I have my FFS Surgery at PAI in two weeks: any tips girls?

[R R H]

The time for my FFS is fast approaching. I fly to Bangkok a week on Monday with surgery scheduled a fortnight Friday with Dr Sutin from the Preecha Aesthetic Institute (PAI) performing at Piyvate Hospital.

I was wondering if people have any tips for me? I'm thinking before and particularly after surgery? Any creams etc? Do ice packs work? How active can you be? And a million other questions!

The procedures I'm having are:

1. Hair advance and full brow lift with orbital rim shave

2. Tipplasty and alarplasty

3. Full face lift

I may also ask in my pre-op consultation if Dr Sutin can put in a small upper lip lift which I believe is a very simple procedure.

Any thoughts gratefully received. Thank you xx

[Drexy/Drex]

I can't  offer any advise  but good luck i go to thailand often  so  i look forward to  hearing of your progress ☺

[Sophia Sage]

I thought this was today, not in two weeks -- my mistake! 

First of all, when it comes to aftercare, follow your surgeon's instructions -- and you might want to check in ahead of time with him as what those instructions will be, so you can have everything prepared. I was given compression garments and icepacks for my head, but I had the full gamut of bone work done; Dr Sutin might have you on a different regimen. He might recommend particular products and mini-massages to minimize your scars, for example. And definitely follow his instructions as far as when to get up and about, and how much to push yourself (or not, as the case may be).

With the scalp advancement, be prepared for numbness on the top of your head, from the crown to the forehead incision.  It feels a bit weird, but it's not unpleasant.  It takes months for sensation to return. 

The brow work may lead to swelling in your eyelids, which can start a couple days after surgery and last for a couple days.  Again, this is normal -- fluid builds up in the forehead, and slowly drains down thanks to gravity. 

Your nose work (good idea doing a lip lift at the same time, I think, the usual minimum is 3MM) may leave you congested for several days.  So you might find you're breathing a lot through your mouth.  Make sure you've got good lip balm or Vaseline to keep your lips from drying out. 

Other than that, the usual "make sure you're not bored in the hospital" stuff -- bring your laptop, books, movies, etc. And definitely bring your makeup -- there will be bruising, so concealer will be your friend when you want to get up and about.

Wishing you the very best!
Sophie

[R R H]

Fabulous Sophia: thank you so much. I've just started a list with your suggestions

I think I've probably been shutting it out (despite transferring the money to PAI) because I know it's going to be putting my body through the ringer. Now I need to get active. Good point re. asking Dr Sutin too in advance before I fly: I will do that shortly.

I've been getting fit, running every day. That running will be out of the question for quite a time but I'm hoping to be able to hop onto the hotel exercise bike just to keep everything ticking over. That's partly for fitness and partly to prevent DVT. Hopefully he will let me

[AnonyMs]

Please make sure you have Internet access so you can keep us all up to date!

I can't imagine being stuck in hospital without Internet.

[2cherry]

Hi Rachel,

I think you look already great in your picture. They said that about me too, but they don't see the problem areas that others can see. I think you will look good. Your choice for procedures are excellent. Type III forehead was not required? only orbital rim shave? (which I also had, and has an amazing flat result). I had no swelling around the eyes from it.


Icepacks... didn't do much for me. They put a huge one on top of my head, and when I woke up I felt freezing cold. I asked them to remove it, and I felt good again. After that I used it only couple of times, but not much. Didn't like the cold. (water) Ice cream however, was a lifesaver. But maybe because they worked my mouth.

Yes, be careful with exercise after surgery. Best to walk around. Also a few weeks before surgery, don't strain your body too much and don't deplete it. Walking will be best.  Recovery will feel for your body like are running half a marathon. It doesn't know the difference. So instead of healing muscle by too much exercise, let it focus on your face with all the assets it can muster.

What else... tissues! lot's of tissues... q-tips, toilet paper, clean fresh (sterile) water. Flashlight, pocket mirror. Pocket radio... I didn't like staring at screens the first day. Could only open my eyes for 20 seconds max. Headphones were annoying, wireless radio/speaker was good. Maybe some sudo cream? I used it when the antibiotics made me run to the toilet fairly often. Sudo cream on the bum, will prevent a host of annoyance. (which I learned through SRS).

And yes, get the Vaseline for the lips/stitches.

[R R H]

Oh fabulous tips 2Cherry. Thank you so much. I've just extended my list with all of those.

No, funny thing is that I had 4 independent consultations with, I guess, some of the most world-renowned FFS surgeons and they all said the same thing: no type III forehead required. I guess that's one thing I'm very lucky over though I bet those who have it like yourself do look absolutely amazing afterwards. It's a bit of a toss-up actually about my orbital rim shaving. Dr Sutin said it's 50:50 whether I want or need it, which ties in with the others. I 'think' I will but the final decision on that can be in my consultation two days before. On balance I'm probably going to because if they're going to peel back my forehead I may as well get it done once and for all 

The other big decision really was about the nose. I've opted for tipplaty and alarplasty but could have had (and still could) full rhinoplasty. That's one of the hardest decisions.

The other thing I'm doing which is being a real wuss in some ways, especially compared to you, is that after the night in hospital I'm having a nurse with me for the first five nights.

Thank you so much for your tips which are absolutely invaluable.

AnonyMs, yes absolutely re. the laptop. I will do!

Slightly scared of this one!!!!

xxx

[2cherry]

If you can do the nose, and need it, (or hump), I certainly would do it. The rhino is something I don't really like to re-experience again. No pain, just so much annoyance. 

[R R H]

My inclination is not to have the full rhino. My nose is straight just a bit wide at the bottom and I'd like an upturn. I've read some good reports on alarplasty and tipplasty which is a lot less invasive so at the moment, unless he urges otherwise, that's what I will stick with I think. 60: 40

That's a really good point about not straining the body in advance. I had a huge sleep last night which I needed. I'll keep the runs fairly scaled back, as if I was tapering for a marathon.

[Sophia Sage]

What else... tissues! lot's of tissues... q-tips, toilet paper, clean fresh (sterile) water. Flashlight, pocket mirror. Pocket radio... I didn't like staring at screens the first day. Could only open my eyes for 20 seconds max. Headphones were annoying, wireless radio/speaker was good.

Oh right, yeah, I couldn't look at my laptop screen for the first couple of days without getting a searing headache.  I forgot about that. 

[Sophia Sage]

Looking at your pics, Rachel, I think you've got the right battery of procedures lined up, btw.  And actually, I think a straight nose looks more natural on longer faces, so unless you've got a deviated septum I'd be inclined to avoid the full rhinoplasty as well. 

Also, thinking about my own experience, depending on your pain tolerance and how you respond to anesthesia, maybe have some anti-anxiety meds on hand?  I was prescribed Xanax and it really helped keep me calm for the first few rough days once I was off the morphine. 

[R R H]

That's a great idea. Thank you Sophia. I'm seeing my GP before I go so will ask his advice for the prescription.

Sweet comments too: thank you.

x

[Debra]

Good luck to you! That's great you wont need Type III done....and full rhino is pretty tough too. (having gone thru both myself ~ 2 weeks ago).

I second the q-tips thing. I feel like I've stuck more q-tips up my nose over the last 2 weeks than well I ever have I guess cuz I'd never really stuck q-tips up there before this haha.

1 week post-op or so I was walking around with a hairline scar so I ended up getting some fairly loose hair bands to cover it and I've purchased some beanies that should arrive when I get home as well. I'm gonna be looking like a hipster for a while I think haha.

Definitely keep us appraised of how you're recovering and all that =)

[I Am Jess]

Arnica Montana and Bromelain or Arnika Forte (which is both in one pill).
Take a couple days before surgery and for 5 days post surgery.  They help reduce swelling and bruising.     

[Debra]

Yes Bromelane! It's naturally found in pineapple. They say a cup a day can help with swelling.

Also my ND got me to get something called "First Intentions" which also has bromelain in it. I of course cleared it with my surgeon though too.

[R R H]

Brilliant! Thank you. I will definitely buy some Bromelane. I use Witch Hazel on my electrolysis burns which works well but that might be a bit gloopy for FFS?

xx

[EmilyMK03]

Arnica Montana and Bromelain or Arnika Forte (which is both in one pill).
Take a couple days before surgery and for 5 days post surgery.  They help reduce swelling and bruising.   

Do NOT take Arnica Montana unless you've tried it already and know that it works for you.  For some people, it acts as a poison and you'll experience severe stomach pain and skin rashes.  I took it after a laser skin resurfacing session because I was told that it would help reduce swelling and bruising.  It wasn't until after 2 days on it that I finally figured out that it was literally poisoning my body.  Try it out first if you want, while you're healthy.  Don't take it for the first time while you're recovering from surgery.

Also, stock up on some good post-op foods.  My favorites were pre-packaged yogurt and apple sauce.  If you buy a bunch of single-serve containers, it's very convenient!

Good luck with your surgery! 

[Rhonda Lynn]

Audio books. During the first couple of days, just having your eyes open can be tiring. Also, you may spend a lot of time where your primary occupation is moving ice packs from one place to another. Audio books really pass the time. I listened to the Skookie Stackhouse vampire mysteries, and they were perfect, but whatever you like that is fun and not too intellectual.

Good luck girl! This is the best gift that you can give yourself!

[R R H]

Awww thank you and such fabulous advice pouring in here. I'm building a great list. It's little things beyond the obvious that I'd just never think of, like apple sauce! Love it!


x

[2cherry]

Audio books. During the first couple of days, just having your eyes open can be tiring. Also, you may spend a lot of time where your primary occupation is moving ice packs from one place to another. Audio books really pass the time. I listened to the Skookie Stackhouse vampire mysteries, and they were perfect, but whatever you like that is fun and not too intellectual.

Good luck girl! This is the best gift that you can give yourself!

I listened to: A Short History of Nearly Everything. It's a huge audio book. Didn't even manage to finish it.