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I am writing this review 2½ months after my lifestyle lift surgery: Here is a synopsis of what I have experienced:
1. 10 or 15 minutes after 1 valium and 1 anti nausea drug (not really enough time for these to take effect) a topical anesthetic was wiped on my skin, and then 10 – 15 VERY painful shots were given, all around the jaw line and around the ears.
2. I was able to feel what was going on during the entire procedure, including cutting and very tight pulling. (Not the pain of it, but the sensation.)
3. I couldn’t chew for 5-7 days…could only have a liquid diet during this time.
4. I experienced a LOT of pain during the healing, especially the first 2 to 3 weeks.
5. Of course, there was swelling and bruising, which is to be expected.
6. I experienced one ear that was VERY sore, and I could hardly tolerate having my glasses sit on this ear for probably at least a month.
7. My neck was VERY tight and sore when I would turn my head for the first month and a half. This has gotten better, but still is quite noticeable.
8. I had (and still have) numbness and a tingling feeling in front of, beneath and behind my ears and around the jaw line (I had liposuction under the chin, and the jowl area.)
For what small improvement in looks I've experienced, I don't recommend this procedure, and I've experienced no MAJOR complications, like some women have! (The possible side effects far outweigh the limited benefits.)
Madeline Pershow
Lifestyle lift reviews by RealSelf.com users
Avg cost $5,319
41% say Lifestyle lift was worth it
59% say Lifestyle lift was not worth it
9/30/08
Madeline,
I'm sorry to hear about your pain.
I am 2 years post-op& still experiencing big problems. Three plastic surgeons& a neurologist later, no real hopes of getting better.
I've been put on heavy duty nerve meds that are actually quite scary.
I was supposed to get to the point of 3 pills a day, as they work after being in your system awhile. I didn't make it after 5-6 pills, one a day, for 5-6 days. The pill made me so sleepy I couldn't keep my eyes open but when I tried to sleep, I couldn't fall asleep. My body became so fatigued that simply walking up the stairs wiped me out.
I had to go off of them.
Most times & especially w/ weather changes, I feel as if someone is tearing the skin off of my face near the incision.
Not fun.
I was never informed they were basically going to cut my ears off. They never marked my face as they said they did to do the surgery.
I was told it would be a small incision in front of my ears. The consultant even pulled in the spot she said they would cut.
I was told a permanent suture would be placed, but if you look behind my ear, you'd see many stitches coming through the incision line.
Ohhh, I could go on & on , but I'm sure realself doesn't have the room for everything I have to say.
All I can tell you is if you really feel it didn't work& were misled about the procedure& can't get corporate results, cotact the medical board in your state for answers.
I know I've tried being patient with LSL, did everything they said to a "T", almost begged to find a solution & they just don't care. They promise call-backs, I wait& a week later get a callback that it takes some people longer than others to heal& regrow nerves. A 2nd P.S can't guarantee better results or for me to be pain free, so here I am. It wasn't the money for me, I TRUSTED them, as I do all M.D's. It was little down time, go back to work the next day, all doctors are the best of the best plastic surgeons, the incision would be in the fold never to be seen in about a year. I am so embarrassed to wear my hair back w/ those black unsightly stitches popping through.
I am totally sick of their hype & am becoming very leary of anything they say.
God willing, maybe you'll get better as time goes by, but try to do some massaging on the incision, maybe that will help a bit.
Maybe next time you can add a checkmark to this site so that we can compare symptoms and can email each other.
Many Dr's
say this was a procedure discarded in the 80's because it didn't work.
I know for some people they did have good results, but there are too many that share our story that haven't. It can't be just 'US' that are wrong & I hope LSL becomes more accountable to those of us that have pain& bad results& offer us better solutions to our problems.
10/2/08
Dear Responder,
I am so sorry that you are experiencing such bad pain 2 years after surgery. I guess this is nerve pain?
Have you tried massaging the areas and then applying hot packs every day? (I am still doing this.)
I was wondering if a natural remedy that could be found in a Health store might help? Something like Tea Tree Oil, or Arnica Oil, or DMSO, etc.? (Usually the help at these stores are very informed and could help you find something.)
I purchased a oil by mail order from North Star called "Soothanol X2." It contains arnica oil, cayenne pepper, DMSO, and other ingredients. It is for arthritis and joint pain. I wonder if something like this might help your pain?
What did they say about the stitches that are sticking through the skin? This can't be normal. Did they say they would dissolve? Have you had them looked at by other Dr's?
Sincerely,
MP
10/7/08
Madeline
I am currently seeing a neurologist& she has no clue what LSL did to me& LSL won't explain either. I was put on meds I don't feel good on, but was told they possibly could help if I stayed on them minimum 1 month. As for the stitches, no. Without redoing the whole surgery they can't be removed& I was advised against that..
I am trying.
Thanks so much for the kind words.
10/10/08
Dear Bits,
Sure hope and pray the meds you are on will help the pain.
Let me know if you ever try any of those topical oils/ointments that can be purchased at health food stores...and if they help.
Boy, I wouldn't redo that surgery, either!!
Again, so sorry you are going through all of this.
Sincerely,
MP
10/12/08
Thanks MP.
I hope you do better& please stay in touch!!!
Let me know how you progress.
10/12/08
Thanks MP.
I hope you do better& please stay in touch!!!
Let me know how you progress.