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POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS

54 Yrs Old FACELIFT, NECKLIFT, UPPER EYELIFT, AND FULL FACE FAT GRAFTING

ORIGINAL POST

After years of of trying everything out there to...

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GoldenMimi
$12,599
After years of of trying everything out there to stay looking younger and spending way to much money on temporary fixes, I finally decided that it was time for the big guns! No amount of filler, laser or botox is going to fully give me the results that I'am really look for.
Since turning 50 my face really started to loose volume, resulting in the appearance of lots more wrinkles and droopy look. My eyes look tired and sad and my neckbands have separated and look horribly aging.
I workout very heavy at the gym and have no problem firming the body up at the gym but its impossible to do that for my face. I would just like my face and body to match up, firm body, firm fuller face!
I research 5 different doctors, all with great credentials and reviews and I had consultation with all of them. They all varied on what they would do to give me a more youthful appearance. Their cost varied too, from $12K to $27K . Prices was a huge factor for me and well as procedures and overall comfort and reassurance with the doctor. I ended up choosing Dr. Marc Taylor. Many years ago (in the early 90's) Dr Taylor owned a laser center and for my 35 birthday, my husband had bought me a laser package at Dr. Taylor's clinic. At that age, I had already developed quite a bit of sun damage with fine lines and melasma. Laser resurfacing was a fairly new concept and Dr. Taylor was on top of his game with it. After 3 treatments I looked fabulous and my skin stayed looking great for years.
So 20 years later I decided to look him up and research him and he over the past 20 years, he has done over 2,000. facelifts, he has a great deal of video reviews from patients and many before and after photos of his work. I consulted with him twice before I choose him, both times he reassured my that he would be conservative while making me look better.
Dr. Taylor has provided me with a list of things to have on hand for a smooth recovery and after the initial 2 days, he wants me walking around and getting circulation and blood flowing. After 2 to 3 weeks, I can start to workout again but have to go with much lower weights and slowly build up. I don't want to risk damage after this costly procedure, so I will be taking it easy for awhile.
I will update from the day of the procedure to hopefully a year from now!

GoldenMimi's provider

Marc T. Taylor, MD (retired)

Marc T. Taylor, MD (retired)

Board Certified Plastic Surgeon

Replies (8)

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November 14, 2017
I am very much like you, water skier (southern sun damage), weight lifter, fillers, laser, etc., age 56 and fair. Having face and neck lift and fat transfer 12/12/17. Had upper bleph and endoscopic brow lift 8 years ago. Continuing to read your story now, thank you.
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November 14, 2017
L.Elle - Yes, I'am southern sun girl, outdoor most the time and it showed on my face big time!.....Let me say that the face and neck lift by themselves would've been easy but adding the fat transfer, takes on a whole new meaning for me anyway, the swelling I think is greater and longer than any filler or laser I've ever had. I am sure you will do just fine, I just have a very over reactive face (I think) and the swelling is lopsided making a couple of days of looking a little weird, but now Day 15 - its starting to even out some and I can see the greatness in my doctors work. I'll be posting Day 15 photos later this evening.
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November 14, 2017
My face is someone asymmetric anyway so was hoping to even that out but given some is lost, guess I'm wondering if a follow up fat grafting is relatively common. Is that something your doctor suggested if it doesn't settle to your satisfaction? I too have metabolized fillers much too quickly so since I'll be under, I thought might as well try something that may be more permanent and my doc doesn't like cheek implants. Not sure how he feels about lip implants. Look forward to your pics. Not sure if I'll do a review yet. Appreciate all your efforts!
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November 14, 2017
L. Elle - my face is totaly asymmetric and I think my doctor's hope is that the fat transfers will help even it out. I did ask about what happens if it doesn't and he said not to worry about until later down the road, because only time will tell if it takes and how much and how much will regenerate and become permanent. From his stand point, he saids that typically what you see at 3 to 4 months is what you will be left with but that at the 6 to 9 month range it can regenerate and actually grow fat cells, fill out more and become permanent. I hope to God, I don't need more, its way more invasive then say voluma or botox and initially it causes major swelling under the muscle and skin (at least for me it did, my skin is thin so I'am it's over-reactive). Its also, lumpy and bumpy everywhere, but I'am told that it takes months to settle down and smooth out, so that I need to basically take a chill pill and wait it out... I'am day 15 and I started out working a little more, increasing my weight and adding weighted lunges and squats. I can't wait until I can get back full load, Dr. saids week 3, so I have to be patient. I do think working out helps.......I will be looking forward to seeing your review....For me doing this has helped and its something I go back on when I don't think I'am making progress.
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November 15, 2017
That's interesting about the growth at 6 to 9 months. Hope my thin side ends up being the swollen side :-/. My doc has already warned me about laying low for at least 3-4 weeks hence, the winter surgery. He knows I'm aggressive skier ( has broken bones and surgeries from slalom accidents) and trainer as he did my prior surgeries and a breast augmentation when I body fat got really low. I'll send you private pics if I don't post. Have just done some terrifying selfies for before which convinced me I need lift ASAP...even called to see if they had a cancellation next week since it's suppose to turn cold.
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November 15, 2017
I would definitely plan at least 3 weeks, I thought I'd be good at 2....Nay, not so much....I mean you'all be able to get out some and do stuff, but your swelling and bruising will probably still be going on and if you don't want to run into people that you don't want to know, then probably 3......at least I think for me....I'am not quite at 3 weeks, I'am at 2.5 and today swelling looking better, so I will be going back to the gym, but I always wear a ball cap and with doing some sweaty cardio, don't think my regular peeps that I see will notice...
You will get bored, so plan on stuff to do, but I will say that, I had planned all kinds of stuff to do at home and hardly did any of it, aside from getting out and walking, all I could do is focus on healing and reading about others going through the same thing, I think I drove myself crazy the 1st week......I did get out at day 5 (looking horrendous and of all places Austin) and shopped and it did help to pass the time, but I felt extremely out of place, all I wanted to do was get back home and hide. The 2nd week gets a little better.
Please feel free to message me anytime, I'll be here if you need advise or an opinion or if you just want to vent.....Its a scary deal, I'am thankful for RS that I could read other women going through similar experiences. Good luck!
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November 15, 2017
I will, thanks. Btw, my lower cheeks have been my biggest concern for years and yours as well as all else, look fantastic - 1000% improvement
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November 16, 2017
Thanks L.Elle - 1000% improvement...WOW, I'am must've looked pretty bad before...hahaha!!
UPDATED FROM GoldenMimi
1 day pre

Tomorrow is the Big Day! October 31st 2017

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GoldenMimi
Nervous excited and anxious all the same time. My biggest fear is being over done or not healing properly, but I plan on following instruction to the T. I'am praying for sucess!

Replies (15)

October 30, 2017
Good luck!
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October 30, 2017
Thank you, I've been up since 3:45 am and my appointment isn't until 7:30am....Talk about too nervous to sleep!
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October 31, 2017
Thank you!
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October 30, 2017
Good luck you will be ok
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October 30, 2017
Thank you Caroline, I'll update later this evening if I can!
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November 1, 2017
Thank you !
October 30, 2017
Good luck! I look forward to your, I'm sure, fabulous results!
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October 31, 2017
Thank you!
November 2, 2017
Hope all went well - thinking of you - looking forward to hearing how you go! I'm booked in for exactly same in January here in Australia!
November 11, 2017
Was it a full facelift or a mini?
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November 11, 2017
lupusgirl - I had a full facelift with fat grafting and a neck and upper eye lift.
November 11, 2017
I am 56 and have been lucky but its catching up to me. Doc said I could get away with just a mini lift. I just hope it lasts a while.
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November 11, 2017
lupusgirl, I had a friend, who had a mini-lift that lasted about 5 yrs. Nice that you are 56 and Doc thinks you don't need a full face lift!
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November 12, 2017
lupusgirl - lucky you!!! that is great that you don't need the full face lift yet...My girlfriend had a mini and it lasted about 5 yrs.
November 12, 2017
Oh goody!
UPDATED FROM GoldenMimi
Day of treatment

TODAY IS FACELIFT DAY!

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GoldenMimi
Did not hardly sleep, woke up at 3:45 am wide awake and my appointment time isn't until 7:30 am but I figured why sleep, I'am going to be sedated for most of the day today, so I'll catch up on sleep later.
Unlike general anesthesia, where you can't have anything to eat or drink 8 hours before surgery, my procedure will be performed under twilight sedation (awake/but out of it at the same time), so with that, its recommended to eat a very good breakfast. So I'am getting ready to make me a Spinach/Bacon Omelet, who know when I'll eat again. I also pre-prepped a Protein Smoothie for later so I don't have to worry about eating while swollen and sedated! I'll post photos later!

Replies (2)

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October 30, 2017
Hi ok let me know how it all goes’ I have had all my stitches and bandages off today as I’m flying home to London tomorrow I’m going to wash hair my hair later and put pictures on here for you to see good luck chat soon
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October 31, 2017
Can't wait to see your results, safe travels!