Expected a Full Lift and Doctor Did Mini - Oklahoma City, OK

It's been a year since my original face lift and 11 months since my "redo". My neck is tight and sore with banding and the sides of my face are sore also. This entire face/neck lift business is all marketing. I can look "fabulous" in the right lighting and downright "creepy" in other light. I keep wondering if my face and neck will ever feel normal again. I had no idea that people felt this odd after a lift until I read so many similar posts on RealSelf. Maybe if the doctors had the procedures performed on themselves first they would improve their technique. I can't post my doctor's name because of a non-disclosure agreement. That means no one can post anything bad about him, but he can post as much good stuff as he can find!!!! Watch out for doctors with only positive reviews!

My ps said he was going to do extensive neck "work" but I ended up with a mini lift that failed as the swelling resolved. Jowls and neck were as pre-lift except where he pulled up under my chin. It was horrible and very uncomfortable recovery.

By the end of month 4 I was so miserable I had a "redo". This time he properly undermined my neck and jaw and the recovery has been much easier and less painful because the tissue was properly supported. The incision is only 1 inch more along the hairline behind my ear.

I didn't know what question to ask the first time. I was told he did a face lift every week for years but now realize he has done very few full lifts. How much of the SMAS is dissected and anchored is the issue to focus on when you question the surgeon.

I am redoing the face lift in 2 days. My plastic surgeon said this time he will undermine the lower face and neck. It's true. When we are under anesthesia we don't know what they are doing. I thought he was doing this undermining with the original lift.....