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Well I wasn't gonna post this but what the hell, might help someone out and If I get a little validation it cant hurt either  ;) ;D

Im all booked for surgery with Dr S on 2-24   :)

Im gonna have brow bone/forehead reconstruction, brow lift and scalp advance, nose job, lip lift/augmentation, chin reduction/contour, trachea shave, and a full face and neck lift  :o

Its getting real now and its kinda scary but Im thinking Im gonna LOVE the result  8) Recovery sounds brutal though and Im just gonna assume the worst so if it's not that bad I'll be happy  ;)

So yesterday I booked my flights and my hotel room in Boston... Hotels aint cheap out there that's for sure  ::)  $205.00 a night plus TAX of course... Its a NICE place on Boston harbor and it has a full kitchen  8)

They seem very familiar with medical patients, she said they have been working with Dr S for a long time... She said they would get my grocery's for me (for a fee Im sure)... They also have a breakfast buffet every morning and of course room service... I figure Im not gonna want to chew much so soft food like soup I can cook myself should be good...

Im gonna be in Boston for 10 days!!!  Im planing on arriving a day early just in case of weather delays.... I decided to go with an extra night in the hospital for $700.00... So the first two nights post op I will be in a hospital room... I might even make it three days if Im still not feeling good but two days should be fine... They said they could get me a private nurse at the hotel for $1350.00 a day... Screw that Id rather stay in the hospital, $700.00 aint that bad when you subtract $205.00 for the motel... Also meals, drinks, meds and Im sure several nurses at my call... Its good to know if there are any problems I'll be at a hospital, cant think of a better place to be after a major surgery like that actually  ;)

Thinking about it, its WAY better to be in a real hospital than something like Dr Z's "surgical center", then a hotel room post op  ::)  A bit more $$$ but at least I'll be at a real hospital should there be any problems....

Then Im gonna be by myself at the hotel for the next five days so I figured I might as well get a nice one... Whats a few hundred more matter anyway  :P  All said and done its gonna cost about $52,500.00 but Im sure Im forgetting something   :-\

NOT Cheap thats for sure!!! I hope its worth it :-\  Im thinking it will be though, who knows I might even be "hot" when he's done   :laugh:

If any FFS veterans have any advice as far as recovery goes Id appreciate it ;)

Also any advice on things to bring with like... Gauze pads, q tips, neosporin, cetaphil, hydrogen peroxide, Ibuprofen (WORKS for me), ect...

Well its exciting.. I know because I just had it done.. was not even nervous and when they said are you ready I was like yep lets do it.  I had mine with Dr. Z and I went directly to a hotel that night.  My surgery was 10 hours long and when I woke it hurt.. however with proper pain management you will be fine.
I told my doc I wanted Oxy 10 so dont be afraid to ask for higher dose pain med to take.. better to have than not and need..
The first three days are tough... I got to shower on third day with help of a nurse.. honestly, not sure I could have taken care of myself at all after day three that well so I had a nurse with me the whole time but I left after only 6 days because of the Holidays .. I should have stayed longer but I made it.
If it were me.. and I could stay in the hospital for an extra couple days for only 700 bucks a night I would stay there for three days minimum but thats me and I am tough..
I had exactly what you are having and I am 55... so if you are young you will do better.. much better..
If you are going to be in the hotel and not stay in the hospital for an extra couple days might be good to have someone there with you... seriously
I never lost my desire for food ... darn it.. I eat if I am happy sad or in pain I suppose so it was kinda hard to eat.. I liked jellow and pudding.. yum... so get plenty of foods like that or whatever your doc recommends.
I of course am no Dr. but at first I was taking pain meds every 6 hours.. my nurse was kinda hard nosed so when he visited I told him I wanted every 4 hours and he said it would not hurt a thing...
Enjoy .. you will love seeing the new you in the mirror... if your not full time now you will be soon....
Love.
Keri

I did get a quote from Dr spiegel but it was way too much for me. I spoke to him on the phone though and he exudes confidence, and he has a great track record so you'll be fine! I was pretty scared before my surgery. I only spent one night in the hospital which was blissful but afterwards had my mum to look after me at the holiday apartment.

Recovery wise, for me there wasn't much pain. Everything was so numb that I didn't know what my face was doing. So take straws, lots of them. The first few days I survived on fruit smoothies pretty much, then after a few days I could move on to things like scrambled eggs.

Ummm, otherwise, tops with wide necks, zip up hoodies etc. make sure you have a hairdryer cos you need to keep your hair dry. I took some cleansing wipes as well that were really useful. Mouthwash, something antibacterial like cordosil (don't know if you have that in the US but there'll be an equivalent).

I was quite keen to get out and about after my surgery and do some sightseeing but the anaesthetic had quite an effect on me and any kind of prolonged activity made me feel sick and dizzy, so take books, laptop, films, whatever you can.

Hope this helps in some small way!

Hey Carrie I asked the girl Im working with at Dr S's office if I should do three days in the hospital... She said 2 says is definitely a good idea and I should be OK with that but I should be able to make it 3 days without much difficulty if I want to stay there....  She seems kinda ambivalent about the whole thing, like its no big deal at all ::) Well from what Ive read about all this it will be quite the ordeal :-\

Im 46 but Im in very good shape... Im not real happy about going it alone but its what I gotta do...  Ive never had anything like this done though... I did have hernia repair surgery like 10 years ago and that was MISERABLE, cant really compare it to this though... Same with my recent voice feminization surgery, that was a breeze, no pain at all...

So you had everything Im gonna do including a full face and neck lift???  How bad is it taking care of the incisions???

My chin is just going to be burred down and rounded out a little, the incision will be in my mouth... This Im thinking will be the worst part, but then again the nose job and the face/neck lift dont sound too pleasant to recover from either... Not to mention a full type 3 brow reconstruction, lift and scalp advance... My adams apple isn't bad at all and I asked and will again stress I want a very conservative approach there due to my recent VFS... 

I like to walk 12-15 miles a week and I figure I will be going out and walking around Boston harbor if the weather isnt too bad... I like to think Im pretty tough myself but we'll see soon :-\

Squircle I wasnt happy about his quote but he really wasnt that much higher than Dr Z or Dr Mayer... Leaving the USA all by myself just isnt an option even though there are a few surgeons abroad Id be comfortable with... Im fortunate to be able to pay cash for this....

I did consult with Dr Z in person and I really did like him but he seemed adamant I needed major jaw work while my Mom, Dr Mayer, and Dr S, and most importantly ME disagreed.... Also I want a very femme forehead/brow and neither Dr Z or Mayer are known for an aggressive approach there... Im also just very impressed with his before/after pics...

I did consult with him in person and yes he's kinda quiet and reserved but he definitely exudes confidence ;) I liked that we were 100% on the same page and he didnt try to sell me anything... He seemed certain that what I want to do will make a HUGE difference for me....

Im not too bad now though, I've been semi full time for about 7 months...  Still Im not working YET as a woman but I will start that after this is done and I recover a bit doing something just to get out there as me... I do just fine right now actually but I think this will really help me a lot to hopefully not see so much of "him" in the mirror ;)  Im REALLY getting excited as the day draws nearer ;D

Its great to hear from both of you, Im very impressed with both of your results, Thanks ;)

Quote from: Eva on January 23, 2015, 06:36:53 PM
... Leaving the USA all by myself just isnt an option even though there are a few surgeons abroad Id be comfortable with...

Sorry, I'm being as honest as I could possibly be, and this is a stupid argument. Going for FFS just by yourself is a crazy thing to do.. Yes, in the end most do survive even if they are alone in the foreigh country, but the first week is really really tough. And I can't imagine being somewhere, anywhere, for my FFS all by myself. You really need someone with you, if you have full FFS. Being in the home country or on the other side of the world is very secondary concern compared to going through FFS recovery alone. So yes, 2 nights in the hospital are really good choice. If you dont feel at least somewhat independent stay for a third day. If you would have company, someone that would take care of you, one night in the hospital would be enough. And its definitely much more comfortable to stay in the hotel/rented apartment than to spend 3 days in the hospital room. But I know that might not be an option for everyone.
Anyway, hope everything goes well for you, surgery and recovery.

Congrats, Eva!  I had mine with Dr. Spiegel on November, 4th.  You will be delighted with Dr. Spiegel and his team.  Dr. Spiegel's bedside manner is awesome!  He is so gentile and careful in making sure you know that everything will be okay.

I think the arrangements you made sound perfect.  I spent my first night in the hospital and the rest of the time in the hotel.  Oh, I will say that the little vacuum tube next to your bed in the hospital will be your very best friend, and you will not want to part with it!  I did get the nurse the 2nd day in the hotel, but it really wasn't necessary.  I had my partner there as well as my Mom.  I showered after the third day, but my hair still felt pretty nasty for a couple of weeks.  I think day 3 & 4 were the worst, as my face was crazy swollen, but the swelling rapidly improves after that.  By the time I left Boston I felt pretty good, and didn't feel unpresentable.
 

 :)Well I think you will do fine
I do think you would benefit from having three days care
I had planned on just a 24 hour nurse but when I saw a video of after pics and learned
more I realized for me I needed more and I am very tough.
U will feel great after the third day shower.
I was lucky my eyes did not swell shut, some and most do.
It is nice staying in a hotel and like I said if you keep up your pain meds that will help.
You may need to write down when you last took your meds because it can be hard to remember and don't want to forget.
I know you are excited and you should be. I love the mirror now.
So keep is posted here we will be here to talk to you if you use the net in the hotel and that could be comforting chatting with others while recovering
Eva looks so wonderful doesn't she! I am excited for you

Love
Keri

Quote from: mmmmm on January 24, 2015, 06:50:57 AM
Sorry, I'm being as honest as I could possibly be, and this is a stupid argument. Going for FFS just by yourself is a crazy thing to do.. Yes, in the end most do survive even if they are alone in the foreigh country, but the first week is really really tough. And I can't imagine being somewhere, anywhere, for my FFS all by myself. You really need someone with you, if you have full FFS. Being in the home country or on the other side of the world is very secondary concern compared to going through FFS recovery alone. So yes, 2 nights in the hospital are really good choice. If you dont feel at least somewhat independent stay for a third day. If you would have company, someone that would take care of you, one night in the hospital would be enough. And its definitely much more comfortable to stay in the hotel/rented apartment than to spend 3 days in the hospital room. But I know that might not be an option for everyone.
Anyway, hope everything goes well for you, surgery and recovery.

Mnn OK maybe your right there but it doesn't matter because my choice is made ;) My flight to Boston is long enough though, I dont want to think about staying so long in a foreign country, going through customs, all that... Sure I could have saved some $$$, but I think Dr S is a pretty good doc too you know  :) 

No Im not real happy about going alone... My recent experience with VFS, I went alone for that as well and I loved staying in the hospital afterwards, I paid extra for that as well... Im thinking the hospital is more than OK and way better than a hotel room... I get that nice electric bed that will keep my head up and 24/7 nursing care and food... Im sure it would be easy enough to arrange to stay longer...

Thanks ;)

Quote from: svaso on January 24, 2015, 09:27:47 AM
Congrats, Eva!  I had mine with Dr. Spiegel on November, 4th.  You will be delighted with Dr. Spiegel and his team.  Dr. Spiegel's bedside manner is awesome!  He is so gentile and careful in making sure you know that everything will be okay.

I think the arrangements you made sound perfect.  I spent my first night in the hospital and the rest of the time in the hotel.  Oh, I will say that the little vacuum tube next to your bed in the hospital will be your very best friend, and you will not want to part with it!  I did get the nurse the 2nd day in the hotel, but it really wasn't necessary.  I had my partner there as well as my Mom.  I showered after the third day, but my hair still felt pretty nasty for a couple of weeks.  I think day 3 & 4 were the worst, as my face was crazy swollen, but the swelling rapidly improves after that.  By the time I left Boston I felt pretty good, and didn't feel unpresentable.

Thanks Svaso yea I really liked Dr Speigel, I think for what I want done he's gonna do a great job ;) His results, including yours speak for them selves 8) Yea I think the hospital will be just fine ;) Im expecting to just be laying around all doped up for the first few days at least anyway ;)

Quote from: carrie359 on January 24, 2015, 09:49:44 AM
:)Well I think you will do fine
I do think you would benefit from having three days care
I had planned on just a 24 hour nurse but when I saw a video of after pics and learned
more I realized for me I needed more and I am very tough.
U will feel great after the third day shower.
I was lucky my eyes did not swell shut, some and most do.
It is nice staying in a hotel and like I said if you keep up your pain meds that will help.
You may need to write down when you last took your meds because it can be hard to remember and don't want to forget.
I know you are excited and you should be. I love the mirror now.
So keep is posted here we will be here to talk to you if you use the net in the hotel and that could be comforting chatting with others while recovering
Eva looks so wonderful doesn't she! I am excited for you

Love
Keri

Hey Keri I like the idea of writing down my med schedule.... Actually now that I think about it i could probably put it all in my phone and have it give me an alert when Im ready.... Im sure I will be on some kind of antibiotic and pain killers at least....

Yea now your getting me excited!!! I still have a month to go here :( It gets harder by the day to get ready to go out now knowing that it's all gonna change for the better soon ;D

Im sure I will be online a lot during the recovery and I will put up some pics when the time is right :)

Quote from: Eva on January 24, 2015, 11:18:14 AM
Mnn OK maybe your right there but it doesn't matter because my choice is made ;) My flight to Boston is long enough though, I dont want to think about staying so long in a foreign country, going through customs, all that... Sure I could have saved some $$$, but I think Dr S is a pretty good doc too you know  :)

Your money, your face, your decision. It's you that has to live with the results after all! Dr S is expensive but you are getting an outstanding surgeon, and once you are on the other side of it the money pales into insignificance compared to the benefits this surgery brings. And I hear the area is nice :). I was fine the day after, fair enough I couldn't go marching about so I was glad my mum was about to get the shopping in, but I was able to shower and have the occasional wander around the apartment. Four days after I was sightseeing in Antwerp (fair enough I had to have an extended sit down in Ruben's house but I'm glad I went :D). Seven days after I was shopping in the duty free at the airport :D.

Good luck to you and keep us updated about the results.

Well my day is coming, 9 days to go as of tomorrow ;D

All the pre op lab results came back PERFECT, (for a woman ;)  )  8)

Everything is paid in full and now the days are dragging on slowly :-\

Theres been a few thoughts of doubt, mostly just worrying about complications or me not being happy with the results I guess....

But Im also excited!!! Every time I pluck my brows and do my makeup I think "its ALL gonna be different soon" :) 8)

Quote from: Eva on February 12, 2015, 09:04:56 PM
Well my day is coming, 9 days to go as of tomorrow ;D

All the pre op lab results came back PERFECT, (for a woman ;)  )  8)

Everything is paid in full and now the days are dragging on slowly :-\

Theres been a few thoughts of doubt, mostly just worrying about complications or me not being happy with the results I guess....

But Im also excited!!! Every time I pluck my brows and do my makeup I think "its ALL gonna be different soon" :) 8)

Hey, just a thought. Don't pluck your eyebrows before FFS. Natural brow shape gives the surgeon the best idea where to position them on a new edge of forehead and orbital rims. I hope you didn't overplucked them. If you did, definitely mention this to dr. Spigel before the FFS. Anyway, I know soooo well about dragging days, the last month before my FFS felt more like 4 months. Try to spend as much time as possible not thinking about it. And definitely try not to overthink about recovery process, you will have more than enought time to deal with it when it happens. Just prepare everything essential, do your best to stay healthy, and try to relax.

Hey M, no I dont pluck them much because they arent really thick to begin with.... I just take a little off the bottom edge to keep them looking neat...

Im excited about everything Im having done but Im definitely looking forward to the brow reconstruction and lift ;) Im 46 and my brows are really loose/sagging to the point they almost grow under the orbital rim :(  I also have some heavy brow bossing that needs to go... If he does it right Im thinking that's gonna be the most dramatic difference 8)

Its dragging on BUT I just realized this is going to be my last full weekend as the old me, Im planning on enjoying it ;D

Next week Im just gonna do some shopping and get stocked up and get my place all cleaned up and ready for the recovery :)

9 days, awwwww! We'll be back in normal winter weather by then. You should have come this week for the blizzard and zero degree weather! Oh, well, we'll save a snowdrift for you!  >:-)

Hugs, Devlyn

HEY Im hoping to bring in some of the NICE warm winter weather we've had here in SD ;D :D

Im really hoping you guys are DONE with all that for my stay :P

Quote from: Eva on February 13, 2015, 10:53:15 AM
HEY Im hoping to bring in some of the NICE warm winter weather we've had here in SD ;D :D

Im really hoping you guys are DONE with all that for my stay :P

Um....yeah.... no, we're not  done with it!  :laugh:

So excited for you. Good idea to stock up. I really liked pudding when I was recovering.
Be sure to drink lots of water and stay hydrated well
Dodie

Wow, can't believe you're doing it alone, you having a nurse visit you? I couldn't have done it without my bf., not  that I'm a baby cause I've had a few procedures done by now. Just physically wouldn't have been able to handle it and I only had forehead, chin/jaw and nose revision. You really are going for it girl!! Not trying to be a downer more just trying to be concerned and warn you, if you can take the 3rd night in hospital, do it. 4th day things start to finally get better :)  I met a girl who went alone but it got so bad she paid for a close friend to come over the day after her FFS and she stayed with her 3 days or so until she got over the worst part. Good thing you're staying an extra night at the hospital at least. Good job on picking Dr S, he seems the only one doing good type 3 foreheads in the States unless there's not a big worry wih the brow bossing, in that case the other ones are also ok. But I think you made the right decision for yourself. Best of luck.

Thanks Calicarly  :D

The girl who works in Dr Speigels office recommended 2 days in the hospital but she said I could always stay longer if I want to... Its an additional $700.00 per night... They said they have a private nurse who's $1350.00 so its a no brainier to just stay in the hospital ;)

8 more days, I see it snowed again there  :o Really ya'll need to get that over with soon please!!!

It's a gentle snowglobesque event right now,  and it's going to be replaced. By howling winds, sub-zero temperatures and blizzard conditions. Listen, I've been shoveling snow, I'm all hot and sweaty, and I don't feel like drinking water.  You're going to have to force yourself to stay hydrated, but as Dodie mentioned, you really need to.

Hey I already drink A LOT of water, I dont think that will be a problem aside from swollen lips and chin and an incision in my mouth :-\ Hope I dont drool too badly :laugh:

You sound tired of snow/winter Devlyn Marie!!! Believe me when I say Im hoping its over soon for you guys... Cancelled/delayed flights dont sound like fun to me and I gotta worry about the weather from here all the way across the USA to there :-\

We've had it WAY too easy here so far and our weather can change FAST, we can also get snow as late as June :P ::)

Quote from: Eva on February 14, 2015, 07:08:45 PM
They said they have a private nurse who's $1350.00 ......

Is that per day??? I maybe have to reconsider my career choices then... being a private nurse suddenly doesn't sounds so bad. Even if that's for 3 days... working 6 days per month would be plenty enough for me then.

Yes thats per day... Your right thats a good racket to be in  :o

I booked with Dr. Speigel for the end of March.  I'm really nervous, but I just want it to happen already! I'd love to hear about how your experience goes!

Great news! It's snowing again here, I'm figuring it will still be around at the end of March, Tori! 

Hugs, Devlyn

I agree with the others you are going to want someone with you for at least 3 or 4 days. Whether you choose extra time in the hospital or visiting nurse it will be worth it.  Personally I would choose the visiting nurse as the hospital is very noisy and getting sleep was difficult.

I had a trach shave with Dr S. 3 years ago And lip lift with Dr Z. Two years ago.  I'm getting a face lift here locally in March. Decided did not need FFS Dr. to do this type of surgery. Was able to pick from the best to do this type of surgery much more often than any FFS Dr.  Plus I don't have to travel. 

Eva will you post pre pics and post pics?

Quote from: Tori_Chi on February 17, 2015, 05:46:53 PM
I booked with Dr. Speigel for the end of March.  I'm really nervous, but I just want it to happen already! I'd love to hear about how your experience goes!

Congrats Tori :)  Im really nervous too here... Im leaving Sunday assuming my flight isnt delayed... So far they are saying freezing rain turning to rain on Sunday in Boston :-\ Better than snow I guess...

Only four more days.... The last few weeks flew by but now only 4 days out its setting in just what Im gonna do  :o

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on February 17, 2015, 05:50:11 PM
Great news! It's snowing again here, I'm figuring it will still be around at the end of March, Tori! 

Hugs, Devlyn

Enough!!! I hope Dr S and the rest of the hospital staff arent stressed by all this... Id hate to be someones bad day :(

Quote from: VickyMI on February 18, 2015, 06:57:48 AM
I agree with the others you are going to want someone with you for at least 3 or 4 days. Whether you choose extra time in the hospital or visiting nurse it will be worth it.  Personally I would choose the visiting nurse as the hospital is very noisy and getting sleep was difficult.

I had a trach shave with Dr S. 3 years ago And lip lift with Dr Z. Two years ago.  I'm getting a face lift here locally in March. Decided did not need FFS Dr. to do this type of surgery. Was able to pick from the best to do this type of surgery much more often than any FFS Dr.  Plus I don't have to travel. 

Eva will you post pre pics and post pics?

Yes I wish I had someone with me but unfortunately I don't... Im not real happy about that either but its the way it is... Im likely gonna post before/after pics...

OMG Eva it sure does fly by doesn't it. 
For me I got a date that was only two weeks out when I decided to do it.. so it was over before I knew it and now 8 weeks post op.
So Happy for you and excited its coming soon..
I am sure they are so used to the snow and weather by now they will be fine... they are professionals doing what they love to do.
Dodie

Aww thanks Dodie, your a real sweetheart :)

Yes were getting close but Im getting stressed about the weather delaying my flight now too...

Time to start packing, its getting real now :o :) The weather is looking good for Sunday, 40 degrees, might even melt some snow :P Im planning on bringing some of our nice SD winter weather with me... I bought a new nice warm coat and scarve yesterday, I figured that would make it warm up ;D

Im not sure how long Im gonna be able to deal with leaving my pic online here but since this faces days are numbered I guess Im gonna put it out there  ;)

Not too bad but Im looking forward to seeing the after pics :) I might even learn how to smile  ;D :laugh:

Im here... Gonna see Dr S tomorrow for my pre op consultation :)

i wish you a successful surgery

Yea you made it.... that is so wonderful.. Now you can relax and get ready for surgery.. travel sometimes stresses me out.. not sure why but it does.
Good luck will be thinking about you..
BTW I never smiled before FFS.. after FFS I was taking pics without smiling and everyone was like smile it brings your face alive.
So, can't wait to see that smile!!!
Dodie

Thanks :)

I decided not to do the trachea shave... I am going to have him do my jaw in addition to my chin though ;)

Gonna TRY to get some sleep tonight... Surgery is at 8:30 AM tomorrow ;D 8)

Talk to you on the other side... :)
Dodie

Best wishes! Hope you have a speedy recovery!

Cold enough for you?  :laugh:

Hugs, Devlyn

Eva
Have not seen an update.
Hope u are well and healing nicely.
Thinking about u.
Dodie :)

Hi thanks I'm alive... I'm staying my 4th night at the hospital tonight... I'm hoping to get back to my hotel tomorrow...

Eva,
For me the third day was hardest.. when swelling was the worst then it just got better and better after that.
Rest well..
Dodie

Heal, sister, heal!

Hugs, Devlyn

Thanks girls... Its actually finally starting to get better :'(

THIS was the worst, UNREAL PAIN :o

(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi64.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fh170%2FEvaMarie45%2FMobile%2520Uploads%2F20150226_045128_zpsfjfalyli.jpg%3F1425079085064%26amp%3B1425079088562&hash=13195d29f1192971409f44efb4942f6973e9644a)

Hang in there! Are you back at your hotel yet?

Hugs, Devlyn

Thanks, no sometime tomorrow...

Eva, I'm glad the worst of the pain is over and you're feeling a bit better.

I'll bet its nice to be able to see again, too. ;)

Yes it is!!! That pic was at the worst of it last night... Its a lot better now but still HURTS like hell :'(

Hold on for few more days, you will feel and look drastically better, and it will be sooooooo much worth all the pain and suffering that happens during first week. Keep up the good spirit, you will look amazing!
Two things help extremly, ice and massage, on from jaw edge up towards cheeks, and to front towards mouth. It hurts like hell at first, I literally cried, but ice before and ice after really helped with pain. But it gets less painful each day. It reduces the swelling much sooner, and helps against inflamation, infection, etc...

Ha! I defy you to find a single person in Boston who would put ice on their face! ;D We're living in ice!

Hugs, Devlyn

 ;D You are right. I didn't think of that.. After I returned from my FFS and summer weather back to our northern hemisphere, snow and -10°C  I became much less enthusiastic about putting ice anywhere...

Eva, I hope you are doing well.

Your experience is definitely helpful.

Eva
Do not be afraid to ask for more powerful pain meds especially before u leave for hotel
I had a conservative nurse and when I saw my doc mentioned the pain and he changed the routine
U should not have to suffer
I was a little upset at that nurse
Dodie

WOW thanks :) 

Heres some more early results 8)  Im really starting to feel a lot better now that Im at my hotel and I was able to get a shower ;D 

Its starting to look better, hell Id say its already actually looking feminine 8)  Less than 4 days post op and it will just get better every day from here on out  ;) ;D

Hair transplants to cover that scar and a topper/extensions are next :)

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It will be a younger look that's for sure  :o 8)

Here's a few of the old to go with the new... Whos THAT  :P ??? :-\ LOL

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That spark in your eyes tells me you like what you're seeing too!  :) Glad you're feeling better and on your way.

Hugs, Devlyn

It looks the me that you will be having some amazing results. Congratulation!  I wish you a speedy recovery. Hugs

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on February 28, 2015, 01:04:57 PM
That spark in your eyes tells me you like what you're seeing too!  :) Glad you're feeling better and on your way.

Hugs, Devlyn

YEP ;D

Thanks Possesed, Im optimistic from what I can see and Im feeling better but still a LONG way to go.... Back to my Oxzcodone and ice packs and moaning in pain for a while :-\  :'( OUCH still HURTS!!!

If only there were magic wands to just wave and the surgeries would be done with no muss or fuss - Maybe Disney can work on that for us - Think good thoughts and we hope for a quick recovery

jenifer

I have mine with Dr. S in a month now, but the discussion of pain has made me pretty worried.  I had arranged for a friend to stay with me for the whole time, buy my friend, who is also trans, has pretty bad depression and she said today she decided she didn't think she could help me, so now I'm pretty worried, because it doesn't sound like you can do this alone, and I basically saved up enough for surgery but not for private nurses, but I have already paid for it.

Not trying to scare you away Tori, Congrats ;)

Well maybe its just me but I had a lot of pain and unfortunately I still do :'( Im just letting you know that for me anyway this has been excruciating... Others might be different and have a lot less pain, its all different and individual, unfortunately I dont think there's any way to see ahead of time either... Ive always had a very high pain tolerance and been a good healer... Im calling up ALL of my strength right now to try to get through this :-\ :'(

I thought I was turning the corner but It really hurt this morning  :'(  I did get some sleep though and that's been hard to come by lately so that's good...

No it was as swollen and numb and sore as ever this morning  :( :'( I had to go back on a full dose of Oxycodone, that helps but it also just knocks me out ... Still only 5 days post op though so I guess I should expect to be hurting  :(

It just seemed a lot better yesterday, hopefully later on today the swelling will go down some more... Im back to my ice packs but at least the moaning has stopped so it is getting better  :-\

Tori Im all alone, I HAD to stay 4 nights in the hospital... You might get by with less but you do need someone with you... Im sure I could have got out of the hospital sooner if I wasn't alone...

Quote from: Eva on March 01, 2015, 09:37:49 AM
...full dose of Oxycodone, that helps but it also just knocks me out ...

Ketorolac would be a better choice than... or Ibuprofen when your pain level lowers

I do VERY well on Ibuprofen to kill pain but I was told "it interferes with healing" and to just take Tylenol... Tylenol never worked for me even for a simple headache... I was never offered an alternative to Oxycodone, so I donno.... Im gonna call them tomorrow and find out about going on Ibuprofen soon...   

Quote from: jenifer_n on February 28, 2015, 01:27:33 PM
If only there were magic wands to just wave and the surgeries would be done with no muss or fuss - Maybe Disney can work on that for us - Think good thoughts and we hope for a quick recovery

jenifer

Thanks Jenifer, I wish!!! Its scarring me now because it still hurts really bad and Im still really swollen :'(

Eva,
I was a big baby.. even though I take pain well... however.. I stayed on oxy for a long time after surgery..
Pain control is important to healing to... so talk to your Dr. on what most patients do but I bet you find most stay on a pain reliever for a long time,
I switched from oxy to a less powerful hydro.. and I never finished the bottle.
I thought you looks awesome before surgery can't imagine how good you will look after... I am excited for you.. be patient.. it takes time..
Dodie

OK so Im bored here and I have absolutely nothing better to do just sitting alone in my hotel in such a miserable state... I guess I will write a bit about where Im numb... The Oxcy takes care of the pain well enough I guess, as far as I know it does nothing for numbness and swelling though...  I was under the impression that ibuprofen is a blood thinner and an anti inflammatory... Well Im definitely inflamed here, I really wish I could try it but I wont until I hear its OK from my doc.... Tylenol has always been worthless to me but Im gonna take it anyway...

So I decided to leave the ace bandages off for awhile after having them on for a while... Sometimes tighter has seemed to help, but its been nice for a while now to take them off and just let things get some good circulation...

From the top behind the incision on my forehead its completely numb  for an inch or two and it gradually has feeling out to my crown area... It feels almost normal right below it and just a little sore... All across my forehead and eye sockets is numb but there is some sensation there it just feels weird... It is totally smooth and flat there with no lumps at all so thats probably good... My upper nose is hard to tell with the splint still attached but Im not perceiving any pain from there... There doesnt seem to be much swelling at all up there....

Under my eyes is bruised but no numbness or pain there at all... from the middle of my nose down its just mildly numb but not really swollen too bad... Im not even having much trouble breathing through my nose which is kinda surprising...  My Cheeks feel totally normal... so from the bottom of my nose up its really not bad at all...

My upper lip however is still very sore and swollen :'( I dont perceive much pain from the incision under my nose but my lip itself is just blown up like 2-3 times normal size... I had a lift and "augmentation" with a mixture of tissue and fat from my face lift... The swelling and numbness and pain extends out into my cheeks to my jaw... M lower lip is only mildly swollen but it is pretty numb, there is an incision and stitches in my gums in front and on both sides of  my lower jaw... There is surprisingly only mild discomfort from these stitched up areas....

My chin and jaw however ARE VERY swollen and painful... My chin is completely numb and my jaw is mostly numb all the way back...
The numbness feels a lot like the anesthetic I had with my orthodontist in my lips... Its not pleasant at all and it hasnt really improved much at all... I started to yesterday but it all came back as bad as ever today :'(

I can also feel tightness, swelling and numbness around my face and neck lift scars... I had lipo under my chin and its sore there as well... I try not to move my head much but its sore and tight on my neck....

Hopefully I can look back and read that soon and say... "Oh yea that sucked, Im so glad thats getting better"  :'(

 

Quote from: Dodie on March 01, 2015, 01:07:58 PM
Eva,
I was a big baby.. even though I take pain well... however.. I stayed on oxy for a long time after surgery..
Pain control is important to healing to... so talk to your Dr. on what most patients do but I bet you find most stay on a pain reliever for a long time,
I switched from oxy to a less powerful hydro.. and I never finished the bottle.
I thought you looks awesome before surgery can't imagine how good you will look after... I am excited for you.. be patient.. it takes time..
Dodie

I know it just HURTS :'( Im not sure it helps to think about why where and how it hurts :laugh: I just wish it would start getting better :-\ :-\ :-\

This has been ->-bleeped-<-ing brutal so far and it sucks even worse than I imagined it possibly could  :'(

I did manage to get about 5 hours of sleep last night so that's an improvement... I try to sleep sitting up to keep the swelling down and thats tough to do  ::)

It always seems worst first thing in the morning and this morning was no exception :(

Its really starting to bug me, my entire right side of my face has seen the swelling and numbness go down dramatically and thats great  :) The problem is the entire left side is still VERY swollen  ??? My upper lip looks almost normal on the right side but swollen huge and numb on the left  :-\ :'( Same with my jaw very swollen but only on the left side  ??? With the swelling comes pain and numbness so Id be really happy if the left side would get it in gear and get with the program here!!!  :( ::)

From what I can see of my right side Im going to absolutely LOVE the results of this!!!  ;D 8)

I just talked to my docs resident assistant and she said Im doing OK and to just keep doing what Im doing and give it time to heal... Im very happy I was cleared to start taking Ibuprofen, that stuff work wonders for me so Im hoping to see a nice improvement there  ;D

I think Im gonna get all bundled up and go far a nice walk around Boston and hopefully get my mind and body in a better place :)

The sun keeps popping out, that's a new thing! Enjoy your walk!

Hugs, Devlyn

Hey Devlyn yea it was nice to get out and get in the sun ;D

Boston is a very nice town, very interesting with all its history and all the old and new mixed together... I imagine its beautiful in the warmer months 8) While it wasnt quite as cold as Im used to in SD its that humid cold with the wind off the ocean that I just cant take!!! NO thanks, we get a lot of wind and cold by me but the air out there is way drier so it doesn't quite feel as cold... Also the sun seems more intense at 3000 ft elevation that it is at sea level...

That said while I think its all nice and pretty cool I feel like Im in a foreign country!!! Frankly Im surprised ya'll let me in without my passport :P Im just a simple backwards red neck woman from the hills in the middle of nowhere SD  :laugh: :P My purse feels empty without my Glock .40 in it but Im pretty sure thats a capital crime here and they would laugh at my SD concealed carry permit  :P ::)

I walked for about 40 minutes and was very nice to get up out of this hotel room and get moving  8) The wind and cold was messing with my nose though and I still dont quite feel right from the anesthetic...

Unfortunately Im also still pretty sore, numb and swollen too :'( It does seem better though but its coming very slowly :'(
Im not surprised though and if I just think about everything that was done I guess Im doing pretty good  :-\

Oh well Im hoping to look and feel a lot better by the time I see Dr S on the morning of the 4th to get my stitches and staples (yes big gnarly STAPLES in my head) taken out and then fly home  ;) I miss my dog ;)

Wow I was finally able to sleep last night, I was OUT for 12 hours :)

Anyway the swelling is finally going down but theres still a lot... 7 days post op, not too bad eh??? Definitely a younger look 8) I cant wait to get the splint off my nose and go home!!!

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OMG... wonderful you look so great!  So exciting just going to get better from here on out!
I know you can't wait to get home and I can tell you got a lot of rest.. looking much more comfy,
Dodie :)

Looking good girl!!! - Things will only get better from here - Once you can sleep everything seems better - Soon it will be all behind you and then it will be someone else's turn

be well
jenifer

Thanks this is really starting to BLOW my mind :o ;D :) ;)

Yes I cant wait to see how it looks in just a couple more weeks  :) It should just get better fast by the day now... I still have a LOT of swelling, numbness, tightness, and general discomfort but I think Im gonna absolutely LOVE the result ;D ;D 8)

You look amazing!!

Wow, you're healing fast! I'm glad you got some sleep.

Hugs, Devlyn

Wow Eva! You look so great.  I'm sorry the pain was so bad.  I found another friend who is going to take care of me after, so I think it will be okay. But it makes me feel good that you are able to walk around Boston and stuff!

Eva, you look amazing!!! Like they took twenty years off of you!!!!(I truly mean no offense) I cant wait to see your results after you heal!!! Absolutely beautiful darling!! Hang in there!

Hey THANKS everyone ;) Im still kinda undecided at the moment but I know its gonna change a lot as I heal up and I still have a LONG way to go there...

Here's a couple pics without the nose splint and WAY too much make up on covering my bruises... I still feel like I got my ass severely beat, so swollen and sore and numb :( My Jaw and chin are swollen up HUGE and I still have a fat lip like someone punched me a few times in the mouth  :( :'( Both are way bigger than they were pre op I know the upper lip should end up a little bigger but Im hoping it shrinks a bit... Dr Spiegel said it would over the next 1-2 weeks and he assured me he didn't do much augmentation, thats what I asked for... The jaw and chin will be at least a month for the swelling/pain to go down with improvements out six months for the final result... I love my nose and the brow and the brow lift  8)  So 9 days post op and I went from absolutely the worst Ive ever felt to somewhat functional....

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Its great to be home, it was a LONG day yesterday getting home but I made it without any problems or funny looks.... I am at least able to go out and take care of business today... Thankfully there were different girls at the vet where my dog was boarded and the bitchy woman at the post office seemed indifferent to me as usual...

Now Im just gonna try to relax for a few days and heal up... 

Back to resting up!

Yep, still a long way to go but at least it cant get worse :-\

Its very hard to sleep, very hard to get comfortable with so many sore spots, still literally a MAJOR headache but the Ibuprofen helps I guess, Im off the Oxycodone now :'( Also all the stitches in my mouth along my lower gum line SUCK, they are self dissolving stitches and they are getting thinner but still very annoying... Every time I eat something(it just HURTS to just to chew anything :'( ) they get all clogged up with food and its a literal pain to get it all out.... I have some nasty tasting prescription mouthwash I use after eating... Its weird brushing my teeth too because Im NUMB in some spots....

Quote from: Eva on March 05, 2015, 03:35:42 PM
... The jaw and chin will be at least a month for the swelling/pain to go down with improvements out six months for the final result...

Massage is the key for lower face swelling. It gets stuck there for a month and often longer. With massage you can get rid of swelling much faster. Not only for looks, you want that swelling gone ASAP also for reasons like inflammation, infection, etc... I did a LOT of massage, and ice before and after massage, and at 10 days after the surgery I had less lower face swelling than most people have at 1 month. It's painful, but it's worth doing it, everything gets better so much sooner.

Yes Dr Spiegel mentioned massage and Ive been doing that along with wearing the ace bandages all the time now that Im home... Im considering going back to ice packs but they never seemed to help me much, heat actually feels better to me...

Be careful though, I thought heat/inflammation/swelling were all related. Disclaimer: I'm definitely not a doctor!

I was with one of Dr Spiegel's clients, her mouth stitches were coming out and driving her crazy that day.

Hugs, Devlyn

They are starting to fall out, thats good!!! By heat I just mean like after a warm shower, I dont use any other way to warm it ;)

Wow
Home sweet home.
U look great and look so happy!
Dodie

Thanks Dodie yes its great to have the hard part behind me ;)

I donno about happy though... I know Im being irrational but my jaw and chin are really getting to me... They are huge, bigger than they used to be... Now I know its gotta just be swelling that will eventually go away... You cant remove bone and end up bigger in the end.... I like everything else so far but the pain and discomfort... Still its weird now looking at old pics and thinking I looked pretty good and I hate to say "better than now"...  I think that might just be some of the "post op blues" Ive read about... ALL of my earlier pics are now no good to me and Im even gonna eventually want to redo my drivers license and passport...

This got to me when I got dropped off at the airport... Dr Spiegel wouldn't let me leave without the ace bandages on but Id worn my wig there... The cab driver sir'ed me for the first time in at least 6 months :'(  That SUCKED!!! WTF I was thinking... My body and voice and everything are pretty good... To get sir'ed really sucked, I had on some nice feminine boots and jeans and coat, scarf, hat gloves. purse ect but just my beat up face with no make up and a pair of sunglasses... I was able to make myself presentable enough in the bathroom at the airport and I had no problems with my hair on after that but still :'( :embarrassed:

Hey
Hang in there.
U will look great. That swelling will go away just do what the doc says
I have an issue under my chin with scar tissue that is unusual so may have to have it worked on
Post op blues is common just take it a day at a time
U will be sming soon kiddo
Luv
Dodie

Eva I'm so glad you are doing better. Thank you for your detailed report. It gives me hope I'll get better too.

Hi Terri, I think Im like a week ahead of you??? Yes the worst is over, that first week is HELL :o

Im by no means done yet though :'(

Well most of the stitches fell out, theres like 2-3 left so thats good  :)

DAMN its still sore though, I cant seem to sleep very well unless I get plastered and then I dont really even sleep anyway  :(

I thought it was getting better but the numbness is WORSE than ever this morning even though the swelling seems better  ???  ::)

Yes Im starting to have regrets now worrying I might end up like this permanently or possibly for YEARS... That in my mind wouldn't be worth it  :-\

Ice and massage seems to help with the swelling but nothing seems to help the numbness and loss of feeling...

The numbness is all along my lower jaw and chin, up to my upper and lower lips and even the end of my nose... also my entire forehead except for right in the middle where the feeling thats there is strange and unpleasant... Most of the top of my head behind the scar is numb and its the same behind the facelift scars... That means my ears and the area behind them is very numb as well...

My lips are getting better but from the start my upper lip has seemed bigger in the left side and Im worried that will be permanent... This is REALLY no fun  :'(

Stop panicking, you have to be patient (you are a patient), you need to give your body time to heal. You made a decision and you will look amazing, but before that happens, your body will just do its best to do what it does after such trauma, and take it's time to deal with the consequences of your decision. It would be amazing if we could just wake up after FFS and look completely amazing and beautiful right from start without any recovery.. sadly it is the opposite. But it is well worth of everything in the end. Trust me.

Many soft tissue assymetries will happen, swelling just doesn't care much about symmetry. So don't worry about such details. Only after a few months you will be able see if there are any details that might need a little fix, but even then any surgeon will tell you to wait at least about a year or more, because it could resolve on it's own.

Eva, how long did Dr Spiegel say the recovery would take? You need to give it time, hon, it's too early to start worrying.

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: mmmmm on March 06, 2015, 10:43:25 AM
Stop panicking, you have to be patient (you are a patient), you need to give your body time to heal. You made a decision and you will look amazing, but before that happens, your body will just do its best to do what it does after such trauma, and take it's time to deal with the consequences of your decision. It would be amazing if we could just wake up after FFS and look completely amazing and beautiful right from start without any recovery.. sadly it is the opposite. But it is well worth of everything in the end. Trust me.

Many soft tissue assymetries will happen, swelling just doesn't care much about symmetry. So don't worry about such details. Only after a few months you will be able see if there are any details that might need a little fix, but even then any surgeon will tell you to wait at least about a year or more, because it could resolve on it's own.

Hey Mmmm thanks really its good to hear reassurance from someone who's been there.... This is tough for me right now :'(

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on March 06, 2015, 10:55:30 AM
Eva, how long did Dr Spiegel say the recovery would take? You need to give it time, hon, it's too early to start worrying.

Hugs, Devlyn

Yes I know, he said a month minimum for the jaw and chin and 1-2 weeks for my lip... He said 6 months for all the swelling to go down and up to 2 years before I regain full sensation...

Thats A LONG time, and I did know that going in but reality is a whole different deal you know :-\

Here's couple pics today, looks like the swelling in my jaw and chin might be a little better, the scar under my nose seems to be healing well...

It IS only 10 days post op so I should be able to look forward to improvement even if SLOW by the day... Im just NOT a patient person but I guess I have no choice here....

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You already look amazing. 10 days is too early for the swelling to go down. And when it comes to sensations it took about 4 years in my case... We all heal differently. What is important is the result so yours looks already amazing. I can imagine how good you will look like in a few months. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Quote from: Eva on March 05, 2015, 04:29:03 PM
Also all the stitches in my mouth along my lower gum line SUCK, they are self dissolving stitches and they are getting thinner but still very annoying... Every time I eat something(it just HURTS to just to chew anything :'( ) they get all clogged up with food and its a literal pain to get it all out.... I have some nasty tasting prescription mouthwash I use after eating... Its weird brushing my teeth too because Im NUMB in some spots....

Have you tried drinking coca cola with food?

Oh.. the numb feeling in my lower teeth.. I know what you mean. It got a little better this week. I can now actually tell when I'm brushing my teeth. I'm also starting to feel my scalp a little again. I'm 6 weeks post-op.. Please be more patient or you'll go mental! I still have lots of swelling in my chin and lips and some around my eyes (blepharoplasty and midfacelift) and I don't look normal yet. Recovery is exhausting on more than one level and I have experienced ups and downs with every recovery I had so far. The downs make it even more draining. I gave up on being impatient, because there's just no way to rush recovery. My mind can go from 'I love how I look' to 'I look like a freak' in an hour or less.. It'll probable take a couple of more months before I can tell how I really feel about my FFS. If you have a lot of time on your side then please find things to keep you busy. Take care.

Quote from: possessed on March 06, 2015, 04:05:14 PM
You already look amazing. 10 days is too early for the swelling to go down. And when it comes to sensations it took about 4 years in my case... We all heal differently. What is important is the result so yours looks already amazing. I can imagine how good you will look like in a few months. I wish you a speedy recovery.

Thank you Im feeling a little better about my looks this morning, my upper lip is getting more normal looking and the jaw/chin swelling seems better too... Now I feel like the end of my nose is swollen... Its all random and it moves around ???  Im still so numb though and I just want to feel normal again... 4 years? Damn I dont want to think about that :'(

Quote from: Yasmeen on March 06, 2015, 04:12:53 PM
Have you tried drinking coca cola with food?

Oh.. the numb feeling in my lower teeth.. I know what you mean. It got a little better this week. I can now actually tell when I'm brushing my teeth. I'm also starting to feel my scalp a little again. I'm 6 weeks post-op.. Please be more patient or you'll go mental! I still have lots of swelling in my chin and lips and some around my eyes (blepharoplasty and midfacelift) and I don't look normal yet. Recovery is exhausting on more than one level and I have experienced ups and downs with every recovery I had so far. The downs make it even more draining. I gave up on being impatient, because there's just no way to rush recovery. My mind can go from 'I love how I look' to 'I look like a freak' in an hour or less.. It'll probable take a couple of more months before I can tell how I really feel about my FFS. If you have a lot of time on your side then please find things to keep you busy. Take care.

All my stitches in my mouth are gone now... Still I have increased sensitivity to hot or cold in my teeth and it hurts to chew things... Yea I thought I was pretty tough but this is really something else and worse than I ever could have imagined :-\ :'(  Im going through the same deal with my looks but I am starting to see how I think it might all look in the end and I do think Im gonna like it... I just want to feel normal again and its depressing to think about just how long that could take :(

I think you'll be past it once the initial swelling goes all the way down, and then you'll just notice everything get to its final look.  :)

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Eva on March 07, 2015, 09:25:39 AM
All my stitches in my mouth are gone now... Still I have increased sensitivity to hot or cold in my teeth and it hurts to chew things... Yea I thought I was pretty tough but this is really something else and worse than I ever could have imagined :-\ :'(  Im going through the same deal with my looks but I am starting to see how I think it might all look in the end and I do think Im gonna like it... I just want to feel normal again and its depressing to think about just how long that could take :(

That IS depressing to think about so I guess it's better to try not to think about it. It won't all happen overnight anyway.

The stitches in your mouth have gone really fast. After six week I still feel part of the stitches in my mouth. A couple in my nose too. They can go now for all I care..

I expected increased sensitivity in my teeth too and so I bought Sensodyne toothpaste before I went to have FFS. Well, turned out I couldn't feel my teeth at all, lol. Perhaps Sensodyne would work for you?

'Starting to see how I think it might all look in the end'.. So do I. Dozens of times the past weeks.. So how I think I will look in the end keeps changing.. I guess there's a reason why surgeons won't make after photos before x months after surgery.

Quote from: Yasmeen on March 07, 2015, 05:28:37 PM
I guess there's a reason why surgeons won't make after photos before x months after surgery.

Di Maggio takes and publishes 14 days post-op photos ... Patients are required to stay for 2 weeks after surgery, and he makes after photos at the last check-up before leaving.

I meant pics that might be used as 'after-pics' on the surgeon's web site..

Yes, that photos are used as a "after-pics" on his web site... (and no photoshop editing or "light-changing" as some other surgeons call this)

14 days post-op sounds very short after surgery for after-pics. I look different at 6 weeks from what I looked at 2 weeks and I'm sure I will look different at 3 months.

Hi Eva,

Thank you for posting this about your FFS surgery and recovery.

You look beautiful.

I can not believe how strong you are and how well you have done. Also, doing it alone is very tough.

I have to admit I am a queasy reading your account with all the pain and suffering. I had no idea how much pain there is.

Eva,

Did you feel like you think you got the nose that you described to Dr. Spiegel?  I've heard some patients say mixed things about his nose work?  I've already paid for mine with him for 3 weeks from now, but I'm wondering how to explain and get what I am looking for.

Hope you continue to recover without pain!

Quote from: Tori_Chi on March 08, 2015, 03:47:17 AM
Eva,

Did you feel like you think you got the nose that you described to Dr. Spiegel?  I've heard some patients say mixed things about his nose work?  I've already paid for mine with him for 3 weeks from now, but I'm wondering how to explain and get what I am looking for.

Hope you continue to recover without pain!

Hi Tori Im very happy with my nose but I didnt ask for much and he didnt do much, very subtle there and I love it ;) 8) I just wanted it rounded out and thinned a bit up top and he put in a nice little slope... I asked him to not do much at all to the tip and just to narrow my nostrils a bit and he delivered exactly what I asked for there :) I dont know what exactly it is you want done but all you can do is tell him what you want I suppose... Good luck your day will be here before you know it ;)

Well I had to get up and go out last night... As much as Im bitching and moaning I guess Im doing OK for less than 2 weeks post op... My lips are finally getting to a reasonable size just like the doc said they would... Also the swelling seems better but the numbness remains, I think Im starting to kinda get used to it but it still sucks:(

It was weird, I saw a lot of people that know me casually and nobody said a word about it except I gotta a couple "you look greats" and some people seemed extra interested in me but it was like they couldn't figure out why :)  8)

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Getting better ;D Not too bad for 12 days post op 8)
Swelling is slowly going down and Im really starting to like it ;)
Still too numb but its either getting better or Im just getting used to it...
Still real sore but Im loving the new look today anyway 8)

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Looking so great Eva! Congrats!

Thanks Tori and good luck with Dr S... Can I ask what your having done???

Im feeling a little better today but Im worried all the nice compliments are gonna swell up my head too big again :laugh: :P

I really like your results. As for the numbness don't worry much. Stop thinking about it and one day you will notice it is gone.

Thanks Possessed, me too!!!  ;D  Thats how its been working out so far, Im back to taking care of business 2 weeks post op... It is slowly getting better too and Im not so focused on it all the time... Sick tired of being sick and tired ;)

Quote from: Eva on March 09, 2015, 09:46:46 AM
Thanks Tori and good luck with Dr S... Can I ask what your having done???

Im feeling a little better today but Im worried all the nice compliments are gonna swell up my head too big again :laugh: :P

I'm doing a rhinoplasty and the forehead package, so brow bossing, scalp advancement, and eyebrow lift. 

My face looks fine from the front most of the time, but my brow in profile is pretty masculine (which is why I wear bangs).

I am really scared, actually. It's weird to admit, because I've wanted this so long. But I am so scared.

Well Im very impressed and happy with all of those procedures, very subtle but definitely feminizing without making it obvious I "had work"... You have a very good doctor for that ;)

I hope your recovery goes better than mine... I donno they told me I was having a worse time and needing more pain meds that most of Dr Spiegels patients do... Of course that did nothing to make me feel any better  ::) :'( 

Im still really numb, its always worse in the mornings... 2 weeks into recovery and Im totally functional despite the numbness, I can ignore it mostly throughout the day and Im even pretty much off the Ibuprofen now... I have no regrets and Im really starting to love the results ;D

Your gonna be even more pretty than you are now Tori, congrats and good luck :) ;)

Thanks Eva, that makes me feel better.  I hope you keep recovering quickly now!

Eva,

Your lastest pictures look great! very natural looking beauty!!Glad your recovery is coming along and you're feeling better!!

Thanks!!! Im LOVING it, gets better by the day ;D

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Sorry for jumping in on this but I just read this top to bottom and I couldn't stop. What a great story, and great result. I feel like I kinda know everyone a little. Thanks for sharing   :)

Eva,

From what I read you went thru some hard times during recovery,

BUT YOU NOW LOOK LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!!  I cant wait to see your pictures is a few months!

Congratulations and I hope if I ever get there to look half as good as you.

Emily

Thanks ;D

Hey Eva, how are you feeling a few weeks out?  Are you still happy?  I really hope so!

Creeping up on your date with the doc, too, aren't you?

Hugs, Devlyn

Yep, the 31st! I'm pretty nervous, but everything is all set for it. I just have to get there from Seattle!

Hi Tori try not to worry too much, Dr S is about as good as it gets you know ;) Your gonna be fine :)

Yes Im still happy with my results so far, things are still changing especially with my jaw and chin though, your lucky your not doing that!!!  A lot of the swelling seems to be gone but its still pretty sore, hard to eat, and still really numb :'( I think Im gonna love the result there when its all fully healed.... Still very numb everywhere actually but I have no choice but to live with it and hope it gets better :-\  My nose and forehead have been not nearly as uncomfortable as the jaw/chin and the face/neck lift though, that seems to be the easiest actually.... My ears are pretty numb from the face/neck lift though and thats annoying and makes sleeping hard :'( Im thinking Im gonna take advantage of that and get another set of piercings :laugh: ....

Still Im happy with the result and I love the new look and I do feel a lot more confident now :) ;D

Good Luck ;)

Still really sore and swollen and numb but its getting better I think :)

Decided to change my hair a bit, new color, I think I like it  8)

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Beautiful! 

I second that!

Hugs, Devlyn

Oh ahh, THANKS It blows my mind just how far Ive come, I NEVER in a million years thought that "beautiful" could ever be possible for me when I started this journey ;D :o 8)

My sincere apology in advance!!!  :laugh:

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wow Eva stunning transformation, and your new beautiful face will even be more beautiful as time goes by with swelling goes down even more

OMG, wow and other that that seriously Eva what a transformation u are beautiful girl .

Thanks Im REALLY starting to love the results here ;D

Lately Ive been getting asked for ID when buying cigarettes!!! That NEVER used to happen to me  :o 8)

Im definitely more confident and I notice people seem nicer in general to me now :) The best thing is just seeing the difference every day in the mirror though... As hard as it was, and it was brutal its totally worth all the $$$ and pain....

A month in and the pain is finally almost totally gone, I still get headaches now and then but nowhere near as bad as they were... My nose is still a little sore and the scars are healing nicely but sometimes they will itch really bad but I dont dare scratch them.... Sometimes things will throb uncomfortable an I'll get shooting pains, shocks and itchy sensations seemingly randomly ::) Still some swelling in my jaw and chin and it comes and goes day to day but I can see he really was aggressive there and I like it  8)

The numbness is SLOWLY getting better and lately I can finally get a good night sleep, that sucked not being able to sleep  :'(

Im not really happy with myself for starting smoking again >:( Tough to quit the cigs though >:( I did go more than 5 months cold turkey though so I know I can do it, Im already getting sick of buying them again so Im thinking its gonna be soon....

Amazing before after Eva you are beautiful!!

OMG Eva, that's a remarkable transformation. You look stunning. Congratulations on all of your success and continued happiness!!!!!!

THANKS again, you know I love a compliment!!!  ;D

OK here's an update for anyone who cares.... Im 5 weeks post op and while the swelling is a LOT better there is still a lot on only the right side of my jaw :(   ???  This is my new hair color and style, Im VERY HAPPY with it :)

My only complaints so far is my TOO POINTY chin  :-\  I wish he would have taken more off the projection :(
Still WAY to early to worry about revisions though and I can live with it for now  ;D 8)

This is my everyday "soccer mom look"   :laugh: 

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Congrats, I had surgery with Dr. S on febuary 12th, jaw and chin shave.  The recovery is a bitch, I am still swollen, and the gum in front feels very tight.  It's a very long recovery.   

Hi your two weeks ahead of me ;) Yes its the same for me.... My left side has no real swelling anymore and pretty good feeling.... My right side there is a spot that's still pretty sore and swollen though and its a lot more numb and even the right side of my lower lip is numb... My chin and the area where the incision is is still really numb and "tight" Is a good description I guess...  Sometimes I even have trouble talking but its SLOWLY getting better and it comes and goes....

I think if the swelling and numbness on the right side would match the left Id really like the result a lot more ;)  I can see he really was aggressive on taking out the square corners on my chin, not sure on the jaw but its been the worst part of this for sure :o

I wish that was all I had to deal with though... There's also the brow and sinus reconstruction, orbital eye socket shaving and lift/scalp advance.... Its still sore and numb under my eyebrows where he shaved off the bone... The numbness is a lot better than it was on my forehead and scalp though, the scar is pretty gnarly looking and it goes from the bottom of my ears up and all the way across my head :o  Ive been getting some wicked sinus headaches but a lot of that I HOPE is my normal seasonal allergies acting up :-\ My nose is still pretty sore and it's been getting pretty stuffed up too but Im hoping thats just my allergies as well... I do LOVE the result of the brow work and my new nose though :)

The scar under my nose from the lip lift is healing nicely but sometimes it will itch real bad and I dont want to try to scratch it and it drives me nuts ::)   Also since my nose has been congested I find that at rest when sleeping that my upper lip stays open just a little bit and from breathing it gets really dried out.... If I dont remember to put vaseline/moisturizer on it before bed it gets pretty dried out overnight :( That is getting better too though at least :-\

All of the face lift scars have healed really nice and you cant even see them at all 8) The numbness in my ears is still there but its getting better too...

Anyway the worst of it is behind me and it just seems to slowly get a little better by the day at least :)

Eva, wow you had the full works.  I been freaking out over the healing process that it not happening fast enough, can't imagine what you might be going through. 

My forehead and hair line have always been ok, so I don't think I will ever have them done.  After my chin and jaw heal I will probably look into a lower facelift.  As far as uneven chin area, I don't think it's the bone rather the soft tissue, so once the swelling goes down I will reassess, and either liposuction of the larger side or a fat graft to the smaller side should even it out.  But I am crossing my fingers it heals evenly on its own.

Oh I know for sure its just the tissue swelling up because it used to be the right side had no swelling and the left was all swelled up and it just switched sides now ::) Im sure it will be fine eventually but DAMN its taking longer than I expected :'(

Im wondering if I should have waited and done the face neck lift after the bone work but I really needed it and Dr S said he could do it all at once so I just went for it.... I do think Im pretty much done now... The only other thing I could see doing would be maybe a slight augmentation on my lower lip... Im not in any hurry to go back under the knife though!!!

Ya recovering from surgery can be a real long process.  I always did one surgery at a time.  I have always been very passable, so any surgery has been more of a vanity thing.  I do a nip and tuck then reevaluate.  He also said he could do the lower lift at the same time and I decided that I would do it after I heal.  I was affraid that when swelling went down I could end up looking too tight.  I am 38 and don't wanna look like I had a facelift, but with the bone reduction I can see a little saggy skin. 

I would wait a full year of recovery before you do your lips.

Congrats, Eva! Spiegel strikes again with performing another great FFS procedure. You look stunning now, and you will only continue to see additional swelling go down in the next few months. I had full FFS with Spiegel, and I thought after a couple of months, I thought I was pretty much done with my swelling. 3 more months go by, and I continue to see changes in my face.

Thanks Sis ;D You look great as well ;) No regrets here, its been a HUGE boost to my confidence and well being :)  It seems to get better by the day but its weird how the right side is so much more numb than the left but the swelling is going down slowly... Im sure an couple of months it will all be a lot better.... I am getting used to it now and I can hardly remember what I used to look like but when I look at my old pics I can see a very nice improvement for sure :o 8)

Dr S is very good and I am so glad I could have this done :)

My "Biker bitch" look LOL  :)  Hope I can keep my hair on going 80 mph on the back of a Harley!!!  Going riding tomorrow around the Black Hills SD if he don't flake on me 8) Something tells me he wont though after the nice phone conversation we had this morning  :) He says he's got a helmet and a leather jacket for me to wear...

Anyway there is NO WAY IN HELL Id ever feel comfortable with my hair tied back like this and wearing a bandana like that before FFS :o Guess it looks OK now :)

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wow you look amazing. The FFS was a real success. I love your facelift. Also Dr S seems to have improved his rhynoplasty techniques.

Thanks possessed, yes I love the work he did on my nose, really all of it :) My only complaints are I wish he would have raised my brows a bit more but I can live with it I guess...  And I feel like he should have done some augmentation to my lower lip to keep things more in balance... I know I can have that done locally and I don't need a FFS doc for that and Im seriously considering it... Im in no hurry to inflict anymore pain on myself though and I am scared of having a bad result there too :-\

The swelling in the right side of my jaw is finally going away and not so numb, not bad for 46 years old anyway :) ;)

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Anyway I could use some better boots (love these but they aren't really thick enough for riding) and a good leather jacket and a better dew rag for my hair ;) Maybe some kind of mostly open helmet:huh:

Had a LOT of fun yesterday out on my first ever ride through one of the best parts of the Black Hills ;D 8)

Eva,

I think that the position of your eyebrows is very natural. I don't think any higher position would look good. And for facial harmony you need some filling of your lower lip. You can do it locally with dermal fillers. It is a simple procedure, I don't think it can go wrong.

Thanks ;) I guess your right on the brows but as the swelling has gone down I do see a bit of the old sagging eyelids returning too... Its not that bad though and I AM 46, way better than it was ::)

Yea I still have some lines under the lower lip and the upper lip used to be the same but now their gone.... I think a slight augmentation would probably really help with that as well as make a nice improvement by getting things more balanced with the upper lip....

Its just kinda scary because Id want it to be permanent filler and there is only one chance to get it right :-\  Ive considered trying a temporary filler first just in case so Id have a chance to reduce it if necessary.... I guess Id just have to do some consultations with the local plastic surgeons and get their opinion... Im also considering either a chemical peel or laser on my face to hopefully get rid of the wrinkles and lines that while MUCH better are starting to come back as the swelling goes down :(  Just aint looking forward to more pain and suffering :-\

Eyebrow position can be easily adjusted a little after you're fully healed. It's kind of easier to place them into the perfect position then after soft tissue gets adjusted to new shape of underlying structure.

Quote from: mmmmm on April 12, 2015, 04:56:13 PM
Eyebrow position can be easily adjusted a little after you're fully healed. It's kind of easier to place them into the perfect position then after soft tissue gets adjusted to new shape of underlying structure.

How may I ask without more surgery??? I can see doing that a little by reshaping and plucking/waxing but mine are very thin to begin with and Ive done all I can that way....

It would be still called a surgery. A minor though, more like going to the dentist. It can be done in "office" under the local anesthesia (no need for expensive surgery room, general anesthesia, and other stuff). There are a few slightly different approaches, but none would take a lot more than an hour from start to finnish.

One week til I fly to Guadalajara, eight days til surgery. I see all these results and am very excited. :)

OMG LizMarie I am going to need all the details lol , i am going in 2 months and i am a nervous wreck  :o

I hope everything works out for you !!!

Healing nicely 2 1/2 months post op :)

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Me and MY Baby ;)  Get some attention from the stupid boys driving this beast  ;D 8)

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67 Cutlass?  :) ... That's one amazing looking picture !

Thanks :) Its a 1972 Oldsmobile Cutlass Supreme Ive owned for 20 years ;)

Damn... I forgot about Supreme Cutlass and its more angular shape :)
Even better in my book! I prefer 68-72 A-body gm cars over earlier ones , even though 66s and 67s aren't wrong to look at either.   

Yea, not really into it anymore but it still runs awesome, 550 HP big block :)  It's fun to drive on a nice day anyway 8)

Quote from: Tori_Chi on March 17, 2015, 09:17:04 PM
Hey Eva, how are you feeling a few weeks out?  Are you still happy?  I really hope so!

I just read this entire thread and I would love an update pretty please Tori!!! I'm recovering from five FFS procedures on May 12th with Spiegel..

Well here I am 6 weeks to go until SRS with Suporn :)

Im getting excited and anxious about it all and I decided it might be useful to look back on how I was feeling going into and recovering from FFS... So I dug up this thread and It was pretty cool to be able to go back in time and kinda relive the experience... 

Its been 15 months since I had FFS and I must say it's been a HUGE help to me... Im fully healed now and its true you do mostly forget all of the pain and suffering and that is helping me prepare for SRS knowing that no matter how bad it hurts and sucks eventually I WILL heal and feel normal again and be in hopefully a MUCH better place  :) Thinking about where I'll be 15 months from now  :)

So for anyone whose interested Im VERY happy with the work Spiegel did, looking back at the pics here of me from before FFS to now just blows my mind :o  After this surgery I thought I had deleted all of my old pics but apparently there are a few still out there... So strange, I still feel mostly like the same person but really I guess not ;D

I still have an area on the right side of my chin and lower lip that is numb and Im afraid it might always be this way but it has periods where it will seem to be a lot better and then get worse... Usually I forget all about it but sometimes even now it still bothers me, Im hoping it will eventually heal but this far out I doubt it...

Now thinking about seeing Dr Suporn and knowing he does FFS Im thinking about maybe having him do some tightening of the face lift and maybe laser rejuvenation work... I do still have some wrinkles and lines and I gotta wonder if now that everything has healed if some fine tuning of the lifting would be beneficial... Im going to be OUT cold on pain killers for a week anyway (I hope) and Id think this would be a good time to get it done... I guess I can email Sophie and ask her what she thinks and how Id even go about paying for this extra work considering Id want an in person opinion from Suporn before paying him...

So for anyone considering Dr Spiegel you wont hear much bad about him from me ;)

Wow that old pic just freaks me out and I like things SO much better now :o

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You should ask about doing any FFS procedures in advance. Dr. Suporn doesnt really like if you ask about anything other than SRS (if thats why you are there) before surgery. So either ask Sophie in advance, or dont even mention any of it until you are out of hospital for a week or so. He doesnt do other procedures along with SRS, so you would likely have to wait a few weeks after SRS to have the other procedure done (its better to stay longer than a month there anyway, if you have a possibility or excuse).

You look good. Really nice evolution from last year! :) Do you still have that 72 cutlass supreme? 

I thought SRS was a breeze compared to FFS.
Suporn is wonderful.. I went to Chettawut.. and had a great result .. both are awesome and OMG  I love Thailand...
You will have a blast.
Keri