55 and Went to Costa Rica with Dr. Lev - Costa Rica, CR

Initially, I wasn't going to write a review because I am a very private person, but I decided that I was doing the RealSelf community a disservice by not participating. I used RealSelf for almost a year before my surgery to complete my research, and I wanted to make sure that other people have as much information as they need before making such an enormous decision. All I can say is that I am so very happy that I made the decisions that I did. This facelift may be one of the best things that has ever happened to me. I feel so much better and happier about myself than I have in a very long time. I chose to stay at Verdeza Recovery Center for a number of reasons, including the proximity to the Avenida Escazu shopping and dining area, as well as the Multiplex mall (which is huge and only a ten minute walk). Believe it or not, after my bandages came off on the 5th day, I was able to go out and go for walks, go shopping, go to restaurants, etc. The food, service and nursing care at Verdeza was top notch. It was immaculately clean, the rooms were very large and I was lucky enough to have a mountain view from my room. The staff was very caring and responsive to all of my needs. At first, I was a little nervous about the retirement home aspect of Verdeza, but I needn't have been. The resident are all extremely nice, many of them speak English, and they were very open to having conversations and talking. I even met a resident who was in her late to mid-eighties who told me about her facelift many years before. She said it was a wonderful thing in her life and I can tell you she still looked beautiful. All in all, I would highly recommend Verdeza and if I ever need more plastic surgery, I will definitely book my recovery there.

Here is the breakdown for my surgery and recovery:

Dr. Lev (plastic surgeon), Dr. Greenwood (anesthesiologist) & Clinic - $6,000.00
I had a necklift, jowl and face lift, as well as upper eyelids.

Verdeza Recovery Center (Room, 3 meals a day, 24 hr nursing care) - $2,010.00
14 days and nights, superior room with mountain view

Additional Medication (pain, anti inflammatory, heparin cream, - $ 200.00
antibiotics x 2 [pills & ointment])

I know people have wanted pictures, but I've been a little nervous to share them. Here's one of my neck and lower face. This was a few days post, right after the bandages came off.

I think Dr Lev did an amazing job restoring my youthful neckline. The skin still feels a little tight and uncomfortable and I am still swollen, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. No regrets.