POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS
Best Thing I Ever Did ~ Dr. Koelliker ~ A wonderful doctor, honest and caring! - Mexico
ORIGINAL POST
After having researched all manner of techniques...
WORTH IT$7,500
After having researched all manner of techniques for over 20 years, I came upon Face Lift Mexico & Dr. Koelliker early this year. I research and dug deep to find any negatives and found none. To qualify myself I will tell you that I have had several non cosmetic surgeries in my life and I had major maxillo facial surgery to advance my jaw and raise my upper jaw so I know a little about facial surgery, what it takes to heal, swelling, bruising and recovery.
Further, I had lived in Mexico for over 7 years, am fluent in Spanish so I was fully cognizant and my partner is Mexican so, he as well, was completely comfortable. He and the doctor bantered back and forth about the excellent Chilaquiles at the hospital. It was fun! I finally got in touch with Pat and fortunately for me, they had a space left in late August which worked out well for me. I have been working on my health and we being for years and this past 18 months have been working with a Quantum Reflex Analysis practitioner who has been my guide. As a consequence, I was at my ideal weight, my best health and in a good frame of mind when I was ready for surgery. I cannot stress how very, very important this is.We arrived in Leon and stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn per Pat's recommendation. The private driver came to get us (my love came with me) and took us directly to the private hospital in Celaya. We were checked in and immediately greeted by lovely nurses and Dr. Koelliker who did a full examination and asked me what my concerns were. We discussed and he made is recommendations. I had thought that dermabrasion to my upper lip would erase the fine lines that had been there since I lost volume due to my previous maxilliofacial surgery. He looked me over and recommended against it due to my skin pigmentation. He felt that I could end up with a bit of 'mask' or light area. He said instead that injections of my own fat would work out well for me and that he was sure I'd be happy with that result. I am overjoyed! My tests were done to confirm that I was well enough to undergo the procedure and I was given a sleeping aid and I slept well. Early the next morning I was to shower with certain antiseptics before I was taken to surgery. The nurses are amazing and there every step of the way. I went into surgery and gently fell asleep to the Dr. and another doctor bantering back and forth in Spanish. I remember smiling.The surgery was like a dream. I can remember once in a while being faintly aware that someone was touching my face. The doctor had said to me that when I was in surgery that he would occasionally ask me to move my feet and that I would, but that I would not remember. True! I don't remember. I was told that I did move my feet when asked.I remember next being in my room with no pain. I was elated. So happy! Over the 3 days I was cared for, fed and attended to better than any hospital I have ever been in and, I've been in quite a few. I am 62.On the morning of the last day there Dr. Koelliker came and chatted with us, check me over and cleared me to go to Casa Marino. The private driver was right there. They are all bilingual as are the staff at Casa Marino, so there is no problem understanding anything. The Dr. also speaks perfect English.We arrived and were shown our beautiful Garden Suite with it's own private patio and lunch was already on the table. See the photo. The food was delicious! I had met another woman who was to have her surgery the day after me and we became friends at Casa Marino when she arrived the next day.We went out daily to explore as we had lived in this city 12 years prior. It is sooo beautiful! Of course, if you are not familiar, Fabi will gladly take you around. Cabs are $4 and food is fresh, plentiful and inexpensive. The shopping in San Miguel de Allende is superb and don't miss going to the Rosewood Hotel roof top at least once to view the incredible sunset over the beautiful, historic city.We returned to Canada on August 31st and I celebrated by 62nd birthday at home the following day. I had 4 more days off work. I return to work the following Monday with no pain. I was still quite bruised on one side more than the other and this is very normal. If you understand this procedure you know that one side is done and then the head is turned and the other side is done. This results in more blood pooling on the side was done first. Arnica and lots of Vitamin C will help that. I wore plenty of makeup those first days and I generally don't wear any foundation at all. I had to learn via Youtube how to cover dark bruises.I am now at exactly 5 weeks and 2 days post surgery. I continue to be thrilled! Yes, I do still have some bruising and scars. This is perfectly normal!It seems that some people think the body will mend from being basically cut apart and put back together another way in just a few days. People...patience. Our bodies are miraculous and will heal well if we allow it and stay positive and are healthy.I made the best decision of my life.I am sooooo happy!!!!Please take a look at my progressive photos below. I will keep you posted as time goes by. Note: I paid an extra $600 for the fat into my lips which is why my total price is $6900 plus $600 = $7500 U.S.D. Further, the stay at Casa Marino for the 2 of us was well worth the cost. Everything is top notch and Fabi gives you the injection you need the day after you arrive. The doctor comes to remove your stitches and everyone there knows what to do. You may meet a new friend too! :)This has been an amazing experience and I would do it again in a heart beat!
Further, I had lived in Mexico for over 7 years, am fluent in Spanish so I was fully cognizant and my partner is Mexican so, he as well, was completely comfortable. He and the doctor bantered back and forth about the excellent Chilaquiles at the hospital. It was fun! I finally got in touch with Pat and fortunately for me, they had a space left in late August which worked out well for me. I have been working on my health and we being for years and this past 18 months have been working with a Quantum Reflex Analysis practitioner who has been my guide. As a consequence, I was at my ideal weight, my best health and in a good frame of mind when I was ready for surgery. I cannot stress how very, very important this is.We arrived in Leon and stayed overnight at the Holiday Inn per Pat's recommendation. The private driver came to get us (my love came with me) and took us directly to the private hospital in Celaya. We were checked in and immediately greeted by lovely nurses and Dr. Koelliker who did a full examination and asked me what my concerns were. We discussed and he made is recommendations. I had thought that dermabrasion to my upper lip would erase the fine lines that had been there since I lost volume due to my previous maxilliofacial surgery. He looked me over and recommended against it due to my skin pigmentation. He felt that I could end up with a bit of 'mask' or light area. He said instead that injections of my own fat would work out well for me and that he was sure I'd be happy with that result. I am overjoyed! My tests were done to confirm that I was well enough to undergo the procedure and I was given a sleeping aid and I slept well. Early the next morning I was to shower with certain antiseptics before I was taken to surgery. The nurses are amazing and there every step of the way. I went into surgery and gently fell asleep to the Dr. and another doctor bantering back and forth in Spanish. I remember smiling.The surgery was like a dream. I can remember once in a while being faintly aware that someone was touching my face. The doctor had said to me that when I was in surgery that he would occasionally ask me to move my feet and that I would, but that I would not remember. True! I don't remember. I was told that I did move my feet when asked.I remember next being in my room with no pain. I was elated. So happy! Over the 3 days I was cared for, fed and attended to better than any hospital I have ever been in and, I've been in quite a few. I am 62.On the morning of the last day there Dr. Koelliker came and chatted with us, check me over and cleared me to go to Casa Marino. The private driver was right there. They are all bilingual as are the staff at Casa Marino, so there is no problem understanding anything. The Dr. also speaks perfect English.We arrived and were shown our beautiful Garden Suite with it's own private patio and lunch was already on the table. See the photo. The food was delicious! I had met another woman who was to have her surgery the day after me and we became friends at Casa Marino when she arrived the next day.We went out daily to explore as we had lived in this city 12 years prior. It is sooo beautiful! Of course, if you are not familiar, Fabi will gladly take you around. Cabs are $4 and food is fresh, plentiful and inexpensive. The shopping in San Miguel de Allende is superb and don't miss going to the Rosewood Hotel roof top at least once to view the incredible sunset over the beautiful, historic city.We returned to Canada on August 31st and I celebrated by 62nd birthday at home the following day. I had 4 more days off work. I return to work the following Monday with no pain. I was still quite bruised on one side more than the other and this is very normal. If you understand this procedure you know that one side is done and then the head is turned and the other side is done. This results in more blood pooling on the side was done first. Arnica and lots of Vitamin C will help that. I wore plenty of makeup those first days and I generally don't wear any foundation at all. I had to learn via Youtube how to cover dark bruises.I am now at exactly 5 weeks and 2 days post surgery. I continue to be thrilled! Yes, I do still have some bruising and scars. This is perfectly normal!It seems that some people think the body will mend from being basically cut apart and put back together another way in just a few days. People...patience. Our bodies are miraculous and will heal well if we allow it and stay positive and are healthy.I made the best decision of my life.I am sooooo happy!!!!Please take a look at my progressive photos below. I will keep you posted as time goes by. Note: I paid an extra $600 for the fat into my lips which is why my total price is $6900 plus $600 = $7500 U.S.D. Further, the stay at Casa Marino for the 2 of us was well worth the cost. Everything is top notch and Fabi gives you the injection you need the day after you arrive. The doctor comes to remove your stitches and everyone there knows what to do. You may meet a new friend too! :)This has been an amazing experience and I would do it again in a heart beat!
eesamvb's provider
UPDATED FROM eesamvb
2 months post
One more thing about healing, scars and playing your part in healing ~
I would like to add that I firmly believe that cosmetic surgery cannot and will never take the place of caring for oneself. I believe one of the reasons for my great result is that I meticulously care for my inner body and outer body. I use no chemicals, hair dyes, fancy skin creams full of toxins not have I ever had any other sort of cosmetic procedure to my face. The only other thing I have had done cosmetically is a tummy tuck many, many years ago as I am a tiny woman and I had a very large first child. I did all I could but could just not tighten the skin. I was at my ideal weight and in excellent health before surgery as everyone should be. If this is not the case, you may not have the best result you could have.
Further, Scar Care is mandatory. They must be moistened thoroughly daily and massaged with the cream the doctors tells you to use. This helps them to stay soft and the cells turn over much faster. If you don't do this, your scars will become hard and dry and even red. Please don't use hair spray or hair products until you scars are healed up. This just irritates what is trying to heal. I know this is common sense to some. It is not to others if you really read some of these reviews. Some people expect miracles from these doctors when they have not done the work they need to do themselves. You must be the one responsible for your healing.
I do have a video on the FaceLift Mexico site for those of you who wish to see me at the 8 day mark.
Further, Scar Care is mandatory. They must be moistened thoroughly daily and massaged with the cream the doctors tells you to use. This helps them to stay soft and the cells turn over much faster. If you don't do this, your scars will become hard and dry and even red. Please don't use hair spray or hair products until you scars are healed up. This just irritates what is trying to heal. I know this is common sense to some. It is not to others if you really read some of these reviews. Some people expect miracles from these doctors when they have not done the work they need to do themselves. You must be the one responsible for your healing.
I do have a video on the FaceLift Mexico site for those of you who wish to see me at the 8 day mark.
Replies (6)
October 2, 2016
October 3, 2016
October 3, 2016
I will add that if anything goes wrong, I am not one to sit by and let it be. I also saved long and hard for this and, I waited 20 years. No one gets to mess with my only face. So, please know that if any of what you say happens to me, I'll be all over it in so many ways. That's a promise.
October 4, 2016
I have to agree with Snookered, and what I will say here, and what she is saying, is that Dr. Koelliker facelift doesn't last. I was told by another reputable surgeon that it was a skin only facelift, not a real SMAS lifting as the website advertises. Mine also faded after a few months and I had to get fillers, but they don't help with sagging jowls. I was, like you are, very happy the first 3-4 months then it gradually started fading, as soon as the volume from the swelling went away.
I regret very much that I went this route but I read so many good reviews. I believe they were probably written right after the surgery.
The reason I am adding my three cents is for the future clients to realize that it might not work, at least not for more than a few months. Now I know that is better to spend more money and go to a reputable doctor in the States or Canada.
I am wishing you the best, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones.
I regret very much that I went this route but I read so many good reviews. I believe they were probably written right after the surgery.
The reason I am adding my three cents is for the future clients to realize that it might not work, at least not for more than a few months. Now I know that is better to spend more money and go to a reputable doctor in the States or Canada.
I am wishing you the best, maybe you will be one of the lucky ones.
October 5, 2016
October 5, 2016
UPDATED FROM eesamvb
2 months post
Here's Hospital Guadalupano where Dr. Koelliker does his surgeries
http://hospitalguadalupanocelaya.com.mx/somos.html
This site is in Spanish however, it gives you a great idea of the hospital.
Here is the link to the page 'D. Medico' which gives you all the board certified surgeons who work there: http://hospitalguadalupanocelaya.com.mx/directorio.html
On the Galerias tab you will find lots of photos.
This site is in Spanish however, it gives you a great idea of the hospital.
Here is the link to the page 'D. Medico' which gives you all the board certified surgeons who work there: http://hospitalguadalupanocelaya.com.mx/directorio.html
On the Galerias tab you will find lots of photos.
Replies (18)
I beg your pardon, but I do not believe that you are given privilege to dictate where or how I may speak on this blog concerning my own experience, as well as to the professionalism and credibility of Patricia Marino, Dr. Guillermo Koelliker, Gregory Pope or Facelift Mexico.
My comments to you are not intended to affect the way you feel about your facelift. They are intended to affect the way HowDoYouKnow feels after you began UGLY personal attacks on her for no reason, so let me answer you - I am NOT worried about this, nor do I think it likely, at all, to alter your opinion on much of anything after what I have seen. You had no issue or qualms with jumping on the review of HowDoYouKnow and implying that she is dishonest, mentally ill and had too high expectations. It is the ETHICAL responsibility of the treating physician to determine whether a patient is a physically and psychologically fit and healthy candidate, prior to surgery. He determined that she was and put his hand out for her money, so really - where do you get off speaking to her like that?
Your uncalled for, open and very (passive?) aggressive bullying of her is what urged me to speak my own experience, when I had previously chosen not to. You really went far above and beyond sharing your own personal experience on your own space. You made unusual effort and attempt to discredit her review. You totally disregarded and intentionally ignored the opinions, advice and expertise of several top surgeons here. You attempt to publicly shame her by stating that her body weight and fat are the reason she is not pleased with her BOTCHED surgery and the hideous scars inflicted on her by this doctor..... All while gloating of your own success, superiority of health and care and supposed knowledge of medical procedure performed. You openly state that you have had a tummy tuck, jaw work - several surgical interventions yourself, yet in order to humilate this lady into hushing you try to make it appear that she needs to 'get well inside' for seeking information for her own interventions. You really need to !!! Get Over Yourself !!! What you did to that lady was not very nice, at all. You should be the one ashamed and looking at what is inside versus outside. I find your motives AND those of Dr. Koelliker and Pat Marino far more questionable than hers. I cannot help but wonder if there are personal connections, with your ties to Mexico.
I am 5'7 and weigh 125 lbs. My CBC and all required testing came back as excellent health and near 100% oxygenated. I was cleared for surgery, yet my surgery is botched and WAS NOT PERFORMED AS PROMISED, as well. Your 'only' face (like we have a practice one laying around somewhere?!) and results are no more important than the 'only' face of my own, BayArea68, HowDoYouKnow, AngelEyes, the lady who had surgery with me, or anyone else, for that matter. Your results are not superior to others simply because you are skinnier or more healthy, your recommended cream magically contains less harmful ingredients than recommended for us, or that you are able to triple the volume of your hair without products that you assume the rest of us are ignorant about....... Ingredients in a cream are not going to change whether a muscle in your neck (or anywhere else) is actually tightened or not. We all paid for a full SMAS face, neck, eye, brow lift and we ALL deserve to have the results we paid for. Not one in 5 or 10 - every single one.
You state that if you have any issues at any point, then you will be 'all over it'. Certainly you will appreciate my own (and that of others) determination and right to share personal experience. If a patient is assured that they are being rendered surgeries, in exchange for payment in the range of 10k+ in good faith, then I do believe most would agree that they are entitled to get what they paid for. No reputable surgeon or business would be claiming that they are performing these exact procedures and then, without patient knowledge or consent, decide that they will perform only part of what is agreed to, or to simply perfom a lesser procedure altogether. There needs to be some accountability here,on more than one crucial subject. That accountability does not lie with the patient, but falls to Pat Marino and Dr. Koelliker.
Pat Marino is fully capable of speaking for herself when she chooses; trust that. She did not stutter a single time when she booked me. As an ethical and responsible professional who runs a business, defending whether or not she is deceptive with her promises and advertising should be a top priority for her. Let's do this and settle the matter of integrity for Ms. Marino, Dr. Koelliker and this organization once, and for all.
As you are relaying real-time info to Patricia Marino, please ask the good lady to come forward and provide documentation and bonafide certifications for the World Class, State of The Art, HOSPITAL. Clearly this 'hospital' is very prominently and heavily promoted, repeatedly, in all correspondence and advertising. She should be able to provide this readily and promptly, surely - don't you think so? Could you please ask her if she would clarify that this hospital is, in fact, a RECOGNIZED hospital (not a 'clinic') in more than name, self-appointment, a play on words or an honest mix-up? Are these hospital credentials recognized in Mexico (or the US) and if so, by what organization? Would it be SiNaCEAM? Joint International Commission (JCI) ? I'm certain that she would be anxious to verify that there has been no false pretense, play on words or an honest mix-up.... Surely she would be anxious to clarify what she intends for her patients to believe. In all fairness, I would like to hold my own review and documentation for a bit, to give Ms. Marino and Dr. Koelliker a fair opportunity to counter the unsolicited information provided to me by the US Consular Agency in San Miguel. IF the information that I have been provided and researched is incorrect, then I stand ready to publicly apologize for inaccuracy.
Pardon my imposing on you, but she has been nothing but good to you and you seem to have a hotline and to have appointed yourselfas the Facelift Mexico Review Police .... She is not responding to me, HowDoYouKnow or others who want verification of credentials, actual surgery performed vs, promised, revisions or refunds. There are many honest and transparent surgeons who address concerns for their patients here on realself.com. Dr. Koelliker speaks English fluently. Ask him if he would come and discuss the 100% Safety Record..... the policy or guarantee regarding performance of the actual procedures that are charged for and claimed by him and paid for by clients who believe him.
I'm thinking that the issues here may be something - just a wee bit more - than my own disappointment and inability to understand your brand of graciousness and well wishes.... ;)
Did you smoke? Did you drink? These things also affect the outcome of surgeries.
Further, I will make this clear: I have no personal connection to either Pat or Greg or Dr K. I booked, like anyone else. I found them on the internet the same as most of you. Because I lived in San Miguel so I did not need to avail myself of either Pat or Greg's services to be taken anywhere. My partner is Mexican and I speak fluent Spanish. I barely communicated with Pat between the time I booked and my surgery and during my stay I saw Pat exactly twice and Greg exactly once. I had never met them before in my life or heard of them. I am not, nor do I profess to be the 'police'. I have a right to express myself anyway that I please just as you do.
And, to quote you, I do not believe that you are given privilege to dictate where or how I may speak on this blog concerning my own experience, as well as to the professionalism and credibility of Patricia Marino, Dr. Guillermo Koelliker, Gregory Pope or Facelift Mexico.