FACELIFT POST-OP: 5 Months Later - and my first Post Op ACTING JOB!
It’s just over the five-month post-op mark for my lower facelift, cheek fat transfer (from the abdomen) and upper lip filler procedure.
I wish I had better news, but not much has changed with regard to numbness and tenderness around my ears, temples and jaw.
They say a picture paints a thousand words, so I’m including two images to help describe the areas that are still “re-growing” nerves that were severed during the four-hour procedure.
Left side sketch showing continued tender and numb areas.
I’m happy with the results — my surgeon is an artist. But the “everyone heals differently” line is wearing thin. I’m not sure we do. I think cut nerves are cut nerves, and maybe every surgeon does it differently, but the results are similar: It takes a LONG time for severed nerves to re-grow, no matter who you are. Cells regenerate pretty regularly and the process seems to be fairly similar person to person, barring extraordinary health issues.
So, here’s how it feels.
Behind my ears: VERY tender behind the earlobes going up behind each ear about one inch. The areas are still ouch-y to wash.
Right side, dots outline areas that are still numb/tender/sore.
Inside my ears: The left ear still feels clogged, and “heavy” at times. Both ears feel ticklish inside several times a day. There doesn’t seem to be anything I can do about this, but it’s only mildly annoying.
Area around the ears: Temperature changes cause the entire areas to tingle like crazy, right down to the center of my cheeks, where the fat transfer took place. The tingling lasts about 15-20 seconds then subsides. My left ear still feels as though there is a weight hanging from surrounding muscles, which sounds weird because it IS WEIRD. I pull up on the top of my left ear 3-5 times a day to help relieve the sensation.
For the first few months, the numb areas included the entire area you could cover if you put your hands over your ears, with your fingers close together. A pretty big area. Now, it’s more like the area you would wear noise protection earmuffs for lawnmowing. Extend that into the upper cheek area, and it’s about accurate.
Most of the time I’m able to ignore the ongoing numbness and tenderness, and I’m grateful. When it does come up, the sensations don’t last long, and though they’re uncomfortable it’s not enough to make me regret getting the lift done.
Great news is: I booked my first post-op acting job, with a regional air conditioning/heating company. I’m filming in Pensacola on Thursday! I’ve posted my audition tape, just for fun. LOOK! NO JOWLS!!!! The job pays $750 - $1300 for half a day’s work. The final payout depends upon the extent I’m used in the final ad cuts.
Good luck with your procedures, and please feel free to weigh in with your experiences. I am not sponsored by any surgeon’s office.
Best,
Synnott