POSTED UNDER Lifestyle Lift REVIEWS
Looking the Way I Feel! - Burlington, MA
ORIGINAL POST
At three-and-a-half months post-procedure, I can...
WORTH IT$6,450
At three-and-a-half months post-procedure, I can honestly say I’m thrilled with the results!
Having this procedure done in an office-like atmosphere under local anesthesia (Novocaine) really appealed to me. Because I’m an R.N., I knew the risks of general anesthesia would be eliminated, the risk of infection would be greatly reduced compared with a hospital environment, and the cost would be far more manageable ($6450 vs. $35000 or more). The only discomfort during the procedure was the initial administering of the local anesthesia, and that was short lived. After that, I was able to relax and even carry on conversation with the doctor for the entire time without the slightest pain.
Antibiotics were prescribed for preventative reasons, along with a short course of Prednisone to help reduce swelling. Adequate pain medication was also prescribed.
Although I’ll soon be 67 years old, I’ve been “accused” of looking in my mid-40s, both by strangers and those who know me well. I’ll take it! Looking at my before and after pictures still amazes me. So, yes, I would absolutely do it again!
Barb D D's provider
Replies (25)
April 21, 2011
hi Barb, Dr. Alex was also my Dr. and I had the procedure in April 2010, still happy and thanking him everyday in my thoughts.
Aleta-Amazing Results-Connecticut
Aleta-Amazing Results-Connecticut
April 22, 2011
These comments mean a lot to me as I am currently 5 days post op. I am swollen and rainbow-hued but very optimistic.
April 22, 2011
you havent peeked yet for bruising or discoloring! I got so bruised even a black eye,lets just say I didnt want my grandchildren to see me and get scared. Then it all went away, NICELY. Your chin band is super important, you cant skip a day. Let me know how you're doing. Aleta
April 22, 2011
Funny you should say that about grandkids. My grandaughter thinks I am out of town because I didn't want her to be scared. She is 4 and a half. This morning my daughter told me she said "I miss my nana." I felt bad but I think its for the best right now.
I can already see the improvement in my neck despite the royal purple color I am wearing for the royal wedding. LOL.
Mary S
I can already see the improvement in my neck despite the royal purple color I am wearing for the royal wedding. LOL.
Mary S
April 23, 2011
You will be bruised for weeks and the swelling will gradually subside. Aleta is right. Keep your wrap on for the full recommended time. That is what helps to keep your skin up against the underlying muscles (which are scored) until scar tissue forms and permanently attaches the skin to the muscle. Afterwards, these areas will feel hard and will, over the next weeks, soften up. Ice bags help reduce the swelling and also aid in reducing discomfort. Complete and total restoration of tissues could take months and is not unusual. Hang in there.
April 23, 2011
When I went back to have sutures removed one week post op, I turned heads! My husband and I ate at Cheese Factory and the waitress looked a little dismayed. I thought it was funny. Speaking of eating, for the first 5 days, I had to eat babyfood and drink supplement drinks because it was uncomfortable to chew and I couldn't open my mouth very wide. They don't make baby food like they used to when my kids were babies. Yuk!
April 23, 2011
Funny, but true story. One woman, who had the proceedure at the Burlington site, I think, had a UPS delivery. She wasn't very far post-op and she went to the door to sign for the package. A few minutes later, the police showed up at her door because the UPS guy thought she had been badly assaulted and needed their help. Only one of my grandchildren saw me but my kids were horrified!
April 23, 2011
That is hysterical. I just ordered a new cell phone which I am sure I will have to sign for, I might have the same thing happen. Now I'm hoping it doesn't arrive too quickly which will just about guarantee it sets some record for fast delivery. I also had a full face laser treatment and eyelid surgery so I am a real sight.
Yeah my kids are all looking at me wide-eyed with disbelief. I told them we'll talk in 25 years when they start thinking about it. Although maybe this method will be some barbaric story from the past with all the things that research might develop in that length of time. But we'll be the tough nuts that did it the old-fashioned way. Thanks for the encouragement, it really helps.
Yeah my kids are all looking at me wide-eyed with disbelief. I told them we'll talk in 25 years when they start thinking about it. Although maybe this method will be some barbaric story from the past with all the things that research might develop in that length of time. But we'll be the tough nuts that did it the old-fashioned way. Thanks for the encouragement, it really helps.
April 23, 2011
Mary, I saw that you had full face laser and eye surgery as well as the LSL and neck surgery. You have to be quite a trouper!!! Although I didn't have my eyes done, I did have one area of laser. It started under my nose and included my lip lines and chin. Talk about looking like the Joker from Batman! Actually the laser treatment areas stay pink (even red) for quite a few months. I kept my face slathered in vaseline for the first week to 10 days. After that, I would wash it off and put makeup on to go out and then trowel it back on when I got home. I loved having my first shower and shampoo; had to use Dawn dishwashing soap to break up the grease and even then, it took several washings. Gotta love it.
April 24, 2011
Miss Barb D D: Your six-week post-op photo looks great!!! You say you had laser around the mouth area, and that it stays pink for quite a few months. You must have lots of makeup on, because you can't see any discoloration!!! I'm scheduled in two weeks for full-face laser, lower eyes, LSL and neck work, and will attend a family reunion six weeks after that. I'm hoping to look as good as you in your after photo.
April 24, 2011
Hi, Harleymama. Just FYI, my husband and I ride a Harley, too. Anyway, I'm about 4 months post proceedure and, yes, I do still have pale pinkness in the laser area and I do have on makeup. Once the initial scabbing and flakiness is under control, makeup does work wonders. I found that "Rimell Lasting Finish" worked best for me and it is available at CVS. You should look good , no, great, for your family reunion!
April 11, 2014
I am scheduled for Monday and am petrified
Do you feel the pain during the procedure?
April 25, 2011
Miss Barb D D: Thank you for sharing LSL news and Harley news! May I ask if you took the Arnica Montana and ate fresh pineapple for bruising? Any vitamins beforehand? Now for the Harley question: have you worn your helmet since your procedure? I have the full-face helmet, covering the chin as well, and always felt it took a day or two for my face to look/feel "me" again after a long ride. Long ride being half-way across the nation. At this point, even before my procedure, I'm not keen on putting that helmet back on (not that I would ride without out it!)
April 25, 2011
I didn't take any special vitamins or eat pineapple. Bruising is part of the "experience." Cold packs help with that. Hopefully you read my previous postings regarding sun, tanning and sunscreen. We need to avoid the things that aged us in the first place. Post-op, take care of your skin. And, believe me, you won't be putting your helmet on for a while. We are not hard core riders...just for fun. I'll be wearing my face shield from now on though.
April 25, 2011
I value your comments even more because you're in the medical field, Miss Barb D D., and appreciate your prompt replies.
April 25, 2011
Barb is so right, you need to take care of the skin on your face and neck, even behind your ears.
I have been getting excellent results with PRO X cream by Olay to keep it moisturized. I also have just tried YOUTH CODE,by Loreal,for me, I like the YOUTH CODE. Both are a little pricy,they can be bought at any CVS, Rite Aide or Walmart. They do go a long way. Now with summer coming, I am using a sports SPF sunblock under my makeup. You will see that the sutures will glide behind your ears in time and the moisturizer helps to soften the scaring. Happy recovery. Aleta
I have been getting excellent results with PRO X cream by Olay to keep it moisturized. I also have just tried YOUTH CODE,by Loreal,for me, I like the YOUTH CODE. Both are a little pricy,they can be bought at any CVS, Rite Aide or Walmart. They do go a long way. Now with summer coming, I am using a sports SPF sunblock under my makeup. You will see that the sutures will glide behind your ears in time and the moisturizer helps to soften the scaring. Happy recovery. Aleta
looks ok. now, but would like to see
another picture 6 months from now...