Louis E. Costa, II, DMD, MD

I am giving a 10-star thumbs up. I am only 2 weeks post-op, but I can see that I will be thrilled with the improvements as I continue to heal. I had my neck and jowels tightened, a face lift, and a rhinoplasty. I am over the age of 60, and I knew my nose was difficult to work on and would require a very highly experienced DR. I wish I had not waited 40 years to do my nose I am so happy! So far, it all looks spot on. I still have significant swelling, and some face bruises left, but that will subside in time. If there was any negative to the procedure, it is that I probably would have liked more pain pills than Dr Costa wanted me to use; the first 2 days were much more "uncomfortable" ( ie: painful ) than I anticipated. The first night is spent in the private suite at the office, and that is a really good thing, because I was surprised by the intensity of the procedure and in no condition to head on home. Be ready to take time to recuperate; this kind of major surgery in no walk in the park. And be sure you choose a Great Doctor like Costa if and when you proceed. I highly....highly .....recommend Costa. He "knows his stuff".

I had a facelift with Dr. Costa a bit over a year ago, and I've waited until now to review him as it takes time to be able to look backwards and evaluate. I am thrilled to say that every possible touch point of my experience with Dr. Costa and his staff has been exemplary. 1. The initial information session was clear, detailed and included possible problem scenarios. I asked about and appreciated hearing worst case scenarios even tho I didn’t expect them to occur. (Nor did they!) 2. The follow-up package was specific, detailed and comprehensive with regard to prep, actual operation, immediate follow up and longer term follow-up and treatment. 3. The nurses and staff were amazingly available (even over a holiday weekend - thank you, Trish) - both via phone and email. I went for 2 or 3 follow-ups and didn’t need any more. However, I knew I could always call, and they would welcome me. 4. The offer that I remain overnight after the surgery was spot-on: I was so glad I hired an outside ‘helper’; a friend would have been in the way and clueless about my situation. 5. I was very specific with Dr. Costa about what I wanted him to take care of (AKA, how I didn't want to take on the facial characteristics of my mom) -- and he listened and did exactly what I requested. 6. Outcome: FANTASTIC. But what I really appreciate was/is the detailed documentation and timeline about recuperation (with parameters to include all ages and skins and healing types), how long it would take for facial areas to feel normal, etc. I just wanted no surprises, and there were none. Thank you, Dr. Costa and amazing staff!!!

I cannot say enough good things about Dr. Costa. I had a rhinoplasty, chin augmentation, and upper/lower eyelids by Dr. Costa. I had an unpleasant hump on my nose and had trouble breathing due to my septum being deviated. I am finally able to run and breathe through my nose now. The surgery was the best decision of my life and beyond worth it. I love the way I look and highly recommend him to anyone looking to improve their appearance. He is the best!

I have been wanting to have a nose job since I was 15 years old because of my dorsal hump. Over the years it seems that my nose has gotten even bigger/wider. I notice it most in pictures. I recently moved to another town for my husband's job and have not figured out my employment situation yet. I figured this would be the only time in my life that I would not be working so it was a perfect time to get it done. I have also started developing under eye bags over the last few years that just don't go away no matter what! I actually think they get worse any time I have tried to use eye cream. So I figured I'd get that knocked out at the same time. I had my procedures 4 days ago and so far so good! I can't believe how small my nose is, even with the splint and tape on! I am very excited to see the final result. I am happy to say that I have had NO pain since the surgery was over. I do have swelling and today is the worst day. The swelling has moved down my face and my cheeks are swollen and it looks like I had my upper lip plumped up! Fortunately, I haven't had any bruising either. I took arnica montana starting 2 days prior to surgery and am continuing. I am also eating a cup of pineapple per day, and started that 2 days prior to surgery. These are supposed to help with bruising and swelling. My doctor also gave me something through IV right before surgery that he said helps with bruising. I'm thankful not to have black eyes! The only part that has been very challenging about the whole experience is the nausea and vomiting I had for about 8 hours after. I always have this response to anaesthesia though. I will update this as the progress goes on!

Updated on 22 Nov 2014:
As I mentioned, I have been very fortunate not to have much bruising. Well, now I'm bruised. I have been avoiding holding my 2 small children but last night I held my baby for 2 Minutes! And he got me...head butted me right in the nose. Blood started coming out of both nostrils and it lasted for about s minute. I called the nurse and she advised me not to irrigate my nose until the next afternoon but to keep it moist with saline nasal spray. She also told me not to ice. I went straight to bed because I was so upset and worried about what this might do to my results. Today I woke up with some yellow bruising around my eyes. I sent pictures and the doctor says he thinks there won't be any negative impact but we'll know more when we take the splint off next week. I will likely be a nervous wreck until then! Now I'm hiding in my room for the rest of the weekend and my kids don't even know I'm here. My baby is a mama's boy and if be sees me, I cannot escape him!

Updated on 1 Dec 2014:
It has been 2 weeks since my surgery. When I got my splint off at 8 days my nose was pretty swollen, so lit looked really wide and thick from the front. I did not like that, but because I had read so much on realself, I knew to expect it and to be patient. My nose looked like it was crooked also, but I believe it was from swelling mostly bc it has gotten much better. I can feel more bony prominence at the right side of my bridge than the left. I am really hoping that it will go down and I have read that it can. I'm worried it's a result of being head butted by my son 4 days after surgery. I just have to be patient. It does seem to be improving already. I know that my nose will get better and better. Even with it how it is now, it is way better than before surgery!

Consultation completed - can't say enough great things about the personal attention. Surgery is a week away and I have everything lined up. Supplies are ready, medications filled. I plan to go back to work the Monday after surgery. Nervous, excited, and a just a hot mess. Not sure if I should be doing this but here we go. Before and after photos to come soon.

Updated on 1 Aug 2018:
It’s happening.

Updated on 2 Aug 2018:
No pain. Going mighty night.

Updated on 2 Aug 2018:
No pain. Going night night.

Updated on 2 Aug 2018:
No pain. Eating my normal meal prep food and drinking my gallon water. In recovery suite and husband is watching tv and I’m listening to it in a recliner since I have ice patches. So far, it’s great. Honestly no pain in surgery with a local. Now to heal.

Updated on 5 Aug 2018:
Oh my. Things are not quite right just yet. Keep healing. Right now I just can’t get comfortable with the whole sleeping sitting up but I haven’t been in real pain. Just sore and tender. I plan on going back to work tomorrow.

Updated on 7 Aug 2018:
Went back to work yesterday and still not a lot of bruising. I did the arnica, bromelian, vitamin c, zinc regimen before surgery and I’m continuing afterward. My first follow up appointment with surgeon is in 2 days. I’ve spoken with a nurse daily since leaving recovery suite and sent pics. She says I’m right on schedule. I’m yellow today. Indicates healing. I can see my eyelids for the first time in my life having that genetically a heavy eyelid I’ve known for quite some time my eyes would need to be done and why not do it all at once. Still no pain. Numb though throughout neck and cheeks. I still in disbelief I did this.

Updated on 9 Aug 2018:
Swelling is going down some it seems. I’m headed out the door to my first post op appt. Hoping sutures come out today and trying to figure out how to get aquaphor out of my hair. Can’t believe the progress and how horrible my before photos look.

Updated on 10 Aug 2018:
With aquaphor in my hair for the past 7 days it’s been difficult to resume a normal hair styling. Be prepared for more than one washing to get it out. The aquaphor dies help with keeping the incisions healthy and healing so its worth tolerating. Swelling down daily and I’m less round today. I get the rest of my sutures out next week. My surgeon was very pleased yesterday and I’m tickled pink even now. Looking back at the photos my husband took the day before surgery I’ll say the stress of my life showed up this past year. Time to put that all behind me and take this new face to Greece to celebrate turning a year older.

Updated on 17 Aug 2018:
2 weeks out update and I am thrilled. My surgeon is just amazed at my healing and it gets better by the day. The swelling gets better daily. I still have numbness in my neck and jaw that will gradually subside. My eyes are still a little pink at the incision but I’ve had zero bruising Everyrjong gets better by the day and to think this is only 2 weeks.

First off I don’t have enough positive adjectives in my vocabulary to give Dr, Costa and his staff a proper review. His expertise of 3 decades is phenomenal and he specializes in nothing but above the shoulders so all that experience goes into your face and the best results possible. His staff is equally knowledgeable and it speaks volumes this day and time when you very little turnover. What are you waiting for? Aging gracefully is a lie and investing in yourself is something you’ll never regret.

Updated on 17 Aug 2018:
I really didn’t appreciate the improvement until Input this together. Almost instant gratification. I am already loving the results. I’m going to do another one of these at 1 month out. I should have done my eyes 10 years ago. Hereditary heavy eye lid so I will be able to see my lower lid eye makeup for the first time ever. So exciting.

Updated on 28 Aug 2018:
Everything is healing nicely at 3 weeks out. My left eye is not healing as quick as the right but with concealer and you can’t really tell. I plan to do a before and four weeks out comparison next week. And I cannot say enough great things about the surgery, Dr. Costa and his staff and the overall process. If you are in the Charleston area don’t bother seeing anyone else, Dr. Costa is the master.

Updated on 31 Aug 2018:
Once again I cannot say enough great things about Dr. Costa and the entire process. I am over the moon. Day by day week by week and now it will be month by month my results get better. My incisions are a little pink steel and I thought they would have killed faster so I have gone back to using the silicon gel on them at night. The incisions at my ear and behind my ears are doing quite well. I have started wearing I make up again so that may be why my incisions are a little pink from the tugging on them when removing on make up at night. I will check in with you again at the two month mark. Please feel free to ask me any questions about my procedures and Dr. Costa.

Updated on 27 Sep 2018:
I’m 8!weeks out and things change daily. Some bruising under my left eye occurred 2 weeks ago and it’s subsided now. Things change daily but only for the better. I am still happy with the results and glad I invested in myself. It’s exciring to see the changes and I truly had no idea my face had slid down my neck during the past couple of years. Go see Dr. Costa and his wonderful staff if you’ve found yourself too of sliding down face.

Updated on 4 Dec 2018:
I am so happy with the investment I made in myself here. Expensive yes but absolutely worth every penny. I had no complications, little pain, minimal swelling and bruising. Quick healing. A fabulous experience.