In May 2025, I traveled from rainy Washington State to sunny California and had a deep plane facelift by Dr. Ben Maser of Reveal Plastic Surgery. I thought about having the surgery nearly every day for years, avoiding selfies and really, any photo ops. I had an unfounded fear of the pain and recovery. I really believed the recovery would be long and rough. Turns out, my procrastination was in my favor this time — it led me to Dr Maser and amazing results.
I initially consulted with a couple plastic surgeons in the state where I live, but did not have the confidence to go ahead and book the surgery. My partner (who is in the medical field) is familiar with Dr Maser, respects his skills and professionalism, and suggested we contact him, even though he was a couple states away. Could this even work — getting this surgery in California?!
I called the office, scheduled a virtual consult with Dr. Maser, and we were off and running. Dr. Maser is the consummate professional. He is easy to talk to, has many, many surgeries under his belt, and was confident he could help me. We scheduled the surgery for a couple weeks later. I was going to have the surgery!!! And recover in sunny California, no less!
The office helped me find a lovely Airbnb on the coast with a view of the water for the 2 weeks following the surgery (an easy drive from Los Gatos). The plan was that I would arrive the day before, have the surgery the following morning, and recover in the sunshine under the watchful eye of my partner. Dr. Maser wanted me in the area for 2 weeks post-op to keep an eye on me and to also have my stitches removed.
Donna and Shelley (surgery coordinator and surgical nurse) helped to prepare me for the surgery with both written and verbal information regarding the surgery and recovery. They were very responsive and caring as they answered my numerous questions and concerns. For instance – what to wear on surgery day!? The answer is a zip up sweatshirt and comfy sweats. Also, they called in post-op medications to my local pharmacy which I picked up before I arrived in California. Much more convenient than trying to find a pharmacy near the Airbnb. Turns out, this was not their first rodeo!
Not going to lie, I was pretty nervous on surgery day. But the staff were there for me. I spoke with the anesthesiologist, and then Dr Maser marked out his plan on my face. Then I was taken into the surgery suite and the anesthesiologist worked his magic.
The next thing I remember was being in the car ride to the Airbnb. I was comfortable but sleepy. And it was done!!
Me and my wrapped-up head crawled into bed, and promptly went to sleep on my back, with my head elevated. I thought this would be an issue as I typically sleep on my side. It was not. I woke up a couple hours later, took a pain pill, stared at my face in the mirror, ate some dinner, and went back to sleep. Shelley had given me a scopolamine patch to help in case I got nauseous. It was very effective!
I received a call from the office the next day to check on my well-being, which made me feel like they were keeping track of me.
The next day, Dr Maser removed my head wrap and the drains. I had a small bruise near my cheek bone and another one on my cheek. That was all I could see. My partner said I had a bruise on the back of my neck, but that was it.
I was then given a smaller supportive wrap to wear 24 hours a day for the next week.
I had minimal bruising, and my pain was managed well after that first night with just Tylenol and Ibuprofen, pain levels not higher than a 4 out of 10.
My partner picked up food for me and I just hung out, taking small walks as tolerated.
Five days later, I even went out to dinner with friends. How could this be? It was crazy that I was out for dinner. This was definitely not your momma’s facelift.
I then went back in and had some stitches removed, but some were to stay in for another week. Dr Maser was very happy to see how I was recovering and very excited about the outcome.
We then enjoyed our time in California. We went whale watching, toured a vineyard, went to the aquarium, and walked on the beach. I was tired by 8pm at night and continued to take ibuprofen and Tylenol as needed.
Then it was time for the last suture removal. And again, I got anxious. And again, so not warranted. Dr Maser was done removing them before I knew it.
And that was it! It was done. All these years of worry, and I was going home with this greatly rejuvenated face and neck.
I am continuing to heal at home. I do have numbness that is slowly resolving, which is normal. I am excited to see how things evolve and heal. I am happy today so the future can only bring more satisfaction.
I couldn’t be happier with this outcome. I have even taken selfies and am not as shy in front of a camera. I think it may take time before I can feel 100% comfortable. My family thinks I look years younger. And all of that skin that was loose under my chin is gone. It’s really quite amazing. I feel quite comfortable going out in public and, this facelift is my secret to keep as I see fit. It is not obvious that I’ve had this surgery, and so I can tell people or not tell people. I would absolutely do this again, just a lot sooner!
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