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

[AbraCadabra]

I went for 1 hour+ walk today in pre-midday heat. Just following my nose, I found a quite long walk along a channel that at one stage must have been designated by the town council of this area as a recreational walk, with loads of metal stuff (now dilapidated and rusted) along the channel, and tiles, what seem like Chinese star-signs, let into the side walk for quite some kilometres on either side of the channel walk. At least there are some trees so not all is in the blazing sun...
It was ½ hours walk, seeing only one car right at the start where cars are still allowed, then one scooter, the man on the scooter turning and asking me if I wanted a lift, and also once I said I was walking for health, he asked where I came from. All seemed save enough, though I would NEVER go there after dark! NEVER!
There are no street lights, but it is a jolly nice walk with clean cemented surface, both sides of the channel.
It is not easy to find any area with low traffic to walk here, and the sidewalks are there as some kind of second thought and often quite treacherous to negotiate. All transport is by scooter or car and walking seems sooooo - not the done thing.

Coming back just before midday I was bathed in sweat, it seems to take the better part of AT LEAST two weeks to acclimatise and perspire less.
The locals do NO SEEMS TO SWEAT - at all, not that I have noticed in any case.

Looking from my hotel balcony I see Thai men building what seems a VERY accomplished, large and beautiful looking swimming pool. All done in the heat of the day, though covered by some huge sheets of plastic semi-transparent foil. It would surely kill me just to simply hang-ten under it, never mind doing ANY sort of physical work.

These just some short impressions whilst I try to forget about my chipmunk face, and neck – and constantly existing in some sort of a sweat.
Running the air-con all night through, though set at 25 deg. C --  I'm waking up once or twice during the night to have some drink of water and going for a pee.

The café I sitting in now, typing these lines used to be quite regularly frequented by SRS post-op patients from the next door hospital, when I was here last year.
I have not noticed one single such patient this time, also the private ward up on the 5th floor at PIH seems pretty quiet, and I only saw local folks male and female – a VERY different picture to last year's when during my 3 week stay I met at least 7 – 8 Trans folks there for various surgeries.

So... for better or for worse I feel pretty much 'stealth' right next door to the hospital, and the young guy at the café even enquiring if I was here for the island tour...?!?

Am I passing – like that? Chipmunk looks and all? I do get the usual number of stares when I go shopping for food though. Some go to my boobs, but more to my face – hard to tell what that's all about other than being clocked. Funny thing is, IT DOES NOT MATTER. Why? 'Cause I cannot change a thing about it, see

OK, now I'll go and have to organise a small dinner after having pigged out for lunch earlier on – again!
Axélle

[aibeecee]

First, thanks a lot for writing about your experience regarding surgery in Thailand. I wish you all the best with your ongoing recovery! 

My mother hails from Thailand, in her younger years before she met my father she lived in Bangkok and Phuket region as well. Unlike me (I'm only half Thai), she does not have problems with hot temperatures or sweating. But she hates winter, which I usually have no problem with at all.   

[wendy]

I went for 1 hour+ walk today in pre-midday heat. ....

Am I passing – like that? Chipmunk looks and all? I do get the usual number of stares when I go shopping for food though. Some go to my boobs, but more to my face – hard to tell what that's all about other than being clocked. Funny thing is, IT DOES NOT MATTER. Why? 'Cause I cannot change a thing about it, see

OK, now I'll go and have to organise a small dinner after having pigged out for lunch earlier on – again!
Axélle

Mrs. Hollywood you passed before.  Why would you think you do not pass as a chipmunk?  Girls get facial surgery.  Guys like to look at girl's boobies so that  they will look at your face and boobs.  That is what they do.  No less are you passing you are being checked out. 

Walking is real good to help get blood flowing and recover faster.  I could not walk without my chin garment for three months.  My face swelled almost immediately if I took it off.

Also eating good food also helps in recovery.  It took weeks to get about half an inch opening in my mouth.  I was hungry and ate good food but could not chew.  Are you able to open jaw and chew?  Seems many surgeons create less trauma then fellow in Chicago.  I feel fine but I am still healing at 8 months.  Maybe you will heal faster.  At three months you will look in mirror and say who is hot babe.  Do you not have to do massages three times a day?

Do remember plastic surgery is rather addictive.   Your rich 40 year old South African Danish husband will send you back next year for more surgery.  You are so girly. 

[dejan160]

You will be fine with the anesthesia don't worry about it. Can't they do the forehead and the eyes under local anesthesia?

[wendy]

You will be fine with the anesthesia don't worry about it. Can't they do the forehead and the eyes under local anesthesia?

Doctors can give smaller time for second anesthesia.  I had two weeks between second anesthesia; however, I slept for three months after second.

Forehead and eyes are not local.  Doctor does not want you moving around while they cut forehead and eyes.

[AbraCadabra]

Maybe of interest to note, I had considered BA to with FFS, also forehead lift/contouring and lower blepharoplasty.
Dr Rushapol did not agree to do it all in one, clearly declined that.

Once I had decided to leave forehead etc. he told me now we CAN do BA, which then was what was done.
Looking at 8 hours surgery from 3pm to 11pm gives some idea of the extend of time needed.
Labiaplasty happened along the way and was done by Dr Sanguan during this time. (US$ 1500.00 by the way)

I have hardly issues with opening my jaw... of course I be badly challenges to give good ->-bleeped-<-, he-he. But that is NOT of a major concern right now - if it ever was?
Swelling also is not too big an issue, but cheek and jowl area as well as along underneath jawline is slightly puffy and numb as if under permanent local anaesthetic - the chipmunk 'thing'.
Also area across the trachea where the neck lift was applied feels tight but hardly numb. All skin was pulled to the back of the neck area where I have two 4 finger long cuts in the hairline left and right, where excess skin was taken away.
TUE I will have sutures removed from labiaplasty, FRI facelift check-up.
I was told that there be no suture 'spitting' with the method that Dr Rushapol has used. - We shall see in due time, eh?
Axélle

[wendy]

Maybe of interest to note, I had considered BA to with FFS, also forehead lift/contouring and lower blepharoplasty.
Dr Rushapol did not agree to do it all in one, clearly declined that.

Once I had decided to leave forehead etc. he told me now we CAN do BA, which then was what was done.
Looking at 8 hours surgery from 3pm to 11pm gives some idea of the extend of time needed.
Labiaplasty happened along the way and was done by Dr Sanguan during this time. (US$ 1500.00 by the way)

I have hardly issues with opening my jaw... of course I be badly challenges to give good ->-bleeped-<-, he-he. But that is NOT of a major concern right now - if it ever was?
Swelling also is not too big an issue, but cheek and jowl area as well as along underneath jawline is slightly puffy and numb as if under permanent local anaesthetic - the chipmunk 'thing'.
Also area across the trachea where the neck lift was applied feels tight but hardly numb. All skin was pulled to the back of the neck area where I have two 4 finger long cuts in the hairline left and right, where excess skin was taken away.
TUE I will have sutures removed from labiaplasty, FRI facelift check-up.
I was told that there be no suture 'spitting' with the method that Dr Rushapol has used. - We shall see in due time, eh?
Axélle

I think your 40 year old rich Danish husband will be satisfied with good.  If you get too good you will be collecting on his life insurance policy.

Chin and under chin is still slightly numb at 8 months.  Expect full feeling to return in about one year.  Appears Rushapol creates less trauma than Z.  Insert was done through lower aureola and still hurts.  How did Rushapol do inserts?

Does Sanguan frequently need three procedures?  What is difference in his second procedure from third?  Why did he wait one week to do second from first?  Is third procedure used to make things more pleasurable?

Are you taking low amount of pain meds?

Hope you continue to heal quickly!

[AbraCadabra]

... Danish husband will be satisfied with good ...

The oracle of Atlanta, or was it Atlantis?

Chin and under chin is still slightly numb at 8 months.  Expect full feeling to return in about one year.  Appears Rushapol creates less trauma than Z.

It could well be, - but then I have had none of Dr Z's procedures.
I have to mention though, that I freely and friendly related to him how older and highly experienced plastic surgeons get "God like complex" and not seem to listen to patients, but rather their own inner voices exclusively. Like: "I know best..." - it seemed to reach him, he made big eyes at me.
He promised he would recall what I had told him. We had a pretty long conversation on star-signs, him being Aries with Pieces ascendant, my being Gemini with Aries ascendant and even some more details. I was feeling he had just a little crush on this here old girl, though I'm not fool enough to show

Insert was done through lower aureola and still hurts.  How did Rushapol do inserts?

He explained in great detail why he chooses cohesive silicone (SiliMed) implants and also much favours anatomical shape, given our usually broad chests. Says saline had too many comeback issues and he stopped using those. Due to size and width of anatomical implant he chooses under breast ~2" incisions and he also explains that it heals best in his experience, and that under arm is not really suitable for anatomical implant shape/placement. Aureola option I mentioned also, he did not consider it for his work, being too painful and also had issues with healing he mentioned, as I recall.
I have no issues of 'jumping-jack' breast behaviour when using my pecs and in deed I have no pain using pecs at all after 1 week healing. It seems to confirm his preferences for his BA procedure. They have literally done 1000s by now in PAIC.
Whenever I sit in the PIAC (Phuket International Aesthetic Centre) waiting area there are English, and a lot of Aussie women waiting for BA consultation and having their chests marked up More than 80% is BA work I'm told.

Does Sanguan frequently need three procedures? 

He actually has two procedures. The first is the main one, doing all the surgery, but for placement of the vj-lining which he prefers to do as a second op about 7 - 8 days after main op. In between he puts you under for about 20min only, to replace packing and to verify that no 'leaks' would need attention (cauterizing...) before having the vj-lining sutured into place.
(vj-lining made from one's scrotum skin kept in refrigeration and rendered hair-follicle-free before being inserted).

What is difference in his second procedure from third?  Why did he wait one week to do second from first?  Is third procedure used to make things more pleasurable?

After first and main procedure, the vj packing is placed inside vj-channel with vacuum pack (constant vacuum into collecting vessel ), where rate of bleeding is monitored.
After 3 - 4 days leaking normally stops pretty much, the time when he replaces the packing. The vacuum pack is once again connected for about 3 more days. He decides on final op date also based on leaking of body fluids from vj-channel. Again the final op is pretty short, about 1.5 - 2 hours max. ; when he fits the vj-lining.
This procedure allows 2 weeks full time care in hospital after which he personally removes final vj-packing on your bed side and shows you how to dilate. Dilating is NOT painful by then, I have asked other women also. He hands over a set of #1 - #6 dilators and one can, well I could, go up to #6 after one day dilating; 3 times a day 20 - 30 min.
One woman had asked for #7 dilators I have now asked same and got #8!!!  still awaiting THAT test... I have to wait 7 days after labiaplasty i.e. after removal of sutures.

Are you taking low amount of pain meds?

I am prescribed 4 Codigestic (Paracetamol) / day. I take it really more for added anti-inflammatory as I'm practically pain-free.

Hope you continue to heal quickly!

Thank you...! After reading about Mandy's ordeal, I'm so rattled to read about!!!

Axélle

[wendy]

It could well be, - but then I have had none of Dr Z's procedures.
I have to mention though, that I freely and friendly related to him how older and highly experienced plastic surgeons get "God like complex" and not seem to listen to patients, but rather their own inner voices exclusively. Like: "I know best..." - it seemed to reach him, he made big eyes at me.
He promised he would recall what I had told him. We had a pretty long conversation on star-signs, him being Aries with Pieces ascendant, my being Gemini with Aries ascendant and even some more details. I was feeling he had just a little crush on this here old girl, though I'm not fool enough to show

He explained in great detail why he chooses cohesive silicone (SiliMed) implants and also much favours anatomical shape, given our usually broad chests. Says saline had too many comeback issues and he stopped using those. Due to size and width of anatomical implant he chooses under breast ~2" incisions and he also explains that it heals best in his experience, and that under arm is not really suitable for anatomical implant shape/placement. Aureola option I mentioned also, he did not consider it for his work, being too painful and also had issues with healing he mentioned, as I recall.
I have no issues of 'jumping-jack' breast behaviour when using my pecs and in deed I have no pain using pecs at all after 1 week healing. It seems to confirm his preferences for his BA procedure. They have literally done 1000s by now in PAIC.
Whenever I sit in the PIAC (Phuket International Aesthetic Centre) waiting area there are English, and a lot of Aussie women waiting for BA consultation and having their chests marked up More than 80% is BA work I'm told.
Axélle

I've read that Zodiac has been modified from twelve to thirteen symbols.  That moved me from Pisces to Aquarius.  That probably explains why I swim backwards.

He actually has two procedures. The first is the main one, doing all the surgery, but for placement of the vj-lining which he prefers to do as a second op about 7 - 8 days after main op. In between he puts you under for about 20min only, to replace packing and to verify that no 'leaks' would need attention (cauterizing...) before having the vj-lining sutured into place.
(vj-lining made from one's scrotum skin kept in refrigeration and rendered hair-follicle-free before being inserted).

After first and main procedure, the vj packing is placed inside vj-channel with vacuum pack (constant vacuum into collecting vessel ), where rate of bleeding is monitored.
After 3 - 4 days leaking normally stops pretty much, the time when he replaces the packing. The vacuum pack is once again connected for about 3 more days. He decides on final op date also based on leaking of body fluids from vj-channel. Again the final op is pretty short, about 1.5 - 2 hours max. ; when he fits the vj-lining.
This procedure allows 2 weeks full time care in hospital after which he personally removes final vj-packing on your bed side and shows you how to dilate. Dilating is NOT painful by then, I have asked other women also. He hands over a set of #1 - #6 dilators and one can, well I could, go up to #6 after one day dilating; 3 times a day 20 - 30 min.
One woman had asked for #7 dilators I have now asked same and got #8!!!

What is number 8?  Is that 1.5 inches?

We are now revising your hubby from 40 years old to 35 years old with an attached number 8 that is 5 inches long and he does it three times a day for 30 minutes each.  Maybe you need to be a cougar? 

I think you are planning on having a lot of fun in South Africa!  Glad you seem to be doing well.

[AbraCadabra]

# 8 ... ? = 1 3/4" and 7" long ... but hey, no need to take it all in.

Might just pull the remaining wrinkles out of my face? ... sounds frivolous ... the way some of us keep looking so young? Go figure.

Axélle

[wendy]

# 8 ... ? = 1 3/4" and 7" long ... but hey, no need to take it all in.

Might just pull the remaining wrinkles out of my face? ... sounds frivolous ... the way some of us keep looking so young? Go figure.

Axélle

Mrs. Hollywood I think most anesthesiologists want two weeks between anesthesia.   Probably need at least one week?  What did doctor say?  Do you want to stay a little longer?  Is your health O.K. for more procedures?

Probably need to wait for your 30 year old husband to send you back next year.

Told you plastic surgery is addictive... especially when we are older.... and we get to look younger.  Be careful.

[AbraCadabra]

Oh, didn't I mention that I had enough for now?
NO WAY would I want to wake up yet again and throw up etc. etc.
Also to KNOW that it is addictive is something to bear in mind. If I find a suitor that has a problem with my waist --- and forehead --- and wants me to be more pretty for him... well... maybe LOVE conquers all? Right now? NO THANK YOU 
Hug,
Axélle

[msrobyn-alice]

Thank you for the continuing updates, Axelle, with all the good and the uncomfortable.  I'm in the US now and will be off to Philadelphia on Monday.  It will be interesting to compare and contrast what a U.S. surgeon thinks of my face with the opinions I've gotten from Suporn and Rushapol.


Best from the States!
Robyn

[AbraCadabra]

All righty,
I'm back in SA since yesterday morning and all is quite well. Still puffy but it will get sorted given time.
So for now, that is the present conclusion.

Thanks for all your interest in my well-being,
Axélle

[wendy]

All righty,
I'm back in SA since yesterday morning and all is quite well. Still puffy but it will get sorted given time.
So for now, that is the present conclusion.

Thanks for all your interest in my well-being,
Axélle

Glad you are safely home!

Are you back to taking your morning walks?  Remember sun screen on incision areas.... including breasts! 

Pool swimming is good exercise too!

Keep us posted on your progress!

[AbraCadabra]

Glad you are safely home!

Are you back to taking your morning walks?  Remember sun screen on incision areas.... including breasts! 

Pool swimming is good exercise too!

Keep us posted on your progress!

Yes you are right, I just had that beak-thing for my head and promptly got sunburn on the sides on my face still in Phuket.
It is still winter and cold in SA and for the next month I'm told no exercises by Dr Rushapol; also not massage yet for the next 3 weeks.
Asked about needle rollers he was VERY anti, said it was disproved to work some years back already.

Axélle

[wendy]

Yes you are right, I just had that beak-thing for my head and promptly got sunburn on the sides on my face still in Phuket.
It is still winter and cold in SA and for the next month I'm told no exercises by Dr Rushapol; also not massage yet for the next 3 weeks.
Asked about needle rollers he was VERY anti, said it was disproved to work some years back already.

Axélle

Is no exercise because of private area?  Short walks around your compound are good to get blood flowing and minimize mood swings.  Depression is very common after surgeries and walking helps with mood.

What are needle rollers?  I massaged with my hands and still massage 8 months later.  I recently found a back vibrator is useful under chin.  Maybe a smaller vibrator might work under chin?  My neck is still partially numb.

Are you not wearing a chin strap for face lift?  I wore one for 24 hours a day for first three months.  Only took it off for massages and shower.

Has any of your many local fans said anything about your surgeries?

[dejan160]

I am so glad you made it home safely. I wish you a smooth recovery and we are expecting photos of the new you

[AbraCadabra]

Is no exercise because of private area? 

No, not at all, Dr Rushapol is very concerned about stress to scar tissue, also due to more elevated blood pressure during (strenuous) exercise. Walking is no issue and I have been taking long and sweaty walks already during my stay in Phuket.

Short walks around your compound are good to get blood flowing and minimize mood swings.  Depression is very common after surgeries and walking helps with mood.

I do agree, it takes a while to get this being close to death thing (anaesthetic) and all those drugs out of our system, and a long brisk walk a day is the best I can think of.

What are needle rollers? 

http://www.skinmedix.com/Micro-Needle-RollersA.html?gclid=CPnkyfSB0rECFWJItAodbDcA4w

I massaged with my hands and still massage 8 months later.  I recently found a back vibrator is useful under chin.  Maybe a smaller vibrator might work under chin?  My neck is still partially numb.

The area behind the ears/neck it was mentioned by Dr Rushapol will take the longest to regain full, normal feelings. It is NORMAL... for what reason ever. Massage, also for reasons of  least scaring was not to commence before 3 weeks post-op according to him.

Are you not wearing a chin strap for face lift?  I wore one for 24 hours a day for first three months.  Only took it off for massages and shower.

It seems only of minor importance in his method (drains with vacuum suction for 3 days) I sometimes wear the chin-strap early in the morning when still in bed --- in fact WHEN IT FEELS LIKE IT.
I had asked him about it of course, and he was reasonably dismissive about it all, as in the heat and humidity of Phuket it be almost like some prime torture --- he said he used it early with his FFS cases but then dropped the requirement to: wear as one feels the need...
The same applies to the BA post-op situation. No sutures to remove, hardly visible scars, no need for any pressure bandage, not even a support bra. I'd guess it will of course also depend on the specifics of his patients. I 'only' had 315ml size implants (38B+/C now) which is not really big, yet the best form that he had suggested and it looks and feels good.

Has any of your many local fans said anything about your surgeries?

Well, its early days yet and I have still some 'chipmunk'. I was told "something looked different...?!?" but all in all it be hardly noticeable on a photo/avatar. My very best guess. Yet ... subtle as it is, it looks good to me. I think the minor chin reduction has to do with it. My ex asked me to turn and show full profile to comment. It's not REALLY noticeable, and very subtle to take in from the front view.

Axélle

[AbraCadabra]

I am so glad you made it home safely. I wish you a smooth recovery and we are expecting photos of the new you

My best guess is the 'new me' be more noticeably from a BA point of view --- and THAT might be a bit 'revealing' ?

38B+ is also not exactly stunning, I was 38~A before BA.

I be surprised if much be noticeable in an avatar and - I have no means or idea on how to paste pics into my posts.

Just another dumb blond, eh 
Axélle