Mini Face Lift - Worth It but More Pain Than Expected - Louisville, KY

I had a mini face life performed 48 hours ago under local anesthesia in cosmetic surgeon's office. (removal of excess skin from my temporal, cheek and jowl areas and facial liposuction). Liposuction was done under my chin area.
Be prepared for significant pain post surgery. I was not! I did not take pain medication until after my anesthesia blocks had worn off and by then the pain was not controllable. I believe I have a high pain tolerance but this pain was like nothing I have experienced before. This surgery is not for wimps! I would recommend taking max pain dosage while still in the surgeon's office and well before anesthesia wears off.
So, day of surgery (day 1) was not good at all. I managed to sleep that first night with the help of Ambien (it is prescribed to me by my physician). I woke several times in the night with severe pain. I kept the pain pills on board (vicodin 5-300) but they seemed to have little to no effect.
Day after surgery (day 2) my sister cut my bandages off and I had extreme swelling on left side. I returned to the surgeon's office and he drained fluid (not blood) off of the left side by my ear. This reduced much of the swelling immediately and was quick and painless.
Unfortunately, I had the surgery performed in a city abut 80 miles from my house and I had to drive back home, alone, less than 24 hours post surgery. I DO NOT recommend doing any driving within 48 hours of the surgery. It was very difficult for me to turn my head left or right and it was probably dangerous for me to be driving. Day two was a significantly painful day but controllable with pain medication. Sleeping the second night was difficult and I woke several times in significant pain to include a migraine headache.
When I woke up on day three I had no pain at all. Swelling today is moderate and has decreased since this morning. I fully intend to go back to work on Monday (today if Friday).
Another thing to remember is to purchase hydrogen peroxide and bacitracin ointment before the surgery. I wasn't told to have these items and I had to go to the store the day after surgery to purchase. It wasn't fun going into a store looking and feeling the way I did!
I would also recommend having someone to take care of you for at least 48 hours. Not only was I alone after 24 hours, but I had a child to take care of and to drive back and forth to school.
But....I am SO happy with my result! I am still swollen so I can't see my "true" result yet, but I defiantly look much younger! My stitches will come out on Monday so that will be a relief.
I am 46 years old, non- smoker, non-drinker, athletic and fit and live a healthy lifestyle.
Best of luck to you in your decision and your surgery!

Update: today is six days post-op and I feel wonderful today! I returned to work yesterday at five days post-op. This was no problem as my job only requires sitting and noting physical except small amounts of walking. I was able to cover what little bruising and swelling I still have with make up and a hairstyle that comes down covers the sides of my face. Several of my regular clients told me yesterday and today, "wow, you look really good". Believe me, that was nice to hear! It is truly amazing what this procedure has already done for my self confidence. If you are worried about down-time, like I was, and you are within easy access of Louisville, KY, then Dr. Salzman would be a good choice. I can tell you first hand that I could have gone back to work at day four post-op. I would recommend letting your hair grow out to a style that will cover the sides of your face before surgery if you want to return to your normal life quickly without anyone knowing about the surgery. This is the best money I have ever spent and I have no regrets at all. Just know that the first 48 hours may be trying.