My Neck Lift & Facial Fat Transfer Journey

I wanted my double chin and jowls gone, yet I wanted a refreshed look, not a different one. I spent a long time researching doctors. I knew Dr. Gardner wants to help you look younger, not different. Surgery prep was so easy. Nicole was wonderful, and I met Crystsl and Danielle, both of whom would be in surgery. Dr. Gardner came in and marked my face. He was as kind as ever. Vesna was my anesthetist and reviewed everything. And then… I woke up. When I came out of surgery, my head and chin were wrapped up, and I had drain tubes on either side of my neck. I opted to stay in their facility until the next morning. Eileen took care of me for the day and Beth took care of me overnight. Both were kind and attentive. I highly recommend taking advantage of that 24 hour care. It took stress off my husband. Of course, if you have a more comfortable recliner at home, and a husband willing to wait on you, take advantage of that, too.

Day 2 - going home
It feels like a steel collar wrapped around my neck. Pain is uncomfortable, but bearable. It definitely gets more sore after talking or chewing. Almost like my neck is yelling “shut up and let me rest.” Lovely bruising along my neck. I was warned that bruising will worsen before it gets better. Doc gave me arnica pills to be taken for next 7 days.

Day 3 - couch potato
Okey, more like recliner potato. Muscle relaxers are my friend. They keep the neck muscles at rest. Don’t skip them; no matter how much you think you are relaxing on your own, your neck will constantly tighten and release… and eventually throbbing commences. The relaxers are a life saver. If I overdo it, I take a pain pill. Stay ahead of it. I’m a motor mouth. So I’m learning moderation. Or trying to.

Day 4 - semi channel surfing
It’s hard to relax this long. I’m forcing myself because I know overdoing it will exacerbate swelling. Despite sitting and resting, swelling is increasing. The lines in my face are disappearing. Which normally we women would celebrate, but I’m kind of getting a very fluffy look about the face… and the body! No one told me I’d be retaining water (all over!) while my body goes into repair mode.

Day 5 - multicolored
Ah the bruising! The color yellow is flattering to a select few people. I am not one of them. I’m also seeing more blue/purple showing up on my face. My neck is looking less purple and more yellow. Marionette lines are showing more bruising. Also a couple spots on my chin. I’ve accepted it’s going to get worse before better. I’m following instructions, but I’m still looking like a puffer fish. On the plus side, while my neck still feels tight, it’s not painful. Muscle relaxers and pain pills are no longer needed. Yay me!
Update: I took a muscle relaxer. Note to self: no chewy foods yet. Ow.

Day 6
My son stopped by and was surprised I didn’t look worse. The feeling of tightness and swollen ears apparently isn’t as visible to others as it feels like to me. My neck is a brighter yellow. And my cheek looks like it’s trying hard to bruise, so the next few days will tell. Pain is minimal; just the ears randomly smarting which Tylenol helps.

Onto day 7 now. Feeling better! I’ll add another picture later. I’m posting this lengthy review because when I was researching what to expect, I couldn’t find detailed information on daily recovery. Hence, my wordiness. And my recovery is ongoing, so updates will continue as I progress.

I think from here on out, I will post every two or three days. No pain, swelling and bruising not to bad right now. Amazing to me that surgery was last Wednesday, and here it is Tuesday, not even a full week and I’m feeling so good! Staples coming out in a couple hours. I’m even having company for dinner. Nope, I’m not cooking (they are bringing it in!) since I’m still taking it easy.