EXCELLENT Skill, Care, Facilitlites, Warmth

I am writing this review on day 28 post op. There is so much to share, I hope it all fits in the limited space.
After thorough internet research and conversations with woman who’d had a facelift in US and three dermatologists (one with Beverly Hills patients who referred me to Real Self), I chose Nashielli because of her focused practice—facelifts only—the before/after pics, and her reviews.
Let me begin by sharing three most outstanding features that might be of concern to Americans considering Medical Tourism.
1) The hospital in which she practices is partnered with the Mayo Clinic...top technology and training. It is more sophisticated (modern), organized, coordinated, and cleaner than any U.S. hospital I have been in. The care from everyone with whom she works are all strongly skilled, personable, and caring. I do speak Spanish, but English speakers are always available no matter where you are. I heard from everyone, “Patients are most important!” and their actions are proof.
2) The communication and coordination between Nashielli and all who work with her (her supportive assistant, hospital staff, and recovery house) for patient care is astounding! I have never experience this direct and responsive communication and coordination in U.S. (except for a friend under traumatic brain injury care).

3) Nashielli (doc’s first name that everyone uses) coordinates recovery care with Galicia House. Emma (business owner/operator and fluent bilingual speaker) exemplifies the TLC that benefits every patient with skilled care, warmth, and sincerity; three meals/day; private bedroom en suite (4 in the house); shared space; and transportation (with her friendly “tour guide” husband, Luis). The house is located in a safe area and near a mall to pass time (after day 5 or so). Having other patients in the surgical recovery house is also supportive.

What you can expect under Nashielli’s care:
~ Email responsiveness, organization, and clarity (English is excellent) is superb.
~ Zoom appointments as you need them (pre and post).
~ Thoroughness and follow through with medical history. [Because of my recent and untreated high blood pressure, she requested that I send EKG and echo cardiogram results to her; sharing with her cardiologist teammate before surgery. Also, Nashielli’s team coordinated pre and post op appointments with cardiologist. Side note: cardio also goes by her first name and is equally sincere.]
~ Recovery at Galicia House: You contract independently but it is coordinated with Nashielli’s availability. You’ll need at least a week (10 days is more beneficial). Know that, you will not be able to return to anything near your “normal” at home until two to three weeks.
~ Price: 1/3 of U.S. costs for care that is far superior!

To demonstrate what you might anticipate, I offer a walk through of my experience: It is important to keep in mind that every patient’s experience is different. You’ll read about mine below, but the other patients in the recovery house had different experiences/stories to share.
* Pre op (day before surgery): Because I stayed at Galicia with Emma, she coordinated all appts and Luis took me, accompanied me, and translated as needed. Very comforting and trustworthy coordination.
Nashielli, very warm and comforting, explained all, encouraged questions, and took fotos. Cardiologist appt: also warm and caring (Luis accompanied me to ensure my Spanish understanding) included thorough medical history; took EKG and since my BP had dropped to within normal range, she decided to monitor (not medicate) during surgery. I appreciate the caution to medicate unnecessarily.
Late afternoon, Luis accompanied me to check into hospital for early morning surgery. Private hospital room, calm and friendly skilled care. I suggest you bring your phone with translation app if you don’t speak English (but staff use theirs as well). All meals are healthy and fresh (unlike U.S.).

* Surgery: Relaxing and friendly atmosphere. I was greeted by her team (additional surgeon) and then got wheeled into operating room. All was quite easy going.
* Recovery: Nashielli’s assistant checked in on me and offered and texted my daughter to say that I was in recovery. All meds are administered through hospital stay and then pharmacy after first post op appt. (on day 3).
* My head (around hairline and neck) was wrapped very securely (to limit swelling). I had no pain at surgical sites, but the compression wrap was quite painful on my ears, and strained muscles hurt for several days (muscle relaxant were prescribed immediately and for 10 days). I slept in recliner, not the bed (it hurt to move my head at all). Reading books, watching TV, and researching guided tours were my pastimes.
* Post op: I slept as I could — day and night. Emma was always available for my concerns, and questions. If she couldn’t answer them, she relayed them directly to Nashielli and received answers promptly. Impressive!
* Day 3: Appt with Nashielli to remove compression bandage and examine sutures, discuss concerns, etc. I’m sure she offered info about suture care (ointments, creams), but I didn’t register the info and later on I neglected to follow up. But I encourage you to do so.
* Day 7: Nashieli removed eye lid stitches and supported my concerns, questions and took photos. Her warm hearted assistant gave me a lymphatic massage (to reduce swelling and relax muscles in face and neck...heavenly!) When I left this last appt with Nashielli, I felt that I was leaving a newly found friend; sharing hugs was sincere. A follow up appt with cardiologist took place next.
* My sleep was disruptive until I got home on day 24. I had booked a hotel for my last 7 days (left recovery house on day 11) and took guided tours and dined with wonderful foods over Christmas time.
* Day 10: Because eye lid stitches and swelling was gone (cheeks and chin were still swollen— looking overweight. My ears and sutures behind them were quite tender), I ventured into public...in hat and sunglasses! Guadalajara is sunny all year long.
Without asking for instructions (my bad), I began to apply ointment to my sutures. Other patients in recovery house applied ointments earlier.
* Day 18: Sutures were softer and began to fall off under chin, lower ears, and neck.
* Day 23 (after holidays): Nashielli emailed to ask about my recovery and make appt for a zoom follow up (on day 32).

Comments: Remember that every patient’s experience is different. The most painful part for me was the side muscles in my neck, but no one else mentioned this extreme pain. Swelling does subside over time (on day 28 I still have some at my jowls and neck); numbness across my neck and into my ears is still present (since surgery).

In conclusion, after doing your research and deciding to work with Nashielli, trust that you are in expert and caring hands...from Nashielli to everyone on her team. Let your concerns go by the wayside and focus on allowing yourself to heal. You will “look mahvelous, dahlink!”