Age 47, traveled from Canada to Mexico for facelift, neck lift & blepharoplasty

I always knew I'd need some type of surgery to deal with my family's genetic turkey neck so 6 weeks ago, at 47 years old, I had a deep plane facelift, neck lift and upper blepharoplasty. I'm from Canada and travelled to Tijuana Mexico for this procedure. Initially I never thought I'd go to Mexico to get my face done but after seeing reviews, talking to former patients and doing as much research as I could about my plastic surgeon and the facility, I chose to take the plunge!
I'm from Canada so our dollar isn't great so it wasn't about the money, even though it was slightly cheaper, it was about the after care and all-inclusive experience that I was looking for. I'm happy to say that my time at Vida Wellness and Beauty was wonderful and Dr. Alejandro Quiroz exceeded my expectations. Here is my experience:
Day 1: I flew into San Diego where a drive picked me up and took me across the boarder - about a 40 minute drive from the airport to hotel. I stayed at he Marriott in Tijuana for 2 nights before my surgery.
Day 2: A driver picked me up from the hotel and took me to the Vida Wellness facility about 5 minutes away. I spent about the next 6 hours here getting my pre-op labs and EKG done and paid for the remainder of my procedure. I met with a cardiologist, dermatologist and of course Dr. Quiroz. I also had a Swedish massage and facial (included in the package I had). A driver took me back to the hotel. I was given a pill to take that night to help me sleep. I was not nervous or scared at all. It felt like Christmas Eve to me!
Day 3: I checked out of my hotel and a driver picked me up at 7am and took me to Vida. Within about an hour I was sitting with Dr. Quiroz to discuss any concerns or questions I had. I, changed, headed into the preop area, got my IV and off I went into surgery. The anesthesiologist told me she was going to make me sleepy and then I was out. I woke up around 7pm in my own room in recovery with nurses around tending to me.
When I first woke up the tightness I felt was like nothing I've ever experienced. No amount of people telling you what if feels like really prepared me for what I actually felt. I couldn't really talk because the pressure on my vocal cords and I felt like I couldn't breathe well. I panicked a bit to be honest but I think it was just the initial anxiety. I had oxygen through my nose overnight and by the morning they removed the oxygen and I was doing better. My neck/jawline was still very tight and would be for a couple weeks. I had a drain hanging from the left side of my neck.
Day 4 (1 day PO): I moved from the post op "hospital section" recovery area to the recovery centre at the facility. It was similar to a standard hotel room with a hospital bed. The bathroom was large with a walk-in shower. I was given soft foods and had nurses checking in on me. I had next to no pain. I was very stiff and did not sleep well in my elevated position on my back.
Day 5 (2 days PO): Again I had soft foods and nursing care. I was resting in bed as much as possible. I believe I saw Dr. Quiroz on this day but it's a little fuzzy. I did look in the mirror and was very happy with my results already.
Day 6 (3 days PO): Today I had a lymphatic massage which was 1 of 2 included in my package and a hair wash! Oh how fabulous that hair wash was! I was feeling more "human" but was wondering how I would have the energy to fly home in 3 short days. My face was wide and strange looking and I started to see some bruising under my eyes. I had my room cleaned, sheets changed. Food and care was excellent. I saw Dr. Q and he was happy with my results as was I.
Day 7 (4 days PO): Saw Dr. Q and had my drain removed - not a pleasant experience but not painful either. I also showered for the first time which was scary but amazing! Wow, let the swelling and bruising begin! I discovered the rooftop patio and sat out there (with shade) in my disguise for about an hour. I binge watched a ton of TV and listened to my auto book (great if eyes are swollen). I was surprised to see how swollen my under eyes were given that I didn't have any work there! Still amazed at my results.
Day 8 (5 days PO): I was off the pain meds (by choice) and sleeping better. I had another lymphatic massage and a hair wash. I was much more mobile and feeling more like myself. I saw Dr. Q for the last time and got a few stitches out. We were both very pleased with my results so far. I was ready to be home in my own bed but appreciated how much help I had over the past few days. The care was great!
Day 9 (6 days PO): I showered (body only) and then a driver took me to the airport and off I went for a 12 hour travel day. I requested a wheelchair which was awesome because I didn't have to take off my disguise at security or customs in front of everyone! I was swollen and tired but it was manageable. I did take a pain killer is day but just one towards the end of the day.
I'm now 6 weeks post op and healing nicely. I've had 3 follow up calls from Vida checking in on me and if/when I email they respond within hours. I'm still swollen, lumpy and numb but I know all that takes time and everyone heals differently. Overall my experience exceeded my experience and I would recommend anyone on the fence about fixing something that bothers them to go for it! I also highly recommend Dr. Alejandro Quiroz and Vida Wellness and Beauty. The care, food and facility were awesome! There were no hidden fees. All I paid extra for was 1 additional hair wash. I chose to tip for my spa services, drivers, and the lovely ladies who cared for me in the recovery centre but it wasn't expected.
Everyday I'm so thankful I chose to do this for myself! Can't wait to see my 6 month results! I'll keep you all posted!