Recovering from Cosmetic Surgery: Erin’s Facelift Journey Part 3

Recovering from Cosmetic Surgery: Erin’s Facelift Journey Part 3

Welcome back to Part 3 of Erin’s facelift journey! If you’ve stumbled on this post first, you’re welcome to go back and read Part 1 and Part 2 to get caught up.

At this point, Erin has now been healing from her facelift for two full weeks.

In this update, she’ll be sharing what it’s been like to heal slowly (is healing ever fast enough, though?) and we have more pictures to show you how all those bruises and face wraps are doing, too.

By now, Erin’s emails and texts to me were sounding a lot more like her normal self and she even told me one day that she was braving the public to go to the store!

Let’s dive in to the story in Erin’s own words:

Facelift Recovery: Two Weeks Later

Day 8:

I must admit to being spooked by the doctor’s mention that a band might form under my neck if I don’t keep my chin up. My focus has shifted to keeping my head aligned while walking or sitting. When your neck feels like it’s strangling you, it’s easy to let your mind get away from you and think the worst. 

A girlfriend, who had a facelift, said her swelling didn’t go down until week four. I’m only at Day 8, so I must trust the process and keep my fears at bay.

facelift before and after

Day 9:

Today, Wednesday, marked the first time I was able to sleep in my bed the entire night. I didn’t wake frequently or move to a chair or sofa. Progress. 

The bruising has dissipated in several spots, but it’s still darkest under my chin.

I noticed a couple areas of concern. One is around my right eye, and another is under my chin, right-side also. I’m going in tomorrow to be checked out. Maybe it’s nothing, but I’ll feel better having a professional look at it.

Day 10:

Just got home from the surgery center. I was seen by the doctor’s assistant, as he was in surgery. I showed her my first area of concern by my eye. She took a couple of pictures and then pulled in another doctor that was available. He explained there was nothing to do at this time, but massage the area and allow the swelling to resolve. In the future, a small area may need to be cut with one or two stitches around my eye. It would be a very small procedure and I could drive myself.

I did read in my information packet that sometimes additional small procedures are necessary. No one wants to hear this, but at the same time, I knew it could happen and am grateful the area can be fixed, and that I can drive myself.

I was also given a head-strap to help reduce the swelling under my chin. It applies pressure to the chin area and it attached by Velcro at the top of my head. I’ve not seen this look on Project Runway. As I stared into a mirror, it felt like my desire to improve my looks was getting further away.

facelift before and after

I drove for the first time today and that was my positive. It felt fantastic to do something so normal. I don’t have the neck movement I’d like, but I do have all the safety features on my car.

(Just received a call from my doctor’s office, he wants me in at 10:00 a.m. tomorrow so he can personally look at my right eye.)

Day 11:

Happy Friday. The good news – all my stitches and staples are out! A few stung when pulled, but most I didn’t feel. I’m hoping I will sleep a little better now.

The disappointing news. I will need to wear the chin-strap full-time for the next two weeks. I have extensive swelling under the right side of my chin and the strap is supposed to alleviate it. The doctor advised there was nothing to drain.

My doctor agreed with yesterday’s doctor, that I’m to massage the skin on the right corner eye-bone, in hopes that the skin loosens up on its own. The doctor doesn’t want to cut today as he feels there may not be enough skin to stitch. He’ll make another determination on February 19th.

I set myself up for disappointment by thinking I’d be totally healed by the end of week two. My healing is going to take longer due to the amount of bruising incurred. 

Day 14:

I’ve diagnosed myself with Cabin Fever. I feel physically good enough to travel about town, but the bruising and the chin-strap prevent me from taking action. Consecutive bad hair-days are guaranteed when one must wear this contraption wrapped around one’s head.

facelift before and after

Facelift Recovery: Lessons Learned

I discussed with my friend, Andi, what we could have done differently, within the first 24 hours, that might have improved my recovery time. We talked about the drive home. That could have gone smoother if I had previously set the car seat in a reclined position. In doing this, the seat would have been readied for the return of my senseless body, and my head would have rested in a better position for the drive home. As it was, Andi said I kept dropping my chin down which was not the desired position. 

The second thing I wish I’d done was gone straight to bed once we’d returned home. I didn’t understand, before surgery, how out of it I’d be when released. When Andi and I entered my home she helped me to the recliner, as was my plan. What we didn’t count on was my inability to set the chair back in the appropriate position. So the chair remained upright and my head fell forward. The skill-set to recline the chair didn’t return to me until about 8:00 p.m. that evening.

I don’t know if these actions would have lessened the swelling and bruising, but my neck and head would have stayed in a better healing position within the first crucial 24 hours. I just had no concept on how loopy and helpless I be during that time period.   

****

The recovery from last week is demonstrative! Already there is such improvement and the incredible results of the surgery are noticeable, even with the bruising and headgear.

The next part of her story will be when she and I can meet again after the shelter-in-place is lifted, so we can take after photos in the same place we did before her surgery. Update: The finale post is now live here!

And, to see her two-year surgery update – read this post!

I think those side by side pictures are going to show a significant difference!

As always, feel free to reach out to Erin if you have questions regarding her personal journey.

If you want more info on Erin, here’s a little more about her:

Erin G. Burrell is an author and a Tarot card reader. Her book, That’s Why You’re Here, is available on iTunes, Audible, and Amazon. You can connect with Erin through her website or email.

Have a fabulous day,

E

facelift before and after

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11 Comments

  1. Melanie
    October 22, 2020 / 11:44 am

    I really enjoyed reading this. My facelift, brow lift and lower bleph is scheduled for November 4th. I have thought about doing it for 3 years and it is about to happen. Wish me luck!

    • Erica
      Author
      October 25, 2020 / 6:28 pm

      Ooooh, so exciting! Good luck! I think you will be so happy with the result! You found Part 3 – so if you’re interested, you can always check out the other parts of the series to learn more about Erin’s unique facelift journey. She was so gracious to share all of the details with us!

    • November 15, 2020 / 6:48 pm

      I hope all went well Melanie and that you are pleased with your results.

  2. November 15, 2020 / 10:08 am

    hi thankyou for pinning im just about to have this and your honest story gave me hope could i please ask are you glad you had this done

    • Erica
      Author
      November 15, 2020 / 6:34 pm

      Hi Sheila! Erin is a friend of mine and allowed me to share her story, so I feel like I can answer this on her behalf. She is glad she got the procedure. She looks and feels amazing, but she does share a lot of tips for what to do if she were to do it over again. I hope that her journey inspires and helps you as you prepare for your own!

    • November 15, 2020 / 6:54 pm

      Hello Sheila. I’m glad you enjoyed our honest facelift story. I am glad that I had it done. I was waking up every morning not liking the saggy skin I kept seeing, especially what was hanging from my neck. I wake up now and appreciate the results. I look at my old pictures all the time, and am grateful to have had an option to improve my looks. Now I feel like my insides match my outsides. Plastic Surgery is an individual choice. It was right for me. I wish you all the best.

  3. jude austin
    February 21, 2021 / 7:12 pm

    Hi Erin. I am planning the same surgery you had and am so appreciative of yr being so willing to share your journey. I have a few questions about recovery and want to know if yd be willing to answer what you can? Ty! Jude

    • Erica
      Author
      February 28, 2021 / 5:45 pm

      HI Jude! Thanks for your comment. Make sure to read the facelift finale post, too, to get all the info on how Erin feels post-surgery.

  4. Laura r
    February 24, 2022 / 8:11 pm

    Hi Erin,
    Thanks for sharing your journey! It is very helpful and you look fabulous!
    All the best,
    Laura

    • Erica
      Author
      February 25, 2022 / 8:32 am

      Thanks for your kind words Laura – I know Erin appreciates it!

  5. September 20, 2023 / 1:12 am

    Erin’s facelift journey is a truly compelling read. It provides insightful details and is motivational. You look fantastic!

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