Wednesday, January 13, 2010

Lifestyle Lift Solve All Your Face Problems

Lifestyle Lift problems may come to an end thanks to the cosmetic surgery that has emerged as a quite attractive option for all the people from all walks of life. Medical advancement is making it more and more accessible to every person who is interested in achieving a more positive self image. Regardless of your age or income, feeling confident about the way you look is important. The emphasis on your appearance reaches everywhere, from your dating arena to your workplace.

Medical advancement will allow for much safer cosmetic surgical procedures; faster recovery can also be expected and you will not have to wait for a longer period of time in order to observe the positive changes when it comes to your appearance. There are a growing number of invasive and even non-invasive treatments available. Many minimally invasive treatments may be performed in the outpatient facility, rather than the ordinary hospital setting. The outpatient facilities can lower the cost of entire cosmetic surgery.

The emphasis on such safer, option-laden Lifestyle Lift is attracting more and more people from various walks of life. In the past, such cosmetic surgery has reached the white female elite demographic but the field is experiencing a growing interest when it comes to the minorities that are interested in the latest revolutionary procedures that can change the way they look in a positive manner and without wasting their time and money.

Another new trend in the current cosmetic surgery involves the genuine combination between various treatments. With such a well developed understanding of the beautiful human body, the cosmetic surgery practices are likely to put an end to the Lifestyle Lift problems because the latest procedures are safer and even more convenient. They can also be comprehensive because gone are the past days of lengthy surgical procedures and difficult recovery periods. There are plenty of cosmetic surgeons are enlisting the treatment plans for the Lifestyle Lift problems; they try to develop the necessary plans that can help every patient to prioritize what he would like to change about his present appearance.

Such treatment plans are likely to incorporate some timeframes ranging from months to several years. The emerging trend can impress every person who is interested in regaining his or her self esteem in no time and without having to pay a fortune. Such highly professional treatment plans in cosmetic surgery are likely to open the doors of communication between you and your doctor.

Still, you have to be perfectly aware that making the right decision to undergo such a cosmetic surgery procedure is to be regarded as an intensely personal decision. You must weigh all the possible medical risks and side effects that may come along because such aspects are involved by every cosmetic procedure and they may come against the personal benefits. People tend to consider having the cosmetic surgery if they are really unhappy with some aspect when it comes to their present appearance. But they have to be aware that the cosmetic surgery is a genuine medical procedure and that their decision should not be taken lightly.

Patients are likely to experience a stronger sense of self esteem and self confidence soon after the successful cosmetic surgery procedure. Actually, it is true that the way a person looks on the outside affects the way that he feels on the inside. Increasing the self confidence is the best thing he can do in order to succeed in his life and such cosmetic procedures can do the job because they may lead to more successes in personal and professional life. But it is highly important for you to try and understand that such a cosmetic surgery is not to be regarded as a sort of miracle panacea for fixing your every problem in personal and professional life. Actually, it is a tool that can help you achieve your most important goals.

The Best Choose Quality Surgeon For Your Problems of Lifestyle Lift

Lifestyle Lift can help you deal with your aesthetic problems. You can use the aesthetic surgery because this branch of medicine is focusing on improving the personal appearance by using the surgical and medical techniques. Actually, this cosmetic surgery has become a very popular avenue for the personal enhancement. Cosmetic surgery can be performed for aesthetic reasons while the reconstructive or plastic surgery is more likely to be performed for some medical reasons.

There are plenty of reasons to opt for the cosmetic surgery, varying with each person, some reasons cosmetic and others medical. Most importantly, the patient should be doing it for the correct reasons. To increase the opportunity of a quite satisfying outcome, the patient must first look at his motives for wanting the Lifestyle Lift. Each person has various reasons for wanting to solve the Lifestyle Lift problems; people may be interested to alter their present appearance but having such a cosmetic surgery may not be the best choice for some patients.

The possible dangers should also be taken into account; for instance, the patient should be alert when it comes to the Lifestyle Lift problems. Scaring can occur unless the surgeon has enough experience in this field. You may also worry about the present costs of such cosmetic procedures; due to some recent proliferation of revolutionary techniques and lowering of costs, there are plenty of people who can afford to have such cosmetic surgery. Reckon up all the possible costs and future benefits.

The present lifestyle lift costs of the cosmetic plastic surgery may and do vary quite a bit; they depend on the chosen type and duration of the entire procedure. Costs should be discussed at the time of every consultation. Whether the cosmetic surgery is the right thing for a patient depends on several factors. But the key element when considering such plastic or cosmetic surgery remains to choose the right and experienced surgeon that can take proper care of you.

You should not forget that death from such a cosmetic surgery has been reported in some isolated cases. Cosmetic surgery can be quite satisfying for every patient and even for the surgeon when the entire procedure is performed according to the right principles and in a way that can be regarded as safe, sound, and even realistic. Receiving such a cosmetic surgery can become an ordinary fact in the people’s life. But you have to remember that the aim of the facial cosmetic surgery is the genuine improvement, and not the future perfection.

The Lifestyle Lift involves many choices; the most important one is selecting the surgeon you can trust. Choosing such a fully trained plastic surgeon will ensure a successful procedure that will involve no risks. For instance, you should select a physician who has completed at least 3 years of general surgery residency. Patients who wish to undergo such a cosmetic surgery should realize that the most important decision they will make is their initial choice of surgeon. Patients must not be afraid to ask for the training background of the chosen surgeon. The experience and training of the surgeon is of paramount importance; actually, this is the key factor that will make the difference between a successful and a poorly planned surgery.

Therefore, you must take your time and find the surgeon ho can take proper care of you without overcharging you. Regardless of your reasons for choosing the cosmetic surgery health reasons, accidents, self esteem or vanity) you have to be fully aware of the importance of your initial choice.

You will also have to provide yourself with as much information as you can get in order to make the wisest decision because the cosmetic surgery can change your life in a negative manner unless you choose the right surgeon that can take care of the Lifestyle Lift problems.

Monday, January 11, 2010

Lifestyle Lift Good Review: My Lifestyle Lift Surgery Experience

Lifestyle Lift Cost: 5000$
Pain: Mild
Lifestyle lift satisfaction: Very good
I recommend my Lifestyle lift provider: Sign in or join to view provider name
Why: He takes time to answer your questions and he truly cares. When he saw me for my first post-op visit in the lobby, I can tell already that he was giving me a "doctor's look" looking at my face to see if his handiwork was successful. He took time to answer each question and understood me when I said "you are the doctor but understand where I am coming from," I am worried about this and that (I had a list on my Blackberry) -and he took time to address each question I had.

I had a midface lift five years ago when I was 48 years old. During that time, my plastic surgeon did not advise a full face lift as I did not have problems with my jowls yet. My jowls have been catching up and I wanted a balanced look and more importantly, I wanted to prolong my rejuvenated look.

After watching the LSL infomercial, I called to make an appointment in VA. I wanted to know if they do the threadlift and I was pleased to know that this is not a threadlift; rather, this is an actual "nip and tuck" kind of procedure but only for an hour.

My experience was very pleasant from the receptionists, to the physician's assistant and to the doctor. However, a surgical assistant seemed too unhappy doing her job at such an early hour at this clinic.

In any case, my board certified face/neck plastic surgeon was an amiable young doctor who accommodated my sudden change of schedule as I did it while my spouse travelled out of the country. He earned extra points for that! My surgery was done very recently, middle of January 2009.

The only time I felt discomfort was when I was given the anasthesia shots around my ears. I did not have a neck procedure. The procedure went so fast that I actually wondered if he actually pulled something--in my rather nervous state of mind, I was convinced that he cut me and just stitched me back up again. However, my skin felt very tight when I left the clinic.

The other surgical assistant was very nice and bandaged me up and gave me specific instructions. The pain started hours later while I was resting at home but I managed it with the prescription and I had no other problem. I also took the antibiotic and drank plenty of pineapple juice.

I removed the bandages on the second day because it was tight and was annoying me. I noticed right away that the stitches were fine and I could tell right away that my doctor did a very good job. I had the stitches removed on the 7th day after the procedure. I was told that some sutures behind my ears will go away on their own. I asked about my funny looking ears, looking like they were pinned down and he said that will go back to normal; how about these hard areas of my neck--I said it looks like he left two cotton pads in there, he said that would go away too, and the hardness, numbness, and swelling - that will go away too.

Now, I had to tell him that I did my own research and although I could intellectualize the process would he mind telling me exactly what he did to me because I told him, that I am not convinced he did anything because it was so fast and I told him that had I asked just before the procedure, I was afraid I would get too spooked and leave so I said, now after the fact, I want to know what he did and he explained that he realigned the tissue underneath and as he pulled, skin pulled as well and then he cut the skin and stitched back.

Prior to my procedure, I actually saw an Internet animation of how a lower face lift (which, LSL is) is done on a website for plastic surgery so I have a very clear idea of what should have taken place, only that this was a quick procedure, compared to my first procedure which took hours and I had to be off work for 6 weeks. but I still wanted to know if my doctor did what I saw on the Internet .

Going back to the LSL, I recuperated at home for a week and I went back to work the morning after my stitches were taken out (7th day post op). I let my hair down and I had still a noticeable swelling but I was not uncomfortable at all. I feel some pain sometimes, much like the time he gave me the shots for the anasthesia but I can live with it. I am still swollen but the swelling on each side of my neck is gone, my ears look more natural and my scars are not visible. My doctor advised me to buy Vitamin E or use Mederma. I opted for the vitamin E, which I snip and I apply the oil directly on my scar. I have used the same routine when I had my midface lift 5 years ago. I drink a lot of water with a squeeze of lime juice.

Is there a marked difference that I can see? Thankfully, I did not get that "What did you do, you look awesome or different or anything comments?" And the reason is I did not have a dramatic problem. I went for "maintenance" and my results are very subtle. However, when my husband returned from his trip--I had to of course avoid his touching my face because I was worried he would be able to tell--he commented that I looked pretty, looking at my face. That horrified me! WHY? Because I do not want him to think about what I have done if any, or is his being away the result of such "serenity" on my part? Now, maybe you have already noticed, I have a great sense of humor and this has helped me deal with the little glitches that come my way.

I know that I am still waiting for the swelling to die down completely and everyday I look forward to seeing a little change leading to my final results. As in the past, it does not happen over two weeks. Final results vary and in my case, I always give it six months. The results may not be too obvious but your photos will not lie and I have been taking my own to see what I looked like before the surgery. I think I have just extended the life of my rejuvenated look!

Pros: downtime is very minimal (1 week compared to my 6 weeks for general anasthesia midface lift previously); you can lie about it and no one can tell, it is much cheaper than the mid/f lift, which cost me $15K; you can drive yourself!

Cons: None, so long as you have reasonable expectations, go to a board certified plastic surgeon, do your own research about the doctor and the procedure--use the Internet, google him/her, etc.; do what the doctor tells you to do, and be patient about your results.

Do not get this procedure done if you cannot give up smoking, alcohol, etc, or you hear voices in your head --it will not cure these bad habits and problems. Do this for yourself, not for anyone. When you go for your consultation, ask questions or at least ask them during your post-op if you are too scared to ask during the consult. Keep smiling.

Lifestyle Lift Bad Review: Lifestyle it is Nightmare Dream in my Life!

I had my procedure done August, 2007. I, too, had made the initial appointment for the consultation. I made it to happen during my lunch hour. When I got to the lobby, there were too many people in the room - there weren't enough chairs. I was upset and called back to re-schedule. I believe the consultation was in April - I put money down for a good faith deposit. They took my 'before'pictures' and made me look down to exagerate the skin on my neck. The surgery wasn't scheduled for several months.

When I came in for the lifestyle lift surgery, it was scheduled for 11:00am approx. They gave me the medication to go into a light sleep - said it would take about 5-10 minutes to take effect. I went into a twilight sleep and woke an hour later to find I had been in the room, by myself, and no surgery. Now fully awake, I went into the hallway and asked if I had been forgotten. There was then confusion as to what they would give me because the medicine had already been administered and I was wide awake. They gave me something else but I was awake for the whole procedure.

The doctor was running late from his last procedure. I was in the mortgage industry working as a Sr. Underwriter. We were talking about the market and he asked what my opinion was as he had a rental property in Philedalphia. I told him the market was not looking good. He seemed a little anxious but finished the procedure which came out OK on the left side of my face - the right side which included the liposuction on my neck was not so great. Under the right side of my jaw line, there was some fatty tissue that should have been removed like the left side.

I went home and followed their instructions to ice the area down and stay quiet for a while. I had a follow up appt in two days and the nurse(?) told me not to worry and that the skin was healing. I had a follow up appt from that one where the stitches were removed and the 'after' pictures were taken - this time with me looking upwards to eliminate any sagging.
Iwas still experiencing swelling and asked about that. I was told that sometimes it takes a year for everything to go into proper place.

In late August, 2008, I called the 800# on the website and the fellow I spoke with sent an email to the office where I had the procedure done. I told him that the scarring by my right ear seemed to be growing and it almost looked like another ear growing behind the one I already have. I also explained that I was still experiencing discomfort - the site itches, is hard to lay on and I am aware of it 24/7. He assured me that someone would call me back. No one ever did.

I later sent an email myself directly to the office where I had the procedure done. No one called me back. I called the office where I had it done and left a message for the manager. She never called me back. I sent another email to them yesterday and said this was urgent. I am looking for work and the first thing an interviewer looks at is the scar sticking out of the side of my face.

They never followed up with me after the stitches were out. Never sent the after photos - nothing. They got my money, spent an hour disfiguring me and I was on my own.

I would like to contact an attorney so if any of you are already working on this, please email me.

Lifestyle Lift Bad Review: Atlanta lifestyle lift did a procedure without discussing it with me and destroyed my face.

Pain: Severe
Lifestyle lift satisfaction: Poor
I do not recommend my Lifestyle lift provider.
Why: HE DID A COMPLETELY DIFFERENT PROCEDURE AND THEN CALLED ME A NAME WHEN I CAME TO HIS OFFICE CRYING ABOUT MY "CARTOON FACE SMILE". I AM TOLD IT MAY NOT BE ABLE TO BE FIXED. HE DOESN'T SEEM TO FEEL BAD AT ALL OR ANYONE IN THEIR OFFICE. THEY ARE PROGRAMED TO TELL YOU "JUST SPOKE WITH YOUR DOCTOR, HE SAYS THE SURGERY WAS A SUCCESS!"

I had the same Lifestyle lift procedure done 7 years ago and 7 days downtime. i am approaching 7 weeks and scars, knots size of my thumb under skin and sagging eye lids and hollow cheeks! why did they do this to me???

I have already spoken to 2 doctors that claim they cannot get my face to look the way it did. i only wanted to tighten the skin and undereye surgery. it is approaching 7 weeks and the corporate office called me and stated my procedure was a success. she doesn't have to walk around looking like a cartoon character!!!

I have taken pictures weekly of my procedure and it doesn't get better. it is wrong to tell clients one thing and do another on the face. my lift was done by {doctor information appears above the review - you must be signed in to view}. he was very angry and hateful when i stated i was unsatisfied. he called me a name and told me to get out of his office. one staff member has been most kind in their office but i think her hands are tied. when you do the surgery there, they refuse to refund so you can have reconstruction.

I was happy with my face. they are treating me horrible because i have complained. i was called unstable because i asked him why he did this procedure without first discussing it with me. i had already written him a thank you letter on the 2nd day and then i found myself using q tips to hold in the eye area. worst of all, they claim it is a success. we can only place our pictures on the web if they refuse to correct these procedures with another doctor.

Sunday, January 10, 2010

Lifestyle Lift Review: Cinderella for 2 months, then back to the pumpkin

Thanks for hearing my story: I've not been able to air my disappointments because I cannot hurt my husband after the hard-earned money we put into my selfish dream did not pan out (although I'm certain he has noticed but is too kind to mention). Just like all of you reading this, I used to look in the mirror and lift my sagging jowls and neck up and think how wonderful it would be to wave the magic wand, and... along comes LifeStyle...sign me up!

First visit: posh waiting area and consulting room, tentative PRE-op staff, I felt totally pampered. I was assured that my good skin made me a great candidate for a successful and long-lasting fix.

Day of surgery: once past the front room (and charge card signing) the story changed. Dirty floors, stacks of red plastic bags marked "human biotoxic waste"(yuck, FAT!!) in plain view piled high in corners, yawning unpersonable staff. The young surgeon was the exception, both personable and exuding confidence. Little did I know I'd never see him again. Next visits I was roughly treated by newly graduated med assistants yanking out stitches and "evacuating" fluids with a big syringe.

No more details to report, but the sad sum of it all: IT DIDN'T LAST. I looked great for two months, then the skin suddenly slackened and jowls and neck look pretty much like pre-op. I'm sure by the 7-month mark there will be no signs of my 2 months of glory. Moral of the story: save your money for a real facelift and do not allow yourself to be sold out to a quick-fix, impersonal, assembly-line procedure like this. Very Good Lifestyle Lift Cost!

Lifestyle Lifts Review: Look at my lifestyle lift nightmare! unhappy with scars and results

I went with a friend for the consult. The mrg walked in the room and introduced herself as a Lifestyle Lift Professional Medical Consultant. She told me that she needed us to watch a film about LSL. Which we did, and were impressed at the credentials they claimed.

The mgr came in the room after the film and ask me to stand before a mirror. She proceeded to stand behind me and take my face and pull it back while we both looked in the mirror. She stated that this is what you will look like after procedure. She also stated that depending on what I have done they can take, 10 and up to 20 years off patients faces with this minimal invasive procedure. The mgr reminded me that they have a 95% success rate, and that this is done under local anesthesia, so I would not be put under. This was a plus to me as from having a medical background I am aware of the danger of general anesthesia.

I ask about pain, and was told most people don't even have pain and sleep during procedure. I ask about scars and she told me they would be hidden and minimal. I was told that if I signed up today I would save $1200. I paid almost half down that day and paid rest in full at day of procedure in cash. I was also that day taken into a plush waiting room offered cookies, juice, coffee, etc. This will make a point later on to readers.

The day of the procedure I was taken to the back room and given a 10mg valium. Later as they were waiting for the valium to take effect a woman came in the room and ask me to sign a consent form. I have no idea what I signed. Then the Dr. came in the room. I had not met this Dr. before the day of surgery. The mgr came in the room and said I am going to hold your hand. I was told this was like being at the dentist. I was also told that it will be quick like 45 minutes to an hour. I was also told Dr. C is quick so it may not take that long.

Then Dr. began to inject my face starting with chin with extremely painful injections -- there were so many I lost count. The shots were horrible. I was told at this point that this was the worst part. I began to shake and the valium was not effective at all.

Dr. C then cut under my chin. I thought "Hey nobody told me about this!" Then he stuck a metal rod in my chin, I wanted to scream as this rod ran against my jaw bone and down the front of my neck. I yelled I feel this! Dr. C said you are doing well and that he has had to stop surgeries before because some people pass out. He then injected my face with more needles. I felt a warm wetness between my breast and realized later that it was my blood that was going down my blouse, even with the drape they had on me. My thought at this point was my God! What are they doing! This is not going to be a one hour lunch time procedure and not minor at all!

The Dr. told me to be still as he turned my head and begin to cut into my face. Blood filled my ears I couldn't hear on that side, they kept using something to clean my ears, but as soon as they did the blood would fill my ear up again. The smell was horrifying! It was the smell of my flesh and hair burning. I still get sick to my stomach when I think about it. I wanted to run! scream! something! The Dr. gave me no comfort, he began to state how in his private office he gives what is called a twilight sleep.

At the end of the procedure I was weak and shaking uncontrollably, the MA or whatever she was kept asking me if I was ok. No! I was not ok, I was sick, I was terrified, I felt like I was going to faint. The girl gave a juice drink after my face was wrapped, and a RX of Vicoden ES 1-2 tablets every 4-6 hours, and a RX for ambien to help me sleep. Then I was quickly wisked out the back door.

Later that evening the medication wore off and I was in horrible pain. I have had 3 major back surgeries two C-sections and a shoulder surgery in my past and this was incredible. My face bleed through the bandages and covered my pillow with blood. I sat up in the bed and rocked back and forth thinking my God I should be in the hospital or something! "This can't be right."

Needless to say I called the office with no return calls the next day. It was if I had dropped off the planet earth once they got my money. Before I had the surgery they called constantly, now I couldn't even get a call back. I insisted to talk to someone. When I did I was told this is normal.

I went back to have my stitches removed and was told everything was fine, even though I had these knots all over my jowl and neck area with swelling, and oozing stiches. (I was never told about any knots or oozing before I decided to have this procedure.) Nor did I see a Dr. that day. I ask the tech are you sure these stitches can come out, she said yes they have to or you will scar. She then told me to message my neck and the lumps would go away and to start using a scar cream. She gave me a mirror and my husband was with me when the sutures were removed and she said how do you like it. I didn't have time to answer when my husband interrupted and said she was beautiful before and what have you done to my wife!

My husband was in such disbelief day one of surgery when I came home he took a picture. The next day when bandages came off he gasp and said "My God what have they done to my wife!" He was mortified. I assured him it will get better. (Hey they promised me it would) I heard him from my bed on the phone with his mother and others saying they butchered her. (Some things in life you never want to hear and that was one of them.)

It didn't get better only worse. I have been called Frankenhead, scarface, etc. I don't go out unless I have to. I don't go to my husbands work functions or social places anymore. I am ashamed. I have an infection that at this point no one knows what is causing it, and am told I will probably end up in hospital on IV therapy. Antibiotics start to lessen the swelling then full force it comes back. Last time I saw Dr. C 7/09 I said fix this, he said I can't I don't even know what this infection is.

Note: My last visit was almost 4 months post op. There were many people in the office waiting for the procedure. They would not let me in the waiting room. They quickly wisked me into another room. Then quickly out the back door after seeing Dr and office Mgr.

The Mgr said oh it is not that bad. My reply was, well if it is not that bad let me go in the waiting room and show my face and see how many people out there decide to stay. She said no not all people heal the same, and you are the only one with a complaint. I reminded her that I have had surgeries before and pulled my pants down in the back area surgical site and showed her my back scar which you can barely see. Then I said next excuse.

I wish I had went to that waiting room, I wish I could have saved all those innocent people from the lies. I requested my pictures ASAP or I was going to come & sit in their waiting room until I got them. They sent my pictures, all dark and hard to see and I am still waiting on my medical records!

I plan to pursue this with all my heart, soul, and mind. I want to join with others who have went through this living hell, as they must be stopped. Realself, thank you for being here and allowing us to be able to warn other women of what can happen to you if you choose this procedure. God Bless.

Bad reviews about Lifestyle Lift: evidently i am one of the lucky ones

I had my Lifestyle Lift along with upper & lower eyes and the additional neck tightening procedure done February 9, 2009. So I am writing this about six weeks after everything was done.

Immediately following the procedure I experience swelling and bruising, which is fairly normal. The pain I experienced however was awful! The pain meds I was given hardly made a difference. I am no baby either. I had this Lifestyle Lift procedure done because ten years ago I had gastric by-pass surgery to lose weight so I could have a hip replacement done. I lost 186 pounds, and had the replacement done! I am familiar with surgical pain. My main reason for having this procedure was the removal of the "turkey waddle" I had hanging from beneath my chin because of the massive weight loss from my gastric by-pass. The eyes and mid face lift to me where just "vanity add-ons" but I wanted it all so that I looked younger and felt better about myself. The weight loss left me looking so much older I had self image problems!

To the point. The surgical procedure to me was a nightmare and extremely traumatic. I was constantly being administered more of the local anesthesia because I was not staying numb. But the WORST for me was that I could see and hear everything! It was traumatic. Hearing the muscle being sliced, seeing the tools, hearing the doctors and the assistants, hearing the liposuction sucking the fat from the jowls, feeling the jabbing pressure. NOT GOOD!

Following the procedure I spent the night in a hotel because I had driven 2 hours to the city where the closest clinic was located. No sleep - much pain. Follow-up with the doctor the following day was short, short, short! She changed the bandaging and told me to return in two weeks, if I could. Well of course I could!!! Who, in their right mind wouldn't????

At home I faithfully followed the post-op instruction sheet. My partner helped me and if anything we went overboard on keeping the incisions cleaned and covered. I kept the neck wrap on 24 hours a day for the first three (not just the two weeks recommended) and then slept in the wrap for the remainder of five weeks after the procedure. I took the round of Z-pack (Zithromax) that I was prescribed. However the pain - Oh goodness! NOT GOOD AT ALL! My ears hurt so badly I couldn't get comfy - I slept in a recliner for three straight weeks. There was a place on my right temple that at times I would experience such a sharp stabbing pain that I thought something had struck me. The wrap around my face and under my chin went over my oh so painful ears but I did it anyway and took pain meds so I could. I knew that the skin had to re-attach itself to the underlying muscles and tissue. I wasn't going to risk having that awful turkey waddle back in any way!

The Zithromax didn't keep the infection away and I knew enough to call the Lifestyle Lift clinic and tell them immediately. They gave me more pain meds (stronger) and another round of antibiotic (not a Z-pack) to take for another ten days. Still, I had the lower edge of the incision in front of my left ear open up. I kept it very clean and covered. I emailed a picture of the wound to the clinic manager and she gave it to my surgeon. I did receive a reply via a phone call from the clinic telling me to continue with what I was doing and stating that my smoking had most likely caused this. (Funny but all my other incisions were healing quite nicely - how come my light smoking effected only this ONE spot????)

At my next follow up, the Dr. blew into the room, looked at the wound, stated that she could not stitch it closed because the tissue was too fragile. She said to continue what I was doing, she also hypothesized that the stabbing pain I was experiencing was a migraine (?) that my hair looked great (?) and the assistant would remove my stitches. She then blew-out of the room, never to return. The scared silly young lady who tried to remove all my stitches was inexperienced and ill trained, bless her heart. She missed a number of stitches and was shaky, worrying that she was hurting me...I was (and still am) without feeling in the areas she was working so she couldn't hurt me.

When I finished my second round of antibiotics, I still felt that there was infection so I made an appointment with my family physician. My wonderful family doctor immediately prescribed another Z-pack and told me to continue with the pain meds, and the topical antibiotic crème.

I had another appointment with the Lifestyle Lift Dr in two weeks (my six week follow-up) Between the time I saw my family doctor and returning to Lifestyle Lift my daughter, who is a nursing student came to visit. One look at the wound in front of my ear and she asked "why in the world I was keeping it covered all the time?" She went on to say that the healing process requires air to dry the wound allowing it to scab over and heal from the inside out. By keeping it covered all the time I was creating a warm, moist environment for bacteria to grow."

Well, thinking back I knew that was true because of my own first aid training, however I found it strange that at NO TIME did the Lifestyle Lift Dr. tell me to uncover the wound for even a little time much less even mention uncovering the spot at all. When I did uncover it, the scabbing occurred and by the time I went back to Lifestyle Lift the Dr. wiggled the skin around the area and said that yes it was closed and healing (she knocked off the scab) and that it might scar. I asked her what she would do about that because I did not pay $8500 for a scarred hole in front of my ear or the still loose skin under my chin (not a waddle but, not smooth either!) Dr. W said that she could remove the scar if after six months it was still bad enough to bother me and that some neck - firming crème might help tighten up the crepe-like skin under my chin. (Hey, if that had worked I wouldn't have paid thousands of dollars for surgery!!!) But she didn't give me any names of neck firming topical nor did she write any prescriptions. She did mention that I might look into a Dr who did laser firming in my hometown (more $$$ out of my pocket!!)

After sitting for over an hour in the separate waiting room for post-surgical people and talking to five others who had used the same Dr. I must admit that only one other man (of Latino descent) and myself (Caucasian) looked decent. One woman's ears had a quarter of an inch height difference and a big fold in one ear lobe that she stated wasn't there prior to the surgery. Her face and the face of another African-American lady looked as though they were pre-surgical NOT post-surgical! Both were really angry and upset! In my opinion they had every right to be upset. The other lady in the waiting room had awful scarring around the ears, jowls that were still prominent, and many large, deep wrinkles around the mouth (smile lines) - it was bad!

If I had known about this web-sight, had thought about the difference in local and general anesthesia (hearing and seeing everything) I certainly would have spent the extra money, gone to a board certified plastic surgeon and had this done in a hospital setting under general anesthesia. Also, I caught an interview on television with the "inventor" and founder of Lifestyle Lift . He stated that the optimal age for someone to have this procedure is in their late 40's early 50's - At NO time was this fact mentioned to any of the people in the waiting room that I spoke with nor was I told this.

Even though my resuults are FAR better than those I encountered in the post-op waiting room or have seen on this web-site I still am not 100% happy and I would NEVER encourage anyone else to undergo this procedure with this company!