One Month Post SMAS Facelift+

A month ago, I underwent SMAS facelift, transconjunctival lower bleph, fat transfer, lip lift, and a cleft scar revision on my upper lip to allow for some HA filler there. I consulted with several plastic surgeons prior to choosing Dr Alicia Sigler. Dr Sigler appealed to me for several reasons. I like the fact that she does pro-bono cleft lip and palate repairs. I was the recipient of that same charity care (from a different plastic surgeon) when I was a baby, so I particularly respect plastic surgeons who donate their time and skills to people with that need. That part of her CV told me she's a compassionate surgeon and that she's very familiar with my particular facial anatomy. She also offers facial feminization services to people who are transitioning. Maybe all plastic surgeons offer that service, but the fact that it is specifically mentioned on her website further supported my suspicion that she genuinely cares for others and has admirable values. She has taken the time and effort to learn specialized surgical skills and techniques meant solely for helping at least two marginalized groups of people feel better about themselves and their appearance, supporting them to better integrate in our society. The personality and values of my surgeon were of utmost importance to me because I knew I needed someone who would be intrinsically motivated to do a good job with my face. The payoff of making a conventionally beautiful face even more beautiful wasn't going to be there for my surgeon, given my history of cleft lip and palate and resulting asymmetrical face. I needed someone who is capable of appreciating unconventional beauty because that is the type of person who would be best equipped to rejuvenate and enhance it. When I consulted with her, via video call, my feeling that she was a good, trustworthy person was immediately confirmed. She was attentive, kind, knowledgeable and enthusiastic. I felt like we were instantly on the same page.
She had a very strict Covid protocol. I had to provide her with a negative PCR test a week prior to the surgery date and test negative for antibodies upon arrival at the surgery center. Given that, I opted to drive to Mexico rather than risk picking up the virus at the airport or on a plane. I stayed at the Eureka Recovery House the night before surgery, stayed overnight at the surgery center and then spent three more nights at Eureka before driving myself to an apartment rental for the next 11 nights. I didn't want to make the long drive home while still recovering, so I stayed in MX until all of my follow up visits were complete and my stitches were out. I'm so glad that I stayed at Eureka, especially following the surgery. Linda and her staff were wonderful. Having had so many facial reconstructive surgeries in my youth, I figured this surgery experience would be no big deal. I was wrong. While I wasn't in much pain, I was a lot more uncomfortable than I was expecting, and I was extremely grateful to have people taking care of me the first few days. Dr Sigler and the staff at the surgery center also made me feel very safe and well cared for. I don't speak Spanish but didn't have any issues communicating because staff could either speak English or were able to use translation apps on their phones. In the past, anesthesia has always made me extremely ill and I was dreading the normal 12 hours of vomiting afterward that I've always had to endure, post surgery. But Dr Sigler and the hospital staff made sure that I didn't have that experience this time. I only vomited/felt nauseated twice, and each time it passed quickly, thanks to all of the anti nausea medication I was given. I believe I received top notch care at the surgery center, at Eureka Recovery House, and in Dr Sigler's office, during my post op follow up visits. My procedures were less expensive than they would have been in the US but in no way did that negatively impact the level of care I received. In fact, I feel like I received concierge level care, which I'm not sure is even an option in the US, at least not in a hospital setting. At only a month out, I am already thrilled with my results! Because of the fat transfer I know my current results aren't necessarily the final result. I've been told it takes about 6 months to see the final result. I'll try to update this review with more pictures, once I'm 6 mos. out.I could not be happier with my experience with Dr. Sigler. She's highly skilled and I feel like she genuinely cares about me. That's a wonderful combination. I feel extremely lucky to have found her. I will definitely seek her out for any future needs.