Counting Down the Days!! - Scottsdale, AZ

I've enjoyed good looks through my life, yet with one glaring flaw - the dreaded fatty chin. When I was younger, it wasn't as big of a deal because I weighed less (even though it was still there)..but now that I'm in my mid-thirties and have put on some weight - it can no longer be ignored. I have a triple threat kind of problem - fat under my chin, underdeveloped jaw/chin and hereditary lines/bands around my neck (since I was born). I don't want to do anything extreme (neck lift) nor have a foreign substance in my body (chin implant), so I figure the most conservative approach to my problem is to have chin liposuction. Looking at before and after pictures, it's amazing what a difference this surgery can make in someone's appearance. I feel like I have selected one of the top doctors in the country for this procedure and I am bubbling over with excitement to have this done!

The cost includes general anesthesia (extra $350), surgery and all other visits. I know this is usually performed under local, but why feel anything if you don't have to?!

I've been dreaming of my new side profile... and took a couple pictures of my before and hopefully what my after might look like! I am getting a bit nervous... just the unknowns of having an invasive surgery... but overall, I am feeling really positive and excited. I have started taking bromelain, vitamin C, arnica and am going to pick up some zinc to complete my arsenal of healing supplements! Will update my review after surgery!!

Hi friends... so, I am 3 days out from my chin lipo! In my pre-op appointment, Dr. Repta and I decided he would dip a little lower into the neck to smooth out the transition of the deeply defined lines in my neck. There wasn't a lot of fat there, just thin skin and lines that age me quite a bit (I've had this since I was born). Because of this decision, I have a larger compression garment to wrap around my throat as well. On day 3 here today, I would say that's my biggest annoyance. I can't swallow very well and sometimes feel like I'm being choked. I saw Dr. Repta yesterday (day 2) and he removed the garment to what looked like a very promising result! It's hard to tell with the purple surgical marker lines and swelling... but I am feeling very optimistic. The swelling and bruising is mostly contained to the lower part of my cheeks/behind my ears where the compression garment doesn't reach - so it's clear that the garment is doing what it's supposed to with the skin underneath. I don't really see any bruises. I continue to take arnica, vitamin c and bromelain. The zinc was making me nauseous. Speaking of nausea, I did throw up when I got back to my hotel after surgery. I have felt nauseous off and on but have zofran to deal with that. Dr. Repta doesn't want me to take a shower all week... I honestly don't know if I can pull that off... so I am thinking a sponge bath for my body tonight and maybe I can attempt to wash my hair tomorrow without getting near my incisions. As for incisions, I have three because he needed to reach both sides of my lower neck. He hid the incisions in the natural line creases on my neck, which I thought was a great idea. I will see Dr. Repta Monday night one more time before I head back home. I can't wait to see how things progress. Still contemplating if I should wear the garments on the plane. I have been in public a couple times since and I wear big sunglasses, a hat and try not to make eye contact. Well, there was that one guy in a truck next to us that couldn't stop staring so I waved at him. Lol. It's good to be in a place where you know no-one!

Last thoughts for now... the pain was more than I expected. I have taken full advantage of vicodin the first 2 days. Haven't taken any today as the pain has gotten better... but probably will later to help me sleep. Sleeping with my head propped up is difficult. I'm a face-plant sleeper... or at least on my side. I have needed ice from time to time when I feel nauseous. The compression garment for the chin part really isn't that bad... but the neck part is pretty uncomfortable. I have very little energy and not much of an appetite. I couldn't eat a lot if I wanted to anyways.. my mouth only opens a little bit. Oh - I did feel numbness for the first day around my jawline but I think that's all gone. My teeth have been sore from being constantly clenched from the garment. I picked up orajel to numb them from time to time.

I haven't taken any pictures yet. It takes a lot of energy to do everything, so if I get to that bath in a bit, I will take some. And I will certainly be updating as the weeks pass by.