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POSTED UNDER Lower Facelift REVIEWS

I have zero scars on the front of my ears and the backs of my ears are almost completely healed.

ORIGINAL POST

Look No Further for Cosmetic Surgery....

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SandraL123

This is a very long overdue review. I have honestly wanted to do this for many years and finally just sat myself down to do it. Dr. Svehlak is so deserving of the greatest recognition for his services.

I first saw him in 2003 for a rhinoplasty procedure. From the moment I met him, I knew he was going to be the one to do this. He was so calm and friendly and listened to everything I said. He knew I was very concerned with my facial profile and recommended a chin implant to go with the rhinoplasty. He showed me pictures of how it would look and said it would enhance my profile very nicely. I agreed and he was not pushy at all when making that recommendation.

The procedure was flawless and I came out the other side so very pleased with my results. (I am not showing pictures because I would like to keep them private.) His bedside manner was impeccable and like no other surgeon I have dealt with. At the time of my rhinoplasty consultation, I also mentioned I was interested in getting a breast lift. I had very large breasts from childhood and gravity was beginning to take its toll on them. He took a look and said, “come back and see me in ten years”. No joke.

Cut to ten years later (2013), I did not wait another minute, I called and scheduled a consultation for my lift. I did not even consult with any other doctors. I knew he was the one for me. He was in a newer office and much fancier, but that did not change his attitude. Still the nicest guy ever. With the best bedside manner. The procedure was perfect and I finally had my breasts back up to where they belonged. I ended up having a little setback not long after as a stitch came undone inside my breast and caused some internal bleeding. It was a Sunday afternoon, I got him on the phone immediately and he got me right in to take care of it. I was a bit of a wreck with my husband trying to calm me down and the second I saw Dr. Svehlak, I calmed right down knowing I was in the best of hands. All was well.

Since my lift, I’ve done a few other things with Dr. Svehlak as well as some Botox and fillers. He actually does the fillers himself which I really like. One other very important thing I would like to note, his office is not pretentious AT ALL. It is state-of-the-art in every way and his staff is very friendly, warm, and comforting. I know some Los Angeles and Beverly Hills cosmetic surgery offices can be quite intimidating. Not here.

I’m in my mid 50’s now and have already been through menopause. The hot flashes finally stopped, but suddenly my whole face and neck started drooping and the jowls were getting out of control. So what did I do? I scheduled a consultation for a lower face and neck lift. I had the procedure in mid-March of 2021 and I am still healing. I have zero scars on the front of my ears and the backs of my ears are almost completely healed. Nobody even knows I had anything done. (you aren’t supposed to look like a different person after a facelift, just less wrinkles) I got my haircut the week before the procedure and now that I’m back out and about friends are just saying I look so fresh and young!! It’s the best feeling.

In closing I just want to say, if you are ever considering any type of cosmetic surgery or procedure, look no further. Dr. Svehlak does beautiful work, he is kind and a total perfectionist. He is proud of all he does. His office staff is lovely and without Veronica, I don’t know how he would keep things rolling since he is so busy. She is a such pleasure to deal with each and every time I need her and she is ALWAYS making me feel like a million bucks. Not to mention she looks like a million bucks herself!

Thank you Dr. Svehlak and team for being in my life the last 18 years! Wishing you the best always!!

SandraL123's provider

Steven Svehlak, MD

Steven Svehlak, MD

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

SandraL123

SandraL123 rating for Dr. Svehlak:

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Replies (4)

February 5, 2022
Can you post pictures of your incisions
March 13, 2022
What an amazing review. You look fantastic!
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March 13, 2022
Thank you!
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July 22, 2022
You look really very good . Good for you ♥️I used him a number of years ago for a lip lift and fat transfer , I liked him a lot . This review makes me think I should consider him for my next facelift . Thank you for your review.
UPDATED FROM SandraL123

The best in the business!

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SandraL123
I felt I owed it to Dr Svehlak to make this update to my original post. I don’t want to show my whole face but I think what I’m posting will definitely show you what an amazing job he did on my lower face and neck lift. Pic one was pre procedure in March of 2021 and the second pic is September 26 2021. I couldn’t be more thrilled with my results. No pulled face look and YOUNG AGAIN!!! So natural. P.S. I just turned 55.

Replies (48)

October 12, 2021
beautiful results!
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October 12, 2021
Thank you ☺️. I am very pleased.
October 17, 2021
Amazing
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November 2, 2021
Thank you.
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October 19, 2021
Your result actually made my jaw drop! You look amazing and I so appreciate this review.
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October 21, 2021
Thank you for your kind comments.
October 21, 2021
You look amazing. You must be so pleased! My deep plane facelift is tomorrow. If you see this, any words of wisdom or tips for the recovery? Think I am set, then read something somewhere, and think, wow, should have thought of that too. TY and again, you are beautiful. Take care.
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November 2, 2021
Oh boy! How did it go? I guess I didn't see this in time to comment. I hope you are happy with your outcome and are taking good care of yourself during the healing process. Be well!
November 3, 2021
Ty Sandra. Think it went well. Not much bruising, as gave up all natural blood thinners and salicylics foods. My PS said to still wait on Salmon and blueberries! Lol! Am swollen, but today is day 11. Being older think it may take more time. Mayve 4-6 weeks. Am still icing, but not as much as before. Have to say again, you look incredible. Just beautiful! Ty so much for checking on me.
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December 19, 2021
Hi,
Why no salmon and blueberries?
November 2, 2021
You look AMAZING! I'm in Northern CA and was quoted $14K. Just wondering if tht is comparable to the procedure in southern CA and if I should come down to LA.
UPDATED FROM SandraL123

Adding photos of incisions and healing

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SandraL123
A lot of you have asked for more pictures. I am happy to post them. I am almost a year out now and all is well. I couldn’t be happier. Best thing I ever did!! I will do my best to answer any questions when I can.

Replies (16)

March 13, 2022
How long did it take for your face and neck to feel normal after the procedure? I had mine two months ago and I'm sitting here with a cold pack strapped under my chin. I have frequent random sensations that feel like bee stings all around my hairline, swelling and stiffness in my cheeks all the way from my temples to my jawline, swollen ears, stiff neck, and still feel the need to take multiple doses of Tylenol and ibuprofen every day. I'm starting to think I've made a huge mistake.
March 13, 2022
Carol please tell us who did yours. I'm looking at plastic surgeons for a lower lift and will definitely avoid whoever you saw. I am so sorry you are in this much discomfort and I hope it goes away soon.
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March 13, 2022
Yikes. I am sorry to hear this. I definitely had some some swelling for sure, But you are two months out and that does not seem normal to me. I will say though even being a year out I do have areas by my ears and jawline that are sort of numb. I believe it takes quite some time for the nerves to settle down and grow back. You really should not have that much swelling after two months. Have you expressed your feelings to your doctor? I’m so sorry you are going through this. I really hope you feel better soon.
March 13, 2022
I'm hesitant to name the surgeon because I've only gotten one answer about whether what I'm going through is normal or not. The doctor and his nurse have both deflected my concerns about the level of pain I've experienced by saying things like "We've had patients out golfing two weeks after this procedure." I will say that their office is in Sonoma County, CA.
The RealSelf member who has responded to my question about her recovery (cmnorthfield) said that, had she known how painful it was going to be, she would not have had it done. She then said that she was almost back to normal at seven months post-op and feeling better about the decision.
It seems like everyone downplays the post-op pain. Even the Mayo Clinic website says to expect "two weeks of swelling and discomfort." I'm at eight weeks and have just reached the swelling and discomfort point. The first four weeks I felt like I'd fallen face first into a wasp nest.
It is getting better, but it's taking much longer than I expected.
March 14, 2022
Sandra,
Thanks for your reply. You may have already seen my response to the other member who asked where I had the procedure done. I have expressed my concerns to the surgeon and his nurse, but they seem to try to brush it off as my problem, not theirs. I'm fearful that the chronic swelling will result in saggy skin once the swelling goes down, that I will just have traded my saggy neck in for saggy cheeks. I have another recheck appointment tomorrow, but I don't expect much to come of it.
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March 15, 2022
Hi Carol. How did your appointment go yesterday?
March 15, 2022
Hi Sandra,
It was okay. I actually felt a lot more comfortable yesterday than I had up to that point. Dr. says everything looks great (which, honestly, it does). I asked him if I would have saggy skin after the swelling in my cheeks goes away and he said something to the effect of "that's what fillers are for." I don't think he really hears how he comes across sometimes. Surgeons are notorious for being kind of abrupt; I wonder how many of them might be on the autism spectrum. (I had hip surgery over a decade ago. That surgeon couldn't even make eye contact with me, but he did a great job repairing my injury.)
I'm going to hold off until a year post-op to make any final judgements about my results or post anything on this site about my experience. It's really too soon to make any absolute assessments.
Thank you for checking. That's so nice of you.
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March 15, 2022
I am so happy to hear it well. People really don't realize what a MAJOR procedure it really is. Definitely give yourself time. It's amazing how our body can heal. But honestly, it will take lots of time for full sensation to come back. I'm sure you look beautiful. Be well.
September 2, 2022
I have the "moderate" bee sting feelings same as you, 4 months out. Not the rest of your symptoms. I never took tylenol, nsaids, or any pain killers, other than Percoset for 2 days after surgery. I also have a small hematoma under my cheek which is resolving Very slowly, but does not hurt at all. I am super happy with the cosmetic result, which for me makes it totally worth experiencing the unpleasant after effects. I did a couple of sessions of hyperbaric oxygen, one pre and one post, which I believe helped quicker recovery. $150 a session, or I probably would have done more post--also I dislike being enclosed in the hyperbaric chamber as well. Wishing you well.
April 21, 2022
You look fabulous!!!!!!! God Bless!
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April 29, 2022
Thank you! Best to you.
May 21, 2022
How long until the scars disappeared.
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May 22, 2022
The scars in the front of my ears were literally gone within a month or so. The scars behind my ears are still there but very faint. The scar under my chin is very faint as well. Everybody’s skin is so different though. I am vary fair so scars don’t show up too much on me.
July 22, 2022
You look incredible! What a fantastic outcome. Did you use anything on your scars to help them heal so well?
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October 17, 2022
Please tell me what scar gel or cream you applied, if any. Thank you.
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January 30, 2023
I am sorry you’re having these issues, it’s a big psychological process to even get into surgery but you hope you will heal quickly and well.
I had my mini lower lift, upper eye blepharoplasty and temporal lift last Tuesday morning, 5 days out and no swelling or bruising at all. I am now starting to leave my compression garment off now. I think I have been very lucky, I did juice with fresh organic greens daily, arnica and bromelain several times a day which I swear has helped. I am delighted and just want the incisions to fully heal now.