Taken from notes:

” Arrive at Hospital around 6:15am, and greeted by Susie the Hospital Liaison Officer. Susie checks all my paperwork and gets me to sign more documents. Not long after I am transferred to my own private room. I put on my hospital robes, and lie on the bed while my girlfriend plays Mario on her DS. My nerves at this stage are surprisingly not bad. Thanks again to Xanax I meet with the Anesthesiologist who seems like a nice switched on gentlemen. We talk about my current medications and general health. He is concerned about my blood pressure which read 162/80 from memory. I am guessing this is due to nerves before the operation, but the doctor said I should really get it checked, or I may have a short life. hehe, thanks doc! I then see my Surgeon, who seems like a lovely caring man, in a very rushed way! Lets put it this way, he must be a busy man, it took me almost 6 months just to get a consult with him! My only qualm with my surgeon (which I would not even consider a qualm) is he did not speak to me in more technical details about the procedures. The nerd in me wanted to know everything…like what type of liposuction will be performed, Tumescent, Smart Lipo, Ultrasonic? What size and shape chin implant…how will he carve it down and shape it to adapt to my chin. How many CC’s of Buccal fat will be removed from my cheeks?  Where will incisions on my face be located. I had all these questions but never the opportunity to ask. Perhaps this is my own fault. But I guess if he was to explain the semantics of every procedure to every patient, he would never have the time to do what he does best, operate.

“In the Operating Theatre” - Walk into the OR, and notice a huge team of doctors. My surgeon introduces me to a female trainee surgeon who will be watching my operation today. She seems very young and polite. My Anesthesiologist introduces me to his assistant. There are a number of other nurses and people preparing instruments in the background. Wow, all these people for me. I knew I am in good hands. The Anesthesiologist tries tapping an IV into a vein in my hand, but doesn’t seem to work. So he manages to tap a vein on the crook of my elbow. He mentions giving me something to relax, I like the sound of this. I instantly begin to feel dizzy. Then seconds later I was gone….blackness…nothing. Next thing I realise I am awake in a different room, with a friendly nurse beside me monitoring my vitals. Seems I had the urge to talk crap, but my lower lip had been numbed so I was talking garble. At this stage I am feeling very alert to my surroundings, but at the same time I have a headache like a hangover. The nice nurse crushes up some Digesic pain killers in honey for me…but the headache still persists for a while. I was told my operation lasted an 1:45mins, and the hospital was kind enough to refund me for the 15 minutes extra of surgery time I had paid. I had booked 2 hours. I am guessing I am back in my private room at around 9am. The nurses take great care of me, constantly monitoring my blood pressure and giving me pain killers and icecream. I have also been given a compression garment to wear around my head/neck. This helps with the swelling and bruising of liposuction. Overall I am feeling pretty good….in fact I don’t feel any pain at all besides my headache” I get up eventually to goto the toilet…and take a quick peep of myself in the mirror. I was expecting to look battered and bruised, but everything looked ok at this stage. After a couple of hours of monitoring, the nurses tell me its ok for me to go home. I just remember thinking wow, this entire process was a lot easier than I expected. What was all the stress about?? All the Doctors/Nurses/Staff had been very caring and professional, which created a positve experience for me.

Taken from notes

“I must say, pain and discomfort has been zero. The most painful part of the entire process was having the tape removed that held the IV into place. No kidding! I have been taking Digesic (Pain Killers) every 4-6 hours, and drinking lots of pineapple juice. I am also constantly rinsing my mouth with salt water, and spraying my arnica for the bruising. Now to the good part…how do I look?? I took a quick peep when I got home from the hospital. I removed the compression garment and looked in the mirror. And I must say, I am very impressed by what I see. Wow, I have a jaw line, a chin…my double chin is gone! At this very moment I am one happy man! Even with all tape, stitches, bruises and swelling, I really like what I see.

Here are some photos taken on the same day…before the surgery, then after. Not the most flattering photos, but you get the idea.

“First Night” - sleeping is difficult with the compression garment on, and I have also elevated the head of my bed by placing pillows under the matress to prop it up. I don’t want to sleep on my side, because I don’t want to ruin any of the work that has just been done, but at the same time I cannot sleep on my back. So once again, Xanax saves the day…I fall asleep in very high spirits.

“Not a great sleep. Trying hard to sleep on my back so I don’t put any pressure on my face. But not having much luck with that. Wake up and take my elaborate array of pills, 4 x Antibiotics a day, Zoloft, 2 x Digesic every 4-6 hours, 4 x Arnica Spray under tongue, 1 x Vitamin C, and 1 x Zinc Tablet..Todays meals consist of Protein Milks, Jelly, Yoghurt and Chicken Corn Soup for dinner. I have been feeling very dry, and drinking lots of water and Pineapple juice, which means I have been peeing all day. As for my comfort level, still no pain or feeling of swelling. Received a phone call from the nurse today to see how I am going. I tell her I feel good and this whole experience is over rated…she tells me not to get too cocky as the worse is yet to come…

Day 2 Picture

“Woke up at around 8:30am, and removed my compression garment so I could take all my tablets, and have some breakfast. Ok, now I can definately feel some tightness in my neck and chin area. It is like a pulling feeling, but still no pain or discomfort. I noticed a patch of bruising on the right side of my neck, but other than that I don’t see any further bruising. I am guessing the next few days bruising and swelling will get worse.. Just another day really…eating soft foods, and mostly working on my websites. Talked to my dad and sister on the phone today. Once again feeling guilty for telling them lies…as they ask questions about my wisdom teeth. Had an early night, 2 x Xanax’s and I am in deep sleep by 9pm.

Day 3 Before And After, Note Bruising on my right side.