55 Years Old, Want my Old Face Back! - Leawood, KS

Hello RealSelfers...I have been following many of you in your mini facelift journeys and you have given me the courage to follow through. Tomorrow morning is my procedure and I am so scared and just want to get it over with! I started noticing "pouches" around my nasolabial folds in my early forties, but it wasn't until the jawline and neck started to go, after I got off of hormone replacement, that I really became unhappy with my reflection in the mirror, which was about two years ago. I also have an adopted 7-year-old daughter and several strangers have asked me if I am her grandmother! Ugh! So I guess that's part of my motivation as well. I have decided to do the procedure under general anaesthesia, hence the higher cost. I have only told a few family members about the surgery and they all think I'm crazy for doing it, which doesn't help the resolve! I keep telling myself this is for me, not them! Anyway, wish me luck, and I'll try to follow up post-op.

Well, the surgery went well. I went with general anaesthesia so came home and slept and felt great until their painkillers wore off. Then I developed a severe headache that lasted from late afternoon to about 1am. I loaded up on my prescription pain killer and finally got a good period of sleep and woke up feeling better. I went back in and saw Dr. Hodge's nurse, Kimber (who is wonderful!) and she took off the bandage, cleaned me up and put on my new fashion accessory, the chinstrap, which I will wear full time this week, and part time the following week. My face is somewhat swollen so it's hard to see the improvements just yet. They told me this is normal. My ears are very sore and creating some emanating pain down my neck and to the back of my head. The chinstrap doesn't help. I've been told I can shower, so will try that tonight. I go back in tomorrow to see Dr. Hodge. I'll try to post some pics without the chinstrap soon.

I had my follow up with Dr. Hodge today. He says I'm doing well and took these pics. I'm swollen but can already see the improvement in my jowls and neck. Yay! Ears and surrounding areas are numb and still have discomfort around the sutures, but better than yesterday. My goal is to be able to go on Father's day outing on Sunday!