POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews
Getting Older Ain't for Sissies...and While You're in There... - San Francisco, CA
UPDATED FROM brandnewface
7 months post
6 month mark
brandnewfaceFebruary 17, 2015
$45,000
Well, still not 100 percent, but getting closer. Carbs and salt are my enemy. My face feels super tight and swells with both. The lymphatic takes quite a while to recover. All in all, I'm glad I made the investment in myself. However, do NOT embark upon this journey lightly. It has been a long and involved recovery. Still spitting stitches at this 6 month mark and it hurts to laugh, but it is getting better. Light at the end of the tunnel!!
UPDATED FROM brandnewface
2 months post
At 7 1/2 weeks
brandnewfaceSeptember 16, 2014
I can see nice progress. I still have brusing on my neck, which I'm getting ultrasound and Lymphatic Massage for. The scar around my nose was pretty red, started using cortisone cream and it's been manageable since. I continue to scuttle around w/ massive layers of sunscreen, hats, covering my face etc, as if I'm expecting a SARS attack, but it's paying off. One bummer, my face swells whenever I workout too hard, so I'm backing off of cardio. Any hint of salt also makes my face blow up like a balloon. I am also still unable to laugh fully or make alot of the goofy faces I'm known for. Friends tell me that i seem "reserved" which is kind of bizarre. It's getting better though and all in all , I can definitely see light
at the end of the tunnel. Hope you're all healing well! It's get better!!!!
at the end of the tunnel. Hope you're all healing well! It's get better!!!!
Replies (5)
September 16, 2014
You're looking great. You'll soon be able to smile and laugh fully without it feeling weird.
I was chuckling at your SARS comment. I used to only wear sunscreen when out walking with my husband (we usually walk 20-30 miles a week). Now, I wear sheer 70 SPF Neutrogena sunscreen, a cap with a visor and sunglasses...the UV rays are not touching me, if I can help it :)
Take care!
September 16, 2014
Your nose has settled heaps and you are looking really really good. I get what you're saying about expressions being off kilter. I can't wait for the day I can smile or laugh without noticing anything weird.
September 16, 2014
Oh my, you are looking so young and gorgeous!! I too am continuing with the lymphatic massage, it helps so much! My face swells randomly, I'll pass a mirror and go - "oh, bleh!" I haven't started working out yet, am starting tomorrow actually, so I'm sure that will make me swell too.. looking forward to that not happening anymore! I "feel" my face so much when I make faces and sometimes I feel like my expressions are cemented like I'm not smiling because I can feel my face so much. I'm trying to work through that. Weird thing is, it hurts when I blink just one eye or raise my eyebrows, not horribly, but it's noticeable.. and I also still have bruising on my neck. Thank you so much for posting your 7 and 1/2 week pics as I will be there in a week! Take care! :D
September 16, 2014
I've not heard of lymphatic massage after cosmetic surgery (thank God for this site!!!). Are the glands you're talking about the ones at each side of the jaw, near the ear? How do you massage them and when should I start? My neck is still very sore and tight - I'm day 6 after face, neck lift and top and bottom eyelids. Thanks ever so much x
September 16, 2014
there are some tutorials on line on you tube, however, i would just google "lymphatic massage drainage or LMD" in your area and find a certified masseuse. I got my referral through my ps. yes, my swelling tends to collect under my chin and near my ears, where the scars are. the masseuse told me that the scars make a barrier. good luck and let us know how you make out!! xx
September 16, 2014
thank you! it's good to hear that others are experiencing the tight expressions. from what others ahead of us say, we have about another 4 weeks until more natural expressions return. looking forward to seeing your latest updated pics! Take care! xoxo
September 20, 2014
She had me do a very light pressure at the base of my neck where my collar bone is at first. like a slight pumping inward motion with the tips of all my fingers at the top of the bone. This was around the two week mark for me. Everything is very light at first! Later I used the side of my knuckles to massage downward in front of my neck (at about 3 weeks) How is your neck feeling these days?
September 21, 2014
Hi there- mine is still tight under my chin, and lower. I just learned that there are actually still stitches in there. I do the same type of lymphatic , starting at the the base of my neck, then I do my neck on the side, then use the Live Long and Prosper hand position to gently pump around my ears. Then I do behind my neck too. It's been about 8 weeks now for me, and it is gradual but steadyish improvement. Dang! It takes a while!!!
September 16, 2014
you look absolutely stunning, so happy for you brandnewface. Soon you will be able to smile and get your normal face expressions again. I was like that too , i am now on 10 weeks postop and i can smile normal and been going to gym doing light work out..I love your new look and it will get even better as the days pass bye..enjoy it hun :) . Take care
UPDATED FROM brandnewface
2 months post
Six week update
brandnewfaceSeptember 7, 2014
Hi All-
Thanks so much for all of your wonderful comments and support. I'm thrilled to report that the 6 week mark saw some significant improvements in terms of swelling and almost more importantly, my outlook.
Dr E let me know that the lymphatic system typically begins to function again at around week 6. I believe that was the case. I woke up exactly 6 weeks and one day post surgery and thought " I don't feel like someone's trying to strangle me". Then I looked in the mirror and my nose seemed to have pulled up a little in the tip. Yippee! That and the return of my masseuse, gave me a great boost.
It's still a long haul, and Dr E is not rushing to take my "after" pictures yet, but I like where this is all going and can see light at the end of the tunnel. I'll post a few pics as soon as my phone charges. Thanks again to all for your support, it makes a huge difference.
XOX
Thanks so much for all of your wonderful comments and support. I'm thrilled to report that the 6 week mark saw some significant improvements in terms of swelling and almost more importantly, my outlook.
Dr E let me know that the lymphatic system typically begins to function again at around week 6. I believe that was the case. I woke up exactly 6 weeks and one day post surgery and thought " I don't feel like someone's trying to strangle me". Then I looked in the mirror and my nose seemed to have pulled up a little in the tip. Yippee! That and the return of my masseuse, gave me a great boost.
It's still a long haul, and Dr E is not rushing to take my "after" pictures yet, but I like where this is all going and can see light at the end of the tunnel. I'll post a few pics as soon as my phone charges. Thanks again to all for your support, it makes a huge difference.
XOX
Replies (4)
September 7, 2014
Glad you are starting to see the results you hope for. Thank you for the update.
September 8, 2014
So glad to hear that week 6 is a magic number!! I am getting there, I will be six weeks on Wed and am slowly seeing the old me (with a much improved neck area) I can't wait to see your pics! :D Interesting about the lymphatic system really kicking in, I'm glad to hear that! Best wishes!!
Replies (5)