Barbara Thompson's
Plastic Surgery Experience

On May 6, 2002, I had 8 hours worth of plastic surgery on my face and neck and what an interesting journey it has been.  When I ponder the 8 hours spent by my plastic surgeon, I keep thinking there must be a joke in there somewhere, Your wife was soooo ugly that it took the plastic surgeon 8 hours. He did work on my neck, removed my jowls on both sides of my mouth, put in a chin implant, narrowed my nose, and lifted my cheeks, eyes, eyelids and forehead. My face was sagging so terribly that I was often asked if I was sad, at times when I felt very happy.  I told my plastic surgeon that I wanted to look as happy on the outside as I felt on the inside.

None of the work was covered by insurance.  You will notice on the pictures that follow, that I have a drooping eyelid.  If I had waited a number of years until it got so bad that it affected my vision, then some of the hospital bill would have been paid for.  I was not willing to wait that long.  My eye bothered me and as long as I was having something done, I decided to do it all!!!

I was prepared for the surgery and I was prepared somewhat for the pain, but I was not prepared for the psychological issues that I have gone through. As I faced my first few days following my surgery, I looked ghastly.  I expected that and that was OK.  I had huge bruises under my eyes and my head was completely bandaged.  I could barely see and my face was the size of the cartoon character Pumpkin Head. That was the stage when I truly frightened small children.  And poor Frank!! He was glared at by passers by as he drove me to my doctors appointments. I suppose people assumed that he was a wife abuser.

In the days that followed, I had the drains and staples removed.  I had the screws (ugh) in my scalp removed. The bruises darkened, then moved, then lightened and are now almost gone. Each day I look in the mirror and see the person who is becoming me on the outside emerge.  I see a family resemblance, but it doesnt look like me. This person looks really good, but the difference is remarkable and it startles me.

I went to my support group meeting on Wednesday and everyone told me how marvelous I look and that I look 20 years younger.  I needed to hear those very kind words.  The hospital psychologist spoke briefly that night about how perception is reality.  I am still working on changing the perception of myself.  Now if I would just stop reinventing myself, maybe my perception would catch up with the reality!!!

I want to say a special thanks to all of you who sent well wishes.  They were very much appreciated.  Now I know all of you are curious to see the pictures.  So here they are below