By Shannon Newman
Night before
Dr. Huntly gave me an ativan which decreases anxiety and helps the patient get a good night sleep. I felt so comfortable and confident in Dr. Huntly and his team’s ability that I did not need to take the medication. I went right to sleep and slept all night without a problem.
Day of Surgery
I arrived around 7AM to Dr. Huntly’s office was greeted by his staff. Dr Huntly greeted me and we talked about my surgery and what to expect which made me feel even more relaxed. I did not have any anxiety or worries so I opted not to take the versed another relaxing medication by IV. I walked back to the operating room suite with my nurse. The next thing I remember is waking up with my nurse by my bedside telling me the surgery was over and that I was in recovery. I was very comfortable and I was in no pain. I slept all through the night.
Day 1 Post-op
I woke up at Finger & Associates. the nurse got me dressed and assisted me to the bathroom. I brushed my teeth and had some soup and sprite. Dr Huntly came in and spoke with me. He discharged me home. I went straight home, applied ice and followed all of Dr Huntly’s instructions. I had drains, which were little and connected to tubes that are used to collect blood that just pop on and off. I took all my medications as directed, ate a lot of easy frozen dinners, drank lots of fluids and slept comfortably in a recliner.
Day 2 Post-op
I went back to Dr Huntly’s office for a follow up visit. I felt a little apprehensive about the drains coming out, but it was not bad at all. I went home and continued icing my face. After the drains where pulled I stopped taking my pain medication, and from then on, I only took Tylenol. I did not feel any pain at all. I went straight home, took a shower and gently washed my hair because I still had staples and sutures. My face felt a little tight, but did not hurt!
Day 3 Post-op
This was a Sunday and I continued to ice and keep my head elevated I watched movies and my mother cooked a Sunday dinner. I enjoyed being with my family, and again I was in no pain and did not require anything stronger than a Tylenol.
Day 4 Post-op
I returned to work. Yes you heard me right, I returned to work! Dr Huntly says to write the first 7-10 days off after a facelift; however, I was feeling so great I returned to work. I continued to ice at my desk and was fortunate enough to work with colleagues that were very understanding. I worked ½ day the first week and then returned to full days the following week.
Day 5 Post-op
I returned to Dr Huntly’s office for some sutures and staples to be removed. The removal of the sutures didn’t hurt, but the staples occasionally would feel like some one was pulling my hair. It was not bad and felt good to get rid of some of those staples.
Day 6 Post-op
This was my day that I questioned myself on why I opted to have a face and brow lift. My face felt tight I was still a little tired from the effects of the anesthesia. Most people say that you go through this phase. I thought I was doing great and would not experience this, but I did. I just moped around sadly for about ½ day and then got over it.
Day 7 Post-op
I returned to Dr. Huntly’s office to have the remaining staples removed. It felt great! I went home, took a shower, shampooed and conditioned my hair and it was heaven to me!
Summary
I am thrilled with my results. The surgery was so worth doing. My face looks great and my friends and family want to be next in line. My response: I tell them Dr. Huntly is a wonderful surgeon and don’t wait, just do it!
I can not say enough good things about Dr. Huntly and his team. They are caring and compassionate people. If you need anything, all you have to do is pick up a phone and call. There is always someone to help you. Dr Huntly is the most talented plastic surgeon I know. My results are incredible, and anyone I speak with that has had surgery by Dr. Huntly feels the same way. We are so lucky to have a surgeon of Dr Huntly’s caliber in Savannah, Georgia. If you question anything I said, just go and see him. Do not forget to look at the before and after book! It will blow you away!!!!
