On Thursday, I underwent a deep plane lower facelift and neck lift. 46, almost 47. He also did liposuction under the chin which I didn’t expect.
I opted for local only. No twilight sedation or GA. I took two Valium before, nitrous oxide for the numbing needles, but I was conscious for the rest. That choice is not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. I definitely felt some things and the surgeon had to inject more lidocaine. My adrenaline seemed to override the Valium because I was pretty frickin alert. For me, the risks associated with general anesthesia far outweighed the discomfort, especially for an elective procedure. I understand that this is an individual choice; I am explaining mine. I am not squeamish and was able to intellectualize during the procedure. Oh, he is cauterizing now to stop the bleeding before he closes. Weird, I know.
Pain right after was intense, probably because I didn’t have the help of anesthesia. Definitely needed the narcotics for first 24 hours. Not taking anything now, maybe some ibuprofen before bed tonight. Happy so far…. Had the normal “what did I do” moments but my husband talked me down.