POSTED UNDER Cheek Lift REVIEWS
Certainly NOT Worth It at 4 Weeks Postop! (Endoscopic Cheek & Brow Lift) - Pennsylvania
ORIGINAL POST
I scream "bad plastic surgery" -- even though a...
anniegirl222July 23, 2012
$7,000
I scream "bad plastic surgery" -- even though a well-respected, highly experienced surgeon performed my procedure. I look severe, contorted, and asymmetric everywhere. My mouth and nose are now crooked as well (even though I did not have a lower facelift). I've lost most of my vision in my left eye. My family says I look like a monster -- and I agree. I've cancelled out of all social activities -- and have not gone anywhere but food shopping (wearing sunglasses) and doctors offices. Kicking myself for having done this!
Replies (16)
August 2, 2012
You are not far enough away from surgery to know what you will look like. All the things you complain about at just part of the process: it takes months for the inflammation and swelling to disappear. There are nerve endings that have to grow in to reduce numbness and asymmetry. Give it time, please, because this is a one year voyage. I did this in the past and going for another surgery 15 years later. First time I did not leave the house for a month, no activity but rest and recovery. Next time I will have a months food so I will never go out at all.
April 3, 2013
We'd love an update on how you're doing now! Photos would be incredible, too, if you're comfortable posting them. They help others in the community so much.
I truly hope your issues have resolved and you're now feeling this was worth it.
April 3, 2013
As requested, here's a brief update: I wish the news were better!
Unfortunately, I still regret having had this surgery. I am still very asymmetric, and have paid more money for filler since the surgery than I ever had beforehand. How ironic. I thought I would end up saving that money once I underwent the surgery. In addition to those expenses, I incurred another couple thousand more (even with insurance) for problems related to the surgery. My eyesight has normalized, but I still have some pain in my left eye and forehead. I put ointment in both eyes every night, and use drops throughout the day. Although filler has helped to minimize the asymmetries, my nose and mouth (areas that supposedly were not involved in my surgery) are very crooked. Several people commented that they thought I had a nose job because my nose looked so strange. Apparently, the nasal and mouth distortions are related to my nerve and muscle damage, which seems not to have improved much since my last update. Everything still slants to the right. It's especially noticeable when I chew and speak. I recently saw two neurologists -- one said it can take 18 months for those issues to resolve, the other said 2 full years. Both acknowledged that the damage might be permanent. One of the neurologists noted that my eye movements are not completely parallel (left eye lags behind). Two doctors pointed out that I also have synkinesis that is apparent when I blink. (The left side of my face and lip move upward.) Overall, I still have a hard, severe look, particularly around my eyes. Two PSs thought I had a canthopexy procedure! All I had wanted was my brows elevated a bit (was talked into the cheek procedure for "balance") -- but I never expected the problems with my eyes, nose, mouth, and lower face. Last week I had permanent filler placed in my cheeks, and that helped to soften my look a bit. Trying to learn to accept it -- and laugh about my funny face -- but I am extremely disappointed.
April 3, 2013
Obviously they hit nerves. This can happen, I guess, but it sounds like a butcher job. What is the reply from the surgeon? Have they admitted that you are an exception to their usual work? I am so sorry to hear this.
April 3, 2013
Hi Clare -- Thanks for your comment. My surgeon has habitually dismissed my concerns, so I've had to enlist help from other experts. (However, he did acknowledge that the eyesight problem was unusual.) He said the result cannot be judged until 1 year post-op. I will be there soon.
April 9, 2013
So sorry to discover your story. It's good to read that at least there's been some improvement. Crossing fingers time will see your nerve issues resolve or soften. Time remains our best healing tool, I dare to believe... Or you could end up with some flaws or 'damage leftovers' that only you would see, because our own attention is so much focused on every single inch of our face -- while these flaws go un- or hardly noticed by others more often than we think. This, I am pretty convinced of. Hang on to that thought. You know, 6 weeks into my recovery, I was horrified to notice that the left side of my face looked completely different (in shape and volume) from the right side... I thought asymmetric swelling, oedema catastrophy etc... Then I looked at 'before' pictures, only to realize that it had been like this all my life -- only I had never before focused on my face the way I now do, hence had seen nothing of it! When I see on my face something that is not (yet...? sigh...) what I would like to see, I remind myself that I'm not perfect, but then again nor was I before. And guess what, one flaw I have shows a lot less when I smile because it gets hidden within... my crow feet wrinkles wooohoo thank God for them ;o) Keep the faith [RS bleep]
April 9, 2013
Dear NIVMED, Thanks for your very thoughtful -- and encouraging -- reply! Excellent perspectives!
March 30, 2015
hi I am going to a dr in Philadelphia to have a bad lower bleph repaired & a cheek lift is suggested. can you tell us who did this surgery so we are informed ? thanks
UPDATED FROM anniegirl222
Still not worth it at 10 months post-op!...
anniegirl222April 29, 2013
Still not worth it at 10 months post-op! Asymmetries galore! Have had numerous filler treatments to help minimize the pits and bulges. Still have a very crooked mouth and smile, as well as synkinesis and strabismus. Left upper lip is still swollen and numb. It seems that I will need much more than the typical "one year" healing period. I hope another year of healing will do it!
Replies (3)
July 18, 2013
I'm in PA. I'm curious who the Dr was so I can stay clear! Hope you are doing better!
August 4, 2013
did you see results of photos of midface lifts he did? i have heard of some who have these assymmetric problems not only due to nerve damage, but also due to wrong tacking inside the mouth area. i hope your nerves eventually regenerate and heal. take B6--i think it is 6, look it up---for nerve regeneration----meantime. I hope you look better and feel better. keep us posted. and, yes, you should look into the legal issue, but remember there is a time period ---i think it might differ by state, but here it is 2 years, then you cannot do anything.
UPDATED FROM anniegirl222
The same problems remain at 16 months post-op.
anniegirl222October 18, 2013
Not encouraging. :(
Replies (13)
September 26, 2014
Sorry to read this! Who did the surgery? Please advise us all so we don't use that individual. Thank you.
April 2, 2015
very sad to hear this.
April 8, 2015
how are you ? is it getting any better? I hate my looks I used to be pretty (not to brag) but when I was younger I did modeled for a local dept store it was published in the Pittsburgh press. now I hate going out esp when its with old friends. in some lights and mirrors I look distorted. I hope I am in a dream but every morning I wake up and realize im not.
April 8, 2015
I am seeing a PS this may for a consult. if I go to him it will be my 4th surgery to try and correct my eyes. dr wulc. he's in philly. is this the dr you went to? please let me know I am so scared to do yet another surgery but my eyes don't match and one of them don't have that smile bulge when you smile just a "pulled" stretch skin
June 14, 2015
@tellmewhy: Sorry to hear that. :( Lots of people incl me have had bad surgery results. I felt better over time but still very depressed occasionally. I hope u will have some improvements to your looks and mood.
May 31, 2015
Your face is screwed up but you won't name person responsible and no pictures. Your post is not credible as far as I am concerned. Sorry
June 5, 2015
i have to agree with harryboy. i asked for the name of this dr with no respond along with all the other people who have asked you. you're ignorant if you ask me. i had a bad lower lid bleph & whoever ask me for the name of the doctor i tell them to warn them
June 5, 2015
I might be able to (Tell you why) :) I see she has been a member here since 2012. My guess is the Doctor refunded her money, but talked her into signing that she would not POST ABOUT HIM/HER an if she does she gets a 10 K fine, It happened to me TWICE. I no know t is not worth the paper it is written on. Additionally she can always say FINE ME and post anyway. Maybe she is afraid and has not seen an attorney yet to advice her. Also never SIGN that garbage from ANY Doctor.
Also you said YOU ha a "Bad lower lid lift". Can you tell me the Doctors Name. location, date of service and cost? Do you have any photos of before and after?.
June 5, 2015
yes dr beatty hes an ocular plastic in pitts pa. my client had her upper lids done & looked good. i only had a bag when i doubled out. i went to 2 PS who did not want to operate they wanted to use filler for now but at $1.000 per 6 months i thought the operation would save me in the long run. ha the jokes on me i spent thousands of $$ trying to correct it. then i went to dr johns in pgh & he gave me a FT & skin pinch which made it very livable. still alittle hollow but can live with it for the time being, i had other people who have not been posting for a few years but sent me private messages on RS. & one who changed her name and answers under another name.
I hope you are getting better.
Though you seem quite sure about the result being bad, I hope it can still recover a bit, it seems that the cheek lift is a very traumatic procedure and its recovery time being very long.
What's exactly the problem ? Some nervous damage ? Or the tissue not being properly and symetrically pulled up ?
What have your doctor said about the result ? Has he recognized that it went wrong or not ?
Still, your family might chose less harsh words...
Good luck and keep us informed. I hope everything's going to be ok.