To Mexico I Go, with Good Vibes!

I have always hated my nose. My nose originally had a large bump on the top of it. My Grandmother who shared this facial feature with me, paid 1200 dollars when I was 16 to have it removed. It was the best thing that ever happened to my self image up to that point. I started to be more confident, I had boyfriends after that. I actually looked in the mirror and was happy with what I would see. I stopped dressing so gothic and punk rock and actually took care of my appearance. The situation had gone from hopeless to hopeful for me after that.
Now I find myself, 2O years later, and the wear and tear I have placed on my body, is really staring to show in my face again. I have been absolutely miserable with my appearance again for the last 2 years since my cheeks have started to sag and wrinkles sit where my smile lines can not ALWAYS be. My nose is starting to look crooked as well and drooping in the front, and the bulbous tip has become the prominent focal point in every picture of me I see.
Knowing I could never afford plastic surgery on the money I make while also supporting my kids, I felt so hopeless and depressed. Being single and approaching 40, I was convinced that if I’m only going to get older looking I would have a hard time finding any kind of attractive man interested in me much longer after this. I found myself hiding at home, afraid to go out and be seen in my wretched state of ugliness. I was really feeling bad.
Then one day it occurred to me that a lot of people I know were having weight loss surgery in Mexico. Why not plastic surgery too? I was so excited to see the low prices, the immaculate facilities and Board Certified Surgeons with many years experience and good recommendations.
I patiently await my Rhinoplasty and cheek lift procedures at CER Hospital in Tijuana MX, with Dr. Luis Suarez on April 2nd. Wish me luck! I’ll keep you posted:)

Back home in OR now after my Rhinoplasty and Cheek Lift at CER hospital performed by Dr. Luis Suarez. I will say so far I am very happy with the results. My nose is still swollen, and my cheeks are slightly bruised, as I am only 9 days post op, but I can see the differences and am very pleased.

The hospital was immaculate clean, even more impressive in person, and I thought the pictures of the place looked good. The cleanliness and friendliness of staff are the first thing I found super impressive, completely exceeded my expectations.
The driver that picked me up from the airport was prompt and friendly. He had a thick accent but spoke English very well.

Upon arrival at CER hospital I was immediately engaged in the PRE- op process. I went directly into the lab for blood work, then was greeted by Maricella, my hospital liaison, who had communicated with me often and thoroughly since my first investigation about there services a month earlier. She provided all requested information promptly to myself, as well as my concerned family members who rang her often post op with care questions and concerns. She never treated us like a nuisance. It helped alleviate all our concerns.

My room before surgery was comfortable, private and quiet. I was able to rest after fasting from the night before and taking an early flight. The room after surgery was huge, beautiful, and sparkling clean. The entire ward smelled fresh cleaned from one end to the other. The staff was professional, clean and friendly as well.

Ok so now for the cons- there is always something right? The one thing that scared me but ended up not mattering very much is the time I spent with my Doctor before surgery. It was literally only a minute. I did consult with another member of the surgical team for a slightly longer time about my goals for the surgery, who was also with me immediately post op, as well as the next morning. He was awesome and reassuring. I can not remember his name unfortunately. There was another doctor who acquired my medical history who old me he was jealous of my job as a bartender, so again all the staff was impressively friendly and warm. Even though I only saw my Dr. momentarily before the surgery, he was clean, friendly and informative just the same. He helped me understand what was realistic to expect from the results.

Recommendations: If I had it to do ideal, I would have rented a hotel in TJ Mexico instead of staying in the states the week post op. It would have been nice to know I could, if necessary, return to the hospital with any concerns. Border crossing is inconvenient and lengthy with Passport requirements. Luckily I healed well and as expected. My nose pack had to be left in longer than the normal case as my rhinoplasty was a revision rhinoplasty, and proved difficult, albeit successful. It would have been nice to have the pack changed after a few days. It was really gross and smelly after 4/5 days. It did not come out until day 7.

I would also have brought a support person to look after me in the hotel a well as for safety in a foreign country, merely for company in the hospital room which was huge and more than accommodating for one to have a guest. There was a comfortable couch area a grown man could easily sleep on, huge bathroom, gorgeous city view from completely glass wall. Truly better than most hotels I can afford!

Another detail that surprised me was the post op pain management is only an NSAID medication. Was expecting something stronger, or opioid in nature, as the discomfort the first few days post op was very high. The most painful thing of all was residual damage to my throat caused by insertion of the breathing tube, followed by a week of sleep breathing through my mouth. The dryness this caused left my throat extremely raw. It was excruciating. Numbing throat spray and honey helped.

Overall, happy and satisfied. The price can not be beat as compared to the U.S. surgeons and I am satisfied that Dr. Suarez and his team are every bit as qualified, skilled, and professional. I will post more photos as the weeks go on.

Good luck to all considering out of country operations. It is my experience that it is the best way to get ones money’s worth:)

Uncomfortable recovering first few days.
First 3 are before pics. You can get an idea of the long and bulbous tip I had. The sagging of my cheeks is very pronounced as well. Now all is much improved:)