POSTED UNDER Facelift REVIEWS
63 Years Old...it's Time! Headed to Costa Rica in Search of my Face. Costa Rica, CR
ORIGINAL POST
Like so many women here have said before me, I...
WORTH IT$7,500
Like so many women here have said before me, I always knew that I would someday have a face lift. Thankfully, my face has held up well until just the last 4 years or so. My sisters have even asked me several times over the years if I had already had work done. (no) I've thought about surgery often since my 60th birthday, but had developed a fear of surgery in general and decided that I just couldn't do an elective surgery.
In October I visited this page after being away from it for years. One of the first reviews I saw here was written by bmannzi43 who had just scheduled her surgery. I was so impressed by her bravery that I told myself if she could do it so could I. Watching and seeing her results convinced me that this was something I was ready for.
Now, the daunting task of choosing a surgeon. I knew I did not want to have the work done in Las Vegas where I live. Besides this being a city where so many doctors specialize in breasts, I knew it would be just too expensive for m. I saw Makeitup's review and was so impressed with her results that I considered going to MD., but traveling so far from home without a place to recover was impractical. I saw several reviews here of women who had gone to Mexico or Thailand for their surgery and considered going to Mexico. I just never saw a review of a doctor there that convinced me he would be the one I wanted to do the surgery. THEN I saw JacqE's blog! At first I was just caught up in reading her very entertaining, though thorough, review. Then I looked at her photos and read her comments about her doctor and her recovery and it was suddenly clear to me that Costa Rica and Dr. Arguello were the answers to all my questions.
It has taken me a couple of months to finally write to Dr. Arguello's coordinating liaison but finally did that and heard back from her within just a very few hours with a quote from the doctor for my surgery. I am so excited by this small but oh big step!!
Dr. Arquello sent the quote for a face & neck lift and upper bleph. I am wondering if I might also need a brow lift and/or chin implant? Something I will ask the doctor about when I speak to him.
In October I visited this page after being away from it for years. One of the first reviews I saw here was written by bmannzi43 who had just scheduled her surgery. I was so impressed by her bravery that I told myself if she could do it so could I. Watching and seeing her results convinced me that this was something I was ready for.
Now, the daunting task of choosing a surgeon. I knew I did not want to have the work done in Las Vegas where I live. Besides this being a city where so many doctors specialize in breasts, I knew it would be just too expensive for m. I saw Makeitup's review and was so impressed with her results that I considered going to MD., but traveling so far from home without a place to recover was impractical. I saw several reviews here of women who had gone to Mexico or Thailand for their surgery and considered going to Mexico. I just never saw a review of a doctor there that convinced me he would be the one I wanted to do the surgery. THEN I saw JacqE's blog! At first I was just caught up in reading her very entertaining, though thorough, review. Then I looked at her photos and read her comments about her doctor and her recovery and it was suddenly clear to me that Costa Rica and Dr. Arguello were the answers to all my questions.
It has taken me a couple of months to finally write to Dr. Arguello's coordinating liaison but finally did that and heard back from her within just a very few hours with a quote from the doctor for my surgery. I am so excited by this small but oh big step!!
Dr. Arquello sent the quote for a face & neck lift and upper bleph. I am wondering if I might also need a brow lift and/or chin implant? Something I will ask the doctor about when I speak to him.
Vee1028's provider
UPDATED FROM Vee1028
3 months pre
A date with the doctor
WoooHooo! I have a date! Received an email from Lisa, Dr. Arguello's liaison, after I posted this yesterday. March 10th will be the day of my surgery. So excited! Seriously a dream come true.
Replies (46)
December 25, 2015
Your results will be spectacular...you have the skin of a a 20 year old..good healing ..you are beautiful and will be that much more so!
December 25, 2015
You are just too sweet! Thank you so much. If I can get rid of the ugly jowls and neck I think I might feel like 20 again!
December 25, 2015
What procedures are you having done?
December 26, 2015
Hi chezron....I'm having a face lift and lower face/neck lift. Also upper bleph.
January 4, 2016
Oh, glad to see you decided to do the bleph. I saw where you questioned it. Made so much difference for me! Good luck! XO
December 25, 2015
Hi Vee! What great news! I'm so excited for you and completely recommend Dr Arguello and Dr Arce and Verdeza. Just PM me with any questions!
December 26, 2015
Thanks so much Margot! All of you ladies who have gone before me have made me feel so comfortable about going out of the country for m procedures. But, I would love to know more about your eye surgery. I really want mine done but, at the same time, I'm a little worried about having them look too "done." Yours looked great in the picture you posted in your review. Still happy with them?
January 14, 2016
Hi Margot, I was following you as I hope to use Dr. Arguello. I can't find your pics anymore.
Best of luck Vee, I will be following you :)
Best of luck Vee, I will be following you :)
December 29, 2015
Congrats on doing the proper research & actully pursuing this knowledgably, brave & ready! The best of luck to you!
December 29, 2015
Thanks so much, Mayra! I am totally excited. Just saw your review and you are looking good for so soon after surgery. You're going to have great results.
UPDATED FROM Vee1028
2 months pre
6 Weeks Till Date of Surgery!
Today is exactly 6 weeks before my scheduled surgery and I've been freaking out all week. It's not the actual surgery that is causing this...I'm looking forward to that. Instead it's the logistics of scheduling time off from work as well as dealing with traveling out of the country to see a doctor I've never met and have had no real contact with. I know this is normal when having surgery in another country, but I can't stop thinking/worrying about it.
I'm in constant contact with other Real Selfers who have gone before me or who are going soon. Thank God for these ladies! They are all that keep me sane.
I wish I could just relax and enjoy the journey but my mind doesn't work that way. Hoping that as the time nears I'll be so busy getting ready for my trip that these worries will be pushed aside.
Would love to hear from any of you ladies who experienced the same fears when leaving the US for your surgery.
Thanks!
I'm in constant contact with other Real Selfers who have gone before me or who are going soon. Thank God for these ladies! They are all that keep me sane.
I wish I could just relax and enjoy the journey but my mind doesn't work that way. Hoping that as the time nears I'll be so busy getting ready for my trip that these worries will be pushed aside.
Would love to hear from any of you ladies who experienced the same fears when leaving the US for your surgery.
Thanks!
Replies (52)
January 28, 2016
January 28, 2016
Trying to do that!! (think positive) I have absolute faith in Dr. Arguello and his work. It's just the logistics that have me going crazy.
I've spent the past month getting things ready. Purchased airline tickets, vitamins/supplements, button up shirts and pajamas, scarves and hats. My mind has nothing else to do now except worry.
I've spent the past month getting things ready. Purchased airline tickets, vitamins/supplements, button up shirts and pajamas, scarves and hats. My mind has nothing else to do now except worry.
January 30, 2016
You know Vee I am booking a date for June. I am an Australian currently working in Siberia!!! I decided not to even think about my logistics until a couple of weeks before. Funny thing is after reading Normal's posts I am looking forward to Verdeza as much as looking beautiful!! Not to underestimate the possible risks of any surgery but I just cannot even imagine what it must be like to be looked after like that!! I will follow your story with as much excitement as I am following the story of normal. (hug)
January 30, 2016
January 30, 2016
Frmcke...How exciting for you to be leaving such a cold place to have surgery in beautiful, warm Costa Rica! Part of what makes this exciting, and not scary at all, is knowing how well taken care of we will be at Verdeza! 24/7 nursing care and someone cheking on you every 2 hours, along with meals delivered to your room! How much better could it get??
I am so excited for you. Let me know when you book your surgery so that I can follow you here. I believe another lady here is scheduling her surgery with Dr. Arguello in June. Can't remember her user name right now but will let you know.
I am so excited for you. Let me know when you book your surgery so that I can follow you here. I believe another lady here is scheduling her surgery with Dr. Arguello in June. Can't remember her user name right now but will let you know.
January 29, 2016
Honestly V. other than the surgery itself there is nothing to worry about. They are like a well oiled machine down there, it is all taken care of for you. Literally, from the time you arrive at the airport til the time you leave you have to make no decisions. Everything is done for you. Carlos is always there, always on time. Surgery is all scheduled , Verdeza has all the schedules you just have to show up. Meals are amazing, no cleanup the best part..lol..all your incisions are attended to by the nurses, they even give you a shower and wash your hair. The care is amazing, just relax and enjoy, we know V. Nothing to worry about.
January 29, 2016
Thanks so much Laura. I think what has me most worried is work and hoping all goes well with my leave. As soon as that is all sorted I'll probably find something else to worry about though!
I know that as soon as I step off that plane in Costa Rica I'll be well taken care of and wonder what I was so worried about.
I know that as soon as I step off that plane in Costa Rica I'll be well taken care of and wonder what I was so worried about.
January 30, 2016
January 30, 2016
I can totally understand how this would make you nervous, but obviously Dr. Arguello does great work. I think travel plus surgery plus fear of the unknown would make anybody a nervous wreck. Just focus on how incredibly beautiful you are going to look and feel 12 weeks from now. It will all be worth it.
January 30, 2016
Awww...thanks jowlsbegone! I am committed now to stop worrying and just relax. I know how happy I will be when I finally step off the plane in CR and begin my new journey. All of you ladies here on Real Self have made it seem so less daunting than I ever would have imagined. Just knowing what to expect during the healing process makes it easier to prepare for.
Hope you're doing well today and experiencing less swelling.
Hope you're doing well today and experiencing less swelling.
January 31, 2016
Oh....I just found your post.....I think you will be treated like a queen. I saw someone else's review on your doctor and they were delighted. And the food looked beautiful and healthy. We are going to have to meet up some day and compare notes. You have such gorgeous skin and facial structure...this surgery is really bring out your natural beauty. Hang in there in, girlfriend.
January 31, 2016
Thanks so much Red! Only 5 weeks to go now! Starting to get excited again! Sure will be fun to compare looks later
February 2, 2016
Less than 6 weeks now, Vee1028! I know I was overwhelmed planning on just going up to North Carolina and packing for being away, in 3 different states, for a month...I cannot even begin to imagine having the added stress of going out of the country for the surgery...your mind must be going a mile a minute trying to get ready! Fortunately, the country you are going to is beautiful, the people are extremely gracious, your doctor is well-respected and known to be skilled, and you are a perfect, beautiful canvas! "Be bold, and mighty Plastic Surgery forces will come to your aid..."...isn't that how that saying goes? Lol! All you really have to do is get yourself down there and everything else will take care of itself, I'm sure of it! I cannot wait to see your results! Sending you good thoughts!
February 2, 2016
Thank you,Tracy. I do appreciate all of the support from you and the other ladies here on Real Self. Laughing here at your little quote...I am sure I never heard it before but it may be singing it for the next few weeks!
Seriously, there is part of your message that I will memorize and tell myself over and over again and I thank you so much for this: "Fortunately, the country you are going to is beautiful, the people are extremely gracious, your doctor is well-respected and known to be skilled, and you are a perfect, beautiful canvas!"
This will be my mantra for the coming weeks. I am so lucky to soon be living out this dream and I need to woman up and stop whining.
Thank you so much :)
Vivian
Seriously, there is part of your message that I will memorize and tell myself over and over again and I thank you so much for this: "Fortunately, the country you are going to is beautiful, the people are extremely gracious, your doctor is well-respected and known to be skilled, and you are a perfect, beautiful canvas!"
This will be my mantra for the coming weeks. I am so lucky to soon be living out this dream and I need to woman up and stop whining.
Thank you so much :)
Vivian
February 2, 2016
Vivian- some say the quote is Goethe and others attribute it to Basil King...and it is "Be bold and mighty forces will come to your aid "...but I changed it up a bit for Real Self context, haha! I like it, though, because I find it is often true: when we think big and find the courage to tackle things in a big way, the universe tends to summon up even larger strokes of good luck, even more dynamic allies and even greater fortunes to meet us as we go along on our adventure...Sometimes, to get the Big Results we have to fling our arms wide open and run at a thing with abandon! I realize you have put great thought and planning and consideration into going to Costa Rica for your surgery (it is not reckless abandon by any means ), and that's as it should be. But don't let yourself get bogged down by the details or the doubts (they creep in on us all...) trust in yourself and in your decision and run at this thing boldly! This is your adventure! Yours to own! When you are home again and healing you will be amazed at how the doing of it will make you feel just as good as the beautiful results do! That's what I've found, for certain, and I only went as far away as the Doubletree Biltmore! Lol!
February 4, 2016
Beautiful comments, Tracy. And seriously, when I first decided I was going to do this and do it in Costa Rica I absolutely felt like I was running toward it with wild abandon! I KNEW this was what I wanted and I was determined I was going to MAKE it happen! It is only those little niggly things we have to worry about that I have gotten bogged down with. As soon as I have the approval from work for time off and know that my dog will be in good hands while I'm away, I am going to be back to being thrilled beyond belief!!
Isn't it wonderful that we have each other here to lean on and to learn from and to receive encouragement from? We are blessed.
Isn't it wonderful that we have each other here to lean on and to learn from and to receive encouragement from? We are blessed.
Replies (38)