Young at Heart Wanting Young of Face

I have always looked young for my age, that is until about 3 years ago when life, stress and gravity took it's toll. I had my upper eyelids done at that time to repair my droopy eyelids that I felt were a contributing factor to my aging face. It worked but in the fall of 2015 I started to notice that the image reflected in the mirror didn't match again. I have been a RS member since before my eyelid surgery and I have read with interest the experiences of other ladies here and their facelift successes. I am a take charge kind of gal and when I determine that I am going to do something then I will undertake to make it happen. My facelift decision was no different. Over the years, my husband and I had discussed it's eventuality but had not determined when. In April of this I told him it was time and his true supportive way he encouraged me to proceed. I studied RS stories with a vengeance and was surprised and delighted when I found an Ottawa lady who had had her procedure done locally. There are not many Canadian stories and this is one of the reasons that I have decided to share my story. Choosing a Dr. was a concern for me. I want a 'specialist' - not a Dr. did more breast augmentations and tummy tucks than they did facelifts. I wanted someone who specialized in facelifts. Ottawa is the Nation's Capital but it really is a small city. With not a lot of resources out there I relied on RS to help me choose. I had my consultation appointment with Dr. Bonaparte on May 9th and liked him immediately. He was very calm, answered all my questions and showed me some of his patient before and after pictures. He has a down to earth air of confidence about him. At that appointment I decided that he would do the procedure. Remember the trait, once decided that let's get this done? Well, before I left that day I had an estimate, made a down payment and had two potential surgery dates pending the availability of the anesthetist. Alison, the Administrator at Dr Bonaparte's office called the next day to confirm June 17th and to make my preop appointment for May 25th. On May 25th I went for my preop appointment and met with Pat, one of the nurses that will be assisting in the surgery. I was shown a video that described the procedure and what to expect. I was given a tour of the surgical suite and was given instructions for preparing for my recovery and the day of surgery. Like so many ladies on RS I am excited and nervous but honestly, the excitement overpowers the nerves. I look in the mirror and see my jowls and loose neck and know that soon it will be youthful again. I am not good with selfies and so I want to get my husband to take some before pictures. I will post them here in the next week. Until then I continue to countdown the days when once again my face will match my attitude and actions. Cheers Pixie

I have been waiting for my husband to help me with my photos but he has just been so busy lately. I decided that I would start by posting some I had. I did take a selfy this morning without makeup just to show you how 'bad' it is when I don't try to cover it up. I was unsuccessful with the side ones but will get some before my surgery - that is a definite. The picture of me and the tiger was taken in Thailand in February 2016. Interestingly, the viewing of pictures when we returned from our vacation was a pivotal point in my decision that it was time to have the procedure done. I look at some of the pictures and say, who is that lady? Can't be me...too old!!! lol. It is challenging to post these before pictures but I am hoping that they will just make my 'after' pictures look more spectular!!! Pixie

One week from today I will be starting the recovery stage of this journey. Today has been an emotional day. Not once did I question my decision to go ahead with this procedure, but rather, I think I am just worried about the unknown. In the same moment, I will be excitedly thinking about all of you ladies in the first days and weeks of recovery, and think about how your progress is inspiring. So here are the 'ugly' pics. The no makeup, no holding my head the right way, just pure, raw turkey neck!!! Ugggh! One week from today, one week from today....one week from today and hopefully I have a beautiful neck again.