finally did it! so worth it! - Newport Beach, CA

I am 58 years old. My neck sagging and neck wrinkles had been bothering me for at least five years. I knew it was genetic; my mother had the same problem. I try to take pride in my appearance, but there was no covering this area, especially in pictures. I found myself editing every picture that showed my neck. When I actually did start researching who could perform this neck surgery, I consulted with three doctors, two of whom were unrealistically expensive and who also wanted to do more plastic surgery to my face than I had asked for, which I did not appreciate. (And I stupidly paid for one of these consultations.) I should backtrack and tell you that before choosing Dr. Jed Horowitz as my plastic surgeon, I first attended a free seminar about his patented LiteLift procedure at a local hotel where I could meet actual patients who had previously undergone the same surgery. This helped me tremendously in my decision to go forward with surgery because I saw with my own eyes the way these patients looked and I heard with my own ears these patients relate their experiences with the surgery. That day I booked a free consultation appointment with Dr. Jed Horowitz. At that consultation Dr. Horowitz listened to me and HEARD me when I asked questions, addressing my concerns and explaining everything that his LiteLift facelift could do for me. The expense was commensurate with the local area (Orange County) and the expertise of this doctor. I had my LiteLift surgery along with surgery to get rid of the "banding" in the neck (can't remember the technical term) on October 8, 2015. This was rather scary for me because, as a redhead, I am prone to having a hard time getting numb with local anesthesia and can sometimes feel the needles or cutting instruments (not fun!). Since I was awake during this surgery, I just had to verbalize my discomfort to Dr. Horowitz, and I received more anesthetic. I have to say this: If I can do this surgery without being "put under," anybody can do it! The surgery was probably about two-and-a-half to three hours, and I was never in a lot of pain after, just a little discomfort. During my healing process though, I did have some problems but NOT BECAUSE OF ANYTHING DR. HOROWITZ DID. In my life I have had surgeries, i.e., carpal tunnel, C-sections, broken leg with insertion of pins, etc. Never have I ever had a problem with healing or scarring. Unfortunately and very surprisingly, I did have sort of a rough recovery, although nothing major, after my LiteLift procedure. I had an area by my ears that did not heal as promptly or as prettily as would be hoped for, but Dr. Horowitz guided me through a slower healing process. He stayed in touch with me weekly, even giving me his personal cell phone number, and saw me at biweekly and then weekly office appointments to push my healing forward. Today is four months after surgery, and I am VERY HAPPY with my result. Not only have friends (some of whom do know about my surgery and some of whom do not know about my surgery) commented on how I look very refreshed and younger, but so have my children and, of course, my husband! Obviously, I am a little vain to have had this surgery (although I like to think there is more to me than that!), but I did get a jolt of confidence when I uploaded a picture of my face on Facebook and received many, many compliments! As an aside, I will tell you that this was a BIG decision for me. I actually did schedule my procedure with Dr. Horowitz and then cancelled because I felt guilty spending the money on myself when I still have one daughter in college whom my husband and I are supporting. I FINALLY made the decision to go ahead with this surgery after attending my 40th high school reunion and seeing the pictures of me that were published in the reunion booklet. How I wish I had had the surgery first! Another fear I had of having plastic surgery was I never wanted to look like an advertisement for plastic surgery, meaning that a person can look at me and think, "Oh, she had plastic surgery." (You know the look I am talking about.) I can honestly tell you that I now just look like a better and younger version of myself. Of course, no woman is just defined by her looks, and I know that I have many fine qualities and am a good human being completely apart from my appearance. But also, as any woman, or for that matter, any man, knows, how you feel about yourself affects every aspect of your life, whether through interaction with family and friends or with the public; when you feel good about yourself, you are a happier and more joyful person and much nicer to be around! Another side note I would like to mention is that my husband, who very graciously attended all of my medical appointments, and I did get to know Dr. Horowitz probably a little better than most of his patients. We found Dr. Horowitz to be a highly professional doctor who genuinely cared about my welfare. We also highly respect Dr. Horowitz because of his involvement with providing surgery to children in other countries who are in desperate need of plastic surgery intervention. My last note is that the staff of Pacific Center for Plastic Surgery is wonderful in both their professionalism and friendliness. I sincerely hope my review has helped another woman in her search for the best doctor for her highly personal surgery. (I am NOT uploading a picture of myself pre-surgery because I am too vain to put it online -- the after-surgery pictures are evidence enough, demonstrating no sagging or banding neck!)