Diary of a facelift patient

Isabelle is a 62 year old registered nurse in Nouméa, New Calédonia, who entrusted Dr. Nouwen to perform her facelift. She lives now in Sydney. Isabelle presented this “Diary of her facelift” to Dr. Nouwen and his staff to share her experience with other patients considering facelift surgery.

Saturday morning: I landed at La Tontouta airport  and was driven to Nouméa where I met Dr Nouwen and the anaesthesist. I received all the explanation regarding the surgical procedure and the anaesthesia and photo  were taken before my facelift(Figure 1).

I enjoyed my weekend in Nouméa.

Monday at 6.30 am, I was picked up at my hotel  and driven to the clinic, where the health care staff prepared me. At 7.00am, the operation started.

Monday around 3.00 pm, about 6 hours after my facelift procedure, the drainage tubes were removed and the scars were inspected (Figure 2). I received a clean dressing and I was  driven back to my hotel.

Tuesday morning Dr Nouwen visited me. He inspected the scar and gave me a light dressing (Figure 3). I rested comfortably at my hotel for two days.

Wednesday morning, Dr Nouwen visited me for my  2 days post surgery examination and check. It was relatively painless. The bandages were definitely removed. No more dressing were needed during the day. From this point on, the incisions were exposed, kept clean and covered with a layer of ointment.

Saturday, Dr. Nouwen removed the non-absorbable stitches (figure 4). I was allowed to apply camouflage makeup over the bruised areas to better conceal them.

Sunday morning, I left Nouméa, was driven to the airport and flown back to Sydney…looking and feeling younger…

I still remain in contact through Internet and continue to send photos (Figure 5).