Get the real deal on beauty treatments—real doctors, real reviews, and real photos with real results.Here's how we earn your trust.

See All Reviews
See All Reviews
POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews

I had a complete facelift with Dr. G. Koelliker a Skilled Plastic Surgeon - Mexico, MX

UPDATED FROM lesliepettie

4 month update

WORTH IT$7,700
I am so happy that I did this for myself. Each day I see more and more improvement. My friends are amazed at how fresh and young I look. My trainer thought I was in my early 50's!

lesliepettie's provider

Guillermo Koelliker, MD

Guillermo Koelliker, MD

Plastic Surgeon

Overall rating
Doctor's bedside manner
Answered my questions
After care follow-up
Time spent with me
Phone or email responsiveness
Staff professionalism & courtesy
Payment process
Wait times

First off, Dr. Koelliker is a fantastic surgeon, skilled, compassionate and caring. What more could you ask for. His team of Doctors and nurses gave me all the confidence in the world to go ahead with this. A 3 day stay in the hospital pretty much ensured that all was well. Dr. Koelliker dropped by at least 3 times a day to check on me. On day three, Pat Marino arranged for a driver to bring me from the hospital to Spa Casa Marino. Ahh! what a treat to be pampered, catered to and waited on for the next 10 days ( I stayed an extra 3 days). I was fortunate to have the whole Marino family here with me. Pat, Greg, and Mel thank you for a wonderful stay. The staff headed my Fabiola were top notch. Dr. Koelliker came twice here to Casa Marino to check on me. I have never been treated so well! San Miguel de Allende is one of the great secrets of Mexico. Whether you are looking for silver jewellery, locally made clothes or just a fantastic meal you can find it here in San Miguel. I will post pictures as time goes by, after I get home. If you are thinking of a cosmetic surgery holiday look no further than Dr. Koelliker and Facelift Mexico.com Leslie

Replies (17)

You are just lovely. It helps to have such classical beautiful features... So, I'm curious about a couple things - did you have transcutaneous lower lid surgery? How do you feel about the "scars" (not noticeable in the photos) left by the upper bleph? Did your sideburns raise? That's one of my concerns? Enjoy that face!
Hi citroen2cv; Thank you for your kind words. After having surgery I do feel lovely. I had lower lid surgery but I am not sure what they call it. There is a slight scar under the eyelashes on each eye. I have more noticeable scars in the crease of each upper lid (where the brow meets the eye socket). they are easily covered with eye shadow or just a touch of liquid makeup. I expect them to fade to nothing with time. No I did not notice any change in my sideburns. I hope this answers your questions. Leslie
I had a full facelift almost 1.5 years now. The scars in the eyelids disappear completely within time. Under the eyes go quite quickly. You look 10years younger and that's all we want. I hated my jowels and saggy neck. I used to look every day and pull my skin up. Now all gone. I went to my dermatologist here and he said I have one of the best Mexican facelifts he has ever seen. So glad you are happy and much younger!
You look wonderful. Thank you for sharing your review and pictures. As they say a picture is worth a thousand words. I have been researching plastic surgery in Mexico and came upon Pat's site. I have viewed numerous sites and found the Simoni Facelift (California, I cannot afford) which interested me quite a bit. Little bruising and swelling. I think it is called a MACS lift or short scar lift. I would prefer a shorter down time with bruising and wonder if Dr. Loelliker does this type of lift. I do have some anxiety about this due to the fact that I am a wimp and don't like pain or having a "smothering" effect that may accompany bandages. I am impressed with the hospital stay and recovery time. Thanks again and keep on smiling.
Thanks so much for the information! As I looked at your beautiful pictures, I was wondering why your bruises took so long to go away? I think you look great but I'm concerned about being bruised for almost 30 days post op! I am seriously considering Dr. Koelliker and a full FL in the next few months but worry about needing to go back to work in 10 days. Thank you for posting here as it really helps all of us seeking information for a big decision!
I just seem to bruise easily and badly too. When I went for my surgery on February 7th I met a woman who had a full face lift 2 days before me and already her bruises were turning yellow. By the time she left (7 days later) you could hardly notice them at all. Don't get me wrong, you will most likely have some noticeable bruises for a few weeks but not 30 days. A good fat cover stick should do the trick of hiding them. I knew before I went that I was a bruiser but I did not ever think that they would last as long as they did. I should have asked if there was something I could do pre-op to help keep the bruising to a minimum.
Taking Arnica pills a week prior to surgery will minimize bruising. Additionally you can purchase a tube of Arnica & use that after surgery. Using makeup & concealer as suggested will help a lot & do wear a scarf to cover any bruising on the neck.
You are most beautiful! I will be over the moon happy, if my results are as good as yours.
I'm a bruiser also.
Hi Terry; bruising...such is life. Be prepared for several weeks of using cover up. It will help if you use the ice packs given to you. Take Arnica pills a week before and use the gel after. At the nearby drugstore in San Miguel I purchased a cover stick made by a company called Renova, on the end it says '4 en 1 Matte' it worked so well I chucked all of the others I had. But I was never disheartened because I could see right away that my crepey neck was gone. I am so glad I had the surgery. I hope you will be happy with your results too.
I purchased Arnica pills and gel, and bromelian, so I hope that helps with the bruising. Thanks for the make up tip. I have hated my neck for probably the last 10 years. Can't wait for my Koellikerization!
A few months ago I fell and the resulting black eye lasted 4 weeks! I have just always bruised easily.
Hi Leslie I tried to pull up the website and it said it is not found
UPDATED FROM lesliepettie

Hi everyone. I have been busy since I last posted....

Hi everyone. I have been busy since I last posted. I have now returned to my normal routine. I have been out golfing ( I just make sure to wear a hat and lots of sun screen) and I am doing full workouts at the gym again. I saw my hair dresser for the first time last week and he said that the scars along my hairline looked really good. Next week we are off to Hawaii for some fun in the sun. Of course my fun will include an umbrella, sun screen and lots of funky hats!

Replies (22)

Hi Lesliepettie - Thank you for the update. There is so much improvement in the 2nd & 3rd months. I know my self-esteem has risen since the swelling & bruising has disappeared. You will have a WONDERFUL time in Hawaii! ENJOY!!!!
Knitwitch; Thanks we had a great time in Hawaii. I wore a floppy hat at the beach and on the golf course and I doused myself with liberal amounts of sunscreen. I have noticed in this last week that almost all of the redness from and dermabrasion is now gone. I feel that I look really natural, refreshed and glowy (is that a word? well if not it should be). I am really glad that I did this in February because I get to enjoy the outdoors for most of the summer months without worrying about damaging my skin being out in the sun too much.
Are you still happy with happy with your results from Dr. Koeilliker? I really want him to be my doctor, but I want to make sure my results will last.
Dear Leslie Petite, You look wonderful, thanks for sharing your story about the surgery and the place you stayed. Lil
Hi Lil Pussycat; I shared my story because I thought there was not a lot of useful information out there about plastic surgery in general and medical vacations in another country in specifics. I agree with Angeleyes449 about making yourself feel the best that you can.
Leslie, I am so happy for you. I hope you and hubby have a great time in Hawaii. You look fantastic girl. Tear it up down there...:-)
Hi Angel; we did have a fantastic time in Hawaii and I did tear it up there on a zipline adventure.
wao you don't look older than 60 is great!
San Juan; Thank you for the kind words. I don't feel over sixty either!
that is one of the most beautiful after photos i've seen. you are so lovely!! did you have a blepharoplasty as well?
Hello lifers sweet; Thank you for your lovely compliment! Yes as part of the facelift I had both upper and lower eyes done.
ORIGINAL POST

On this my last day, I am sitting in my room here...

On this my last day, I am sitting in my room here at Spa Casa Marino contemplating these last 10 days. My complete face lift went exactly as I had wanted it to go.


I now have a smooth neck, great eyes and a very fresh, new look. I also had a small amount of fat transfered to my lips (very nice) and dermabrasion around my mouth (no more deep lines in my upper lip). There is very little scarring and it is just around my ears (I can barely even notice it).

Replies (36)

Wow, you look awesome ... congratulations! Great review and may I say ... ditto! As you pretty much summarized my experience with Dr. Koelliker and Spa|Club Casa Marino :)
Hi Leslie, Your pictures look great. Wow. Big Change for the better. You will still see change every month that goes by, it just gets better and better. You look so refreshed and vibrant. So happy for your wonderful outcome. Can't wait to see you at 3 months. Keep in touch. Take care!
You look wonderful. I had my surgery with Dr. Koelliker on Jan. 15th and had the same great experience as you. Everything went smoothly and my recovery was so much easier because I was pampered at Casa Marino.
Hello Avaco1962, I am glad your surgery went well. How long was it till the bruising was gone? I still have some, especially under my eyes. Dr. K. said I was just a bruiser. Hopefully the bruising will all be gone in another week or so.
Hi Lesliepeittie I actually still have a little bruising under my left eye from the upper bleph but nothing that makeup can't hide. All in all I am very happy with my results and I'm sure you are too considering your results. You look amazing!
For some reason I can't get my review under the Face Lift heading. If anyone wants to read it search for avaco1962 to see my post. I also had a wonderful experience in Mexico and with Dr. Koelliker.
You look very nice ! I am scheduled for december 12 with doctor K and after all these wonderful reviews , I am so looking forward to go ! You look great !
Thanks Elise, for the compliment. You will be very happy with Dr. Koelliker. He is a wonderful surgeon and so caring too.
May I ask your age? You look fabulous and must be so happy.
Bunnyman, I am 63 years old. Thanks so much for the compliment. I will be posting some new photos in another week or so, at the 1 month mark
See More Facelift Reviews
See All Reviews