Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS

52, Neck and Jowls Making Me Look Older - Richmond, VA

ORIGINAL POST

This is more of a question than a review. I have...

mjnuttMarch 31, 2015
$11,500
This is more of a question than a review. I have the option of having being fully under during surgery rather than sedation and shots to numb the area. The cost between the 2 options are $2,000 difference. I am afraid of hearing things, seeing instruments and dying of fright on the table, is sedation really a painless way to go? I would welcome your experience of those who were brave enough to go with sedation and numbing shots only.

Thank you

mjnutt's provider

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired)

Thomas M. DeWire Sr., MD (retired)

Plastic Surgeon

mjnutt rating for Dr. DeWire:

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

Replies (40)

nlehman1
March 31, 2015
Anxious to hear comments, I'm scheduled for the same in GA.
mjnutt
April 1, 2015
what way have you decided to go? What did your Dr. tell you about the 2 options? or did he only give you 1, sedation? The first surgeon I went to see, full anesthesia was not on the menu.
User Avatar
Pink56
April 1, 2015
It depends on your anxiety level. You will most probably be given a "chill" pill In which case you would not care what your surgeon did nor would you remember much. But if the thought freaks you out; go for the general anaesthetic
mjnutt
April 1, 2015
I don't have a high anxiety level. Are you speaking from experience?
Torilynnc
April 1, 2015
May I ask what procedures you are having? I am considering, neck, lower and mid face, upper and lower eyes...and possibly fat transfer to lips & cheeks... I probably need an eyebrow lift as well but hesitate due to possible hair loss...Yes, my face is a mess! LOL I will want to be knocked out...my anxiety will be working overtime but 2000.00 is a lot, so I'm not sure! Are you going to post updates on RS? The Richmond location would make more sense for me but I have chosen to go to CR. for expense purposes. If you will look up reviews for Nananna and Still Southern, they both have. A good outline of the anesthesia that you are considering.. Good Luck!
mjnutt
April 1, 2015
I am scheduled for neck/lower face/mid face surgery. I had a lower eye lift done 3 years ago and was put completely under for that. I know 2000.00 is a lot of money to spend on a very nice sleep it my final decision will be based on some comments and advice I get through RS. I will upload photos closer to surgery day and update. Good luck to you to!
User Avatar
jeanne1110
April 26, 2015
From reading the procedures your having please don't spare the cost of yoour face. I have lower middle and some fat put into my lips but didnot do the rest. I didnt wnat to look like i had plastic surgery. I am happy with it. I could of done some more but mine looks natural and still knocked 15 years off me. When it comes to your face dont penny pinch or wjhen comes to plastic surgery and anthesia. . if to much leave a procedure off rather than good Dr. and ansthesiologist. The rule of thumb I have been told is you donot want to do more than three hours worth of wprk because that seems to be per Dr.s the timeline for safe general ansthesia. The thing that hurt the most was the fat injections and you know i lost the fat anyway they injected. Go figure. Good luck but please be sure you do not skimp on your face. The whole world sees it and you have to look at it everyday. When your done look me up. I show you what I have been using for skin care and I dont have any wrinkles around eyes . i am 60 no botox etc. Never got eyes done. After your work its all about upkeep. :)
sschae
June 26, 2015
What do you use for your skin care?
mjnutt
June 26, 2015
Anything Neutrogena, why do you ask?
imagingboomer
April 2, 2015
I am 3 weeks post op for FL, NL, endoscopic brow lift and upper/lower blepharoplasty (who would have ever thought we'd think nothing of spelling these words a few months ago). Anyway, my quote had "twilight" sediation but when I was at surgical center the anesthesiologist (doctor) told me I was getting general. I was surprised and discussed, he stated that with the endoscopic brow lift it sometimes was difficult to keep a patient under with twilight and general was the way safer way to go. I also asked PS about it when he came in to draw on my face. He left all anesthesia decisions to the anesthesiologist. I do have to say that even though I was hesitant at first, they did a great job. All I remember is being wheeled down the hall and next thing I knew I was sitting in a chair waiting for my "responsible adult" to pick me up. I had no after effects from the general, not even a bruise where the IV was placed in my hand. My surgery was 5 1/2 hours long. I am happy with the decision my doctors chose for general. Being "awake" would raise my stress level for fear of sneezing, coughing and I wouldn't want to chat up the doctor when he is operating on me (just my opinion). I think the extra cost is well worth it not to be awake during surgery. Of course, the decision is between you and your PS and you should discuss until you are comfortable with the procedure. Good luck.
mjnutt
April 3, 2015
I never thought of sneezing or coughing during surgery OMG one false move and it would be all over. I think I will go for full anesthesia Did you get charged the difference between twilight and full? if so how much?
imagingboomer
April 3, 2015
I thought about whenever I go to the dentist, I usually sit in my car belching before I go in - nervous reaction (?) LOL I think surgery would be the same, cough, sneeze or gas attack. I paid for anesthesia $2310 for 5 1/2 hrs - it doesn't specify what kind, so not sure if it is going to be different. I did have to give them a credit card when I checked in, but I was told that before they charge anything on card I'd be notified. Only time will tell. The surgical center was off site and not in PS office. Everything was paid up front. I don't believe my PS gives the option of local for surgery anyway. I certainly wouldn't want my surgeon distracted by anyone or anything including me talking. Good luck. As an FYI I am in Chicago so prices will reflect that.
User Avatar
Angie_M
April 2, 2015

It looks like you've gotten some feedback and good support here. I hope you will keep us posted on this process!

UPDATED FROM mjnutt
3 months pre

The date is set and I'm going under!

mjnuttApril 17, 2015
I have the date set for my neck and lower face lift. Actually my husband wanted me to do it the end of the summer but I have a Boxer dog who has cancer and I need him with me after surgery, he has been there for me lying right next to me for days on end during eye surgery, knee surgery and breast implant surgery so I have scheduled it for July 8th, I pray he can make it to that day. I really need him there. I have decided to do the surgery with full anesthesia even with the extra cost I feel it's worth it. I will upload pictures very soon. Thanks everyone for the advice I was too afraid of sneezing or coughing at a crucial time!

Replies (7)

Torilynnc
April 18, 2015
Congratulations on setting a date! I'm so sorry about your baby, we had a collie for 11 years and I cried for a month or more after she went to doggie heaven! I will be following your story closely, as I am about 30 miles North of Richmond. I am thinking about going to Costa Rica for surgery and recovery. I am in need of a COMPLETE FL... Good luck!
mjnutt
April 19, 2015
I thought about CR but choose Dr. Dewire instead, he is very good he did other surgeries on me (eyes, boobs) his price is pretty good compared to other surgeons (I had other consultations with several Dr's) check out his web site he has many great awards and credentials, maybe worth a consultation and if you mention that you are a member of RS it's free, no harm in checking him out.
Torilynnc
April 20, 2015
Thanks so much! I am definitely going to follow your journey!
Torilynnc
April 20, 2015
Oh yes, I will choose the full anesthesia too!
needafaceliftnow45
April 25, 2015
Personally I would choose the general anesthesia too. Good luck with your procedure.
garden51
June 20, 2015
Is your dog in pain? If so, wouldn't it be humane to euthanize him?
maybellineo
July 24, 2015
Omg, so sotry to heaR about your dog. I hope he is there for you.
UPDATED FROM mjnutt
3 months pre

Photos, Oh why can't a camera lie for once!

mjnuttApril 23, 2015
Well, I finally took the pictures that I did not want to see so I apologize that you have to look at them also. I can't believe my husband says he can't see what I'm talking about, time for a vision check for him! After taking these pictures I am 100% sure I am doing the right thing. I notice my eyes are baggy when I smile, I had a lower blephoplasty done almost 4 years ago. My Doctor says he is going to make an incision about 1/2 inch above my ear and 1/2 inch into the hair to pull the skin back over my cheekbone which will alleviate some of the wrinkles. I am also having a neck lift and lower face lift. I may have collagen injected into my upper lip. I asked my doctor about fat transfer and he said he does not like fat transfer into the face as if you gain weight the fat cells don't know they are in your face and gain weight along with every other fat cell. I have read about this and even other Doctors on this sight say the same thing so I will stay away from fat transfer. I have posted a picture of my non existent eyebrows if it were not for my faithful pencil, I am having them tattooed on by Lynn Smith of Lynn Smith Studios in Charlottesville, an hour or so from Richmond. I could not find a place in Richmond that had great reviews so I will travel. I will post pictures of new eyebrows when I get them. My appointment is May 23rd. My husband and I are off to Mexico this weekend for a 2 week vacation we figured we should go now as no sun for a while after surgery. Have a wonderful 2 weeks everyone. Bye for now.

Replies (7)

Moorea
April 25, 2015
Good luck! I am going thru lower facelift, and upper eyes next week in Thailand! I will Follow your progress!
mjnutt
April 25, 2015
and I yours. Good luck. I wish I was brave enough to go out of the country. I hear they do good work there. Take care.
5532anon
April 25, 2015
I'm getting a FL and upper bleph on May 8th, with IV sedation given my history of anxiety. Just wanted to say I hope you have a great vacation and best of luck with the surgery and your puppy!
mjnutt
May 16, 2015
Hi 5532, I can't find a posting from you documenting your journey I wanted to see how you were doing after your surgery. I hope things are good for you.
User Avatar
jeanne1110
April 26, 2015
Husbands don't see anything. They are blind when it comes to faces. They dont care about anything but one thing and dont care what that looks like either. You do it for yourself !~
User Avatar
Aug28date
April 28, 2015
Best wishes and keep us girls posted, I plan the same hopefully 6 months
dcartist1
August 23, 2016
I think you look much improved , however if you really want to transform your look , darken your hair. Blonde washes you out and amplifies the things you don't like with your skin. Darker hair would bring out your features , eyes , cheek bones and lips . Try on a human hair wig medium brown with blonde high lights . You will then see the difference. Hope you try it
See More Facelift Reviews
See All Reviews