HIV and Hepatitis Testing Before Surgery Question

Yes, I'm planning on going to San Jose, Costa Rica for a full face lift with brow and eyes (though he said he won't be able to tell about the eyes until he sees me in person). Dr. Gaylon McCollough, a well-known surgeon in my area said that I need my eyes done, so I imagine Dr. Lev will agree once he sees me. I have thick skin that tends to sag rather than wrinkle, so I'm hoping to lift everything now in hope of staying ahead of the wrinkles (that I don't have yet). I love the look of Dr. Lev's work, and my sagging neck is my worst feature. He appears to be great with necks, so I think I've found the right doc for me.

I will be having it done at CIMA on March 7th. He only does one surgery per day, and I like that, too. Honestly, I could probably have the work done here in the U.S. for close to the same price (10,200 including my 15 day stay), but I really like the work that he does so I've decided to go there. I think many U.S. facial surgeons are too conservative these days, but that's just my opinion. 

I was sent to M.D. Anderson's Inflammatory Breast Cancer Center (the most amazing clinic I've ever been to in my life!) in May after an episode of unilateral swelling of the breast. Dr. Ricardo Hugo Alvarez, who heads up the clinic, told me that I did not have IBC, but that the swelling appears to be "implant related". I have 18 year old deflated saline implants, and Dr. Lev has agreed to take them out during my facial work. That will give me some time to see if the swelling issues resolve before going to someone for a breast lift and a tummy tuck. 

Yes, Didi, the coordinator appears to enjoy answering emails for Dr. Lev. I actually emailed him first, and he emailed me back a few hours later. She did not get in contact with me until after I had already discussed a surgical plan with Dr. Lev. I have also noticed that she copies everything that I write to him, and always mentions that he can be reached by phone or email any time.

She seems to be good at what she does, and I enjoy her sense of humor. I will be sure to point out your suggestions to her, as you are actually the second person that I've talked with who mentioned those two flaws on her website. I think the removing of the stitches was a reference to the fact that he comes to the patient rather than the patient having to go see him, but I'd have to go back and look to be certain. He has just as of this month started using a different "recovery ranch", and I think we have to go to him now, so she'll probably be removing that statement anyway.

You don't do facial work, right? Your body work is amazing. I'm looking for a good, old fashioned, somewhat aggressive facelift right now, but I'll have to address the breast lift and tummy tuck soon. I know your patients love you, and that tells me you are doing something right! Thanks so much for the reply.

The most important part of going out of country is doing your homework, and I see you have done that in abundance.  My remarks about the website were meant to be just that, and not a reflection on the doctor.

I am frustrated constantly by unfortunate patients who have had work done elsewhere and then cannot get issues taken care of later by their doctor.  Little problems then become big ones. Despite my best plans, I have even had doctors "back home" impede my own patients care due to lack of experience.

Anyway, you seem to have your bases covered and the new CIMA hospital seems great.  If taxes and regulation get any worse here, I will be moving my practice down there soon !

I would imagine that it's really tough running a medical practice in the U.S. these days. Besides, living in a tropical paradise has to be a huge bonus for doctors who work in exotic places. I'd have been gone years ago if I were you!

It's hard to find a bargain on cosmetic surgery out of country these days with the exchange rate like it is but I'm still excited about going, if for no other reason than seeing a new place.

After looking at some tourist information on Costa Rica, I'm thinking of rebooking my flight and going a week early so I can look around before my surgery. I may decided to stay forever, too...

I've been married for 11 yrs. I get tested every time I do my GYN pap smear.  I trust my DH but honestly.. I never want to deny the fact that bad things happen to good people,,I would rather know.. cause I have a child.. I would want to extend my life as long as I could.

Michelle

So true, Michelle. You never really know what people might do. One look at the "adult" section on Craigslist shows that there are many spouses out there who have no idea what their partners are doing behind their backs. No reflection on you or your husband, of course. I've been married 23 years, and I'd never be bold enough to say that mine has never cheated. One never really knows for sure, and only a fool would say with any conviction that his or her spouse/partner would never cheat.

Just an update...I talked with my personal physican about the Hepatitis C and HIV testing, and she said that she requests those tests all the time for her patients. She just added the two tests to my pre-surgical blood work paperwork.  I got the results back yesterday, and was negative for both (thank Goodness!!). 

She thought she heard something odd while listening to my heart, so she ordered a Stress Echo test, which also came back normal. She has cleared me for surgery, so I'm off to Costa Rica in about ten days! 

Dr. LoMonaco, come go with me!! I know you are just dying to head back to Costa Rica, and I can skip the recovery ranch if I take a doctor along to look after me, lol!!