FACELIFT POST-OP: 4 Months and Counting. Glasses Styles for Comfort
PREVIOUS POSTS: WEEKS 1 AND 2, WEEK 3, WEEK 4, ONE MONTH FOLLOW UP, WEEK 7, WEEK 8 , 2 MONTHS, WEEKS 10-11, WEEK 12, 3 MONTHS, WEEK 14
It’s been four long months since I underwent a lower face and neck lift. The surgery was performed at my surgeon’s Pensacola, FL - based office, using oral medications and local anesthetic instead of full anesthesia. Final cost was about $6500.
I am pleased with what is now considered to be the “final” results, appearance-wise. My jowls are completely gone, and the lines on my neck have disappeared. The addition of Meso-mix (a filler) above my upper lip continues to keep deep lines away. The abdominal transfer of fat to my cheek “apple” areas seems to have healed nicely, though there are still strong tingling sensations in the area when I smile.
Unfortunately, the left side of my surgery is healing far more slowly than the right. My left ear still feels “thick” on the inside, and seems heavy. That may sound like a strange description, but it is the closest I can come to an accurate example of the continued numbness surrounding my left ear. In addition, the suture sites behind both earlobes continue to sting when touched. Washing my face is still awkward, even with my fancy soft washcloth from The Body Shop. (Woah! It seems my soft cloth has been discontinued…replaced with muslin. I can’t speak for the muslin cloth.)
An ongoing challenge has been wearing glasses. I have astigmatism in both eyes, so use several kinds: Bifocals, sunglasses, and regular glasses in two prescriptions — one for close work like sewing, and the other for outdoor work in the garden. I even have a special pair designed for piano playing. Then, of course, the multitudes of readers in colors and styles to match my outfits (and mood). As different as they are, they have one thing in common: They all HURT to put on and take off. I try so hard to slide them carefully off and on, but the irritation is getting…irritating!
Remember: During a face and neck lift, your skin is “elevated” so the surgeon can work on the deep tissue and muscles below it. If you’ve ever prepared a chicken for roasting, you may have “elevated” its skin to insert a delicious slice of lemon or rosemary sprig. It’s kind of the same thing. Ew. Ew. EW!!!
The skin has to heal following this ordeal, and this takes time. Though most surgery websites and offices tout a “you’ll be back to the gym in two to three weeks” optimism, be aware that though you maybe COULD go back, you may not want to…not for a very long time.
Here is a list of observations following the Four Month Anniversary of my surgery:
Morning “thickness” and swelling still experienced on left side of face, centered around the left ear and inner ear.
Continued tightness of the muscles that attach my jaw to my neck on the left side of my head.
Skin sensitivity around both ears, especially behind the ears and under the ear lobes. Touching the areas is still somewhat painful.
Tingling sensations in the temples and upper cheek areas above the “apple” area where abdominal fat was transferred.
Slight hearing loss in left ear.
These symptoms are most noticeable when I’m sweating, working out (biking, farm chores), or just moving my face after resting for an extended period of time (an hour or more). Yawning helps to stretch the areas. I am considering seeing an otologist or audiologist, as I think there may still be some residual blood dried in the left ear canal. My blueberry crop season is over, and muscodine grapes are due in three weeks or so. I may have time (and inclination) to see a doctor. A normal person would have seen one already, but I just hate the bother of making appointments, dealing with insurance, and driving and parking. Yep. I’m officially old.
Thankfully, I don’t look that way anymore!
My experience with glasses compels me to offer some suggestions. First, don’t wear them if you don’t have to. Get contacts, or update your prescription in advance of your procedure so you can avoid glasses completely, at least for the first six months. Second, if you must wear them, try to find lightweight frames with flexible temples (the kind with the spring). Talk to your optometrist about your procedure and ask for their recommendations. Hopefully you will heal quickly, but it’s better to be prepared that spend the better part of a year dreading taking your glasses off and putting them back on.
I’ll keep you posted as things progress, and apologize for the lateness of my regularly weekly post. That being said, the only glasses I’m interested in right now are the kind filled with Kendall Jackson Chardonnay.
By the way — I finally dared to get my hair cut and highlighted! My stylist was at Fantastic Sam’s and she was…Fantastic! I explained that I’d had my procedure, and she suggested doing seven foils at the top of my head to help blend the new growth with the rest of my hair. Perfection! The looks is great, and it felt wonderful to sport a fresh cut. She did a “Long Rachel” cut. I’ll do full highlights again eventually, but this was a great (and painless) way to start.
Have a great week!
D.