Ready for my "Swan Neck" - San Francisco, CA

I've always hated my neck and jawline. My chin and jawline have always been a confidence breaker in my struggle body image. I remember as early as middle school sitting in a classroom staring at other girl's jawline and slim necks and wishing I looked like them. Even when I was slimmer, I had a double chin. My mom has struggled with her confidence with her neck and jawline and so I could see where I was heading in the future if I didn't do something about it. My boyfriend of 8 years proposed to me in January and I had always said to him that I would not let myself have a saggy, fat chin because I would do something about it- so he wasn't surprised my by interest in getting this surgery.
Well, I am finally doing something about it! YAY! I'll be 29 this year and I really want to do this before I lost elasticity in the skin on my neck.
I met with Dr. Hagstrom in San Francisco in February and scheduled this surgery for June 3rd! He said I was a great candidate! I don't have anything but wonderful things to say about Dr. Hagstrom, Michael, and Darren. Everyone in the office is so accommodating and knowledgeable and friendly.
I was NOT going to post anything on this site, but as I am getting closer to the date I really want to make a record of what happens. I really benefited by reading reviews from others who have gotten this surgery and so I thought if I posted something about my experience maybe someone would benefit as well!

I can't believe the surgery is just a few days away! I went in a couple days ago and picked up my prescriptions that need to be filled. I'm going to pick them up on Tuesday, I think. Surgery is scheduled for 9am on Wednesday June 3.
I'll keep you posted on what is happening later in the week.

I went to CVS today to drop off my prescriptions and while I was there I asked the Pharmacist about her thoughts on Arnica used topically or Arnica taken orally. I have been reading review after review about how people who have undergone this procedure start taking Arnica orally 2 weeks prior to surgery and then use Arnica creams or gels to help with swelling and bruising. I even did some other research of the incredible benefits of using Arnica after surgery! I was about to purchase an Arnica gel but the Pharmacist mentioned that sometimes Arnica when taken orally can interfere with Anesthesia or other medication prescribed by the doctor. She also mentioned that rubbing Arnica topically over an open wound could hinder the healing process if it got into the open wound.

Question for the people who have experience using Arnica- what are your opinions? I am going to ask my Doctor about it, but I would really like to know some other opinions. I am a big fan of holistic medicine and initially I was impressed by the reviews I read about Arnica. Let me know what you think and if you feel like it benefited your healing process. Thanks!

Only 2 days until the surgery! I can't believe it's almost here! I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I am actually really happy I decided to document my experience!

TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY! Today I have the day off work so I am preparing everything I need to feel comfortable for the next few days. My Fiance will be here with my for the whole day tomorrow- the Doctor suggested I have someone home with my for the first day.
I am pretty sure I'm not going to want to cook anything, so I made some homemade veggie noodle soup and packaged it up in 6 little containers ready to heat up in case I'm hungry. I set up a bed on the couch with firm pillows in case I want to watch tv and sleep. I read a review from a very helpful woman who said to prevent her compression garment from irritating her, she bought 9x5 surgical pads and put them in between her skin and compression garment to make it more comfortable so I went and bought a box of those. I already picked up my prescriptions from CVS so I'm all set there! Aaaaaand most importantly I have added tons of shows and movies to my Netflix que and I have a list of books I want to read!
I'm a total skincare junkie and so I'm doing a mask and trying to infuse lots of moisture into my skin before I go in for surgery tomorrow. I probably won't be able to use my skincare or Clarisonic for a while after the surgery. I'll ask my Doctor about that as well and I will pass on the knowledge just incase anyone out there is a skincare junkie and wonders the same thing.

I wanted to post a couple more pre-op pictures for the record. Although the "before" is burned in my mind and I'm sure it will be absolutely nuts to look in the mirror in a couple months after healing and not have a double chin. It will be the best feeling ever! I can't even imagine NOT having to position the camera in whatsoever way and try to suck in the double chin and stick out the tip of my chin and angle my face to make my face slimmer?! I wanted to post a picture of my full body shot to show that although I am a little overweight, I don't believe my neck is proportionate to the rest of my body. Well, at least I feel like it makes me look way heavier than I actually am. I live in San Francisco and I walk everywhere. I'm always on my feet and I go to the gym about 3 times a week. I eat relatively healthy and I don't touch soda or fast food. Anyway, send me good vibes tomorrow!