Saggy Skin

Let me start with, I love my plastic surgeon and trust him implicitly. I've used him for eight years on a couple things (1)breast augmentation repair (from an old leaking implant from another doctor), (2) nose job and now is the neck lift. He's the type of doctor that will tell you "no". LOL.... I asked for a chin implant a few years back and he refused, said I had some saggy skin on my neck (that could wait) but would not do unnecessary procedures. I like that about him. I'm considered "young" as far as average age for this surgery goes but I have been unhappy with my neck for almost three years and decided the year I turn 40 (this Fall) I wanted to have this done and bring in my fortieth feeling amazing. I am going for my pre-op this week and have my surgery scheduled for March 18th. I am nervous as I've opted to do this in his office under a local and 'mild' sedation (valium) but I am saving three grand by opting for this method and that's worth it to me. I expect to be given arnica and a couple scripts when I go in this week for the pre-op. I have a friend (an ER nurse) that will be with me for and after the procedure. This is a HUGE secret I am keeping from everyone I know and I just want to keep it on the DL. Hoping scars do not give me away.

Here's a few more pics of my "before" neck.

So less than twenty four hours from now, I will be valium groggy with my ear buds in (one at a time, I presume), loud soothing music of some sort and my trusted doctor snipping away at my face. I'm nervous about it but going to try my best to not think about the actual procedure. (even though I had to watch a video on the surgery prior and it's been running through my mind all day today!). I'm trying to get everything prepared so I can be totally unavailable to the social world for a little while. I'm putting an ice chest next to my bed that will stay stocked with ice (for swelling). Lots and LOTS of bottled water, gatorade, books, magazines, & movies next to my bed as well. But hopefully, I will sleep like a bear in winter, so, I am washing all my bed linens and pillows so be as nice and comfy (and sterile) as possible for when I return home. I stocked up on groceries today for the kids and will be making big batches of homemade chicken soup for me today (to freeze and use throughout the next week). I'm planning to take advantage of my bed-ridden condition and eat clean for the week+. Prescriptions filled (pain meds, valium and antibiotics). I start the antibiotics today. I know the pain meds will cause constipation (hope not TMI) so I'm cleaning out my gut today (exciting news, I know). Which is another reason to eat light and clean for the next week or so. All this preparation reminds me of hurricane planning (I live in FL)... well, except for the gut-clearing. ;-) OK... I will try to post pics tomorrow (depending on my conscious state of mind) post-procedure. If you are spiritual, please send prayers for my doctor. After all, I'm in his hands tomorrow. Talk to y'all soon!