Los
10-13-2002, 05:20 PM
It's been 6 days since my lower face lift.
For the most part, I've been able to hide out successfully. Almost no one knows about the surgery. But I have to confess, I'm torn. Should I tell everyone about it and turn it into a great opportunity for some self-deprecating humour (they might figure it out anyway)? Or should I try to slip back into my normal life as if nothing's new (except for my new-growth beard and the use of a bit of hair colour to get rid of the grey)?
I'd really like to hear your advice, intentions or experiences.
For the most part, I've been able to hide out successfully. Almost no one knows about the surgery. But I have to confess, I'm torn. Should I tell everyone about it and turn it into a great opportunity for some self-deprecating humour (they might figure it out anyway)? Or should I try to slip back into my normal life as if nothing's new (except for my new-growth beard and the use of a bit of hair colour to get rid of the grey)?
I'd really like to hear your advice, intentions or experiences.
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wattagirl
10-13-2002, 11:25 PM
i would just treat it like anything else-if a time came up that i wanted to bring it up or tell i would-if i felt uncomfortable i wouldn't
Los
10-13-2002, 11:35 PM
That's kinda how I've been thinking about it, too, but a couple of people I've mentioned it to, suggested I keep it to myself. I think I prefer your approach though.
Jani
10-14-2002, 12:08 AM
I think the beard thing is a Good choice!!!!!
I would keep the beard and then down size to a goatee(SP?) after a few months.
By that time no one will probably notice, also by then you may feel comfortable enough to talk about it to someone.
Good Luck!!!
I would keep the beard and then down size to a goatee(SP?) after a few months.
By that time no one will probably notice, also by then you may feel comfortable enough to talk about it to someone.
Good Luck!!!
BostonGuy
10-15-2002, 01:02 PM
Hi There:
I'm planning a rhinoplasty/chin implant for December, and my PLAN is to tell close friends and family. I think a grand total of 7 people know. Then, if people notice a change, I'll probably say I had my nose done. I don't think I'll be telling people, esp if the changes are subtle.
It's funny, PS is a higly personal decision, and a controvesial one in many respects, but we're making changes to a very visible part of us. I don't see any point in saying I got a haircut or something else rather than just saying it.
I'm planning a rhinoplasty/chin implant for December, and my PLAN is to tell close friends and family. I think a grand total of 7 people know. Then, if people notice a change, I'll probably say I had my nose done. I don't think I'll be telling people, esp if the changes are subtle.
It's funny, PS is a higly personal decision, and a controvesial one in many respects, but we're making changes to a very visible part of us. I don't see any point in saying I got a haircut or something else rather than just saying it.
Los
10-15-2002, 01:27 PM
Hi Guy: That's how I felt - why not just let people know - until I told a couple of people, who then suggested that I shouldn't tell anyone except on a need-to-know basis. They argued that it's such a personal thing that some people get wierded out by it. Anyway, I'm going to keep quiet about it until I have to go back into the real world and then make a decision based on the degree to which it's evident.
Good luck with yours! By the way did you read my posting under Cosmetic Surgery entitled what you should know pre and post op?
Good luck with yours! By the way did you read my posting under Cosmetic Surgery entitled what you should know pre and post op?
BostonGuy
10-15-2002, 06:05 PM
Hi Los:
I did, and I thought it was very helpful . I'm pretty prepared for the swelling, crusting, bruising (almost any "ing" you can think of!) but it will still be a surprise, I'm sure. I can understand it on a theoretical or academic level (I'll have two black eyes, a bruised neck, and swollen, numb chin) but it won't be real and disturbing until it's my face.
I'm actually more worried about other people's reaction to it: I don't think my parents are prepared for what I will look like (they're insisiting on taking care of me post-op) and I worry about whether I'll feel self-conscious about the changes, however positive they may be. How will I feel seeing friends I haven't seen in months or even years? How will I feel the first time I walk into work, possibly with camouflage makeup on? Dunno. Keep us informed on how folks react: I'd be curious to know!
I did, and I thought it was very helpful . I'm pretty prepared for the swelling, crusting, bruising (almost any "ing" you can think of!) but it will still be a surprise, I'm sure. I can understand it on a theoretical or academic level (I'll have two black eyes, a bruised neck, and swollen, numb chin) but it won't be real and disturbing until it's my face.
I'm actually more worried about other people's reaction to it: I don't think my parents are prepared for what I will look like (they're insisiting on taking care of me post-op) and I worry about whether I'll feel self-conscious about the changes, however positive they may be. How will I feel seeing friends I haven't seen in months or even years? How will I feel the first time I walk into work, possibly with camouflage makeup on? Dunno. Keep us informed on how folks react: I'd be curious to know!
Los
10-15-2002, 06:50 PM
We're a lot tougher than we think! It's a bit upsetting to see yourself that "damaged", but ya know? The pre-op worries were tougher to deal with than the reality. Today, I went to have some of the stitches and staples removed. Once again, the worrying in advance of the event was worse than the event itself. The worrying probably prepared me for the worst.
You're lucky to have someone looking after you, and it's really nice of you to worry about them and their concern for you.
I'm not sure how I'm going to feel when I first return to the office. Like you, probably a bit self-conscious. But I'll be really disappointed if I don't also feel a bit more self-confident and self-assured. After all, that's what this has been all about! Frankly, I already feel a bit that way now, even with a few bruises still evident!
You're lucky to have someone looking after you, and it's really nice of you to worry about them and their concern for you.
I'm not sure how I'm going to feel when I first return to the office. Like you, probably a bit self-conscious. But I'll be really disappointed if I don't also feel a bit more self-confident and self-assured. After all, that's what this has been all about! Frankly, I already feel a bit that way now, even with a few bruises still evident!
affinityj
10-17-2002, 04:59 PM
My name is Renee and I am new to this forum. I had a lower face lift and upper and lower eye lids done in Cape Town, South Africa mid August of this year. My face was still a little swollen when I came back two weeks later but I had no bruising. When I went to work, people were coming up to me saying I looked different, younger, and asking if I done something about my hair....and I said yes, I had had a new hair cut...but later I felt a little guilty and told them what I had had done, they were excited and they gave me a high five and said "good for you!"...and asked all about my trip and how much it had cost and they said they were going to do the same when it came time for them. I have even had people ask me for referrals because they can save money and have a travel vacation at the same time...kind of two birds with one stone....(By the way, I had a wonderful recuperative holiday away from prying eyes and it costs me (all inclusive) 2/3 of what I would have paid here).
Getting back to whether to tell or not, I think you should do as you feel comfortable and tell people if you want or keep it to yourself. I for one could see it in their faces that they were intrigued and "in mystery" so I did not want to tie up any of their attention units...
I am planning my next trip, to get my daughters ears fixed (bat ears) and other miscellaneous goodies for me :-) This has been the best thing I have done for myself and I love looking into the mirrow now!!
Getting back to whether to tell or not, I think you should do as you feel comfortable and tell people if you want or keep it to yourself. I for one could see it in their faces that they were intrigued and "in mystery" so I did not want to tie up any of their attention units...
I am planning my next trip, to get my daughters ears fixed (bat ears) and other miscellaneous goodies for me :-) This has been the best thing I have done for myself and I love looking into the mirrow now!!
Los
10-17-2002, 09:17 PM
Thanks, Renee, for that great story - it's really helpful to hear how thnings went for you. I gotta admit, I'm increasingly tempted to tell people and highly suspect that that's what I'll do on a selective basis. I'm really pleased to hear how happy you are with the outcome.
It's been about ten days now since my surgery. I'm still noticeably bruised and swollen although improvement is evident on a daily basis. Last night I saw my ex who had been quite critical of the whole idea, and in spite of still showing battle scars, she said "Wow - you look really good!" So, like you, I am feeling pretty good about my decison to have the procedure done.
Thanks again for your response.
It's been about ten days now since my surgery. I'm still noticeably bruised and swollen although improvement is evident on a daily basis. Last night I saw my ex who had been quite critical of the whole idea, and in spite of still showing battle scars, she said "Wow - you look really good!" So, like you, I am feeling pretty good about my decison to have the procedure done.
Thanks again for your response.