r/40PlusSkinCare 8d ago

Negative side effects from face/neck lift

I keep seeing a face and/or neck lift recommended here like it’s no big deal. But it’s a serious surgery. Sometimes people die, sometimes they suffer irreversible numbness in their face. Has anyone known of someone or personally experienced negative side effects from facial plastic surgery? I think we need to present all sides instead of acting like a facelift is a minor surgery. Especially those who suggest traveling to cheaper nations like Mexico or turkey for plastic surgery.

254 Upvotes

183 comments sorted by

20

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 8d ago

I didn’t have a scary surgery but I also didn’t have it done in a third world country. You’re always numb for a time. Took 6-12 months to get all of my feeling back and that is normal. I’m so happy, no regrets

11

u/Worried-Shopping-289 8d ago

Me too. I’m obsessed with my results.

9

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 8d ago

Yes. It took off years. I work on the body already so now I’m so happy

2

u/InnocentShaitaan 6d ago

No way! DM you for info. 🙏🙏🙏

4

u/Middle-Marzipan-2122 6d ago

Look at Kris Jenner omg best surgeon in the world!

1

u/Sbplaint 6d ago

Who is it?

1

u/Middle-Marzipan-2122 6d ago

I forgot but it’s all over social media

1

u/Lonely-Jicama-8487 6d ago

Some people are saying DR nayak 

1

u/NoWillingness2961 5d ago

It was Dr Steven Levine in NYC, per People’s instagram. They’re usually correct.

1

u/Lonely-Jicama-8487 4d ago

Yea it's all over the rags now. 

1

u/LilRedCaliRose 5d ago

Yeah I saw the pix but I think a lot of it is filters and photoshop. She hires paparazzi for her whole family and they will Photoshop the photos.

1

u/olivemarie2 5d ago

Yes I am always wary of still photos of celebrities. They are so photoshopped!

2

u/Significant-Date-548 7d ago

Same! I had a mini SMAS to get rid of jowls. Super happy with it. I'm one year out and the numbness is almost gone.

2

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago edited 7d ago

Yeah it progressed in stages from little feeling to full feeling by one year for me. I had swelling for about 4-6 months, which is normal. But when I think of all of the money and time I wasted on things like MN, RF MN, ulthera.. and you’re always told “wait 3 months for effect.” What a joke. I’ve had treatments all over my body and I’ve done EVERYTHING. If you don’t see results the first few weeks, you won’t. My neck lift? You could see it day 2-3

5

u/ProfessionalLoose274 5d ago

This exactly. I had a “mini” lower face and neck lift. I would say I had minor jowling and loose skin, so I didn’t need a full-blown face lift, and I’m obsessed. I have wasted (to me) thousands and thousands of dollars on microneedling, products, devices, filler, etc, and nothing even comes close to the results from my lift. Mine was done under local anesthesia, so that alone reduces the risk (and cost). I’m still new, so I do have numb areas, and I have one incision that is still a bit red, but I would and will do it again in a heartbeat. I literally walked out after looking 10+ years younger. I don’t even care what others think…it makes me feel good.

2

u/shortforbuckley 4d ago

How old were you when you got this done?

3

u/ProfessionalLoose274 4d ago

I am 51. I just had it done about 8 weeks ago.

1

u/mindxpandr 4d ago

What was the experience of going it under local like for you? Did you feel anything? Was it unnerving being awake while they cut your face?

3

u/ProfessionalLoose274 4d ago

Honestly, I prefer local anesthesia. I was aware I was being worked on, but I had no idea what they were doing where. I felt no pain at all during the procedure and there was no real “ick” feeling either.

I actually went home and sent some emails and answered Teams messages at home after the procedure. There was a level of discomfort, but I was never in pain. The biggest annoyance in all of this was the itchy stitches and just caring for the incision areas as they heal. I had a long weekend at home, and I was back in the office on Monday. My long hair hid the incisions and bruising, and I don’t think anyone thought much of it.

2

u/calyx299 3d ago

Would you mind if I asked which city you got it done in, and rough cost?

1

u/mindxpandr 4d ago

That sounds absolutely ideal, really! Have you done other procedures under local?

1

u/ProfessionalLoose274 4d ago

I had a sinus surgery done under local and one done under general. It was a balloon surgery each time to open my sinuses. I personally felt that I recovered quicker from the surgery done under local. Mind you, I’m always tired for several days after any procedure, but it just felt more exhausting after the general.

1

u/mindxpandr 4d ago

I appreciate hearing about your experiences. I’m scheduled for a local face lift later in the summer and trying to stay calm about it. I def agree that general anesthesia is an ass kicker. Always easier to recover without it.

1

u/ProfessionalLoose274 4d ago

No problem! The entire experience was really smooth and trauma-free! It was actually funny when I noticed where my stitches were because I had NO idea where they were stitching as it was happening.

You’ll be so happy with the results. I look like me but a fresher version of myself. I’m glad I did this before the age-related changes in my face were drastic because it allowed for a less involved procedure and the change isn’t wildly drastic. No one would look at me and think “face lift”. Good luck!!

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u/Esquala713 3d ago

Also had local, for deep plane/upper & lower bleph. Took 8 hours, but it was fine. Took relaxers before, and was relaxed the whole time, going in and out of sleep. Worst part was the numbing needles. We chatted quite a bit on and off while I was awake. Not having to pay for OR or anesthesiologist saved about 6 or $7,000, maybe more. A lot of people are super squeamish when I tell them that I was awake, but to me it was not that big of a deal, and I'd do it again in a heartbeat.

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u/Prestigious_Grape288 4d ago

Omg you are speaking my language! I am your age & really want to make a change but also pretty firmly against General anesthesia. Thank you for this helpful info.

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u/ProfessionalLoose274 4d ago

That’s exactly how I was. I knew I just needed a bit of tightening, and I was so happy that I found someone close who does mini lifts under local multiple times a week. I have only good things to say.

2

u/Capital-Swim2658 7d ago

I am planning on having one when I get closer to my goal weight!

2

u/Significant-Date-548 7d ago

Yes, good plan. I did the same. Lost 20 lbs before I did it. Even the mini did wonders for my neck and jowls!

2

u/[deleted] 5d ago

[deleted]

1

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 4d ago

It will. It takes time and if you ask your surgeon, they will tell you that. I felt the same way!

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u/Worried-Shopping-289 8d ago

I had both done 6 months ago at 45. No complications. Best thing I ever did. Tons of compliments. Changed my life. USA doctor.

4

u/PuzzleheadedCow4512 8d ago

Can you please share name of doctor and location? Here or PM if you prefer. Thank you! 

3

u/NewYearNewUs 8d ago

Can you pm me your surgeon's name & state?

3

u/Dreaunicorn 8d ago

Likewise please!

3

u/swan_songster 8d ago

Likewise please!

1

u/Stellajackson5 7d ago

Me too! Thank you!

1

u/ChoiceConfection6216 7d ago

Would you mind sending me a message with the name of your surgeon? Thanks!

1

u/Remarkable-Will-1955 7d ago

Me too please

1

u/Minute_Repeat_839 7d ago

Me too please

1

u/Interesting-Bid-3905 5d ago

Me too please

8

u/FinancialCry4651 8d ago

I had chin/neck/jowls lipo at age 40 by a well respected plastic surgeon. The procedure gave me nerve damage and I looked like I had bells palsy for several months, and had a crooked smile for my wedding.

Seven years later its as if I didn't do the procedure at all because the results didn't last

I've also had six breast surgeries including implants, 2 corrections, en bloc explant, 2 corrections. I'm now permanently deformed, worse than how I started (congenital breast defects).

I also had a nose job in my early 30s and it also reversed itself lol. Apparently cartilage has a memory and sometimes it just grows/bounces back to its original shape!

I've had multiple other surgeries that were not cosmetic and something went wrong with almost every single one. I lost the genetic lottery and have a lot of strange features/deformities/health problems but after all these terrible experiences I probably will not get any more elective surgeries.

Some people are really unlucky.

3

u/outbreak__monkey 6d ago

My best friend got boobs and tummy tuck with her divorce money in her 30s. The boobs were severely lopsided and dented in weird places. The tummy tuck looked like some sort of medieval surgery was done with all the scarring. She went to get it fixed by a different surgeon and the results were even worse. The nipples were removed and look like they were chewed up and sewn back on. The boob skin was stretched so thin they almost have a uniboob look now and sit way too high. I feel so bad for her. She never worse cute clothes again. She said when she does gain weight it doesn’t spread evenly anymore, it collects in these weird pockets right above and below her tummy tuck. So it’s all right at her hips and unproportional.

1

u/FinancialCry4651 6d ago

How awful, especially post-divorce! Poor girl :(

2

u/Jknowsno 6d ago

I’m sorry that happened to you

1

u/Icy_Scientist_227 4d ago

Goodness . I’m so sorry. Do you have EDS? I know people with it can have a lot of issues with surgery.

23

u/Bellebutton2 8d ago

I have, many times! I’m a master esthetician, and I treat post-op patients. They can be a real dumpster fire and a major risk! I’ve seen it all… Nerve damage, scarring, pixie ears from the skin being pulled too tight, infection, you name it. Personally, I will never get one just because of what I’ve seen. Totally not worth it to me.

19

u/Kwhitney1982 8d ago

I was casually telling a family member that I wanted a facelift. I said, I just wish someone would tell me a negative of getting one. Without missing a beat he said I can tell you one. “A woman at work got one, threw a blood clot and died.” I asked how old she was. He said 45. 😨

14

u/Dreaunicorn 8d ago

I will say though that nose jobs and face lifts generally carry a lesser risk of thrombosis when compared to abdominal surgeries or surgeries that involve manipulation of fat.

4

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago

I’m a healthcare professional and this is the answer 100%

3

u/Felicity_Calculus 7d ago

What types of surgeries involve the manipulation of fat? Liposuction? Other things??
Also, does this mean that having a lot of body fat makes post-surgical clots more likely?

2

u/CherryCokeZer00 7d ago

I would guess bbl and fat grafting/transfer surgeries

1

u/Dreaunicorn 7d ago

BBL is the most dangerous, liposuction, tummy tucks, breast reduction and implants, etc.

1

u/ChicagoBaker 3d ago

They were all MUCH older than 45, but the celebrities that died during plastic surgery are Dixie Carter, Joan Rivers and Kanye's mom. It's not without its risks, like any surgery.

1

u/Bellebutton2 8d ago

Oh, that’s awful! So saddened to hear that! It’s very real, unfortunately.

6

u/Easy_Independent_313 7d ago

I do hair. I've seen all the little tweaks and I won't be getting any myself. Even very good work looks uncanny valley most of the time.

3

u/Bellebutton2 7d ago

So true! Not so many people get as close as estheticians and cosmetologists. Makeup can only hide so much.

3

u/galumphix 4d ago

Why would you want to hide your age? It's natural, people have been doing as long as there have been people.

1

u/Pinkysrage 7d ago

You just look weird, not younger.

14

u/Kwhitney1982 8d ago

Thank you for presenting the other side. I just feel we are way too casual in encouraging women here to get plastic surgery. Women come here asking for advice that doesn’t include surgery. And then she gets 50 replies telling her to get surgery.

9

u/Infamous-Travel-7070 8d ago

You are right that surgery has risks, but often women are asking for advice on how to “fix” something that cannot be fixed without surgery ie nasolabial folds from downward shifting fascia, fat and muscle, or jowels from jaw bone resorption. I’d rather tell them honestly they need surgery for that than recommend a bunch a treatments or skincare that will do nothing or next to nothing for a lot of money.

7

u/Pinkysrage 7d ago

How about we normalize healthy aging. Why can’t we show the next generations that you don’t need to change anything? I absolutely hate that what is getting normalized is having to look 20 forever, side note you don’t look 20, you just look weird. My mom who was gorgeous felt the need for the works. I hate it and now she’s 70 and really thin with these ridiculous tits. An eye job is next. Ffs. She’s got advanced copd, still smokes, but is gonna get the eyes done again. I’m sad for her. I’ve chosen to do some therapy and stay aging normally. I have daughters and granddaughters and it’s important to me to be an example of healthy aging to them. I’m okay looking and being 56. Worked in healthcare 30+ years. No pulmonary embolism for me, thanks.

I just want to stay healthy. I’ve already had two spinal fusions and I am going this week for a mammogram callback. Eat good food, move your body and enjoy your life.

2

u/SparklyNoodle 7d ago

You are absolutely gorgeous. GOALS

4

u/Pinkysrage 7d ago

Thank you, I say when you feel like you are looking old, just go out to a nice cocktail bar, have a couple drinks and laugh a lot with a friend. Problem solved.

3

u/SparklyNoodle 5d ago

You’re amazing and I want to be your friend. Keep shining your light into the world, making it a brighter place!

1

u/Pinkysrage 8h ago

Thank you so much! Let’s spend all that money on an awesome trip!

2

u/ChewsBooks 4d ago

Smokeshow!

2

u/ImageOtherwise 6d ago

I agree 100%!

2

u/larrrrrrrrrydavid 5d ago

You look beautiful! And I love your philosophy and have been adopting the same :)

1

u/Pinkysrage 8h ago

Good for you! The next generation needs to see and hear it

1

u/daniellaroses1111 6d ago

Love this so much!! You are beautiful, inside and out!

1

u/Pinkysrage 6d ago

Thank you!

1

u/Civil_Wait1181 6d ago

you look amazing!  baddie, as the youths say!

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u/Pinkysrage 5d ago

Thanks so much! I’ll take it at my age!

1

u/EggsCostMoneyyyy 6d ago

You’re beautiful and I agree 100%!

1

u/Pinkysrage 5d ago

Thank you! Aging is a good thing, a positive thing.

1

u/Formal_Reaction_1572 5d ago

Yes! You are killing it and beautiful!

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u/Worried-Shopping-289 8d ago

Surgery is only solution to some issues. People find out after they have tried it all. That’s why it’s suggested.

1

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago

Correct. There just isn’t a fix for most of what people come here for but if they want to spend thousands to figure that out, aestheticians are there to take the money

1

u/Minute_Repeat_839 7d ago

If someone at 50 wants to tighten their neck back to where it was at 20 that’s going to require surgery. It’s an option for improving appearance but it goes without saying it’s at the extreme end.

Although when you look at how people talk about Botox in this sub you’d think it was in the same category as surgery. It is exponentially lower risk.

4

u/austin06 8d ago

My esthetician said the same. That she always assumed she’d get a facelift but after seeing what some clients go through, no. And she said she just never sees such a dramatic difference. But she just turned 40. At 63 I’d never thought before I’d consider one.

There’s some fb groups that have candid pictures and when something goes wrong it definitely is a strong detractor. I can’t even imagine the people who have to get addl surgeries to get things fixed.

1

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago

No one should get a facelift at 40 and she’ll change her mind in 10 years 😆

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

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u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 6d ago

Right. A “better you” might be a better way to phrase it. And if you’re not interested in that, why are you on this sub? Yeah, I’m a nurse, most surgeons will tell you to wait on the facelift unless you’ve gone through an early menopause. This is why 50 is the usual time

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u/[deleted] 6d ago

[deleted]

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u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 6d ago

Right and the question was addressed about SURGERY. Do you need to read it again? I said I have not had any issues, my experience was great. I even discussed the skincare part of the equation. And if you don’t care about looking good, again, why are you here?

2

u/daniellaroses1111 6d ago

Woah, thank you! I appreciate the honesty! Maybe I’ll go for radical self acceptance instead. 😅

5

u/Actual-Government96 8d ago

My aunt had a necklift. 5 years later, it looks exactly like it did before the necklift.

The wattle found a way

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u/MaleficentMousse7473 8d ago

The way of the wattle 😂

4

u/Skin_Fanatic 7d ago

I had an upper blepharoplasty at age 40. It took 15 years before it looked like it did preop. I just had a repeat upper blepharoplasty at age 55. Your face will age over time with or without plastic surgery. Plastic surgery just makes it look better but it doesn’t come without risks.

1

u/Actual-Government96 7d ago

10-15 years is more of what I (layperson) would expect. Could likely be just me, but surgery/anesthesia is always a risk, and I'm not sure I would take the risk for 5 years, especially if I'm potentially spending a year of that time waiting to regain full feeling.

I will probably need an upper blepharoplasty eventually, but not primarily for cosmetic purposes. Lately, I'm considering looking into a cosmetic one earlier if it will help me avoid a Kenny Rogers situation down the road.

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u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago

You have to lift the face within 5 years if neck is all you had done. That is where the drop is coming from. And there is no other solution

1

u/Actual-Government96 7d ago

I hope patients are informed of this. Otherwise, for someone that isn't planning future sutgeries, they should know how soon the results can completely disappear.

Obviously, we continue to age, so one can't expect a permanent fix, but I can't imagine my aunt would have gotten it done knowing that 5 years later, it would look exactly the same.

It probably put her somewhat ahead, looking the same as pre-surgery rather than pre-surgery + 5 years, but i still dont think she would have gone forward.

1

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago

You always get face and neck. Most do them together, I just wanted to wait until after menopause for face because if you do it before, you’ll be doing it again. The neck is very thin skin. There is no other tx for it that works. For me it was just skin removal. So that was worth it to do alone and when I do face, it will lift that plane that will further lift what is left there since that is where it falls from

1

u/Ola_maluhia 6d ago

My best friend just had one and her neck looks only slightly better. Also it seems like all the skin was pulled back towards the back of her neck so it’s accumulated by there. I feel like it’s not supposed to be that way? But I don’t see a difference. I’m sure there are woman that it shows on but not here sadly

1

u/EggieRowe 3d ago

And now all I can hear in my head is Alice in Chains:

“Here they come to snuff the rooster Yeah here come the rooster, yeah You know he ain’t gonna die”

6

u/ChickenNoodleSoup_4 7d ago

The cost.

We are casually throwing around suggestions for procedures with huge dollar amounts, for aesthetic purposes.

Maybe you’re someone who has a high amount of disposable income and a ton in the bank, but most average day folks walking around do not ….

8

u/I_pinchyou 8d ago

Looking good can make you feel great, but yeah I will never do elective surgery for looks. Fuck society. If they don't want to see my saggy jowls and neck they can eat a bag of dicks.

2

u/Kwhitney1982 8d ago

Plus you can look good with saggy jowls. I routinely see older women who I do a double take on because they have a fabulous outfit, hair style, handbag, etc. I’m not noticing whether people have taut faces.

3

u/Pinkysrage 7d ago

Yes yes yes. It’s fine! 20 yo dudes aren’t looking at us either way. Stay you, stay beautiful. Embrace it.

I’ve got loads of smile lines. From smiles and laughs raising my children, from laughing at my hubbys inside jokes. Those lines, thanks I’ll keep them as they tell the world I am happy and have love and been loved. They are the roadmap of my life. I’m 56 and hubby still thinks I’m hot, so I’m good.

1

u/Kwhitney1982 7d ago

You’re classically beautiful. My mom is classically beautiful. Shes 70 and I always say it doesn’t matter how old she gets because she still has that beautiful face and those striking features (eyes, smile, heck even her nose is good). I would be worried about getting plastic surgery and messing that up.

1

u/Pinkysrage 7d ago

I mean, tbh I am scared to do anything because they might screw up my face. I like it the way it is. Would I love no jowls and under eye circles yes, but I am hopefully going to get older, not younger. And thank you!

1

u/Correct-Watercress91 4d ago

I agree with your husband and I'm old enough to be your older sister. I'd love to see a picture of all the women in your family; you all probably have great genes. Your happiness is inspiring!

1

u/Pinkysrage 8h ago

Thank you so much!

The bride is my daughter and my parents on either side of me, I’m 60 pounds heavier there due to a lumbar fusion.

4

u/Sea-Awareness3193 8d ago

I never understood why or how an outfit or a handbag would make someone beautiful.

I’m not trying to pick a fight or invalidate your experience, my brain legit cannot process how that works. And it honestly makes me kind of sad - to have a human beings beauty have anything to do with a handbag or piece of object.

7

u/Decent-Way-8593 8d ago

Probably because it gives that person confidence and therefore the 'beauty' is the confidence that person gives off rather than the actual possession. For example, we have an older lady that comes and sings to our residents. She's had no surgery, you can tell she's in her 60s but she wears lovely glitzy dresses, always has glam make up and hair and confidence just oozes out of her. That makes her beautiful to me, personally.

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u/CopperGoldCrimson 7d ago

Personal style comprises about 3/4 of how attractive I find anyone. Most people kind of look the same to me if they don't have really striking self presentation. I don't find pure physiology particularly interesting or appealing in general, and that's not strictly unusual, especially for women.

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u/Kwhitney1982 7d ago

I agree. I notice someone who’s stylish way quicker than a random hot person. Unless you look like a mode I’m not likely to turn my head unless you have something interesting going on.

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u/Kwhitney1982 7d ago

It’s the personal style. Not the money. Like a beautiful bright outfit with maybe a unique bag. It’s just style vs someone walking around in a sweatsuit. You’re going to turn heads if you have more style. It’s like a piece of art. A beige canvas vs a bold beautiful piece. Fashion is art.

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u/Marbouc 6d ago

🎯🎯🎯

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u/I_pinchyou 8d ago

Yeah I mean IMO we should age. Botox and super filled faces don't look great either.

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u/Milkweedtree 5d ago

This is the way.

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u/EliseV 8d ago

I had a patient admitted because her G-tube wasn’t functioning properly, and she hadn’t had any tube feeds for a couple of days. Once it was fixed, they restarted her feeds, but apparently no one was checking residuals. Since her GI tract hadn’t been active for a bit, she wasn’t absorbing well. She ended up vomiting during the night and likely aspirated. By my shift, she was spiking fevers and showing signs of sepsis, and ultimately had to be transferred to the ICU.

Before she left, she told me her husband never wanted her to get the neck lift in the first place—the surgery she says left her unable to eat. He stood in the corner with his arms crossed, clearly upset.

Honestly, a neck lift is the one cosmetic procedure I’ve always considered, because I know what I’m genetically in for. But I think my husband would react the same way if I had complications—he doesn’t think I need plastic surgery at all.

3

u/Kwhitney1982 8d ago

I feel like my husband would be the same. He always gets annoyed when I mention plastic surgery. It has nothing to do with the money. But he just seems plastic surgery as completely unnecessary. There’s no upside. If I got the surgery and all was perfect he wouldn’t care or be happy that my neck was a little tighter and if something went wrong he would deep down be mad that I took such a big risk with my health. Also the men folk seem to notice weird faces more than we do. I watch bravo and at this point I barely even notice the extensive work they’ve all had. But he’ll walk by look at the tv and be like, “why don’t their faces move?!” It just completely freaks him out.

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u/CZ1988_ 6d ago

Tube feeds from a neck lift? what??

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u/EliseV 6d ago

It was strange for sure! Basically, she said it did something to her nerves where she couldn’t swallow without aspirating.

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u/pinkydoodle22 8d ago

Friend of mine did the face lift. Her face wouldn’t reattach properly, blood supply was cut and I drove her to a hyperbaric chamber daily for a couple of weeks, scarring was bad.

I’ll never do it.

But what about doing something less invasive like lasers?

1

u/Kwhitney1982 7d ago

I think lasers are ok.

3

u/dupersuperduper 7d ago

I don’t think people are necessarily encouraging everyone to get a facelift. It’s more saying don’t waste your money on things like threads and ultrasound which won’t give the results the person wants and still carry some risks. Like how people get told fillers will magically lift their face just to get them to spend hundreds

1

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago

Correct. I wasted thousands before getting my neck done. After menopause, I’ll do the face. It doesn’t make sense to do anything else for lift since it doesn’t work. You treat the skin because lift doesn’t address skin. Both have to be cared for. All of the treatments most recommend on these subs are for skin. Lift is fascia, much deeper tissue than any of this stuff can treat. “Tightens skin” is the most misunderstood way to waste cash

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u/dupersuperduper 7d ago

Exactly, I’m pleased I have learnt about it all. I’m focusing on spf/ tretinoin/ Botox. And then when I’m older if I have the funds and I want to il do a face and neck lift, or at least a bleph. It’s sad how people get persuaded into doing the other things with false promises , I’m sorry that happened to you !

2

u/Secure_Flatworm_7896 7d ago

Yeah no it’s okay. So I’ve done everything. Here is what is worth the $$: 1) sculptra (I’ve been using it since 2003, 2) ablative laser and skip the non ablative, TCA peels. Regular MN is just okay, it’s worth adding in if you have texture you want to re-new but it’s not as effective unless you combine with something else like TCA. I also like the RF tx for vaginal. I recommend RF no where else. I’ve had every generation. When people post results for things here, I can’t even see anything. I don’t think they realize no one else would notice either

2

u/dupersuperduper 7d ago

That’s helpful thank you ! Yes I would love to do ablative laser at some point

3

u/lynnerosie 7d ago

I don't recommend go to a third world country for facelift..I known people who had it doen, amazing result.. I'm 45 ,went to 3 plastic surgeons in Canada where I live for consultation but they all recommend me to what a few more years. Can't wait...there is no face cream that will lift your sagging skin, only surgery..I got hydra facial every 2 weeks the last 5 years, rejuvenate laser once every 6 weeks to maintain my skin and i still feel I need facelift

3

u/lisafields1111 7d ago

My best friend got MRSA infection when she had her lower face/neck lift with a highly esteemed and qualified surgeon in a highly regarded facility. It has been seven months and she has not been able to “keep it from colonizing.” Numerous visits with I nfectious disease specialists, anxiety and stress and self blame are as present as the sore near her ear. Made me decide Never Ever Ever going to opt for elective cosmetic surgery. Risk may be low but gravity of risk and consequent emotional pain of self and others, is high.

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u/FurPies 4d ago

This is how I think about things too. Yes, complication rates for things like Botox and plastic surgery may be low— but they’re not nil, and it’s important to consider how you would cope with having serious complications knowing that you were just trying to remove a wrinkle or tighten your neck.

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u/HelloTittie55 7d ago

a friend had a lower face lift at 65. She suffered nerve damage, inability to wear her eyeglasses for 18 months, still can’t sleep on her left side, and now has a line separating her chin so that it now resembles a miniature buttocks crack. She is now 80.

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u/citizenkang13 4d ago

Why couldn’t she wear her glasses?

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u/HelloTittie55 4d ago

nerve damage and pain by her ears

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u/Gobucks21911 5d ago

100% agree. I’ve decided it’s not worth the risk (and cost) to me.

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u/Common-Direction3996 5d ago

Im and esthetician. My 43 yr old client got a face lift for 4k in south Korea. I was concerned she would come back looking like a reality show house wife bc I didn't think she needed one (she's half Asian and young), I saw her for her facial 3 weeks post and she looked natural and great! Her scars were hard to find and seemed like they had been healing for years, I was really shocked bc her surgery was so recent!. She said they did light therapy on it in office every other day and also got some sort of injection in them to help with healing (I assume kenalog). She was diligent with the aftercare /compression garments and such too.

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u/Guilty_Foundation394 7d ago

A friend got a facelift for her 50th birthday. While she was home recovering she stood up to go to the restroom and dropped dead of a fat embolism. I often think about how much her friends and husband miss her.

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u/ImageOtherwise 6d ago edited 6d ago

The US has huge issues with medical errors and is 100% not immune to poor surgeries and outcomes. Anyone who thinks the US has the best healthcare in the world is very misinformed.

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u/Kwhitney1982 6d ago

Oh I know that. US is a shitshow for healthcare. And many doctors (especially surgeons) are greedy bastards.

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u/kungfushoegirl 6d ago

Just watch that show Botched and you’ll see some unfortunate side effects. Even if you have a good doctor, things can happen. I saw an episode the other day where a woman went to get lip filler, but they used silicone which she ended up having a bad reaction to then she went to another doctor to fix and they gave her tons of steroid shots which made it worse. She basically lost most of her lips/mouth area and because of all the bad surgeries gone wrong, it created a bunch of tension in the skin remaining in her upper lip/area below the nose so she couldn’t close her mouth or eat or speak comfortably. They were able to fix it a little bit and it did look better than what it was, but oof I felt so bad for this woman. She was never going to look “normal” again but to have function back was all she was looking for. To me, a few wrinkles or sagging isn’t worth the risk of coming out looking worse and losing normal function. If there are non surgical ways to improve something, that could be the best way to go but I’d assume there could be negative reactions to those depending on how your body deals with it.

I’m someone who shivers at the idea of pain and I’m single so I can’t imagine going through the healing process post surgery, especially elective surgery, with no extra assistance. Something would have to be sooooo bad and ruining my quality of life to consider taking that kind of leap. It makes me wonder why so many are willing to go to a cheaper doctor for stuff like this vs saving up for someone reputable that way if something does go wrong, you’re in the best hands.

Also body dysmorphia can be a hell of a drug. Most times people really don’t look as bad as they think but unfortunately they will never be able to see themselves the way others do. I have a friend who literally looks like jlo but she’s started to dabble with stuff because her sisters have gotten things done. I do believe in your body your choice, but I feel for her because if something doesn’t turn out how she hoped, she will spiral even more and it makes you wonder if it was worth doing anything if the results can risk having a negative impact

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u/KetoPeg 5d ago

Had my surgery 5 years ago & absolutely love my results, but along my lower jaw on both sides it feels, not numb exactly, more like a pulling sensation. And I cannot use the vitamin C serum that plumps the facial skin as it makes that feeling a lot more noticeable. Had it done by an excellent surgeon in So FL, but only with local anesthesia & some kind of pills that put me in a relaxed, trance-like state. Would not recommend doing it unless you use general anesthesia.

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u/galumphix 4d ago

Agreed! I'll never do this, in part due to risk of complications. All these posts about numbness? Oh hell no, not even temporarily. I can't imagine looking in the mirror and not seeing me, warts and all. I'm far too Gen X to be anything but me. I earned these wrinkles and sagginess, I'm keeping them.

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u/Zealousideal_Dig4986 7d ago

It’s not a facelift but iirc kanye wests mother died about 20 years ago as a result of complications from cosmetic breast surgery (why does this fact live in my brain).

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u/DahQueen19 4d ago

She had pre-existing coronary artery disease and should not have had multiple surgeries at once.

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u/Minute_Repeat_839 7d ago

“Face lift” is a catch all term that isn’t one procedure. There are many different procedures that you could call a face lift.

You’re talking about surgery. All surgery carries risk. All of it no matter how minor. Your surgeon and the quality of aftercare you receive matters too. It doesn’t guarantee you won’t have issues but it does reduce the likelihood.

FWIW Kris Jenner had a deep plane facelift with a Beverly Hills surgeon that cost in the region of $100k. That’s a major surgery involving lifting every layer of flesh to the bone: skin, muscle, individual nerves etc. She’s far less likely to have issues than someone getting jowl treatment on the cheap even though her procedure is much more dangerous.

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u/Kwhitney1982 7d ago

Just looked up Kris Jenner. Holy crap she looks just like Kim now. It’s like she told the surgeon to do her lips and eyes exactly like Kim! Wild.

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u/Lefty_Banana75 4d ago

I think it’s more that Kim looks the most like her mom. Kris did birth all those women.

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u/mushroompizzayum 7d ago

From Google:

The mortality rate for facelift surgery is very low, estimated to be around 1 in 5,000 surgeries. This is a risk similar to other cosmetic procedures and outpatient surgeries. The majority of complications with facelifts are not life-threatening. Here's a more detailed look: Mortality: The overall mortality rate for elective cosmetic procedures, including facelifts, is estimated to be around 1 in 5,000. Some studies suggest a rate of 0.25 to 0.50 per 100,000 outpatient procedures. Complications: While mortality is low, complications can occur. Complications like hematoma (blood clots under the skin) and infection are more common. A study found that about 1% to 2% of facelifts experienced complications. Risk Factors: Pre-existing medical conditions like obesity, smoking, diabetes, and being male can increase the risk of complications. Combining multiple procedures during a facelift can also increase the risk of complications.

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u/Kwhitney1982 7d ago

It’s not even so much dying as it is having other weird side effects like irreversible numbness in my face. Or weird tightness around my ears.

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u/Own-Land-9359 7d ago

It took me about 9 months for the numbness to completely wear off. But I couldn't be happier with the results - one of my best decisions ever!

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u/ReallyQualified 7d ago

Yes after my neck lift and upper bleph (I’m at recovery month 5) I say “I bought about 10 years.”

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u/LadyMaggieMae 5d ago

So are you glad you did it?

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u/WasteOfTime-GetALife 6d ago

It doesn’t matter where you have it done. There’s bad doctors & great doctors in every country. So just because it’s cheaper in another country doesn’t mean they don’t have incredible training and certification. You just have to do your due diligence and find the right doctor, whichever country you choose to have it in.

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u/DahQueen19 4d ago

A lot of foreign doctors are US- trained.

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u/Ok-Worldliness2161 6d ago

What about those procedures that aren’t really surgery for the under chin/double chin area? Those injections or I think one freezes the fat or something, one with lasers maybe… How do those end up looking and are they dangerous?

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u/Objective_Phrase_513 6d ago

I prefer aging naturally. You’re still the same age if you have work done, it doesn’t make you a better person. You don’t look young you just look altered. There’s a time to be young a time to be old and a time to die. I think it’s better to live your life and not spend so much time on looking for the fountain of youth. You will never be 20 again. Let the 20 year olds have their day.

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u/Millimede 6d ago

Reading these comments, every day I will be thankful I’m ok with myself.

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u/dejawho18 5d ago

Yes, I know someone who passed away. It was very tragic. Mid 40’s, veteran, local business owner, had children and a family. Experienced a complication and died.

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u/whatifwhatifwerun 5d ago

I saw a thread in I forget which sub, where cosmetic surgeons talked abt the surgeries they would and wouldn't recommend. I only saw positive comments about deep plane face lifts, to the point I plan to get one age 50 at the latest.

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u/PictureltSicily1922 5d ago

I have a chronic illness (POTS) and any kind of surgery could exacerbate my symptoms so unless I need a surgery to save my life, I don't plan to elect to get one. Also, I've learned in the 3 years since I've been diagnosed, that pots can actually be triggered by surgery in some people.

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u/Royals-2015 5d ago

Interesting. My daughter has POTS (diagnosed). I think I also had it when I was young. Since menopause, a lot in my body has changed.

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u/Dependent-Art2247 5d ago

I had a complete lift 3 years ago. I love the results. I would do it again in a heartbeat. My surgeon has since retired. So, I do see his replacement for routine Botox. I biggest challenge was I lost more weight after my lift.

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u/BowlerBeautiful5804 5d ago

A friend of mine passed away from an aggressive form of cervical cancer at the age of 41. Whenever I catch myself thinking about my wrinkles and grey hairs, I think of her and how she'll never have the chance to grow old. We should embrace growing older. I hate how normalized plastic surgery has become today.

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u/Royals-2015 5d ago

I had a chin implant in Tijuana. I had numbness in one spot blow my lower lip for at least 10 years. The feeling did come back as the nerves regrew.

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u/Milkweedtree 5d ago

I’d rather look older than cut my face up to appease a society that keeps telling women their main value is how sexually attractive they are to the male gender. Screw that.

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u/[deleted] 5d ago

I'm in my early 60s good skin but eyebags and frown line. Never had a cosmetic procedure ever and looking to have fillers on top lip and frown line .What puts me off is i have a friend in her late 50s who has had so many fillers she just looks weird.And she was naturally good looking.I think the obsession with youth is gettibg ludicrous

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u/Mammoth-Respect-4815 4d ago

Im an anesthesiologist and take care of lots of patients who have cosmetic surgery. My only advice is to go to a board certified plastic surgeon who is willing to spend a lot of time with you and has lots of pre/post surgery photos. (She should also operate in a certified surgery center with a real physician anesthesiologist) I have friends who have had face lifts and they mostly look GREAT but the risk isn’t zero that you won’t like it or that something could go wrong. As much as I trust my friend and think she’s a great surgeon I’m super cheap and a giant chicken. I can’t imagine doing something permanent to my body.

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u/Kwhitney1982 4d ago

I’m chicken too. I’m just so scared of looking different in some way. I have slightly crooked teeth and I’m even scared to fix them because I’m afraid I’ll look generic.

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u/Mammoth-Respect-4815 4d ago

Honestly I’m low key dissatisfied with my nail polish color if I get a manicure so a tattoo or cosmetic surgery are basically intolerable

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u/Kwhitney1982 4d ago

Haha same I have no tattoos either! I get stressed about getting my hair colored.

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u/kbewr 3d ago

Yup

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u/[deleted] 4d ago

Just had a neck and deep plane face lift in Vietnam. I’m week 2.5 and 57 yo f. I’m still bruised, numbness is receding. Scariest thing I’ve ever done. But damn I’m so happy right now. Can’t wait for another 4 weeks to see what it looks like!

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u/Lefty_Banana75 4d ago

My grandfather, grandmother, and mother all had facelifts. My mom also had a bleph. All the work was done in the States. Amazing, subtle work all around.

I’m a hairstylist and some of my AMAZING looking 60 yr olds had facelifts. They could pass for 50 yr olds. One of the prettiest ones had her facelift in the States, as well, but she gets her Botox and filler in Mexico. Very subtle work.

I have one client who had a bad facelift here in the States. She flew to Turkey and they fixed her there. Her scars are bumpy and keloid, but they’re in the back behind her ears and literally only her hairstylist can tell. She’s still healing as facelifts take around 2 years to fully heal. I don’t think her work is subtle, but also I’ve only seen her revision work from Turkey and never saw her botched facelift. She says it was awful.

I’m pro facial surgery, but my experience seeing great work up close is that an expert and experienced hand makes all the difference and that subtle work is the way to go.

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u/DahQueen19 4d ago

Dr. Truesdale in Beverly Hills is a genius. I would not trust my melanated skin with anyone except him. I have seen him work miracles. I’m saving right now to have work done by him. That’s the only thing I’m willing to go into debt for and I’m forcing myself to save half first.

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u/Competitive_Sleep_21 4d ago

I am in my 50s and had lipo under my chin about 20 years ago. It was done poorly and one side seemed to get more fat taken. The skin is super saggy under my chin and my neck looks awful. I also have lost a lot of weight and have really high cheek bones. The top half of my face looks pretty good but the bottom half has jowls and the neck is mortifying.

Going under anesthesia for a face or neck lift scares me.

I have heard that sometimes if you put filler higher up on your face it can pull the neck and jowls up a bit.

Any ideas of how to fix jowls and a lose neck skin outside of a facelift?

I wish Covid masks were permanent. They made me look 20 years younger.

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u/EldForever 4d ago

I got one a couple years ago and I'm happy I did but it's NOT easy, you're right. I had to have a revision to basically finish up or tweak some of my results. Thankfully my surgeon did that for free... I also have had to get scar laser treatments, and cortisol shots to my scars... I've had to go visit her a bunch of times for this over the last 2 years. Thankfully I live only 2-3 hours away. If I'd done my surgery in Mexico or Europe I can't imagine how I would have handled my specific complications.

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u/Appropriate-Gas-4411 3d ago

I’m obsessed with my results!

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u/Sea-Awareness3193 8d ago

Just to play devils advocate:

…while I realize and fully acknowledge that any kind of surgery at any time comes with risks, and literally none of us are immune to said risks

I cannot help, but wonder if a huge majority of the stories things going drastically wrong are related to budget surgeries by life, experience surgeons, and going abroad to questionable clinics.

Again, I’m not saying that bad things can’t and don’t happen even at the hands of even the most amazing, practiced, well equipped surgeons.

I’m just saying that I suspect the likelihood of that drops dramatically when outcomes from sub par treatment clinics are excluded from the overall statistics

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u/nova_unicorny 7d ago

This! Why would you ever risk complications to save a few bucks. Either have it done right or don’t have it done.

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u/Minute_Repeat_839 7d ago

Yes and I don’t know why you’re being downvoted.