67 Year Old Tired of Looking Tired, Grumpy and Old - Cape Town

I have always been a skin fanatic - protecting my skin and using sunscreens and moisturizers since I was 18. However, at 67, the acceleration in aging was becoming alarming. My husband and I recently emmigrated to South Africa where cosmetic surgery is not only cutting edge, it is way cheaper. I consulted my GP first, and he recommended a Cape Town doctor who specialises in facelifts. My initial consult was last January, and surgery was scheduled for August 11. Dr Dirk Lazarus has a lovely clinic (as well as a recovery facility for out of towners) in central Cape Town, and he is well regarded in the field. He told me I needed a SMAZ, as well as blepharoplasty, and fat transfers under my eyes, in my jowls and in my forehead. He took the fat from under my chin, and apparently it takes a few months for the injected fat to form a blood supply, so I will continue to improve for the next three to four months. He showed me before and after pictures of previous patients and I could see that he had a subtle artistic way of rejuvenating faces. The facelift took place under a local anesthetic and tranquilizers, and I didn't feel a thing. I was home by 5pm that evening. The first four days were a bit difficult, but I healed quite quickly. Within nine days I was going out, meeting people, and at two weeks, I took a trip with friends who never mentioned a word. They were either too polite or didn't notice the subtle changes. After a six weeks, I am looking 'normal' to myself - although when I look at the 'before' photos, I can see how much I had aged. Now at almost seven weeks, I still have cheek areas in which there is little or no feeling, but I am assured this will return. What I am most pleased about is that I now only have one double chin, not three!

I just had my six months consult with Dr Dirk Lazarus (here in Cape Town). When the doctor says 'you will continue to improve' he's not kidding. I think the results speak for themselves. In these photos, and admittedly I am wearing make up, I can see what a difference he has made. I don't look different, just hugely better, fresher and younger. Isn't that the whole point?!