We Give Our Houses a Facelift. We Deserve the Same. Phoenix, AZ

I was starting to look tired. There is no other way to describe it except tired. I started using botox and then Juviderm and then Voluma -- and before you know it, I had already spent thousands on things that were not permanent. My husband (who had just bought a new engine for his car) told me I need an expensive hobby. While he wanted me to get a 1964 Nova, I decided on a facelift. When I did the math, it would pay for itself in about 5 years. I will update this with photos, so stay tuned.

My story: I took just over two weeks off. I highly recommend this. It is not easy on your body. I was drugged up Day 1 from the anesthesia, and I remember very little. I was up and about on Day 2 and was never down. I was never in pain, but I did take the pain pills for 4 days. I took the very minimum recommended. I also went out in public fairly quickly, and that was actually fun. I bruised like the typical person would, so I got lots of looks.

Few things to note: You cannot take vitamins two weeks before and four weeks after. This, for me, was very difficult. You cannot work out at least four weeks afterwards. Difficult for me again. You cannot die your hair until 6 weeks after. Yikes. I found a brush-in gray cover up that worked for me. Your doctor will give you all the info, and you need to be sure you comply. My husband had to tie me up, but I complied. :o)

I am now 7 weeks out and get quite a lot of great comments. I just got back from a conference and saw people I don't see very often. Time and again I was told how "fresh" or "great" I look. Some people said, "something is different . . . is it your hair?" This is exactly what I wanted!!! My brother says it takes 10 years off my age and now I am his little sister.

If you are considering, just go and do it. I am 51 and wanted to do it young enough so I could enjoy it more. Thank you, Dr. Leverett and staff, for all you have done. You guys are the best.