young was getting a mini lift. Regardless, I don't remember a thing and didn't wake to any discomfort. I can say that after getting back home and the pain meds wearing off, my pain level was an 8/9. Most of it was due to the pressure on my ears from the head wrap though, and as soon as I figured it out and adjusted, all was well.
I don't have much on an appetite, am sleeping most of the day, and would say that the discomfort is very bearable at this point. Although there is swelling, I have no bruising whatsoever. Along with the mini lift they did some sculpting lipo under my chin and jawline, and took a little fat from my abdomen to fill in my marionette lines. I can already tell the difference there, and am looking forward to the swelling going down to see more progress. I would say the discomfort is about what I expected, however, my ears are feeling it much more than any other part of my face. I'll be posting updated pictures when the swelling goes down enough to see a significant difference. Dr. Salzman did a great job with the incision placement.... I can hardly see them myself.

I stopped Percocet early this morning and switched to Ibuprofen. I've been sleeping a lot still and concerned I'm not getting around enough, but also don't want to push myself because I know I need to heal. It's been rainy all week, which has been the perfect weather for lounging at home, but I'm also going a little stir crazy since I live alone and only 3 people know about my surgery.
My ears are still the most uncomfortable, but it's definitely bearable. The sides of my face near my ears and just below are sore to the touch and stiff. I am eating okay, but chewing excessively could cause more discomfort so I'm sticking with soups, yogurt, mashed potatoes, etc.
I'm really looking forward to the swelling going down, if for no other reason than to see more of a result. I'm just happy the marionette lines have been filled in and the lipo on my jowls have given a slimmer appearance. So far, I'm happy with my decision to get this done. I see the doctor in 2 days to see if my stitches are ready to come out.