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POSTED UNDER Facelift Reviews

Worst Decision I've Ever Made

UPDATED FROM HowDoYouKnow
6 months post

What a difference!

H
HowDoYouKnow
$15,000
I just spent $12,000 to fix the "facelift" that Dr. Koelliker supposedly gave me, on top of the $15,000 I spent to do it in Mexico and stay there. Don't do it. My doctor here said not to count the facelift in Mexico, as nothing was done. He said he was expecting to find scar tissue, etc, due to a SMAS facelift, but there was NOTHING done under the skin. I am day 10 post op now, and the difference is striking. And I can FEEL that he tightened the muscles under my skin, and also cut out a huge fat pad in my neck that DR. K. should have attended to.

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Replies (5)

G
December 31, 2016
I am so happy that you are pleased with your revision!! That has to be a relief. I am sorry your journey was so tumultuous. I can't wait to see your updates. I hope your healing is smooth from here out.
M
December 31, 2016
I'm glad you were able to get a good revision. Which doctor did you go to here in the US?
H
February 13, 2017
I went to Dr. Campbell in Milwaukee. I am eight weeks post now, and waiting for some swelling to go down in my neck before i do a review.
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L
January 4, 2017
You certainly have been to hell and back. Thankfully you found a skilled ps to help resolve the serious issues Dr. Koelliker created. Is Dr. Koelliker going to get away with such shabby work? Is it (at least) possible to get a full refund from him? I am glad to know that you are happy now, but feeling angry that the quack can get away with this. You are a brave woman for not giving up. Thank you for sharing this story. I suspect it will help others.
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C
January 6, 2017
Hope you will share some photos I guess atleast the second ps could do it right without trying to fix a mess although it's a bunch of crap and I am sorry
K
April 17, 2017
I had a very similar bad experience about 4 years ago. It was my second facelift after 10 years so it was no that much sagging...my results only lasted for three months then I looked worse than before. I should had gone with a reputable surgeon in the US or Canada. A reputable surgeon told me that dr. K did not tighten the muscles, that it was a skin only lift. My scars were also badly placed and although they have faded, I can never wear my hair up again. I am looking now into a cheeklift with a reputable face only doctor, as I think that might correct some of the bad work done. Again, thank you for posting your review, people need to know that dr. K uses outdated techniques.
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A
September 19, 2020
That's awful. It's so important to have these honest reviews. I don't understand the one lady who was less than kind. For all of you that had less than the service you paid for, I'm sorry. I hope you can find support in the RS community.
UPDATED FROM HowDoYouKnow
4 months post

Letter from Pat Marino (so you can see how full of it she is)

H
HowDoYouKnow

On Jul 21, 2016, at 12:10 PM, FACE LIFT MEXICO wrote:

From Pat to Me: I am attaching these before photos in case you dont have them. Try to use them to compare, some family members dont see a difference after; until they see the before photos / then after photos ...it is a strange phenomenon...but when seen together they see the difference. Wow, I think you look amazing, much younger and love the nose refinement; especially the improvement in the profile, neck area it was a straight line from chin to collar bone, now after.. you have a 45 degree angle for profile which is his aim for neck lift. (a few more pounds gone will help too) I think you are still swollen and you will see improvement. The SMAS work he did (raising the cheek muscle) took care of the nasial labial line which is very slight now in the after vs. the before .... it is normal and natural to have a little nasal labial line. It takes 3 months before you will see a clear picture of your results. Please be patient, I know easy for me to say :)....but I have been through this twice and each time I felt the same. The red suture lines on your eyes will turn white and be completely gone also ....I think you look awesome.


Please keep in touch and thanks so much for the photos; I will forward to Dr K.


PAT MARINO

CEO & Founder

On Fri, Jul 22, 2016 at 8:13 AM, From Me to Pat:

Thank you so much for the reassurance and the photos, Pat. It does help.

I do think I look much better, and I'm sure the scarring will continue to improve. Dr. K. did a wonderful job on my nose, and It looks so much better! I'm so grateful to all of you for helping me make the decision to go through with it. The earlobes have been a bit problematic, but The revision turned out great! I think the doctor did excellent work, overall, and I am very happy that there were no infections or hematoma.

Is it standard practice for a neck lift to be at a 45-degree angle? I guess I would have liked to have known that, and I would have requested a flatter neckline. To me, it still looks way too double-chinny, but I hope you're right that it is swelling and it will go down a bit. I still hate my profile because of it :( This was the most important issue for me, and how this whole process got started (I was only thinking about chin lipo in the beginning, but found out that that wouldn't be enough). Yes, I notice a great improvement, especially from the front view, but I still dislike my profile. In other before and after photos I have seen, I have seen great improvement. I guess that's what I was hoping for.

I think another part of the problem is that I don't have much hair to hide the scarring. Nothing you guys can do about that, though :P I am taking my pills and thinking of getting more, though I always seem to miss the lunch one.

You all took very good care of me, and I really appreciate it. And thank you for checking in on me.

I'll give the chin/neck issue some more time before I write a review.

Thanks again for everything !

From Pat to Me: I wanted to answer your question...is is standard practice for a neck lift to be a 45 degree angle? Well, this depends on the physical anatomy of the patient. Some people have long skinny necks and some people have shorter wider necks so this determines how the surgeon can change or improve the neck. The 45 degree angle can only be achieved to a point depending on the anatomy . I am sure DRK did the best for you...and know a little weight loss will help and a little more time for swelling to go down. If you dont feel comfortable writing a positive review for DR K we will understand and please just do not write a review. But, WOW, I think the improvement is awesome and certainly the care and compassion you received by our team is something money cant buy. Not to mention, you did have a cosmetic surgery vacation in magical SAn Miguel de Allende. Please keep in touch, plan atleast 3 months in advance when you are ready for your breast procedure.

PAT MARINO

CEO & Founder

WHAT I RECEIVED YESTERDAY FROM PAT:

Hi -----: I am assuming you did not get the attached Welcome Home letter...since I did not hear from you . I hope you remember I was just getting over a bad flu when you were here. It was a pleasure to meet you and I know my husband GREG and Fabiola took good care of you even though I could not spend as much time with you as I would have liked... BUT, now I am resending this letter attached explaining Dr K's policy on your post op results...if you are not 100% happy , since he obviously did not discuss this with you prior to your departure; I usually do that in person...he will RE-DO your neck lift at no cost within 6 months.

PS: I have read your Real Self review and I wish you had contacted me ...your feelings are totally understandable and I did not abandon you. The attached letter was sent; but as I remember we used several emails and now I am sending this to all email addresses I have for you to be sure it is received. Please let me know this email is received and I know we can take care of your concerns . Our concerns are for your safety and comfort. I did more than once remind you that DR K would have the final say on performing the combined surgery plan...safety first .

Sending a big hug and I am sorry you did not get the attached letter sooner.

PAT MARINO

CEO & Founder

WHAT IT SAID IN HER ATTACHMENT:

Pat Marino,

Welcome home: We hope your return flight was a good one. I would appreciate please an email telling us about your recovery process. If you see ANYTHING ABNORMAL, LET US KNOW IMMEDIATELY by email. Remember your surgeon probably used some absorbable sutures. Consider this before you think a suture might have been overlooked.

30 DAYS AFTER SURGERY PLEASE EMAIL PHOTOS ...These PHOTOS ARE VERY HELPFUL. We will email them to your surgeon. (from neck down for privacy areas please.) Be patient, Facelift procedures will take 3-6 months for the healing and swelling under the skin to go back to normal, and the feeling to resume. Liposuction, BREAST WORK AND TUMMY TUCK REQUIRES 6 WEEKS BEFORE YOU CAN LIFT ANYTHING OVER 5 POUNDS. Do not resume heavy physical activity for 4- 6 weeks; you can be the judge. Jogging, golf, etc is best at 6 weeks. One side of your face may go down more quickly than the other; giving an uneven look; or one eye may look smaller than the other due to swelling. Don't worry it will all looking normal within a few months. BE PATIENT- SOON YOU WILL BE ENJOYING YOUR YOUTHFUL NEW LOOKS. BE SURE to contact our office or your surgeon if you have any questions about recuperation.

In the unlikely event, there is any post-operative problem call OUR OFFICE or your surgeon BEFORE you have any treatment ! YOUR Cosmetic surgery should be assessed by a cosmetic surgeon only..... not a G.P. or dermatologist.

Dr. Koelliker GUARANTEES his WORK. In most cases you can fly back within 6 months and he will take care of the problem free of his FEES. There WILL be some charges if you have to go back in the hospital.

Try to take it easy for another month (swelling may return if you over-do) and remember to stay out of direct sun for 2-3 months after a facelift wear your hat; with lots of sunscreen. The suture lines may darken if they get direct sun. If you had the lip dermabrasion use zinc oxide if you are in direct sun for 6 months.

IMPORTANT: After facelift, remember your instructions from your surgeon to start MASSAGING your face gently with fingertips, 3 weeks post- op. This helps tremendously to bring the feeling back more quickly . Don't worry it will all return to normal soon.

PLEASE do not give your surgeons email address ...to ANYONE. They prefer all NEW patients to contact our office; he does not have the staff to answer emails, except of course from YOU.

We would be pleased to have you refer your friends to us.

I Hope you will email some after photos soon.

Looking years younger as my friends told me I did, after my first visit for my facelift in l994 to the magical place, San Miguel de Allende. I never post photos without permission. Thanks for posting your comments on Real Self. It was such a pleasure to have you here at the Club. You were a delightful guest

HAVE A GREAT NEW FACE DAY !


How very ODD that she demands that we do NOT email Dr. Koelliker or post his email address anywhere. Can I post his email address here? Not sure why I would want to. I don't want anyone to go to him. I do almost feel sorry for him, though, but I feel more sorry for me, as I could have used that money to pay my car off!

Replies (4)

H
October 5, 2016
Any problems you may have I would go straight to the doctor. Pat should be completely out of the loop.
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O
December 27, 2016
Go back to him.....rethink that!
M
October 11, 2016
How did your revision? I am sorry if it is in your review but I didn't see it.
H
October 18, 2016
I have to wait a full year after surgery for my revision for the scars to heal. I have not yet decided on the doctor, but I will have it done in the US. Definitely not going back to Dr. Koelliker!
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C
November 9, 2016
I wouldn't go back to that ps so sorry this happened but at least you can have a revision and will be ok thank goodness
V
December 5, 2024
I had a bad experience with her, too. She is a local in San Miguel de Allende and once bragged to me that she pays no taxes for her business, claiming it is a "club." Frankly, all you have to do is look at her face to see that Dr. K isn't the surgeon you want.
UPDATED FROM HowDoYouKnow
3 months post

One week post-op

H
HowDoYouKnow
At one week post-op, I was very pleased with the results, and hoping my chin would flatten even further. My chin got much worse after week three, when the swelling in my face went down. I waited three months to be sure that it wasn't residual swelling. I obviously didn't *want* to have to leave a bad review. I wanted to write a wonderful, glowing review and be happy with my procedures for the next eight years or so. I didn't have to write a de view at all, but I feel it my duty to share my experience and my disappointment.

Replies (5)

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I
September 30, 2016
A suggestion when writing a review - exclude inflammatory words. It's not a review when accusing the other party of malfeasance. If your blood pressure was high during the FL procedure, you're blessed that he stopped for the sake of your health and not see it as a ploy to eek out more money. This treatment option was not for you. You are right on one point-skin elasticity on a post menopausal woman is far less than you at 42. All the best.
H
September 30, 2016
Who are you? The review police? Perhaps you think it's inflammatory because you don't agree. I am out $15,000, three weeks of my life, and the ability to EVER wear my hair up again - for absolutely nothing. You got good results. Good for you. You look a LOT like Pat. It's uncanny, really. Perhaps you two are sisters? Please go find someone else to pick on. I am sharing my honest experience. And, like I said, read the doctors' opinions about his reviews. Don't take my word on it. I am only sharing to help others. Stop taking my experience so personally. It's my experience, not yours.
N
October 2, 2016
I agree with you completely.
J
October 2, 2016
I'm so sorry u had to go through all that. :-( U r right. The scars should not look like that at all. I had a SMAS face and neck lift and u can't even see my scars. They are virtually invisible and its only been 4 mos. My surgeon hid them inside the ear and the hairline by doing a trychophytic incision. There is an art to it. I would be unhappy too for the way he placed your incisions and for not giving u a good result. I sure sympathize with you. I hope the surgeon will at least do a revision for you.
H
October 3, 2016
Thank you so much for sharing that, jnew! That is good to know that the scars could have been much better. Hopefully I can get them fixed. So upsetting and life-changing!
J
October 3, 2016
U r welcome. U can definitely have those scars revised by an experienced surgeon. So, don't worry. They can be fixed. I would demand your money back from the surgeon so u can get a revision. I wish u the best!!
M
October 3, 2016
Howdoyouknow - im not sure where you live but have you considered Konstantin Vasyukevich? He was too far for me to travel but I know he has excellent results and does deep plane - I had a consult with him before he seemed really good. Good luck x
J
October 3, 2016
I live in the St. Pete area of Florida. I went to Dr. Andrew Coundouriotis in St. Pete. He's really good! He's meticulous. I got an amazing result with invisible scars. I searched for months all over, including out of State, and then decided on him and he's near me, which was convenient. But, I didn't choose him for convenience, I chose him because of his credentials and the way he described how he does the procedure and his meticulous way of placing the incisions. That was important to me because I love wearing my hair up. He just happened to be convenient, which was an added plus. He also has his own surgery center. I spent months researching. U need to go to someone like him with exceptional credentials and get a revision. I pray your previous surgeon returns your money.
J
October 3, 2016
Millimills9, I thought it was howdoyouknow question to me. LOL. Oops!! Sorry! Its early. Need coffee!!
M
October 3, 2016
Haha no problem - Monday morning I have my coffee on the go right now, much needed!!!!
J
October 3, 2016
LOL!! Me too!! I'm drinking mine now trying to wake up. Apparently, I need it. LOL. Have a great day!! :-)
M
October 3, 2016
Thanks jnewb50, we all need it!!! You too :-))
H
October 4, 2016
Thank you so much, Ladies! You have given me hope! I am looking into both of your suggestions now.
M
October 4, 2016
Keep us posted x
J
October 3, 2016
I would have just turned around, come back home and cut my loses.
B
November 9, 2016
Best wishes to you. Thank you for sharing your experience and photos. I hope you get a fulfilling resolution and are able to get those scars fixed so they are less noticeable. I'm sorry you had to go through that.
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B
December 1, 2016
Sorry you are not happy. Did anyone tell you that fluid can create swelling in the neck after the initial period of post op swelling has subsided? I am a year out and still healing so it really can be a long journey. I hope that time brings great improvements [RS bleep]
A
December 1, 2016
He told me he made this for me and asked me how I liked it. It has become worse as my face sags and he new this would happen. I don' believe what has happened to me to be a mistake. I wished I knew why he would do this.