Lipo and neck tightening (Neck Platysmal Plication)

I have been unhappy with my neck profile forever; but it has become much worse since I turned 45. It is a hereditary trait that most of my maternal family display. I have also gained 15 lbs, which has impacted my face/neck area. All in all, I'm tired of worrying about the appearance of my neck! I had consulted to have chin lipo, but sadly, was advised that I would need my platysmal muscles sewn tight together, because part of my problem is hereditary loose muscle along with fat. I was truly bummed! I wanted to avoid general anesthesia, and lipo wouldn't require it; this does. I get very nauseous and sometimes vomit from anesthesia, so I'm scared of that! It also cost $1000 more than just lipo. I eventually decided to go ahead and schedule it for May 31st early in the morning. My oldest daughter will be driving me, and watching out for me the first night. I am scheduled for a follow up the Monday morning after the procedure, because it is going to be done on a Friday. I would much prefer going in the next morning for a follow up, which is the standard at this office. I know I will not enjoy sitting for an entire weekend in the bandaging from right after the procedure with no one checking underneath. I am going to see if it would be possible to be checked Saturday, as the Dr. will be in. Fingers crossed. I will add more, pre-procedure, as I think of things!

I am scheduled for my procedure early tomorrow morning. I have a hair appointment today, because I was told I would need to wait several weeks to color my hair after my surgery. I also have had to refrain from getting spray tans, and it may be a while, before I can get one...that really sucks for me! I hate being pale in the summer! Also, I know any bruising will show more on my pale skin. I have purchased a compression head wrap and a couple different ice packs. The doctor did not tell me that compression garments would be necessary, but every review I have seen stresses wearing one for weeks; I'm going to clarify this tomorrow. I am hoping that I will not have made a silly decision to have surgery just for cosmetic purposes, and things eill go smoothly and be worth it! I am posting some pictures that show the turkey gobbler skin I have.

I went in to my doctor's at 6:30 am and was out of there by 10:45. I believe my surgery was over by 9:15. I had general anesthesia, so after my iv was started, i don't remember anything. I woke up in recovery, feeling a little nauseous and with blurry vision. After 30 min, I started to feel better and ate some ice chips. My head was wrapped in major gauze and I already had visible purple bruising. The nurse told me to expect it to get worse over the next few days. Ugh. After I was able to pee, I hot dressed and left. The ride home with my daughter was uneventful. I took extra strength tylenol right when I got home because I had lots of tightness and felt sore. I was advised not to take the prescribed tylenol w codeine until I was able to eat...i already had nausea, so I didn't try it. I sat in my recliner and tried to rest, but I couldn't fall asleep. I totally cannot sleep upright...boo! I kept my eye on the darkening, widening bruises with dismay; of course, I would be one of those people to get extensive bruising, even though I abandoned all NSAIDs, aspirin, alcohol, fish oil, other supplements for 3 weeks prior. I waited 4 hours and ate some mashed potatoes, hoping to possibly take the prescription meds. It was hard! It hurts when i swallow, muscles under my chin feel sore when I do, and I can't fully open my mouth without pain. I stuck w regular tylenol. Later in the evening, i ate applesauce, which was easier. I never napped or took the codeine. I finally fell asleep in bed w a pile of pillows at 2 am. I ended up on my side. I know that isn't ideal, but I needed to sleep, and i only have the chin incision. I got 5 hours of sleep. I brushed my teeth, which was hard because I couldn't open my mouth wide. I also have to watch out for this huge gauze wrap. I took more tylenol, but is still painful to swallow. I also have post nasal drip and a tickle in my throat from intubation
exacerbating things. My muscles in my neck, under my chin hurt when i try to clear my throat. I'm trying to avoid coughing at all, but sometimes I have to. I'm hoping this doesn't do damage to my platysmal corseting. Who knows? I don't go back to my dr. until Monday, so I just have to try not to worry. I cant see my incision, so I have no way of knowing how it looks or that it is okay. I don't know how far up my purple bruising goes either because of the gauze. It's really kind of miserable! I would not recommend getting this done on a Friday, when there is usually a one day follow up and you get a smaller bandage! 3 days of this is daunting. I'm hoping my swallowing becomes more comfortable and all begins to heal!