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POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews

57 and Feel Ancient. Penrith, AU

UPDATED FROM gwcharley
1 year post

Scarring update

gwcharley
$12,091
These are the scars I am left with one year post op. Ears and sides of face still numb. Doctor stated on another site that I am that 1% of patients who has unrealistic expectations.
I can no longer wear my hair up and if the wind blows my hair to expose the scars, people stare and cringe. I'm wondering if I was supposed to expect this.
I don't have to claim that I am disfigured as the photos speak for themselves and of course, doctor has refused to see me. Her website claims "virtually invisible scars". Beware.

gwcharley's provider

Dr Rita Kirby

gwcharley ratings

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Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
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On the initial consult, Dr Kirby was encouraging and told me I would get a great result. I didn't see her again until day of surgery when her communication was like she only had a vague recollection of me. After surgery I didn't see her until 9 days later when she took the front stitches out. Hurt like hell. One week later I saw her again for staple removal. I pointed out an infected spot in front of left ear to which the dr said she would not give me anything for it and that my body will heal itself. This was dr's last day before having a baby eight days later and she left no one as a back up in case I experienced any complications. My result. I have lumps in my jowls area on the left side. Seems the makings of jowls both sides has returned and my neck still hangs under my chin. I have lost a little of the loose skin that I had but overall I did not get the result I was after or promised. I was told to come back in three to six months with the assurance that my result was going to just keep getting better. Not so; my result has gotten worse over time. As Dr Kirby is on leave, there is no one to take my concerns to. I have not been able to see the dr again and had to visit my GP for a left over staple removal and antibiotic cream for now two infected areas, the ear and a place behind the ear which six weeks later is still weeping. The PS's receptionist since my surgery has shown very little interest in me. Update. I made an appt at six months post op as instructed by Dr Kirby when I last saw her on 19/11/2015. On the day of my appt, Dr Kirby had her receptionist Jan call me and tell me not to come as Dr Kirby has refused to see me. She has shown no interest in addressing any of my concerns. What she has done is threatened to prosecute me on another review site called ratemds.com, claiming my comments are defamatory. The truth is NOT defamatory, it is the truth.

Replies (5)

January 14, 2017
Dear of you, you're scars should not be noticeable after, especially not a year later! Can you get a refund for her appalling work!! I really wish you all the best xx
January 14, 2017
First, let me say your face looks lovely, but I agree, the scars are quite visible. I would seek out a different plastic surgeon to see if you're a good candidate for scar revision. I wish you all the best and thank you for sharing your story. It will help many people in their decision-making.
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January 15, 2017
That's wrong maybe you can get laser to inprove your scaring behind your ears
January 18, 2017
I had a face and neck lift about 2 years ago and then I lost 30 lbs and my face and neck again were droopy. My surgeon did a revision which was almost but not as bad as the first time around and he charged me 1/2 the price for the revision. I personally think your scars are way to noticeable and that this surgeon that did your surgery is a terrible person. I have read that scars such as you have can be reduced greatly with the injection of steroids. I personally believe hat she should morally and ethically do a scar revision at no charge for you. If you were to ask her if she would please do a scar revision and then you would honestly be able to post at least she was supportive with that if she would? If not I would seek out a dermatologist for a free consultation and if your scars are painful you could perhaps get your insurance to pay for that? Just thoughts, I wish you the very very best and please keep us updated.
April 6, 2017
I complained to the health complaint commission and When they investigated, they told me that Dr Kirby had said I don't need a scar revision. How would she know, she refused to see me and so she hasn't seen my scars.
January 28, 2017
This doctor is a quack you need to go to a caring professional to fix this scaring I would recommend Dr Moko on the Gold coast she has excellent reviews for scar revisions and is a very caring doctor who would not ever refuse to see you Rita Kirby should be avoided by everyone when she has treated you like this I have been to Dr Moko she is wonderful
UPDATED FROM gwcharley
1 year post

Scar update

gwcharley
This is now twelve months post op. I thought you might like to see the scars Dr Kirby left me with.

Replies (2)

November 6, 2016
I am so sorry that you happened upon a doctor who has no professional practices when a patient has difficulties and needs follow up help to do corrections. If I were you Iwould report this doctor to the medical board for unprofessional conduct and practice. This is a problem that she should definitely have handled for you, it would not have been that difficult at all for her. She is a discrace to her profession and I myself am discusted by her treatment of you. I wish you the best and maybe you could have some of the repairs if they are painful or limiting to your physical being by your primary insurance. Good luck and let us know if you do anything with all of this. Best wishes.
November 30, 2016
Thank you for sharing your story. There are a lot of positive outcomes and excellent doctors on Real Self, but it's important that we also share the truth when we're faced with a negative result or unskilled surgeon. I appreciate your honesty and am very sorry that you did not get the outcome you were hoping for or treatment you deserve. I wish you all the best.
UPDATED FROM gwcharley
9 months post

3 1/2 months post op. Taken 17 Feb 2016

gwcharley

Replies (3)

August 6, 2016
I'm sorry your facelift did not give you the results you'd hoped for and I can why you're disappointed. Can you get a refund and go to a different doctor for a revision? If I were you, I'd not allow Dr Kirby to do the revision since her skills seem somewhat lacking.
August 6, 2016
Thank you for your comment. I think a refund is unlikely as Dr Kirby won't see me or even talk to me.
I would like to have a revision but cost is a factor of course; it was difficult to find the $17,000 for this surgery. One of the dr's who responded to my question in the Q&A section detailed a pretty extensive procedure which I would love to have; I guess we'll see what happens. I may win lotto
August 7, 2016
what was the extensive procedure?
August 7, 2016
SMAS lift, brow lift, fat transfer and blepharoplasty.
August 8, 2016
I think the fact that the doctor did not do an incision under the chin is one of the reasons the facelift/necklift did not come out as well as it should. The incision under the chin is essential for the platysmaplasty.
August 8, 2016
Thank you for your comment and I tend to agree. I live in Australia but received that very good opinion from a plastic surgeon in Washington DC that I referred to earlier; I'm almost tempted to travel there for the revision. He seems to know what he's talking about. I'm still hopeful =o)
August 8, 2016
Omg,there is lil bit of difference, but nowhere near what you would expect after proper face lift surgery!!! Im 3 weeks after surgery and little worried it won't stay....what is your final outcome, did you see another surgeon, are having it redone? Hope you are well
August 8, 2016
On your initial surgery did you have any incissions under the chin?
August 8, 2016
Hi ishtar57.
I posted the final outcome here; you'll find it :)
I will have the facelift re done eventually by a face lift specialist, board certified plastic surgeon. I regret not doing more extensive research and falling for an exuberant sales pitch and empty promises.
My chore now is to try to get my medical and surgical records from the original surgeon.
I am sure your surgery has been done exceptionally well and you will have an amazing result. All the best X
August 8, 2016
No incisions under the chin. Dr said I didn't need any liposuction.
August 14, 2016
Thank you for sharing your story so others can avoid this doctor. I hope you will find a way to get the revision you deserve. Best wishes.
August 14, 2016
Thank you :)
August 14, 2016
Thank you