56 Yr Old Female - Mini Face Lift, Rhinoplasty, Upper and Lower Blep with Laser Resurfacing - Paradise Valley, AZ

In December of 2013 I had a Rhytidectomy (Mini face lift), upper and lower blepharoplasty (trans-conjunctival approach), with laser resurfacing to bilateral lids and a (open) rhinoplasty (nose job). I’m 56 years old and had always wanted to get my nose fixed and because my eyelids were starting to droop pretty bad and was really dragging down my appearance I decided to go forward with cosmetic surgery only after I found the right cosmetic surgeon. I researched and interviewed with a lot of surgeons and read up on the procedures in Realself. It wasn’t until I asked my general surgeon, who had performed a breast lumpectomy on me several years prior for a cosmetic surgeon recommendation that I felt I had finally found a plastic surgeon that was a top doctor in his field. When I asked for the recommendation from my general surgeon I expected to get a couple of names. But I only got one name. Dr. Stephen P. Beals, he’s the best, my surgeon said. And he was absolutely right. I guess doctors have the inside scoop and they know who's good. I interviewed Dr. Stephen Beals for the cosmetic surgery I was looking to get done and he was very thorough and experienced and I felt confident that I had found the right doctor. Dr. Stephen P. Beals, M.D. of Paradise Valley is board certified and also a craniofacial surgeon and has decades of experience. His staff is very experienced and I never felt like I was imposing if I had a question or concern. I always felt like I had access to the doctor if there was a need. He has photos of his work on his website and I really liked the natural looking and results of his work. I even decided to go forward with a rhytidectomy (mini face lift) at the same I had the other procedures done as I felt confident he was skilled and there would be no complications. I had my surgery performed at the Paradise Valley Surgery Center that is onsite. I was a little concerned about this before seeing the surgery center but it is set up just like a surgery room at a hospital. My surgery took about 6 ½ hours and the anesthesiologist for my surgery was Suzanne Drewsen, MD. She met with me before surgery and I told her that in past times under anesthesia I come out shaking violently or I was nauseous. She made sure this didn't happen; she was quite attentive and good. I stayed at the overnight recovery center and they were also very attentive. I think it’s a good idea to stay at the overnight recovery if your surgeon recommends it. They also have IV’s and pain medications that you’re probably not going to have at home. It was well worth every penny. I am very happy with my results. The mini lift makes a big difference in my appearance. I look about 15 years younger than I did before the mini face lift, yet my skin doesn’t look like it’s pulled back too much. It looks very natural. I believe Dr. Beals goes into the SMAS little more than most cosmetic surgeons so the result is a lot more natural looking. My nose and eyes also look great and everything fits together well. The tip of my nose is still a little swollen but keeps looking better every week. In my opinion Dr. Stephen Beals has an exquisite eye for natural beauty. He is so talented and skilled I am very happy to have found him. It took about 3-4 weeks for face and eyes to heal well enough for me to go out in public (I didn't want anyone to know I had work done) and everything seems to be settling well. It was here (Real Self) where I read someone commenting that the procedures are not for the faint hearted and it takes time and patience for healing and to make sure you find the right surgeon. She was absolutely correct. I think the most important thing you can do if you decide to move forward with cosmetic surgery is 1) find the right doctor who is experienced and talented in their skill (Dr. Stephen Beals is exceptional) and 2) have confidence in your doctor and staff and 3) make sure your doctor is board certified. I am extremely pleased with my results but won’t be posting any photos because I’m not telling anyone (except hubby and kids and they are sworn to secrecy) I had the surgery done. People think I just still look young and refreshed. If you're thinking about cosmetic surgery check out Dr. Beals. I think you'll be pleased. Best wishes in Phoenix Arizona!