It's About Me, Not Anyone Else. - Chicago, IL

I, like most, have been thinking for years of getting my face done - it is time now. Botox and fillers have kept me going, but they can't do anything for my neck which this year has started to droop and wrinkle-that puckering- nor take care of the jowls (aren't they the worst?) I hate having a square face. I certainly don't feel like I look, and it is amazing what the years have done over time, Yes time marches on, but does it really have to march along on my face with hobnailed boots?
(Joan Rivers' death did make me put a hold on getting a consult, just some stuff spinning around in my head, I'm sure that I am not alone in this statement.)
I've touched on the procedure with my PS a few times over the years, but not a major actual big girl consultation. After my Botox visit I would usually say Hey Dr PS what about my "jowls"? was usually the way I have approached it.
Well I finally had my official Consult with PS (taking my notebook with pages of questions) - got all the nitty gritty of what and how to get rid of the ravages of time and stress on my face/neck. PS was great - and walked me through the nuts & bolts of how a procedure is performed (if you're squeamish you might not want this much detail like I did) who does what, time involved, anethesia, sutures/staples, drains/no drains, football helmut dressing/light dressing, recovery, where would incisions be, muscles/skin draping, hairline, etc. PS spent a lot of time with me (almost 2 hrs) showing me what would happen to my face/neck by just moving the skin with me looking in a mirror. What the most interesting was when PS just did a slight lift above my one eyebrow to show me what would happen. Now I didn't think my eyes needed anything, but when PS did that I was amazed the difference it made. POW! I saw eyelids that eye shadow could be put on. We talked for quite a while he has the most calming affect on me because I was nervous, really nervous - was I actually considering having someone cut up my face? arghhh I brought a lot of pictures with me to show PS that yes I did have a jaw line at one time. I would highly suggest bringing some photos with you for your consult - it helps give the PS perspective of what you looked like at your best. I have very few photos of me now because I usually won't let people take any - who is that old person?
I also asked what do I need to do to get the best results from the surgery, I feel that this is pretty darn important. This is so scary, writing this review even makes me nervous - LOL - because it is stating that yes I am really, really considering this.
I was given a quote (I won't be posting cost, no matter what it is I feel it is worth it) on the procedure which included the surgical suite cost, anesthesia, medical supplies,etc. and the approximate length of time it would take for my refreshment procedure by the patient coordinator and given some general info and how much I would have to put down to "save the surgery date". Now I sit at home wondering if I should do this - I know I want to do this, I know that I trust my PS, I know that I can finally afford the procedure at this time in my life, but ... I've updated my notebook with all the info I received at consult and now the decision has to be made. I stopped reading the negative reviews, for me, those don't help - they will drive you crazy, if I look at anything now it is the "thumbs up" reviews. For me these are more help than anything. Think happy thoughts.
For me trying to figure out the logistics is more daunting then the decision to have surgery. Where will I stay that first night, who will stay with me; friend or hired CMA, do I sleep propped up in bed or in a chair, transportation, weather, hotel room, etc. it seems a never ending process and sometimes I can easily talk myself out of it because of all the "little things" that need to be done and coordinated ... it can be too much to think about.
Then I worry, once I make the date, lock it in with a deposit, I might "fail" the blood work/ekg part of the pre-op even though I am healthy. Nerves can certainly adjust results of tests. So many things to think about and consider, it seems unending.
For now I will leave this decision until after Thanksgiving. The above are my opinions, thoughts and concerns of this journey for me. I hope that this may give others insight into what they might think not normal worries to Wow other people are thinking the same thing. I don't believe that there is any dumb question regarding surgery, if the patient coordinator can't help then the PS should be available to address any question(s). Signing off for now Happy Holidays.

It is funny that no matter what I am doing, in the back of my mind there is always "should I or shouldn't I?" it never seems to go away. Sitting and thinking about surgery and cost I still am wondering "what am I thinking?" Surgery. On. My. Face. what a decision. I've written on my calendar for tomorrow to call the hotel and discuss how a post-surgical patient is handled by the hotel - especially the check in part hmmmm I wouldn't want to scare anyone or even worse see someone I know. Slowly I am making decisions, writing in my journal, checking off stuff on my list, logistics still haunt me and I know that should be the least of my worries, but I can't shake the concern of how to handle post surgery regular stuff. Tomorrow is another day.

Called the hotel to get prices and how it works as far as checking in after procedure. She basically said that whoever is with me can check in and I can go straight to room. I asked about a refrigerator for keeping stuff cold, etc. and there is a mini bar in the room. The room is very expensive even with the "special" rate for my PS. I'm going to have to think about this some more. If someone (a friend) stays the night I certainly can't handle the cost of the room for two. Oh well just another bump in the road to surgery. On the one hand it would be nice to rest up in a beautiful room and be close to PS for next day visit but I'd like to be home. More decisions.