60 Years Old and an Unfamiliar Face Looking Back at Me in the Mirror! - Richmond, VA

As far as the actual procedures, the most important advice I can give you after you've made your decision to jump in is:
#1- make sure you have allowed yourself enough time to recover, people recover and heal differently. I have very fair skin so it took me several weeks longer for all the red to die down on my face after the laser treatment. Most people can get back into life after 2 weeks, in my case it was a month. Longer recovery but outstanding results. Under Dr Niamtu's expert hands, the laser along with the lift literally took 15 years off my face. So plan on allowing yourself plenty of time to recover, you may not feel like going back in public in two weeks as some do. It's so important not to push yourself and let your healing time just happen.... It takes time. But you will heal!
No 2- Be prepared. Have everything you need ready ahead of time so you can just relax and heal after your procedure. Follow his direction exactly on your medications and after care routine and techniques and don't vary from them.
I found that a good wedge pillow along with extra pillows worked good for elevation while resting and sleeping. The other thing that I found was the biggest help was an airplane pillow, you know the little U shaped pillows that fit around your neck... a must have!
#3- Make sure you have someone who is competent and nurturing to take care of you for at least the first few days. This may be the most important part of your recovery, have someone who is supportive, dedicated and "all in"... Your gonna need help and responsible care. My husband was that person for me and I can't imagine not having him there taking care of me. The first few days are were no picnic.
#4- Be patient and don't worry. Your going to look worse before you look better. The Dr. will prescribe you all the meds you need to help you heal keep you comfortable so relax and use your down time to catch up on some reading or maybe watching some movies that you never have time to see. Let yourself be pampered.
#5- This is a huge step in your life. Be prepared for ups and downs emotionally. There will be days that you get depressed, your body has been through trauma, that along with some heavy duty pain meds can make you feel pretty low some days. This too shall pass... these are normal emotions And I went through all of them. Again, healing takes time and patience... But there is a bright light at the end of the tunnel... Today I look in the mirror and see ME!!! It was all sooo worth it!!!

Who is that person in the mirror? I remember seeing a picture of me taken from the side and I cringed as I thought...Do I really look like that? That is not me!!! What has happened to my face and neck??? Years of sun damage and wear and tear had taken its toll...I look like an old woman...only thats not who I am on the inside... my spirit hasn't aged!
Am I ready to do something about this?
After an extensive evaluation... we decided on CO2 laser and a comprehensive facelift... Can I actually go through with this? It's a huge step... Yes!
I can and I did and I am so happy!!!