FACELIFT POST-OP: Six-Month Mark

Six months following my procedure, I’m still glad I did it. The face/jowl lift with fat transfer to the cheeks and filler + botox-derived upper lip treatment were worth it.

That being said, I have learned that this major surgery, for me, has adjusted more than my appearance. It was a life-altering surgery.

The sides of my face and area behind my ears down to the middle of the back of my neck are still tender and “numb”. The skin on the sides of my face near my jawline feels like plastic. When I gently rub my fingers over the area I hear my fingers pulling against the tight skin. The skin itself in these areas still feels somewhat “zombified”. Like still-warm, dead skin on a live body. My left ear still has a “dragged down” sensation at times, and a tickling sensation in the inner ear. There are tiny “nodules” under the skin in three different areas. The tips of the front part of my ears are still white.

I have not told my surgeon these things, frankly, because I haven’t been asked. Even if she offered to “re-do” or repair an area, I would probably decline. The surgery and recovery weren’t easy, and the long reaching effects are something I do not wish to compound with yet another operation.

Am I happy? Overall, yes. Aesthetically, she did amazing work. She lifted my neck such that every wrinkle I earned as a long time sun worshipper disappeared. I think she “overdid” the cheeks a bit, but am willing to concede that facelift results are never guaranteed to last, and she wanted to give me a treatment that would last for many years.

If you are reading this and still considering facial/neck lift surgery, take a moment to recite the “everyone heals differently” mantra. Read everything about your procedures, ask all the questions. Fully read and understand the disclaimers you will sign prior to surgery. Be prepared for a longer than expected recovery.

The biggest physical impacts, for me, include a new aversion to having my face touched in the areas affected by the surgery. This has somewhat impacted intimacy with my husband, but he has been incredibly understanding as we work through my healing process together. In addition, certain yoga poses have become nearly impossible. Anything that requires a standing position, especially with a backbend, with face turned upward is very uncomfortable. I still have to support the back of my head with one hand. If you are a practitioner or yoga teacher, realize your recovery may impact your practice.

Most of my life is unchanged, however, and the side effects continue to slowly improve. I may continue to post monthly if there are any surprising changes. At this point, I am aware of the surgery about 80% of the time when I am active (when I must turn my head while driving, for example), and 10% of the time when I’m more sedentary (taking a shower, cooking, sleeping).

I hope this honest account of face/necklift surgery is helpful. As always, defer to your personal physician and surgeon at all times. And keep breathing.

Warmly,

Synnott.