Facial Plastic Surgery

Grasshoppa · 10-10-2007, 12:33 AM

Lately I am beginning to feel that I look TIRED, all the time, even when I'm not. Puffy eyes and those lines from the nose to the cheek and so forth. I am considering a mid face lift or endoscopic lift to 'freshen up'. Has anyone else done this? Any thoughts on it?

P.S.
I'm 36.

blondebritbrat17 · 10-10-2007, 06:36 AM

I haven't had any plastic surgery but my mom has done some mostly to correct damage done from chemo (it really aged her face and skin) and breast reconstruction and I have been there every step of the way and helped her do her research. All I can say is do your research on plastic surgeons in your area and that means their credentials and call the United states plastic surgeon medical board to see if they are a member of that and some plastic surgeons that specialize in something are even a member of a specialty plastic surgery board of some kind and if they are then check into that as well and see if there has been any complaints lodged against them. Possibly if you go see a plastic surgeon they will offer you a chance to contact an old patient and if they do then I definitely recommend you do so! Request to look at before and after pictures of a patient that did the same surgery that you're thinking about and etc. Research what TYPE of surgery you want and what methods can be used and and don't be afraid to ask questions questions!! My mom and I did a ton of research and met some women and about half of them were unhappy with their breasts and some of the women, their breasts actually looked deformed when they showed the work done to us and it broke my heart. Sorry if you already know all of this but I've actually been asked questions by other people who know that I'm very much involved in my mother's medical issues and life and they were really happy that they talked to me afterwards since I gave them so many more ideas on how to research their doctor. Also cheaper is not better!

Hope this helps!

Grasshoppa · 10-10-2007, 01:13 PM

Thanks for the tips! I hope your mom is recovering well. She's lucky to have such a devoted daughter at her side. You're awesome. The guy i'm going to today is board certified in facial plastic surgery...faces is all he does, which is what I wanted, as opposed to someone who does faces and butt lipo and boobs. Saw some pics, his work looks good. Conservative, not "wind tunnel" faces. Thanks again!!

Darby1 · 10-10-2007, 08:45 PM

Since you're only 36, have you considered some less invasive treatments, such as fillers, etc. You can get Juvederm or collagen fillers to fill the nasolabial lines.

I just re-read that you're going to see somebody. Let us know how it went. I'm always VERY interested in this stuff.

dixied · 10-10-2007, 08:57 PM

Hey Grasshoppa - I'm from Penscaola (Pace actually) and 36 too. If you are looking for something non-invasive check out Portofino Spa out in Gulf Breeze. I have coworkers who bought packages there and have had excellent results.

ViolinCyndee · 10-11-2007, 01:44 AM

After watching a facelift on TV... I will never do that.. It was scary!!!

blondebritbrat17 · 10-11-2007, 03:34 AM

Thanks for the compliment. I am unable to be so devoted now since finances are getting in the way and I'm having to job hunt and I'm getting to the point in my college education to where I really have to study. You're on the right track by going to a board certified dr. that does only faces! My husband and I have learned the hard way to always go to a doctor that specializes in what you're wanting or needing to have done. His mother had gastric bypass but her doctor was only a general surgeon that had done gastric bypass a few times. And she died in March 2002 right before me and hubby graduated from HS. I never got to meet her since my husband and I started dating 9 months later and he never met my father because my father did not go back to an oncologist when he discovered a lump growing in his chest and he too died 4 months after my hubby's mom. So we have learned through the mistakes of our parents to always go to a doctor that specializes in whatever we need. But good luck!! I'm interested to know how your appointment goes!

Grasshoppa · 10-11-2007, 10:55 AM

OK, Here's te update. I was originally interested in having the CO2 skin laser done, because I'm STILL getting acne, AND a rough skin texture AND looking tired. The doctor said he didn't think I would be happy with the cost versus benefit of the laser but that I might be happier with a blepharoplasty (lower eye lift). (Just for the record, he was not trying to up-sell me, as the laser was $3000 and bleph is $1700.) He would not do the mid-face lift because he thought it was too premature at 36, but he said if I really felt I needed something, to try the perlane injections for the naso-labial folds. So I had my pre-op, and I'll be getting the bleph and the perlane this coming wednesday. Black and blue just in time for Halloween!

Grasshoppa · 10-11-2007, 10:56 AM

Dixie--- what kind of packages did your friends get at Portofino? Thanks for the tip

Grasshoppa · 10-11-2007, 10:59 AM

By the way...I wouldn't mind posting 'before' and 'after' photos if anyone is interested...but how would I do that here?

Grasshoppa · 10-13-2007, 02:57 AM

Surgery day is getting closer, and I suddenly find myself very depressed, and wanting comfort food. I think I'm panicking a little. I know one thing that stresses me is that my significant other is 7 years younger than I, and I wonder if I can still compete with the younger non-fat chicks.

Darby1 · 10-13-2007, 08:46 AM

Your doctor sounds like a good one. I think the panic is probably normal. It's a big step, but you'll look more refreshed and you'll have more self confidence and you won't worry about competing with the younger chicks. I turned 40 this year, and whenever I worry about younger women, I just think that someday they'll turn 40, and they'll have my problems!

As far as your rough skin; have you ever heard of Obagi? It's a skin care system that is dr. prescribed and it's fantastic. I've been using it for over a year, and it's really helped smooth out my skin, fade my sun damage, and I rarely have any break-outs anymore. There's a lot of info online, if you're interested.

Good luck Wednesday!

Grasshoppa · 10-23-2007, 05:14 PM

Surgery went great! Almost no bruising, healing very fast, and, I'm so glad I did it!

melekalikimaka · 10-23-2007, 07:04 PM

Glad to hear you're recuperating well. If you want to post before and after shots, you'd just have to resize some digital photos and attach them in the "go advanced" reply screen (manage attachments, I think) instead of "post quick reply".

ps. 36 isn't old at all

I'll be the same age in Dec.

blondebritbrat17 · 10-24-2007, 05:33 PM

Glad to hear that your surgery went well! I second Darby1 on the obagi skincare line. That's what my mom uses now too. It is expensive but it really helped my mom's skin since her face was soo dry from all the chemo and then you add all the wrinkles she got too then she still had acne on top of all of that and now it's all gone mostly except for a few wrinkles. I'd love to see some pictures!