A Gift to Myself for my 65th Birthday.... - Costa Rica

Hello all you Real Self friends out there. I have found some time for an update and a little bit of pay it forward to all of you who have been so generous taking the time to tell us about your journeys.

Each week I seem to get better and better. I went to a party at a close friends house who I hadn't shared my adventure with. She asked if I cut my hair & commented on how rested I looked since I retired. Those that I did tell, are wanting numbers & information.
Someone did ask about the Chem peel I had. I did two on my chest, one month apart. I had one on my face the day before I left. Neither were full strength. I'm very happy with the results, although they were very painful. I would suggest topical lidocaine & ice before the procedure. I had a lot of sun damage and it made a big difference.

I still have numbness in front of my ears & the top of my head. Still some swelling in front of my ears and under my chin from the neck lift. But such a big improvement in my neck & lower face, I love it. I had a very slight lip lift & at first, because of the swelling, I couldn't see much of a difference. I do see it now. Very slight which is what I asked for. I wish I would have done a bit more. I don't like the scar under my nose & will be glad when it lightens up. My scars above my ears are much lighter. Nearly invisible on the left. The right is more prominent, but getting better. The tightness above my eyes is nearly gone. Because we couldn't get too close to my eyes with the Chem Peel, I did have dark circle under my eyes but I have been using a lightener Dr. Arguello recommended. The darkness is nearly gone. In the corner of my lower left eye lid there is a strong pull & a very slight elevation of the skin. It also has gotten better, but I'm hoping it totally resolves with time.
I had a brow lift. I had two incisions just above my hairline on the lateral sides of my brow. I have to say that it didn't make the improvement I'd hoped for, BUT, when I look at my before pictures, I think with all things considered and my age (65) it was a fabulous improvement....and yes, I'd do it again.

I have two friends wanting all the info on Dr. Arguello & Dr. Arce. They love my results and comment on how I just keep getting better.

I also had a breast lift & reduction. I can now go without a bra if I choose to...Yay! Haven't ever been able to do that...
My breasts are still pretty firm. I'm hoping they will continue to soften. I have been using silicon strips on my incisions and massaging them with Vitamin E. They are still dark under my breast & hard. The incisions around my areola are pink & not nearly as dense as the ones under my breasts. Again, hoping time will make an improvement.

I am happy to say that my recovery is going well. I don't post often because after my initial ten days of recovery, I felt up to doing some tours, seeing museums etc. so I haven't had time to do a lot of posting. My right ear infection is gone. A lot of my swelling is gone. Still have some near my ears and my neck. No bruising at all. Itching like crazy...Dr Arguello had me get a non-drowsy antihistamine and that had help a lot with the itching. My breasts are beginning to round out & look like boobs again! Do have a couple of small red areas that I'm watching. I had a face & neck Chem Peel today....on the house! Thank you Dr. Arguello! I can't say enough about these two doctors and the care they have given me. My husband and I are having lunch with them tomorrow before our flight home on Saturday. They have gone above & beyond in every way. I feel so pampered & spoiled. I'm going to miss them. Although my husband is awesome as well!!

Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. We have been traveling a bit & have now moved to Chetica. I have developed an infection behind by right ear. The doctors were right on it and I'm now on oral antibiotics. Carlos (our guide & driver) Took us on an over night trip to Manual Antoino National Park with an okay from the docs. But, we did some hiking & it was beautiful, the humidity in the park was very high. With the headdress & the stockings we need to wear, I sweat a whole bunch. I think that may be how I developed this infection. I would caution all of you to wait at least 2-3 weeks before doing long bouts out in the humidy. Diane did fine but very hot & itchy after.