Neck Lift + Liposuction Diary
Consultation – 2/29/24
“My neck and jaw line have always been a point of insecurity for me. I finallystarted to search for what procedures were out there and who might be best todo it when I found Dr. Capraro online. His office came highly recommended andseemed like a good fit. My first consultation was a great experience. I feltvery pampered and was immediately at ease. Every single one of the staffmembers was so nice and friendly and answered any questions I had along theway.
During my first appointment, Dr. Capraro went over all my options and what procedures hethought would be best. He seemed genuinely excited to help me become my bestself. Together we agreed that the most fitting choice of procedure was a necklift with liposuction. I was really excited about the operation, but also allthe pre- and post-care Dr. Capraro’s office planned for me. It made me feellike choosing them was really the right decision for me.”
Leading Up to the Procedure – 3/11/24
"AsI got closer to my procedure, I began to meet with the nurse staff. I was led into an office in their beautiful Rose Medical location. We went over everydetail, from my medications to my aftercare. I was able to ask questions alongthe way and they provided me with a lot of information in my take-home packetas well. I felt very prepared to move forward. I did think of a few question safter the appointment but was able to easily call the office and have a nurseanswer my questions right away. I then had my first IV treatment to prep forsurgery. I stayed in their comfortable IV room in a La-Z-Boy recliner as I gotmy treatment. I felt very prepared for my surgery and any next steps!"
Initial Recovery – 3/19/24
“During the first few days following surgery, I was very tired and just wanted to let my body heal. I am verygrateful to have had my sister’s help because it would have been difficult forme to keep track of all the medications alone. I was most swollen during thefirst four days of recovery. I couldn’t quite stand up straight for almost aweek and a half due to the tightness of the swelling in my neck.
Despite the pain being slightly more severe than I had thought, it was manageable once I got on a consistent schedule withmy pain medications. Once the swelling went down the pain did increase some so I’mgrateful for the pain medication options that were provided to me.
Additionally, I was much less mobile than I thought I would be. All I really wanted to do was sleep. I generally tried tojust listen to my body. I got up to pace the a partment and stretch every onceand a while but that was about all the movement I felt like I wanted or needed. Showers were a bit difficult with the stitches still in, but necessary toensure they were clean. I felt as though the levels of pain and numbness were different on a day-to-day basis and like everything was waking up and slowlyreconnecting.
Before my surgery I had lined out some comfort movies and tv shows that I had been meaning to get to. I was not veryhungry at first, so I ate a lot of soft, easy-to-eat foods like yogurt, Jello, pudding, and soups. I made the mistake of eating a large deli sandwich fivedays into recovery and regretted it. My jaw got tired very quickly and mysoreness had really started to kick in afterwards. My head wrap was my saving grace for swelling and soreness!”
Long Term Recovery – 3/20/24
“Now, about 4 weeks post-surgery, myswelling is significantly down and almost gone. There are only a few spots thatare still tender to the touch. The nurse who has helped me along the wayrecommended that I could softly jade roll and massage those areas and that has really helped.
My scars usually feel tight, especially first thing in the morning, but I understand that that is part of the healingprocess and love that they are already going away. The most difficult thing, besides all the different and new pains that arose, was sleeping on my back. Irecommend getting a small neck pillow, as the GCPS team suggests because ithelped me remain still while sleeping.
I am still sore, and it can be difficult totalk or smile for long periods of time. I do a lot of both at work, so the pain was most difficult to manage around week two and three when I had to return. IfI could, I would have taken at least three weeks of leave.
Overall, the GCPS team has made this such agreat and easy experience. I felt comfortable asking any questions whenever Ineeded to. Within the first week, I facetimed the team twice to make sure that everything was looking as it should. My nurse, Livie, was so nice and talked methrough every step.
My neck had been a huge insecurity for me,so when I went back to work, even though my cheeks were still a little swollen, I immediately noticed that I felt more comfortable talking to people. Now that I have had this procedure done, many of my friends tell me how amazing myresults are and what surgeries they now want to get. I told them in response that I am hugely pro-plastic surgery but recommend really knowing what you want. I am very happy with my choice, however, I do not want to downplay the pain and discomfort that goes along with a major surgery like mine. It is nothing that isn’t manageable, but I did not expect the discomfort that goes along withthis. Procedures like mine require a lot of patience and because I knew how much I wanted it; I do not regret it at all. Dr. Capraro promised to do thebest job possible for me and he did! Personally, it was one of my best decisions.I love my results so far and can’t wait to be fully healed!”