Superior Lip Lift in Delray Beach, Fl. Thank Goodness!

I have had a long upper lip all my life. As I had gotten older (I'm 51) it had gotten longer, who knew as you aged your lips get longer and thinner, and your nose gets bigger ( conversation we'll have another time) Anyhow, I just couldn't take it any longer. I felt self conscious every time I looked in the mirror. I even resorted to over lining my lips when I put makeup on. Well, I had enough.
I'd been planning on a Lip lift for sometime and been on realself looking at reviews. I had planned to go to Dr. Talei because his reviews and work were exceptional, and he's on the same coast I'm on, unfortunately he was booked out to long and I wasn't about to wait any longer and continue looking like that. I'd been on realself day and night looking at reviews and researching physicians when I came across "Waffle123" and her review of Dr. Mascaro. I couldn't believe how good her lip-lift was and began to research Dr. Mascaro. I found his Instagram and there were more before and after photos but what really resonated with me was his Stitching Method. Ultra close stitches and the stitches used were clear. I was pretty impressed, and the fee? What? I couldn't believe how affordable. Needless to say I researched and researched some more and came to my decision, it was gonna be Dr. Mascaro.
I got on the phone and spoke with Maria at Dr. Mascaro's office and she set up a FaceTime Consultation. It only took about a week. The Consultation was in depth and Dr. Mascaro noticed things about my lips while we were FaceTiming that I'd never noticed all the years of looking at myself in the mirror. He was professional, knowledgeable and a great listener. After our FaceTime conversation, I called and payed the fee with Maria and immediately booked with Delta Vacations. I dragged my husband along ( he's a Sweet head ) and we arrived in Delray Beach 3 weeks later.
We arrived at the office 20 mins early. It's an intimate, boutique practice that didn't have a lot of people waiting around which made me feel very relaxed and comfortable. The office staff were really kind, and went the extra mile in answering questions and seeing that I was taken care of. I was taken back to change and Dr. Mascaro took photos. We talked more about my expectations and then on to the surgery room. I can honestly say the worst part was the numbing, after that it was a breeze! Btw: he puts some medicine in the numbing shots that help with swelling. I was grateful for that as it reduces your recovery time...Dr. Mascaro asked what kind of music I liked and I told him to pick what he liked. I wanted him to be comfortable lol! During the procedure he told me about every step in the procedure while he performed it. He happily talked about concerts and music, I was so comfortable, I fell in and out of sleep. Afterwards they lifted me up and gave me a mirror. "Who is that?!" Was the first thought that came to mind. I was still a bit sleepy and a bit swollen, but those lips....yes! My face was shorter and I looked younger.
The staff gave me some post op instructions, especially regarding keeping the incision site moist with antibiotic cream, my husband had already went to get my meds and we went back to the hotel. I was swollen and stiff but felt just fine. I had some soup ( through a straw) and took my meds. Next day I chilled out in the hotel and had more soup. Day 3: I was ready to go out. We went to Denny's ( I wore a surgical mask, Dr. Mascaro gave me) and ate very gingerly. Later we relaxed by the pool. I didn't mind the mask and no one really looked at me funny. I did get a little nauseous at times from the prednisone and pain medication but I called in and the Doctor quickly prescribed something for it. It knocked out the nausea and my husband and I went out shopping and exploring.
We needed to leave early so I got my stitches out on day 5. I remember Dr. Mascaro remarking about how pesky the stitches were gonna be to get out when he put them in. His stitching is so meticulous and close, I didn't mind that it was gonna be a job to get them out. The stitches came out easier than I thought which was great. We were leaving that day and I felt fine. I still wore the mask due to swelling and kinda felt funny about wearing it through the airport, but the ladies at the office were so cute in reassuring me and gave me a " Yea, so what I'm wearin a mask" attitude, they are so sweet.
Got back home with no incident and happy I finally did it. Dr. Mascaro has been in contact emailing and checking my progress. He's very personable and gets back to you asap if you need something. I am happy with my results and will post updates soon!

Ok so I wanted to add this, I am now on Day 15 and the swelling is still there. Granted, not as much as it would have been if the extra "non swelling cocktail" hadnt been added to the numbing shots but it is there. Enough to still distort my nose and lips but that is expected. Everyday you look at yourself you will see differences, sometimes differences that you don't like. Swelling is weird, you won't swell evenly on both sides and you won't unswell evenly. So if you wake up and one nostril is bigger than the other or one side of your lips, don't freak out. I know it's easier said than do..believe me. It won't be like that forever. Gives yourself time to heal. I've seen my face change from swelling and felt I've looked like several different people. But, I am starting to finally look like myself. You'll get there.

I forgot to add this. The extra exposed lip will become ultra chapped due to it never being exposed to sun, wind etc, and I mean CHAPPED. I tried Vaseline, Aquaphor nothing seemed to help for long. So I mixed up small container of Shea Butter, Olive Oil, Coconut Oil, and Black Castor Oil. I know it sounds excessive but I was desperate. It did the trick. It gave me super soft supple lips. I had to use it several times a day because the chapness was relentless but after a few days it worked. Hope this helps!