My FFS date with Dr. C is set in stone! April 16th of this year. *Happy dance* For those who've had surgery and recovery with Cardenas, do you have any advice on things to take with me to make my recovery and stay easier? I've got entertainment covered with my laptop and PS Vita, but I'm open to suggestions on other stuff that would make my stay more pleasant.
My other question is for any girls that've had FFS with any surgeon. How soon were you able to get back on your HRT regimen after surgery? I've got to stop taking hormones 2 weeks before surgery, and I'm freaking out about it a bit. I'm hoping to get back on them rather quickly. How did it affect you while you were off of them? Any help here is appreciated.
I am also set to have surgery mid-May with Cardenas. Unfortunately I usually only see about 2 girls on here post about their experience with him, usually Tristan and one other. I value their feedback but would really love to see someone else discuss their experience as well. I do have a close friend who went to Cardenas, and she looks very good and has good things to say about him. She is a big reason why I've decided to take the plunge and go to Guadalajara. Also, I really hope Cardenas will be operating in the new Innovare center by the time I get there. I've heard the current operating facilities are not up to American standards but they are "safe" so I've heard. My friend is an RN and she feels comfortable, so....
As far as entertainment, I think they have television and HULU etc. Did you book through Transop.com?
Sorry I did a terrible job at really reading your post! LOL - I plan on taking my ipod and laptop for entertainment. I also have a friend coming with me so that should help keep me unbored. Is someone going with you? Look forward to hearing about your experience as you'll be having your surgery about a month before me... Hope you'll come back here and let everyone know how it goes :)
Most of the thing are provided at the tyler recovery house, I didn't bring anything special. They have really fast WiFi there and the food are excellent.
I can direct a friend of mine who went to Cardenas for FFS and an orchi, however the residence was booked so she had to book a hotel. If it's any help I can ask her.
Both of you who are going to have FFS with him, KEEP US POSTED. Don't disappear please :D I wanna know every detail~~
Don't worry, I'll post how it goes, and how I was treated. Im having quite a bit done, but not as much as some. I'm having:
Forehead contouring
Brow lift
Hairline advance (to close in the corners)
Sliding genioplasty
Jaw reduction
Lip lift
Fat injection to lips
No rhinoplasty (he said my nose needed no work. YAY!!)
He recommended cheek implants, but I said no, as I'm not comfy with implanting foreign objects in my face.
And yes, Jgirl, I am taking someone with me. I'm gonna be freaking out enough as it is, so she'll help me stay calm. Like you, I hope to be one of the first in the Innovare Center, but if I'm not, meh. No biggie.
He seems so honest and loyal though! Like he won't lie you need more work done just to get a bit of penny off of ya... that's amazing yall
Its now been 10 months since my surgery with Dr Cardenas. There is still some swelling to my nose and chin but it does look like Dr C and his team HAVE been too conservative, especially with my chin.
i was also considering Cardenas for my ffs, but im not so sure about him anymore since I've been able to tell he's quite conservative. i know 2 girls who went to him and i didn't see a big difference after the surgery. let us know how it goes ;)
The only thing I noticed that you two mentioned is the fact that he is not super-rough when it comes to shaving a browridge/forehead and jaw/chin, he may not have enough experience or he is aware how invasive those surgeries are, whatever the reason might be
From what I've been told by several people is that if you tell him to be aggressive with a certain part of your face, he will be. I have a pretty clear idea of what I want, and will make sure to communicate that to him. Communication with your surgeon is important. It's your money you're spending, and your face on the line. Don't be timid. Talk about your fears and expectations with your surgeon. Don't hold anything back. Also, have realistic expectations about your results.
Quote from: AubreyN7 on March 28, 2014, 01:28:45 PM
From what I've been told by several people is that if you tell him to be aggressive with a certain part of your face, he will be. I have a pretty clear idea of what I want, and will make sure to communicate that to him. Communication with your surgeon is important. It's your money you're spending, and your face on the line. Don't be timid. Talk about your fears and expectations with your surgeon. Don't hold anything back. Also, have realistic expectations about your results.
yah you are totally right. most drs are very open to hear what you want the outcome to be.
i hope everything goes well with your surgery and keep us posted :)
Aubrey how did it go?
<crickets>
Why does every Cardenas girk disapear after ffs?
Do they even come back?
I know right? I'm scheduled for May 16... My best girlfriend went to him, and her friends did also and they are all ok, but none the less... I find it disconcerting that Aubrey would "promise" to come back here and update everyone, and then just not do that... People who do that, SUCK...
You don't know guys what she's going through, maybe she didn't take her laptpp, maybe there are wifi issues or whatever. Be gracious to her!! Don't jump into conclusions too quick you guys please :(
She would have already returned home by now...
Calm down, peeps. It's only been 3 weeks since they cut on me. I wanted to let the swelling go down a bit before I made any opinionated posts. So, without further ado, here it is:
The recovery house and staff: it's been covered before, but it's still worth mentioning that it's comfy, they do what they can to make your stay pleasant, and the food is to die for. I would recommend bringing a friend or a SO, as I did, to help stave off boredom.
The Innovare Center: Very nice! Nurses and staff was very friendly and professional. I felt safe and in good hands.
The results: Love my forehead and brows. Very happy with those. Still trying to get used to the shorter upper lip, and loving the plump, full lips I now have. My chin is noticeably shorter and pointier, and me jaw is narrower, but I'm still a bit swollen there, so no final call there yet, but it looks promising. Remember, tell Dr. Cardenas what you want, and don't be shy. Stress those areas that bother you the most, and tell him to be aggressive there.
Random thoughts: Pain wasn't too bad, but there was a few times I was experiencing a lot of discomfort. Sleeping upright freaking sucks. There's no other way to put that. I was completely miserable for the first 5-6 days. Also, if you're flying back home, do yourself a favor and spring for 1st class. Considering I was still kinda "meh" feeling when I went home, it was very nice with the extra room and the pampering on the plane. Money well spent.
Aubrey, thank you for letting everyone know that you're alive... sorry to be crazy on here... but I'm leaving in 1 week for Guadalajara and not hearing from you was killing me... but I'm so glad to hear your're ok and that you're happy with the results. Hugs.
Aubrey, do you know if you had the forehead reconstruction type III completed? Or the type II? Just the shaving? Thanks! Jonnie
PS I did spring for 1st class too, great suggestion!
I apologize for not posting earlier, but like I said, I wanted to see what it looked like after a few weeks. Plus, I was concentrating more on healing and getting better than anything else. No worries, all is forgiven.
I just had the shaving, which removed much more than I thought it would. You'd be surprised. Then again, I was pretty passable before the surgery.
One more thing: Give yourself some time after the surgery before you make a judgment call on the results. Depending on what you get done, as you will look HIDEOUS for about a week. Day 3-4 were the worst for me.
Thanks Aubrey :) All the best to you in your continued recovery! Thanks again for coming back to let us know how it went. I'm no longer feeling scared, but excited !
Thanks so much for the follow up posts Aubrey! I'm booked with Dr Cardenas next month, and this thread has served as a huge relief now that I know I'll be well taken care of and that the surgery results are good.
I was a little worried about my forehead in that Dr cardenas had only recommended the shaving method for me even though I think I'm bordering type III. I hope I get as much shaven off possible.
Just communicate your worries with him. I told him to be aggressive on me forehead and chin, and so he was. Remember, it's YOUR face, not his. Trust me, you don't want to have to go through this surgery twice. Once was more than enough.
Hello AubreyN7 fisrt i would like to crongrat you !! :) Im pretty sure u will be more happy now !! And second is there any chance you talk with me about dr Cardenas? I live in mexico.. and its very hard to get money here, but im saving a lot and i really want to do my FFS with Dr C .. but i havent talk to any girl who went with him...
Sry about my sucking english :'(