Face Lift Question

I have an unusual question / problem. I want/need facial plastic surgery. My sagging eyelids & brow are obstructing my vision. I've lost 25% of my visual field. Since I'm hoping my ins. will cover the eyelids & brow I'd like to have a face & chin lift at the same time. So far, so good. Now the bad news, I had a parotidectomy (removal of a tumor on the siliva gland, inc. remvoing part of the gland & facial muscle) several years ago. My ENT surgeon did a wonderful job and I have no visible scars, just a "sunken" place at the back of my left jaw bone that isn't very noticable to anyone but me. Now here is my problem.... I've had consults with 3 plastic surgeons and all are OK with bleph & brow but I've gotten 3 different recommendations about the face lift . Since the facial muscle & parotid gland help protect the facial nerve and mine have been reduced or removed on one side, doc #1 said he would not do any kind of face lift b/c of the danger of paralysis of the facial nerve. Doc #2 said he can do a full face lift & chin lift, and doc #3 said he would only do a "mid-face" lift and a chin lift. I liked all 3 docs and would be comfortable using any of them. I just don't know which procedure to do. What would YOU do? Did you or anyone you know have a face lift after parotid surgery or other non-cosmetic facial surgery? Any problems? Would you/they do it again? And to make matters worse, I have to let my insurance co. know TODAY which surgeon I want to use so they can review my coverage request. Thanks for your help! Vickie J.

My upper blepharoplasty was covered and done at the time of my abdominoplasty because it was considered a medical necessity due to the obstruction of visual fields. They totally wouldn't do anything else facially [geez, whats a little lower bleph among friends, eh?]

Vickie, just my thoughts based on absolutely ZERO knowledge of what you are facing (forgive the unintended pun). But I'd get yet another opinion. Wouldn't you be more comforable with at least two professionals who agree on something so serious? Do any of those surgeons you've seen specialize in maxillo-facial surgery? Bottom line is, a face lift isn't worth any unreasonable risk, and it seems that there is little agreement on how risky this is for you. I know timing seems important, but what is the rush by the insurance company? Is your insurance to expire or change soon? Good luck. i wish you the best. Anewme

Vickie, I would opt for the mid-facelift and neck lift. You already have the okay for the bleph and brows, which are super youth-makers. The neck lift is another one of the "seven" wonders and is really youthful. If it were me, I would not take the chance on a full facelift lest I face possible paralysis, but I agree with the previous poster -- another opinion would be in order. I had the full face and am very happy with it, but the neck was the icing on my cake and I would recommend that before the full facelift. Good luck to you.