POSTED UNDER Mini Facelift REVIEWS
Can't Stop Smiling after Neck and Jowl lift plus FXL/C02 to neck!Dr. Mulholland is a consummate professional. - Toronto, ON
ORIGINAL POST
Privacy is important to me; my aged mother is the...
WORTH IT$9,568
Privacy is important to me; my aged mother is the only individual, apart from my doting hubby and the medical staff at SpaMedica who have been made aware of my mini facelift. However, I have done extensive reading, both before and after my surgery and, having discovered the trauma experienced by victims of unscrupulous businesses employing unqualified and/or under qualified doctors, I feel compelled to share my personal experience.
My strongest advice to others seeking cosmetic surgery is this: RESEARCH, research and then, research some more. I chose Dr. Stephen Mulholland, initially, because of his solid medical background (qualifications in head and neck oncology, surgical innovations etc.), his frequent and very impressive media appearances, his consultancies and his appearances as an expert witness in medical malpractice suits. My initial session with him sealed the deal.
Dr. Mulholland is a consummate professional. He is confident, candid and forthright. He questioned me about my expectations, described what he was capable of achieving then spent the remainder of our lengthy consultation outlining all of the risks, complications, symptoms etc. both physical and emotional, involved with cosmetic surgery. This was followed up with a 20+ page information packet explaining every imaginable facet of pre and post operative surgery and much more. I was fully prepared; there were no surprises!
Most of Dr. Mulholland’s nursing staff have been with him in excess of 10 years, understandably helping to foster the teamwork that gives such significant results. Sharon A., my post-op R.N. performed my follow-up care, such as drain and suture removals. Her warmth, sincerity and empathy were characteristics that can’t be faked. She was also extremely competent and made it clear that she could be contacted at any time, in the event that I had concerns that needed to be discussed.
My face and neck lift was performed at SpaMedica, under local anaesthesia. Suffice to say that the surgery was done under hospital quality conditions, with highly trained RNs in attendance and was much less painful than anticipated.
The 4 hour, 250- mile round trip for the surgery and follow-ups was taxing but, believe me, I’d be found standing on the side of the road with my thumb out before I’d take my face to anybody but Dr. Stephen Mulholland. A reporter for the Globe and Mail, Canada's largest-circulation, national newspaper, stated that if she needed cosmetic surgery, she’d “sure haul my saggy arse to the likes of Dr. Mulholland or someone as well-trained as he is”. I’m in complete agreement. My ‘saggy arse’ can be covered up but my face is out there for the world to see and I’m very happy that I entrusted it to the right doctor.
Because of anonymity issues, I was reluctant to post any photos but I would like other ‘RealSelf’ readers to observe what a proper incision around the ear should look like. Only 16 days post-op and, already, the stitching is pretty much invisible! Please ignore the tiny earlobe wrinkles; you’re looking at 70-year-old ears.
I would love to post photos of the difference between the wattles that were threatening to reach my collarbone versus the new, Audrey Hepburn-esque chinline sculpted by the magician, Stephen Mulholland. Can’t do it! I know, I know, I have lost 80 plus pounds in the last year and a half (smaller potions, healthy choices, in case you are interested), which should grant me leniency from those who equate cosmetic surgery with vanity. But....
My fifty-year-old daughter is beautiful, by any standard, and looks young for her age. Her mother now looks pretty much the same age. Dr. Mulholland, I thank you.
My strongest advice to others seeking cosmetic surgery is this: RESEARCH, research and then, research some more. I chose Dr. Stephen Mulholland, initially, because of his solid medical background (qualifications in head and neck oncology, surgical innovations etc.), his frequent and very impressive media appearances, his consultancies and his appearances as an expert witness in medical malpractice suits. My initial session with him sealed the deal.
Dr. Mulholland is a consummate professional. He is confident, candid and forthright. He questioned me about my expectations, described what he was capable of achieving then spent the remainder of our lengthy consultation outlining all of the risks, complications, symptoms etc. both physical and emotional, involved with cosmetic surgery. This was followed up with a 20+ page information packet explaining every imaginable facet of pre and post operative surgery and much more. I was fully prepared; there were no surprises!
Most of Dr. Mulholland’s nursing staff have been with him in excess of 10 years, understandably helping to foster the teamwork that gives such significant results. Sharon A., my post-op R.N. performed my follow-up care, such as drain and suture removals. Her warmth, sincerity and empathy were characteristics that can’t be faked. She was also extremely competent and made it clear that she could be contacted at any time, in the event that I had concerns that needed to be discussed.
My face and neck lift was performed at SpaMedica, under local anaesthesia. Suffice to say that the surgery was done under hospital quality conditions, with highly trained RNs in attendance and was much less painful than anticipated.
The 4 hour, 250- mile round trip for the surgery and follow-ups was taxing but, believe me, I’d be found standing on the side of the road with my thumb out before I’d take my face to anybody but Dr. Stephen Mulholland. A reporter for the Globe and Mail, Canada's largest-circulation, national newspaper, stated that if she needed cosmetic surgery, she’d “sure haul my saggy arse to the likes of Dr. Mulholland or someone as well-trained as he is”. I’m in complete agreement. My ‘saggy arse’ can be covered up but my face is out there for the world to see and I’m very happy that I entrusted it to the right doctor.
Because of anonymity issues, I was reluctant to post any photos but I would like other ‘RealSelf’ readers to observe what a proper incision around the ear should look like. Only 16 days post-op and, already, the stitching is pretty much invisible! Please ignore the tiny earlobe wrinkles; you’re looking at 70-year-old ears.
I would love to post photos of the difference between the wattles that were threatening to reach my collarbone versus the new, Audrey Hepburn-esque chinline sculpted by the magician, Stephen Mulholland. Can’t do it! I know, I know, I have lost 80 plus pounds in the last year and a half (smaller potions, healthy choices, in case you are interested), which should grant me leniency from those who equate cosmetic surgery with vanity. But....
My fifty-year-old daughter is beautiful, by any standard, and looks young for her age. Her mother now looks pretty much the same age. Dr. Mulholland, I thank you.
louisainthewoods's provider
UPDATED FROM louisainthewoods
22 days post
Can't resist sharing a before and after.
Hubby insists that I’m unrecognizable in the attached pix so I feel brave enough to send them. The change in my neck and chin is so satisfying that I can’t resist sharing! I’m hoping that another woman my age might see what’s possible and decide to take the plunge.
My 80 plus pound plus weight loss did not bring the joy that I had anticipated; when I looked in the mirror, all I saw were hanging jowls and a flabby, sloppy chin. Rather than looking younger, I looked like an old lady with a slim body. Nowadays, (although I’m only 2 weeks post-op today), I never pass a mirror that I don’t like. What bliss! My life has taken a 180 degree turn for the better.
My 80 plus pound plus weight loss did not bring the joy that I had anticipated; when I looked in the mirror, all I saw were hanging jowls and a flabby, sloppy chin. Rather than looking younger, I looked like an old lady with a slim body. Nowadays, (although I’m only 2 weeks post-op today), I never pass a mirror that I don’t like. What bliss! My life has taken a 180 degree turn for the better.
Replies (10)
October 11, 2014
Great review. I also did extensive research and I totally agree that it is the key to a successful experience. I must say, I was torn about the privacy thing. In the end I decided to totally come out of the closet and show everything. For me that was the right decision. In fact, only one person has called to tell me she saw my review and she is my friend (living far away) of almost 50 years.
October 11, 2014
Hello, gettingolder1950 and thanks for your comments. Needless to say, your face looks wonderful. Why 1950? You’re probably going to shock the dickens out of me and tell me that you were born in 1950. If so, you’re cheating Father Time out of about 30 years.
Have you noticed any appreciable change in your lower face/ neck since your surgery? $3,800.00 seems amazingly inexpensive for a mini face lift; is that the going rate in your neck of the woods?
October 11, 2014
There's quite a few mini lifts for that kind of money or less. Denver, Palm Harbor, Detroit areas among others
October 14, 2014
You need to look at the one entitled Amazing Mini Facelift Dr Pontell Wayne PA.
That's the real one I had recently. The other was an "only skin" thing that barely lasted 3 years. The one I just had was the real thing at $7000. In the new review you'll see everything including my explanation of the many different things a "mini-lift" can mean. I learned the hard way. Yes, I was born in 1950, but the new before pictures show that clearly. It was a vintage year.
October 14, 2014
Hi Wrinkleyer,
The review that Louisainthewoods is looking at is not my real most recent review. The mini-lift I had in July cost $7000 and was a real full mini-facelift. The older one was only skin removed and cost less because it was a much less sophisticated procedure. See below for the title of m,y most recent experience. Totally different.
October 14, 2014
Hello again, gettingolder1950. In fact, your photos from Dr. Pontell's surgery were the ones that I was commenting on, most particularly the profile shot, '10 days after'. I was having a 'senior moment' when I confused the cost, $3,800 vs. $7000. Clearly, you got your money's worth and more from Dr. Pontell. I was in a shoe store a few days ago, in full war paint, updating my granny footwear to something a tad more stylish when I experienced a wonderful rush of plain gladness and self-confidence such as I hadn't felt in many years. No surgical outcome can be guaranteed but when one stacks the deck in one’s favour with plenty of research and the willingness to follow doctor’s orders to the letter, a facelift is a wonderful thing. It wasn’t vanity so much as a disgust bordering on revulsion that drove me into Dr. Mulholland’s office. Nobody should have to be horrified at their own image in a mirror. Like you, I enjoy looking at my ‘before’ photos so that I can shudder and love the new me all over again. How long did you sleep at a 30 degree angle? I’m 26 days post-op today and still propped up on pillows at night with another pillow under my knees. I tried sleeping on my right side for a few minutes last night (my usual position), but the pressure on my face was sore and uncomfortable. BTW, I loved reading your very informative and entertaining post-op postings! Thanks so much for sharing.
October 11, 2014
SO happy for you! You are definitely not recognizable. Thank you very, very much for sharing your experience. Glad to hear it went so well.
November 7, 2014
Good for you dear! Loved your results n the way you present yourself. Love it love it love it. You sound like a great Human being!
March 20, 2015
You look fantastic!!! A really good review and photos too.
I can't quite afford it but I wish I could!
UPDATED FROM louisainthewoods
23 days post
Discovered the snipping tool
Hello all. Today, I discovered the snipping tool! It’s a dandy little gizmo on the Window’s Home Premium operating system that allows one to outline and then save a portion of a photo rather than having to use a more revealing square or rectangular segment. This has made it much easier for me to attach small views of my renewed bits without having my entire face out there in the ether. Hooray!
As usual after my surgery, I was feeling very pleased with myself this morning and after bathing, I applied make-up and puffed up my hair which is naturally curly and doesn’t need much fussing. I put on stockings to match one of the pretty new dresses that I’ve recently made myself (7, to be specific) and after a quick spray with Estee Lauder’s ‘Youth Dew’ (aptly named, sigh of gratification here), my stepson appeared at the front door keen to show off his father-in-law’s new Mercedes. Hubby, I and our lad enjoyed a tea and treats and during the 45 minute visit, our lad did not take the slightest notice of any change in my appearance. It looks like I won’t have to worry one little bit about disapproving fingers being waggled in my face with shouts of, “You’ve had work done!” As Dr. Mulholland stated, friends and family members not in the know will simply believe that I’ve changed my hairdo or had a rest. I’ve always been convinced that people spend very little attention to the appearance of others; we are all too self-involved to see much further than our own noses. Since this was what I had hoped for, I can’t very well complain although I must confess that some small part of me had hoped for shocked exclamations from folks stumbling back from the glory of my face, clinging to furniture and one another, gasping, “Oh my God, you’re so young and beautiful! What have you done?! Teehee.
Here’s hoping that all of you other Canadians have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday this weekend!
All the best to all,
Louisainthewoods
As usual after my surgery, I was feeling very pleased with myself this morning and after bathing, I applied make-up and puffed up my hair which is naturally curly and doesn’t need much fussing. I put on stockings to match one of the pretty new dresses that I’ve recently made myself (7, to be specific) and after a quick spray with Estee Lauder’s ‘Youth Dew’ (aptly named, sigh of gratification here), my stepson appeared at the front door keen to show off his father-in-law’s new Mercedes. Hubby, I and our lad enjoyed a tea and treats and during the 45 minute visit, our lad did not take the slightest notice of any change in my appearance. It looks like I won’t have to worry one little bit about disapproving fingers being waggled in my face with shouts of, “You’ve had work done!” As Dr. Mulholland stated, friends and family members not in the know will simply believe that I’ve changed my hairdo or had a rest. I’ve always been convinced that people spend very little attention to the appearance of others; we are all too self-involved to see much further than our own noses. Since this was what I had hoped for, I can’t very well complain although I must confess that some small part of me had hoped for shocked exclamations from folks stumbling back from the glory of my face, clinging to furniture and one another, gasping, “Oh my God, you’re so young and beautiful! What have you done?! Teehee.
Here’s hoping that all of you other Canadians have a wonderful Thanksgiving holiday this weekend!
All the best to all,
Louisainthewoods
Replies (3)
October 12, 2014
You look lovely! I wish you well and think you have made a beautiful change to your appearance.
October 18, 2014
Always be proud of great work done! You worked hard for it and researched a great doc and went through with it.
I tell all my friends of what I have had done and many ＷＡＮＴ to do it but are afraid.
You look great and you feel great. Good for you!
Replies (8)
We are here for you qqqtrader11, but reviews written, whether negative or positive, must follow community guidelines. I have a hunch that a lot of folks don't read them before posting, but everyone should take a moment to review them.
Sounds good!