Monday, February 8

Three FOF friends and I meet in Times Square, where CBS will be taping a segment on FOF. Between takes, I remove my scarf and show my pals my jowl-less face. Susan looks at me closely and says, “I’ve got to get the name of your doctor.” Ditto Cathy. They want the lowdown on the procedures. I share it all.

“How soon after the work did you show your face?” Susan asks.

“Two days,” I answer. “I looked like I went a few rounds with Mohammed Ali but I felt fine.”

Tuesday, February 9

I return to Dr. Giese’s office. She is pleased by the progress and explains any little lumps and bumps I see or feel will smooth out over the next few weeks. One of three nerves on the left side of my mouth hasn’t improved. “It may only come back 85 percent,” Dr. Giese cautions. It’s so much better than it was two weeks ago, so I am not terribly concerned. It feels a bit numb, but is not affecting me.

I also see Nathalie for another magic-fingers facial. Every time I have a treatment, I can see an improvement in the tone and texture of my skin.  I worry how I’m going to live without them. Will I have to go to facial rehab?

Thursday, February 11

My ex and I

Another kind of face... Artist: Doug Brin

I’m at an art opening featuring the work of my former-husband, Douglas.  Marge and Nancy, whom I haven’t seen in decades, tell me I look great.  I reveal what I had done. I don’t hide my age.  Why hide this?

February 14, 2010 The launch party is four days away and, of course, I have nothing to wear. I go to Saks to buy something new (I have been to Bergdorf Goodman and Barney’s, but wouldn’t wear anything they had, even if they gave it to me for free.) A lovely Issey Miyake long blouse/short dress immediately catches my uplifted eyes.  I grab it.

At a Valentine’s Day buffet dinner party I get a few more good reviews on my refreshed face.

Wednesday, February 17

Nathalie sees me for one last facial. She calls it the Madonna Facial.  I don’t really care to look like Madonna, but it still feels grrrrreat.

Thursday, February 18

We race around the office preparing for the FOF launch event, which starts at 7 p.m. Francis from Butterfly Studio Salon comes to do my makeup. I throw on my new shirt over my new pantyhose and away we go.

PRE: JANUARY 15, 2010

POST: David and I at the FOF launch, February 18

I compare my before and after photos and I believe the difference is dramatic. I didn’t think I looked too bad before. But now I think I look fresher and more vibrant. Let me put it this way: My outer self better matches my inner self.

Thanks to my FOF friends who think I’m brave and like the results. Let me hear from you, no matter what you think!

Love, Geri