The pics

As promised... these aren't all that pretty for the most part, but they need to be seen. And now that there's improvement in the swelling, I can show a progression as well.



Before leaving for the hospital, I snapped this picture--one final image of my old face:

Oh, you've done your research, you've read other people's blogs, and yet... you still have no idea what you're in for, Matt...

I had intended to shave the previous night, but the pre-op instructions told me not to.  The next picture was taken by Mark while I was prepped and waiting, not long before anesthetic went in.

I'm ready!

And these next three are by Mark, in the immediate aftermath. I wasn't even aware he was there for the first one:

I could barely move at that point. For the longest time I wasn't even aware I was swathed in bandages.

Just don't ask me to smile!

I think my expression just about says it all. This was taken after Dr. Jelic's visit the following day, when the bandages were removed and got that thing instead. Notice how swollen my chin, cheeks and lips are. I didn't actually see myself in a mirror until not long before this, so I had no idea how I looked. Only knew how I felt: awful. Could barely move.

Not long before leaving on day one, Mark insisted I take a prayer meditative position, and I tried to be a good sport. Have to admit, it's pretty funny. However, do note the icepacks against the sides of my head. Honestly, they were worthless. Just hanging loosely there, not delivering any cold to my cheeks at all.

And now today:

Right profile. That side's not too bad considering what it was, but the swelling is still there. Also note the bruising on my neck with the yellowed area. That's caused by blood draining down from the surgery area. It's expected, and I've seen pictures of people who had this surgery where it was a lot worse.

Left profile. Note the swelling bulge on my left cheek and the trickle of blood out my nose. Note also... no external scarring or incisions. That's because everything was done THROUGH the nose. Pretty amazing, if you ask me.

Neutral profile. Don't actually look too bad from there... wonder what I'll look like given another week?