Dr Mark Baldwin Exceeded my Expectations

I am 57 and had been contemplating a lower face-lift for several years and had consulted with a few of the more "marketing focussed" surgeons in Melbourne. I never really felt 100% comfortable, and was also deterred by the cost. I researched having the procedure done in Thailand - mainly because of the cost - and was very close to the point of pushing myself into finally making a booking. Thankfully, before I booked a Thailand surgery experience an aesthetician friend recommended I have a consult with Dr Baldwin - she said he had a great reputation for his results and no-nonsense approach. I made the booking. I immediately felt comfortable with him. He did not at all try to "sell" the procedure, and in fact asked me to go home and seriously consider whether I wanted to go ahead because it was a serious undertaking with some risks. He was the opposite of what I was expecting. He was not "slick" or showy, and he explained the procedure, risks and expected results in a friendly but matter-of-fact manner. He did not over-promise or tell me I was going to have beautiful results, but talked through what was possible and what was not. I just felt very confident that he was being honest and sensible, and I felt like I was in good hands. I was pleasantly surprised by the quote - not as cheap as Thailand, but not as expensive as I had previously been quoted. It was affordable for me, and feeling like I had somehow ended up in the right place at the right time, I booked the surgery. I ended up having a neck and lower face lift, and upper and lower blepharoplasty in the same surgery. The surgery itself was relatively straightforward - but not for the faint-hearted. I must say that during the night in recovery in the hospital I was feeling very glad that I was in Melbourne and not in an overseas country. I had some blood pressure issues and vomiting after the anaesthetic (just my body's reaction to the anaesthetic, which anyone can get), and I was so grateful for the care and attention of the nursing staff in Frances Perry. The recovery at home was fine - a few days of feeling pretty sore and sorry (and looking hideous from bruising and swelling), then about 10 days of hiding out indoors. At about the 10 day mark I could go to the supermarket in a scarf, hat and sunglasses and feel relatively normal. It was more like 14 days before I felt comfortable being seen in public. I had a few follow-up appointments during this time to check my progress and take out stitches etc. I was encouraged to call if I had any concerns at all, but I didn't really have a need to. Eight months on I couldn't be happier. My results are very natural, which was my primary objective. I really didn't want to look "done" or for it to be obvious that I'd had surgery. No-one has really been able to tell I've had surgery - people have just commented that I"m looking really good, and they think it's because I've lost weight (which I did do before the surgery). The difference to my face though - in particular my double chin / jaw line - is quite remarkable. Dr Baldwin did a really amazing job. He managed to make a really significant improvement without over-doing it and making me look pulled or un-natural. I really can't believe the improvement. It exceeded my expectations and I am so happy. My scarring is really minimal and barely noticeable now. I couldn't recommend Dr Baldwin more highly. He is a lovely man who is very easy to communicate with and more importantly, I believe his surgical skills are really first class. When I told my GP I wanted a referral for a facelift (these days you need a GP referral) I saw a flash of scepticism on his face, but when I said I wanted to see Dr Baldwin, my GP immediately said "oh, he's very highly regarded". If you are looking for a very skilled and experienced surgeon who will tell you the truth, not try to lead you in a direction that suits his interests, and really care and take pride in the work he does - I don't believe you can go past Dr Baldwin.