FFS/facelift, etc. with Dr. Rushapol PIH (Phuket International Hospital)

[AbraCadabra]

Axélle
Which pain is the worst...? (Maybe to look fugly as a woman? see further down...)
My experience was the first 2 - 3 hours post-op BA was worst. Like a diesel locomotive hit me in the chest full on. This is for sub-muscular implant placement though.
Above muscle (sub-glandular) is not so bad I'm told, but will sag after 3 – 4 years and not look too good, surgeon speak. Mine essentially refuses to still do it, due to too many comebacks and redo requests.
Then the first 20 - 30 min of 3rd SRS op was even worse due to young nurse not finding urethra exit, a room neighbour had no pain AT all from the same op! It was no problem for Dr Sanguan to find it, as he would know of course
I screamed in room like pig to the slaughter with the nurse fumbling about. The urethra is VERY touchy post op.
For me by far the least pain was FFS - remember I have not had lower blepharoplasty and forehead-lift and contouring, so I cannot speak for those ops. Trachea shave and neck lift I'm told is no to little pain really.
I am VERY VERY glad NOT to have done SRS with BA... you need to be VERY strong to do it, in my experience.

Axélle
PS: just now had all plaster/tape removed, and suction tubes coming out with a slurp, and an ouch! Boobs and face. Boobs look fine... swollen not an issue there, or?

Face... "Chinese chipmunk", oh heck at least it seems "normal" - the chipmunk" bit... Chinese eye fold (on the sides) that looks odd and I will have to ask the doc if we need some more work... not that I'd be looking forward to it. I'll keep you post.
Axx

Fortsetzung...
Right now having come out of my plasters etc. I look like a fat and fugly milk maid, with big tits, a red face, add some scars and no makeup to change the very fact of it all. I seem to be adding weight where ever I but my ass these days. Getting loaded up with Antibiotics like a meat bull doesn't help I guess... Funny enough... I almost don't care! Fugly Axélle, a new girl experience?
I looked better by a mile and then some, on my avatar you see.

The flattened chin makes my face look fatter even to boot... add a red-hot blotchy face. And I'm now being checked out second to none, just went shopping for food at the Big-C Thai supermarket, after being taken to the 'cleaners' by the hospital and told my 3 day time was up after having spent 50% more than on SRS last year, which gave me a 2 week stay! Life in the trans-lane... so I just eat some more comfort food, girl style?
Humph,
Axélle

[msrobyn-alice]

Hi Axelle,

And thank you for the continuing reports from the front line  .  You are a real help to all of us, and I just hope this continuing chatter helps distract you from the soreness and pain.

I just received my own FFS estimate from Dr. Rushapol based on a series of photos.  He doesn't call for the works, but it's close --

     -- forehead countouring and life
     -- lower face and neck lift
     -- lower blepharoplasty
     -- open reduction rhinoplasty
     -- chin implant

Altogether that's just under $20,000 USD, which is still a relative bargain as these things go.  Suporn's estimate for essentially the same work was $8,000 higher, although I must admit that the analysis and recommendations from Suporn went on in much greater detail.  I'll be in the US for a month starting next week and have consults with all three of the Philadelphia area GCS/FFS surgeons, so it will be interesting to see what their recommendations are when they have me in 3D splendor.  Of one thing I'm certain:  the prices will be higher.

Hoping you are up and about soon,
Robyn

[eli77]

Wow, Axelle, I just saw this thread. Huge congrats! I hope your recovery goes easy and quick.

I don't think you are really supposed to be pretty right now. I certainly wasn't after my facial surgery. Swollen and shattered more like. But, ya, facial surgery didn't seem all that bad except for the throwing up the first couple nights. I think they like kicking you out of hospital quick just 'cause people don't heal that well in that environment - noisy and horrible lights and smells and bleh. So if you don't absolutely HAVE to be there... I only spent one night in hospital when I had my face done, thankfully.

Take care of yourself, hun. And get well!

[AbraCadabra]

Thanks Sarah and Robyn,
You really made me feel better for reading your feedback.
Sarah, I hear what you say that healing will be better being out of hospital. I will take that to heart; have in anyway come back to the old knowing not to feel like 'victim'. If so short post-op and still on loads of medication one can get sucked into negative mood, and looking into the mirror, seeing Chinese chipmunk looking back at you ... not so much help either. Being on my own... well, there is added time for reflection too; for better or for worse. So I decided to go for better. Your words did help - you been there too, so it makes even more sense.

Robyn,
I think Dr Rushapol is good - BUT he wants us to take the FULL enchilada, I had to do some cost cutting, budgeting, as I decided on BA also and forego forehead contouring/lift and lower blepharoplasty. He agreed to it fine, but as soon as I mentioned small dissatisfaction with newly noticeable eye fold post-op he came back to his original suggestion would have taken care of this... am not in agreement here, as eye fold on each side is still within is operating perimeter/sutures/cut. I hope we can touch up if still present after swelling with local and not more general anaesthetic.
Also, one must bear in mind their 'small print'. They did ECG as always, then anaesthetist decided to send cardiologist to talk to me (assess me). No one explained exactly why, but my ticker was of some concern, obviously, as I had by-pass op 3 years back. He only said I should take again aspirin or better PLAVIX and then left. THAT cost extra TB 1000. For a small-take-it-or-leave-it labiaplasty touch-up, suggested cost (email) Euro 945,00 all of the sudden I was referred to their website cost of US$ 1500.00 and once I had the op = NOTHING IS NEGOTIABLE. They're tough and want to be paid. Period.
In any case, it's no good to plead poverty so best not fall into 'victim-status'. They DO NOT GO FOR IT, not Asian I guess? Make VERY sure what you have done EXACTLY! and what will be charged, so you know up front.
Otherwise you may get some unpleasant surprises like I have had. It is more upsetting if more vulnerable and touchy post op.

Thank you to all of you for the kind words of wisdom and support - it means a LOT in these hours
Very, very light hug,
Axélle

[elle2011]

Hi Axelle,

And thank you for the continuing reports from the front line  .  You are a real help to all of us, and I just hope this continuing chatter helps distract you from the soreness and pain.

I just received my own FFS estimate from Dr. Rushapol based on a series of photos.  He doesn't call for the works, but it's close --

     -- forehead countouring and life
     -- lower face and neck lift
     -- lower blepharoplasty
     -- open reduction rhinoplasty
     -- chin implant

Altogether that's just under $20,000 USD, which is still a relative bargain as these things go.  Suporn's estimate for essentially the same work was $8,000 higher, although I must admit that the analysis and recommendations from Suporn went on in much greater detail.  I'll be in the US for a month starting next week and have consults with all three of the Philadelphia area GCS/FFS surgeons, so it will be interesting to see what their recommendations are when they have me in 3D splendor.  Of one thing I'm certain:  the prices will be higher.

Hoping you are up and about soon,
Robyn

I basically had the same things you are getting with Spiegel for 20k as well, interesting how thai surgeons keep raising their prices

[Jamie D]

I hope you are doing well, Axelle.

[AbraCadabra]

I basically had the same things you are getting with Spiegel for 20k as well, interesting how Thai surgeons keep raising their prices

Well, so they now also want to each drive their fancy 4x4s and enjoy "commensurate life-styles". Patients everywhere seem a commodity to be utilized, and Thailand is catching up too. Sorry if that sounds a tad cynical, but SA had been doing it also the last few years with the privatization of hospitals, and the big time money making of health care providers having just become yet another money spinner but for the one to foot the monthly payments. Quite a difference I perceived from last year September and now in Phuket as well...

Nothing ever seems to stay the same, doesn't it? Not even my face...

Axélle

[dejan160]

Axelle,

I am glad your surgeries went smooth without any serious complications. It is very early to judge the results, as it take months before you can see the final results from the surgery.
And YES the medicine is nothing but a business and it is all about the money. Those doctors want even talk to you if you don't have the money to pay for the consultation. That is why we should keep our communication with the doctors very professional, seeing them as people who were paid by us to do their work. And of course as payers we are in charge of the situation.
On the other hand the doctors like to pretend that they are saviours and they have helped us, which is not true because they are only helping themselves financially. Remember that it will take about 2- 3 weeks before your face starts looking "normal" after the facelift, and about 6 months before you see the final results.

Love you,

Anna

[AbraCadabra]

Axelle,

I am glad your surgeries went smooth without any serious complications. It is very early to judge the results, as it take months before you can see the final results from the surgery.
And YES the medicine is nothing but a business and it is all about the money. Those doctors want even talk to you if you don't have the money to pay for the consultation. That is why we should keep our communication with the doctors very professional, seeing them as people who were paid by us to do their work. And of course as payers we are in charge of the situation.
On the other hand the doctors like to pretend that they are saviours and they have helped us, which is not true because they are only helping themselves financially. Remember that it will take about 2- 3 weeks before your face starts looking "normal" after the facelift, and about 6 months before you see the final results.

Love you,

Anna

Thanks again Anna, it's just so good to read a rational take and sensible reply in the morning when on one's own in a quite hotel room - only interuped by a rooster doing his morning action, and me wondering who's looking back at me from the mirror...
FFS post-op is something to get a grip on... no question.
Very light hug, hi-hi,
Axélle
PS: boobs are now the size of HUGE! (38C)... and this shall pass too, says the Dairy Maid eh?

[AbraCadabra]

First post-op 'inspection' this morning at 9:30am; not expecting much from it really.

Thai people look like porcelain made but very sure are NOT. I experience them pretty hard-headed these days, or call it "non-negotiable" - I do like to negotiate, see?

Axx

[Cindy]

Hi Axelle,

Never mistake a seemingly gentle disposition with not being hard nosed business people. Asian people are some of the hardest negotiators I have come across.

You seem to be coming along well. What's your timetable now?

How are the boobies?

Hugs

Cindy

[AbraCadabra]

Will fly back next Friday, boobs? What boobs? Ah, oh well 38C, no pain just - there now

Hug,
Axélle

[Cindy]

Will fly back next Friday, boobs? What boobs? Ah, oh well 38C, no pain just - there now

Hug,
Axélle

Anything to declare Miss?

Yes these 38 C's, you need to examine them big boy?

[AbraCadabra]

Giggle, giggle, ... I want a VAT return for them please!

"Sir, now may I see the goods please?!"

These girls ARE quite expensive, from SiliMed (SillyMed?) - anatomical cohesive silicone 20646-315HI , yes HI for "High" sweetie, and come with serial numbers, registration stickers, non-flammable?! Wow!? and for each one a separate manual, no less! Now turn on the heat, and say no more.

OK, maybe I'll just write off the VAT after all

Axélle

[msrobyn-alice]

Dear Axelle,

Let's just hope you don't need an import license!  In the US, at least, Internal Revenue has ruled that all transition-related expenses are tax deductible.  That makes up a bit for the sting that most insurance plans still exclude coverage.

Best,
Robyn

[wendy]

Dear Ms. Hollywood,

Wow back to South Africa in one week.   Border patrol will think you are a celebrity.

Have you been able to take small walks?  Remember it takes three months for neck to not be chipmunk in morning.  Do you wear a compression garment and have to do multiple massages each day?  Anti inflammatory drugs help when doctors allow you to take them.

Hope your feeling much better and are happy with results!

[AbraCadabra]

Dear Ms. Hollywood,

Wow back to South Africa in one week.   Border patrol will think you are a celebrity.

Have you been able to take small walks?  Remember it takes three months for neck to not be chipmunk in morning.  Do you wear a compression garment and have to do multiple massages each day?  Anti inflammatory drugs help when doctors allow you to take them.

Hope your feeling much better and are happy with results!

Hi Wendy, Robyn,
I WILL have issues getting back in - I know. I have 'local ID' saying male with old picture, waited over 10 month for new one since. They say I must present my invoices as there is also the different name. Then the up to date German passport. Maybe they'll think I'm new Mata Hari? see: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mata_Hari

I have a compression bandage but it is simply too hot to put on during the day, also I go for small walks every day, but it's still 32 deg C and humidity ~ 80%. Then going into any shopping centre will chill you to the bone - not so good, unless temp. cycling will be good thing for the face?
Still on anti-inflamatory and anti-biotis until MON. More antibiotics to go after that... Will see pussy surgeon on TUE and face surgeon early FRI before my departure.
Wearing sports bra during night to keep things 'in place'. Otherwise just rying to pass time without eating all the time.
Hugs, can work already
Axélle

[dejan160]

So Miss Hollywood,
What is your impression of the surgical results? Are you happy?

[Jamie D]

Axelle is going to be soooo "Hollywood" now, she will have sunglasses on her chest.

[AbraCadabra]

So Miss Hollywood,
What is your impression of the surgical results? Are you happy?

Boobs fine, really fine from the word go. Face is feeling better by the day, having still some chipmunk look and feel though. I did opt out of forehead contouring & lift and lower blepharoplasty you may recall.
The neck and face will be fine as I can see, and I'm not sure at this stage, to go for any more surgery for forehead and eyes. As I said, 8 hours is a long time to be 'under'... and I had that now twice since last Sept.
Labiaplasty ... well I had my first orgasms in my SLEEP still in hospital - and all feels jolly good. Less inner labia material to get all stuck together as happened before, keyword: pussy farts. No more, - so that also was a good decision to have done.
There you go
Axélle