Tips for getting ready for FFS (and Dr. Spiegel)

[MeghanAndrews]

I think that vffs thingie is really interesting. I got mine and I was like "ok, that's interesting...my mom's nose, softer brow ridge, hmm, ok, I guess." It's weird when you see a different face, isn't it? I don't know why mine looks different, but something about mine looks different from vffs, obviously the smile is one thing, lol:

This is the original one I sent to vffs 7/07


This is their result


This is my almost exactly 6 months post op


I definitely think these things can help and Melan, at least it gives you something to hold on to, you know? Like Julie said, it's a starting point

[Jenny Jackson]

Hi Jenny - Nice to see you "this side"...

Jenny's being modest...

Before the surgery Jenny was "quite attractive" - Now, she's ABSOLUTELY GORGEOUS!!!

Hardly gorgeous or anything approaching it, but I'd accept that Dr Spiegel has made me look a good bit more female. Indeed once things had started to settle down post FFS, but before I went full time in November, I was having some difficulty passing.....as a boy.
Post Merge: January 24, 2009, 07:17:00 PM

Hi Jenny, Thank you so much for the response, sharing your experience, and words of advice.  Did you stop use of HRT two weeks prior, per Kelly (and Dr. Spiegel's instructions) ?

Errr I'd have to admit that I didn't. I stopped less than a week pre op. I sorta forgot.......well that's my excuse and I'm sticking to it 

Yes, pretty much doing the works.  May I ask roughly how old you and your friend are?  I'm a hair shy of 40, and do *knocks on wood* tend to heal quickly, but we shall see.  I'll be trying SinEcch, having heard wonderful things about Arnica and the healing process.

At the time of my surgery I was 54 and my friend is 3 weeks younger than me. I took Arnica too, can't say whether it worked or not but as it can't do any harm why not take it.

Thank you all so much for the posts and words of advice.   It helps tremendously to hear things like "However, six months on I have absolutely no regrets, and given the rewards, I'd go through it all again in a blink of an eye." as Jenny wrote, and will be one of the things that goes into the letter to myself, as per Meghan's advice.

Glad to have been of help. BTW do remember to have patience after surgery it does take quit a while for the effect of FFS to become fully apparent. My face is still changing subtly even now, 6 months post op.

Jenny

[lacitychick21]

I think that vffs thingie is really interesting. I got mine and I was like "ok, that's interesting...my mom's nose, softer brow ridge, hmm, ok, I guess." It's weird when you see a different face, isn't it? I don't know why mine looks different, but something about mine looks different from vffs, obviously the smile is one thing, lol:

This is the original one I sent to vffs 7/07



This is their result



This is my almost exactly 6 months post op



I definitely think these things can help and Melan, at least it gives you something to hold on to, you know? Like Julie said, it's a starting point

I think the actual result it the prettiest.

[MeghanAndrews]

LOL Laci, that's only funny because you KNOW me! Thanks for being there for me through the whole thing and now

[mmelny]

*Shew*, Thank Goodness you two are friends, I thought there might be trouble brewing.   

*huggs*,
Melan

[Suzy]

*Shew*, Thank Goodness you two are friends, I thought there might be trouble brewing.   

*huggs*,
Melan

Yes they are very close.  Don't get upset about their good natured jabs at each other.

Kristi

[MeghanAndrews]

Melan, she was there with me for almost all of my post-recovery so yeah, definitely no offense taken

[mmelny]

Melan, she was there with me for almost all of my post-recovery so yeah, definitely no offense taken

Okie Dokie, sorry for blowing the "whore-whistle" to the moderators.  *returns back to her regularly unscheduled life*. 

*huggs*,
Melan

[mmelny]

Oh lord... in the yahoo FFS group, they are starting back the "Spiegel botched surgeries threads" again.  Sigh, they always do this at key junctions of my FFS process.   The last time they did this was a week or so before I was to give Dr. Spiegels office my down payment and book my surgery, and I balked a bit, and ended up having a 2nd (horrible) consult with Dr. Z, who told me in no uncertain terms that I would be coming to see him for revisions after Spiegel botched my surgery.  After leaving the consult with Dr Z in tears, I signed with Dr. Spiegel anyway.  I've seen too many examples of Dr. Spiegel's good work, versus two (very) vivid examples of his bad work to let that sway me.   There are examples from every surgeon, of "plastic surgery disasters gone awry".     

So a hair past two weeks to go until my surgery, and they've started the thread back up again, and I'm sitting here wondering yet again, what have I done.  I know that I will go forward, that there are risks, complications, and FFS is not a guarantee of anything.  But it just leaves me with an ill feeling in my gut.   Oh well, forward, onward I go to meet my fate, all in the hands of one man, and my bodies healing process.

*huggs*,
Melan

[vanna]

Oh lord... in the yahoo FFS group, they are starting back the "Spiegel botched surgeries threads" again.  Sigh, they always do this at key junctions of my FFS process.   The last time they did this was a week or so before I was to give Dr. Spiegels office my down payment and book my surgery, and I balked a bit, and ended up having a 2nd (horrible) consult with Dr. Z, who told me in no uncertain terms that I would be coming to see him for revisions after Spiegel botched my surgery.  After leaving the consult with Dr Z in tears, I signed with Dr. Spiegel anyway.  I've seen too many examples of Dr. Spiegel's good work, versus two (very) vivid examples of his bad work to let that sway me.   There are examples from every surgeon, of "plastic surgery disasters gone awry".     

So a hair past two weeks to go until my surgery, and they've started the thread back up again, and I'm sitting here wondering yet again, what have I done.  I know that I will go forward, that there are risks, complications, and FFS is not a guarantee of anything.  But it just leaves me with an ill feeling in my gut.   Oh well, forward, onward I go to meet my fate, all in the hands of one man, and my bodies healing process.

*huggs*,
Melan

The willow thread, yes i read that too...obviously she has a valid argument looking at her pictures but then how much is beyond the surgeons capability. I have a personal view on that whole subject id rather not share in public but do not worry Melan...Spiegels a very good surgeon and its only storys like that one that surface....not the good ones but they are there if you look too.

Good luck Melan and a speedy recovery.

[Jenny Jackson]

Oh lord... in the yahoo FFS group, they are starting back the "Spiegel botched surgeries threads" again.  Sigh, they always do this at key junctions of my FFS process.   The last time they did this was a week or so before I was to give Dr. Spiegels office my down payment and book my surgery, and I balked a bit, and ended up having a 2nd (horrible) consult with Dr. Z, who told me in no uncertain terms that I would be coming to see him for revisions after Spiegel botched my surgery.  After leaving the consult with Dr Z in tears, I signed with Dr. Spiegel anyway.  I've seen too many examples of Dr. Spiegel's good work, versus two (very) vivid examples of his bad work to let that sway me.   There are examples from every surgeon, of "plastic surgery disasters gone awry".     

So a hair past two weeks to go until my surgery, and they've started the thread back up again, and I'm sitting here wondering yet again, what have I done.  I know that I will go forward, that there are risks, complications, and FFS is not a guarantee of anything.  But it just leaves me with an ill feeling in my gut.   Oh well, forward, onward I go to meet my fate, all in the hands of one man, and my bodies healing process.

*huggs*,
Melan

I sympathise Melan as precisely the same thing happened just after I'd booked my surgery with Dr Spiegel and then again within a week or two of my actual surgery date. My advice is to ignore it, don't read the FFS forum, and try not to worry.

[MMarieN]

Melan, ice cream helped me a lot with recovery. My throat was raw post op.  I could drink protein shakes and eat ice cream. That was about it. Sorbet, ice cream, gelato, etc. It's all good.

I hope things go well for you and I wish you a speedy recovery.

[MeghanAndrews]

Melan, the solution is easy. DON'T visit ffs yahoo group anymore, not even after except to give your glowing review of S' work. I purposely refused to read posts about Dr. O because I was DEFINITELY going to get my work down no matter what anyone posted. I didn't want to read the stuff you are reading because it would upset me. So, you made the right decision, focus on your surgery, not reading forums. It's about YOU at this point, relax, take it easy. We're with you Meghan

[sarahb]

Hey Melan, it's so close now. I figured I'd give you some advise, me being post-FFS for a bit over a month now. Remember, it gets worse before it gets better. The first solid month for me was a bruised and very swollen face. Now being a little over a month since, the bruises are almost gone and the swelling has subsided dramatically, but not fully yet. I still expect to see some changes throughout the coming 2-3 months. However, you may heal faster or not, but just keep that in mind and don't try to judge anything for at least a month, if not more. A few days ago I took the first picture where I actually saw me...I was actually trying to find the old person and couldn't...it was all me, it was all girl.

In saying that, I've seen Dr. Spiegel's work and he does very good work. Like others have said, don't read those posts about the bad results. He was actually the surgeon I was going to go with before resting on Dr. O. Just stay focused and stay positive. I'm sure your results will be fantastic.

[Jenny Jackson]

Melan, the solution is easy. DON'T visit ffs yahoo group anymore, not even after except to give your glowing review of S' work. I purposely refused to read posts about Dr. O because I was DEFINITELY going to get my work down no matter what anyone posted. I didn't want to read the stuff you are reading because it would upset me. So, you made the right decision, focus on your surgery, not reading forums. It's about YOU at this point, relax, take it easy. We're with you Meghan

I totally agree with you Meghan.

Melan, Dr Spiegel is a top league FFS surgeon capable of achieving great results. This is what he did for me. Judge for yourself.


Pre and 3 months post FFS with Dr Spiegel

[MeghanAndrews]

don't try to judge anything for at least a month, if not more."

A month! Sarah, that's way too short. I said four months and I still see changes happening slowly. It's weird because I think I healed pretty fast but when you take pictures and put them together for each 30 days after surgery, you can really see the results. I would agree though Sarah that a lot of the bruising and swelling goes down so you can at least get a glimpse. Well, for you going in two parts, maybe it's less swelling, what do you think? Oh, and REMEMBER, both of you, MASSAGE MASSAGE MASSAGE the raising parts. Not too hard, but push them down gently. Sarah, for you, especially the temples and the scar line at the hair. Melan, if you are doing jaw work, I'd ask him about a massage routine. It feels sooo good after a while Meghan

[sarahb]

Yeah, I know Meghan...I need to still be patient I'm just saying that after the first month at least the major bruising and swelling goes down so you can at least cover it with makeup and start to look decent, lol. By the way...oh my god...your new avatar looks amazing! You're looking really good Meghan.

As far as the healing time having it in two parts, it may be healing faster, but I'm inclined to say it's pretty much going at the same rate it would be if I had the lower part done at the same time. I can't really say though. However, thanks for the advise about the massaging. I've been doing it consistently and it's gone down a lot so far. I was scared in the beginning, lol. I was like, "How is this going to get back to normal?" But yes, I do still have some months to go and I'm sure the changes will be noticeable looking over pictures throughout the months after surgery.

[mmelny]

Good luck Melan and a speedy recovery.

Thank You Ms Delgado! *huggs*

I sympathise Melan as precisely the same thing happened just after I'd booked my surgery with Dr Spiegel and then again within a week or two of my actual surgery date. My advice is to ignore it, don't read the FFS forum, and try not to worry.

Hi Jenny, Thank you for the Good advice.   I will try to avoid the FFS yahoo group, it's hard not to read the emails coming across the blackberry though, like turning your head at the site of a car accident  .      You looked good before surgery, your post-surgery shot is beautiful, you must be so happy,  .

Melan, ice cream helped me a lot with recovery. My throat was raw post op.  I could drink protein shakes and eat ice cream. That was about it. Sorbet, ice cream, gelato, etc. It's all good.

I hope things go well for you and I wish you a speedy recovery.

Thank You Marie!!! Now ice cream, I can do that!  Thank you for the good wishes, *huggs*.

Melan, the solution is easy. DON'T visit ffs yahoo group anymore, not even after except to give your glowing review of S' work. I purposely refused to read posts about Dr. O because I was DEFINITELY going to get my work down no matter what anyone posted. I didn't want to read the stuff you are reading because it would upset me. So, you made the right decision, focus on your surgery, not reading forums. It's about YOU at this point, relax, take it easy. We're with you Meghan

Thank you Meghan.  I'm definitely feeling better with the comforting words everyone  has typed here.  I'm quite eager to get on with the surgery, it's been a looonnnnggggg wait.   My nervousness is actually receded quite a bit, and I'm just ready to go.    And no more reading that FFS forum if I can help it, lol.

Hey Melan, it's so close now. I figured I'd give you some advise, me being post-FFS for a bit over a month now. Remember, it gets worse before it gets better. ........A few days ago I took the first picture where I actually saw me...I was actually trying to find the old person and couldn't...it was all me, it was all girl.

In saying that, I've seen Dr. Spiegel's work and he does very good work. Like others have said, don't read those posts about the bad results. He was actually the surgeon I was going to go with before resting on Dr. O. Just stay focused and stay positive. I'm sure your results will be fantastic.

Thank you Sarah.  Yes, I can't wait to be through the train wreck phase.  I have a few techniques that I will try to compensate with during that time period of "what in the bloody hell did I do to myself" lol...  I laugh now, but I know it will hit hard.  But seeing the bigger picture will prevail.   I'm so happy for you, about the looking in the mirror and only seeing girl.   That must be so wonderful,  . 


===
Oh well, I'm past the "moaning and whining" stage and just ready to go forward.   I'm a big girl and can handle this, at least I keep telling myself that lol.   However, I recently started having this overwhelming feeling of optimism that the surgery will go well, and I will move forward into the next quadrant of my life (going full time at work upon my return).   It really feels good to hear from so many of you that have been through this before, it helps, it really does.   You all have helped place that optimism into me.  Thank you all so much for taking the time to post here in the thread.

big huggs to each of you, Take Care,
Melan