Is it Vain?

[Sky_Writer]

I want a chin lift. Is that vain (or just out of the question) for someone in my condition? Has anyone else with MBC wanted a purely elective plastic surgery that didn't have directly to do with MBC?

[blms]

HAHAHA! i just asked my Onco last week if I could have botox and fillers. I prefaced it with, "I need to ask you something really vain." Yes, it is vain but who cares. With that said, I don't know that surgery would be a great idea. I am not sure what is involved in a chin lift, but I am assuming it is a lower face lift. If so, I have talked to others that have had that done and said it was painful for quite a while and terrible bruising. I do not know anything about your MBC to make a statement on ok or NO.

[Hidden in reply to blms]

I get dermabrasion etc. I did fillers pre covid around my eyes and the vertical lines next to my mouth. I thought it was a low effort/low risk way to soften some lines and puffiness.

During my recent checkup with my dermatologist for non cosmetic reasons, she cautioned me to not get fillers for several months after my covid vaccine. Apparently it can cause irritation and swelling. She is very careful about my overall health. I am postponing fillers until late summer.

FWIW: A very good friend got a face lift 6 years ago. I always thought she looked good and has nice coloring and skin tone pre surgery It was very painful she reported. IMHO her mouth and smile have not looked the same since. It still looks a bit too tight. She saw a respected plastic surgeon too.

[blms in reply to Hidden]

Yes, the mRNA vaccines can cause excess swelling if fillers are used. None wants massive lips--well some people do

[Hidden in reply to blms]

😆😆😆

[Hidden in reply to blms]

The post-operative result is primarily based on the surgeon’s technique. As a former nurse I can attest to that.

[Moon-and-Stars]

I haven’t had any surgery myself, but I just wanted to say good on ya girl!! We’re not dead yet. You’re post has made me smile. I’m all about the enthusiasm for life.

I am getting laser hair removal (I know it’s not as extreme as a new chin/face). I’ve just turned 39 and I would certainly be open to the odd tweak here and there down the line.

Good luck and keep us posted 🍀

[SusieIM]

We need to do things that make us feel good, when we can. I just ordered some products from Cindy Joseph, make up for older women; it is time for me to do something for myself. You may want to check with your doc make sure it's ok. take care, hope you can get your face lift (smile).

[Beryl71]

The only elective surgery I've had was breast reconstruction. That was pretty tricky so I wouldn't try anything else. But good luck if it makes you feel better. X

[Hidden]

No, it is not vain. Why not look better? It’s hard enough to accept a MBC diagnosis and deal with the side effects of the medications. That’s enough to depress most people.I needed a neck lift. As a former operating room nurse myself, I researched and found a plastic surgeon who does excellent work. He did my neck, my sister’s neck, my husband’s neck. My friend is now waiting to see the doctor for her neck lift. Needless to say, if you look better, you feel mentally better, and it encourages to take better care of yourself. So no, it’s not vain.

[queeneee]

I had to have surgery to remove my implant which had capsular contracture. I have read that surgery is an 'assault 'on the body and affects the immune system which can cause cancer to grow more quickly for a period. In fact cancer in my liver did multiply after surgery ( also partially because I had to stop taking meds around the operation ) Also there is risk of picking up Covid. Thats a lot of risks... Love your chin.!

[mariootsi]

I would love to get a face lift! But, I'm afraid of any more surgery. If it makes you feel better...do it but ask your onc first.

[Arisgram]

I was diagnosed in February of 2019 and in September of the same year I had a full facelift! I'm so happy I did it. One warning, while I was on Xeloda. My incision lines and my ears would get numb. I was convinced it was brain mets.

Go for it if it makes you feel better! Much love, Andi

[Hidden in reply to Arisgram]

Arisgram, the numbness around your incision lines by your ears is absolutely normal after a face lift. Sensation returns gradually as you heal. Glad you were happy with your results! 👍I know what you mean about panicking about every new ache and pain, I think the same, that it’s related to cancer, and always breathe a sign of relief when I find out it’s not. God bless you and stay well.

[Arisgram in reply to Hidden]

No. The post operative numbness subsided by about 6 months. Xeloda came 2 years later. My plastic surgeon was perplexed as well as my oncologist. Since I'm leaving Xeloda, we put off a brain scan to see if coming off the drug resolved the issue. It did! I want others to know this strange thing can happen and not to get too frightened.

[Teddielottie]

I’m not sure what the surgery involves , but just check with your onc , for example., will you have to stop your treatment while having the surgery and if so , for how long , and any risks associated with the surgery etc .,I had an elective breast reduction on my left side (to match my right mastectomy/reconstruction) one year after I started on Ibrance/Letrozole. (done on the N.H.S.). I had to take an extra week off my Ibrance medication (in addition to the 7 days off at the end of my cycle). My oncologist was only happy to go ahead and arrange it with my breast surgeon since I was ‘ stable’ and my neutrophils were above 2 . But I am so glad I had it done ! x

[BARBIE70 in reply to Teddielottie]

Oh that’s so helpful .I’m on the same regime and have just been offered a breast reduction on my remaining boob .

I wasn’t sure whether to have it or not .

I’m in the Uk and it looks like you are too, I’m going to seriously think about it now .

Are your mets stable?

I’ve got a scan in July so fingers crossed that it’s ok then I can do it !xxx

[Teddielottie in reply to BARBIE70]

Good luck with your scan ...my mets are stable ... I was one year into my Ibrance/Letrozole treatment and ‘stable’ when I had my left breast reduction . It was a much ‘easier’ procedure than my right mastectomy /reconstruction and I was able to go home on the same day. My lady oncologist linked in with my lady breast care surgeon (both NHS ) to ensure it was the optimum time to have the operation and kept a close eye on it after. I now have an annual mammogram on that breast , which I have had very recently , and thankfully no evidence of breast cancer in that breast in the last 3 annual mammograms . But I am glad I had it done as feel more balanced and have less strain on my shoulders , and it helps psychologically too . But I would only do it on the approval of my ‘team’ , who were wonderful! x

[BARBIE70 in reply to Teddielottie]

Thank you so much ,you’ve really given so much help in deciding .If my next scan is still stable I’m going ahead 👍

I’m 36DD and feel so imbalanced ,I know this will help me feel so much happier as I can’t have reconstruction due to such a massive op but hey ho 💕

Sending hugs xxxx

[PJBinMI]

MBC sure changes how we see things! I think we each need to do things that make us happy. Personally, I'd rather spend the money on travel than facial surgery, but that's me. Do research the plastic surgeons in your area and tell the one you choose what results you don't want! lol

[13plus]

I’m going the opposite direction to nearly everybody here. I can’t speak for facial surgery but I’ve met young healthy people who chose elective surgery with disastrous results due to infection. It is just not worth the risks imo. Understand too that if you have any surgery you are changing the fascia under your skin that covers your muscles and tendons. Fascia is what builds scar tissue. The fascia of the neck leads into the fascia of your chest and all around your neck, shoulders etc so there is potential for the scar tissue to bother other parts of your body too. I’m all for accepting ourselves as we are. None of us are perfect.

[Eyebelieve]

I applaud your question!!! We all want to live our best life and there is nothing vain about that!!!With that being said, it is my understanding that if you are going to have surgery and are on MBC treatment, you may have to discontinue it for a period of time. I would inquire about that and then make your decision based on knowing that fact. Please let us know what you decide. Enjoy each moment!

[RLN-overcomer]

Sister/warrior : Do what makes you feel good, but make sure you research the pro's, and the con's. I pray you will make the right decision.😇👍

[luckysmom13]

Good for you! I had always wanted to get a breast reduction at 40 but then got diagnosed with MBC at 41. I was de novo, so no early stage BC or prior breast surgery. Also, there was no detected lesion in either breast at diagnosis.

About 3 years later I was NED on Verzenio and Faslodex. I decided to go for it, and I love the results! I feel so much better about myself.

You do what works for you!!

[SusieIM]

If it doesn't affect your treatment, I think it is good to do things to help us feel good about ourselves. Take care, go girl

[toms22]

I have had a facelift surgery 1 year ago and I got an amazing result from it. It helped me to for recovering from a disfigured look because of the sagging skin and double chin. I also had wrinkles on my skin and my surgeon: [ solomonfacialplastic.com/su... ] helped me to resolve all the problems through the surgery.