Patient Stories: Brow Lift
Sharon
- Consultant
- 49
- Female
- Neck, Mid-Face Lift and Brow Lift
I am a 49 year old woman who always took pride in her appearance, and was dedicated to a healthy eating and exercise routine but was not happy with the visible signs of aging of the face such as jowls, wrinkly neck, sagging cheeks and lines in the forehead. I had my eyes done a few years earlier so I decided on surgery to "fix" the rest. Exactly three weeks ago I underwent a five hour procedure to erase some of these "annoyances".
The first 24 hours are the worst because of the drainage tubes which need to be attended to. There is not really pain (with the exception of perhaps a sore throat due to the anesthesiology). I would suggest hiring a professional to be with you because it really is not a pleasant experience for the patient or an unqualified caregiver. The first week I was terribly bruised and completely exhausted mostly because I found it difficult to sleep in an elevated position.
By day 12, the bruising was gone, I felt good and was out doing errands but since I was still visibly swollen, I didn't want to socialize yet. It feels like I'm wearing a mud mask and a wig. Washing the hair is weird because you can't feel anything and since the right side of my lip is numb and my jaw is tight, I don't want to eat in front of people yet.
Today is day 20, most of my face still feels numb, especially the forehead and scalp, but the swelling is not very obvious. I can't open my mouth wide enough to eat a sandwich but can take small bites of anything desired. However, I look great! I went to a party last night and wore my hair in an updo and with minimal makeup, the scars were non detectable. People commented how pretty and smooth my skin was.
I understand that it could be 4 weeks until I would be fully satisfied with the results, but I can definitely say that a positive change has occurred and it is worth every day of slight discomfort I have just experienced.
My surgeon came with impressive credentials, and from what I see, I would recommend him in a heartbeat. My overall experience was one that I expected with the exception of the tight jaw. It could be a couple more weeks until I can take a BIG Bite of something, but in the meantime, I'll deal with. I know I made the right decision regarding this procedure!
