My Journey Back in Time

So, I thought no better time to start than right now. I'm 59...still, in 4 days I'll be 60. So, this has been my 60th birthday present to myself.
I knew I was going to have face lift one day, and last year I thought now is the time, so I started researching. I ead many reviews and watched many Youtube videos. Thailand shone out as my best option in terms of reputation and expense. However, when contacting places like Destination Beauty and Cosmeditour, and considering several doctors I always had the feeling that it might not be reliable or safe, although the reviews were always good. So, I decided to do it at home in Sydney, Australia. Did my research, picked a reputable surgeon and went for a consultation. Well, a face lift was just going to be way too expensive, around 30K all inclusive but only an estimate, which never means less. So, I settled on having just the lower eyelids done, day surgery under general anaesthetic and ended up costing 10K total, after the hospital sent me another bill because the doctor took longer than expected.
Anyway, after 6 months eyes were looking much better, so then the neck and jowls were still hanging there. I started my research of Thailand again, knowing it was the only option unless I wanted to go with a cheaper, less experienced, accredited Sydney Doctor, who would charge 20K total.
I came acrosss Dr Chartchai's name in the forums, both here and Cosmetic Journey (an Australian forum) and whenever his name came up people said he was highly regarded in the field, and is known for the great work he does, and because of this he does charge more. I narrowed my research down to focussing just on him and was happy with what I found out. This is my surgeon, I decided. I sent an email to the hospital with my photos and I also contacted Bodyline Patient Care as this company are connected with Dr Chartchai. The quote came back as 420,000 bahts, which is roughly $19000 Australian, and so it was affordable, with the reassurance I was getting a highly experienced doctor with a very good reputation. Janese of Bodyline Patient Care contacted me, and she led me through the whole procedure from start to finish. There was no need for me to think. She still rings me now. She's an aussie like me, which does help.
I am now 2 weeks post, and back home again, feeling good, although swollen and numb.
I was always a little afraid of a facelift, but the lower eyelid surgery and recovery was worse in all ways.
I can honestly say there is nothing to having a facelift, no pain, hardly any discomfort so far, and my stay in Thailand was actually fun.
Surgery took 7 hours I am told, they do a full health check before it (not in Sydney), all the staff at Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital were so nice. I had to shower with antiseptic cleanser before the operation (not in Sydney).The anaesthetist gave me gas to sleep before doing anything (unlike Sydney where the needle was put into my vein while I was awake). I woke feeling very very drowsy and thirsty and couldn't talk. Janese was there to put a straw to my mouth and reassure me that all was good. Then I dosed off, woke up and Janese was there to spoon feed me some soup. I dosed off again and when I woke at 3 am Janese was still there, and she told she would go home now and come back later. At breakfast she was there, and by now I could sit up and eat some scrambled eggs (yummy) and juice. I didn't feel like any of the other food on the tray since it's not easy to eat, and this goes on for about 3 or 4 days, just soft foods.
After the usual check ups through the day I had my shower (keeping head dry) and then at 2 pm I was discharged.
Janese took me to Starbucks for coffee and cake, and then we got a taxi to the hotel. The Windsor Hotel, executive suite, all booked through Bodyline was a real treat - beautiful view from thm the 31st floor, access to the executive dining room for breakfast and evening drinks and snacks, all inclusive. I had a nurse from Bodyline stay with me the first night to give me ice packs and make sure I was comfortable. Janese took me to breakfast the next morning. On the 3rd day we went out shopping, and then the shopping and tourism part of the experience continued until I left Thailand 2 weeks after arriving. I had fun. Janese knows Thailand very well, having worked there for 15 years with Bodyline Patient Care.
Dr Chartchai turned out to be all I expected, and I think it's due to him and his skills that I am not in any discomfort and I can hardly tell where the scars are.
How did my family react when I told them I was getting a facelift - they all agreed I should. I guess that's better than arguing against it.
That's all I can think of for now, but I know I have a lot more to say, so I will be back.

I haven't seen many photos or read much about the holiday experience of medical tourism. I've posted some images of my time there. It was nice to have my sister join me in Bangkok a week after my surgery, and she also had Doctor Chartchai do a little work on her eyes as well. He fitted her in.

Janese organised all our outings, and Marie, the nurse, came along too. When my sister and I went shopping with Marie as our guide, she insisted on carrying all our bags as we were her patients, and she patiently waited for us to choose clothes at MBK, and gave her advice on what to buy.

I spoke about the swelling under the right eye in a comment, and I've posted an image. This eye is prone to swelling since the lower eyelid surgery 6 months ago, especially when I get sinusitis and now also after surgery. The left eye is fine, and is always much flatter. The image is at 3 weeks (today). It also shows the face settling down, and I can get an idea of what it will look like once healed. I don't think the effect is going to be that noticeable. As everyone else says it is a slight improvement. There is still swelling around the neck and lower face. I hope the look of this improves with time.
I posted images of scars. I'm confident these won't be noticeable when fully healed. These images are at 18 days.
I had the eyebrows lifted a little to open the eyes more, and also to get rid of some of the crows feet, which became more significant after the lower eyelid surgery. This looks much better now. I might get the full endoscopic brow lift at some stage, but it is too expensive now, and I may have to consider a cheaper PS in Thailand. There are many with good reputations and at half the price. My facelift was most important though, so there was no compromising there.
Also, I want to have a tummy tuck and liposuction in about 9 months time with Dr Chartchai, but firstly I will aim at losing a few kilos, and saving of course.