Face lift: Is it worth it?

I was out and about with no visible marks about 1 month out. I was out to the grocery stores within 10 days using some coverage makeup. I cooked over a weeks worth of prepared food to have on hand so I wouldn't have to worry about shopping / cooking.

Neighbors (women) who were "knowledgeable about such things" told me I "looked great", followed by, who did your work (insert eye roll)? I felt some numbness around my ears for about 8 months - it's mostly gone now. Also, some light tightness in the back of my head - behind my ears - I expect that will disappear as well in another 6 months.

The anesthesia was "twilight" - so, no general. The pain was really not terrible. I only took oxy the first night, after that I used Advil dual action. You need to sleep in an inclined (about 30 degrees) position on your back for about a week. That was somewhat uncomfortable. I ended up having my husband bring in a gravity chair from our patio. The chair made it easier to maintain my inclined position and get up more easily than having to raise myself out of bed. I experienced pulling on the stitches when I raised my torso to get out of bed.

Let me know if you have other questions.

It sounds quite reasonable. I would also be having a neck procedure. Because of that, the surgeon requires general anesthesia and I’m not wild about that. He explained his justification for that. It’s still outpatient. I have type 1 diabetes, which adds a little extra layer to consider, but my numbers are good. I have a pump and CGM that would maintain my blood sugar during the surgery.

I just wish I could get it done quickly and start the recovery. I have no issue with the bruising. And, I’m good with pain management. He did say I’d have drainage tubes.

Hi,
My wife is 77 years and is looking for a face lift.Is safe to have it.
Some stories would help.Many thanks.

I think it’s a great idea if you’re in good health and you can withstand what you have to endure, at the end of the day it’s still surgery and definitely comes with some risks. I am very fearful of surgery but if it can save my life then I wouldn’t hesitate to do so, however cosmetic surgery is not a necessity to say the least but for some people it’s a new lease on life and can often do wonders for their self esteem, you just have to weigh out the pros and cons.

@ion, I moved your post to this existing discussion so you can connect with other members like @bettersleep68 @celia16 and several other members who share their experiences with having cosmetic surgery.

- Face lift: Is it worth it?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/face-lift-worth-it/

@ion

I had a lower facelift in my 60s, no regrets. I paid out of pocket. I had considered it for years. Prior to face lift I got breast cancer, treatments took 2 years and told myself if I make it through this I am going to do something for myself. Many people say it is part of aging, and they are right, but after dealing with breast cancer having a lower face lift boost my self image! My 'turkey neck" was mostly genetic, my mom had it. No amount of weight loss or creams would ever change it.

I found a great local plastic surgeon with great reputation. They quoted a price that was all inclusive. It was out patient procedure, so cheaper then a surgery that required total an anesthesiologist.

If you can afford and it would improve your wife's self image and there is no medical reason not to, she should investigate.

As a side note, because I felt little guilty about spending money on cosmetic surgery when others can not afford deformity surgery, in my will I have left money to "Operation Smile" to correct cleft lip condition in under served areas.

Whatever your wife's decision, hope you support her.

That’s a great idea about your donation in your Will. I feel a little embarrassed spending so much money on my facial surgery, but I justify it due to the fact that I have taken few vacations the last few years, I decreased my concert attendances which used to be quite expensive, and have worked very hard at my job and caring for family members. I’ve also worked hard to restore my health after some medical issues, including post covid syndrome. I feel I should do what feels right to restore my former lower face/neck. In my case it’s genetic too. Both my parents have it.

And my cousin looked awful after her cosmetic surgery. I commented to another cousin about the other cousin's appearance. Her reply, "Oh, that's because she's had cosmetic surgery." Not all of it gives a pleasant appearance.
Be very careful!

Oh no….that’s sad. There are risks.

Speaking of risks, there’s a tv series called Botched, perhaps you’ve heard of it, the story is really interesting and quite graphic. I don’t feel it was aired to deter people from getting things done with face and body, they simply repair damages left by other medical professionals.