I’ve often said that the most fulfilling moments in my work aren’t just about the technical aspects of surgery but about witnessing the emotional transformation that my patients experience. In April of 2024, I had a unique opportunity: My wife Neda, age 52, decided it was time to address the changes in her face that suddenly appeared overnight. She wanted to “look as young as she felt,” and we decided that the Vertical Restore®, combined with fat transfer and a lower eyelid skin pinch, was the path forward.
Because Neda and I wanted to bring you along for the ride—every milestone, every funny moment, every “first look in the mirror”—we documented her entire post-operative experience on my Instagram. This blog brings all those moments together in one place so you can see how her journey evolved from start to finish.
Performing My Wife’s Vertical Restore Facial Rejuvenation
I won’t lie—operating on my wife was both exhilarating and nerve-wracking. As I shared on Instagram, I knew Neda’s vibrant personality (“She’s a character,” I joked) would make for an entertaining and educational look into the healing process.
She received:
- A Vertical Restore to lift and reposition the deeper facial structures vertically
- Fat transfer to restore lost volume in her cheeks and under the eyes
- A lower lid skin pinch to address excess skin
Neda has also been using the KaramMD Trifecta skincare routine for years, which helped optimize her skin when she was going into surgery.
Navigating the First 24 Hours: Neda’s Remarkable Vertical Restore Recovery
I’ll never forget Neda insisting on getting up to straighten the living room less than a day after surgery, which most patients wouldn’t dream of!
As I mentioned in my post, the first 24 hours post-op usually feel more manageable because of lingering anesthesia and pain medications. But my biggest concern was reminding her to rest. Though she felt “fine,” I wanted to ensure she minimized activity to avoid complications like a hematoma.
Despite her restlessness, she did beautifully: minimal pain, slight swelling, and a surprisingly high energy level.
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Day 1 Post-Surgery: Early Vertical Restore Results Take Shape
The day after surgery, we removed some sutures, cleaned her incisions, and changed her dressings. Even at that early stage, you could see a new definition in her jawline and a lovely lift in her cheeks.
It was vital for me to document this moment; many people think you’ll be completely unrecognizable on Day 1, but Neda was living proof that you can see real shape changes—and still look like yourself—almost immediately.
Two Weeks of Vertical Restore Recovery
Healing is never linear. In the first two weeks, Neda noticed subtle changes day by day—some days, she felt a bit puffy, and other days, she felt incredibly refreshed.
In one of our updates, I emphasized that healing timelines vary from patient to patient. Factors like genetics, age, and lifestyle all play a huge role.
Neda has always been diligent about sun protection and committed to our Trifecta regimen, which worked in her favor.
Confidently Returning to Life’s Moments Post Vertical Restore
Around two weeks post-op, Neda had an event she’d committed to long before surgery. We decided to leave it as a game-day decision. Ultimately, her swelling had subsided enough for her to attend confidently.
This is one of the highlights of a successful Vertical Restore: when your skin looks radiant, and your facial shape is truly rejuvenated, you feel like yourself again—and you can get back to the moments in life that matter most.
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Back to the Gym and Embracing the Vertical Restore Results
By Week 3, Neda was back in the gym (with caution) and feeling more and more like her normal self. Yes, she still experienced fluctuations in swelling, but overall, her self-confidence soared. She started seeing the familiar reflection she’d been missing.
Reversing the Signs of Aging with Vertical Restore
Just after the seven-week mark, we posted another update. One of Neda's biggest realizations was how quickly aging can happen. In her case, she went from feeling great about her appearance to suddenly noticing jowling and laxity in her cheeks. This short timeline can be jarring for anyone—but as she’s shown, it’s possible to regain that sense of confidence with a carefully performed Vertical Restore.
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Seeing the Difference and Embracing a Fresh, Confident Look
One of my favorite moments came around the nine-week mark. Neda woke up early for a workout and compared her reflection in the mirror to a before-surgery photo taken at the same time of day.
The difference was so profound; the tired, drawn look was gone, and in its place was the vibrant appearance she had been missing.
By ten weeks, she was floating on a cloud of renewed self-assurance, excited to face each day feeling like the best version of herself.
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Final Thoughts: Three Months Post-Vertical Restore
As we approach the three-month mark, Neda continues to experience subtle yet meaningful refinements—tissues settling further, collagen production progressing, and an overall youthful vibrancy that will continue to evolve over the next year. Throughout this journey, we’ve intentionally showcased both the realities of the healing process—swelling, rest, and patience—and the sheer joy of seeing a refreshed, youthful reflection in the mirror.
This experience with my wife has once again reinforced why I do what I do. Vertical Restore® isn’t just a procedure—it’s a deeply transformative experience that restores youthful contours, confidence, and emotional well-being. Combining a lateral brow lift, neck lift, and deep-plane facelift it effectively rejuvenates the face while maintaining each person’s inherent features. The goal is always natural-looking results—enhancing appearance in a way that looks refreshed, never overdone.
If you’d like to see the entire journey, scroll through my Instagram feed around April 8, 2024, to watch Neda’s transformation from day one. You’ll get a firsthand look at how this comprehensive approach lifts and restores facial structures in a natural and long-lasting way.
For more insights into Vertical Restore® and real patient journeys, check out my YouTube channel, where I dive deeper into the process and results. And if you have any questions—whether for me or Neda—drop a comment on any of our posts. We’re always here to share knowledge and inspire you to take that first step toward looking as young as you feel.
