Holly’s Transformation, An Amazing Deep Plane Facelift

"I didn't recognise myself anymore —but not in the way I expected."

Holly, 42 · USA · Deep Plane Facelift · MedSanctuary Bangkok

Holly had done something remarkable. Four years before she ever stepped onto a plane to Bangkok, she had made a life-changing decision — gastric sleeve surgery — and she had committed to it completely. She lost more weight than she ever thought possible. She felt lighter, stronger, healthier. By every measure that used to matter to her, she had succeeded.

But something unexpected happened on the way to feeling like herself again. The rapid weight loss had taken something with it that she hadn't anticipated — the structure and volume in her face. She would catch her reflection in the mirror and see jowls, sagging along her jawline, laxity around her cheeks and neck. She was 42 and she had worked harder than most people she knew to get healthy. And yet the face looking back at her didn't match how she felt inside.

““I lost the weight and I was proud of that. But my face looked exhausted. Like it had been through something — because it had. I just didn’t expect to feel this way about it.””

— — Holly, 42, Hawaii

The Doubt Before the Decision

Holly is the kind of person who does her research. Before she ever sent an enquiry to MedSanctuary, she had spent months reading, cross-referencing, comparing clinics across multiple countries. She was drawn to Thailand — Bangkok in particular — but she was also deeply cautious. Plastic surgery abroad was a big decision. A facelift was an even bigger one.

She had questions that felt almost embarrassing to ask out loud. What if something went wrong? What if she was taken advantage of? What if the result was nothing like what she imagined? She had a friend — her closest — who agreed to come with her, not just as moral support but as a second set of eyes. Someone to ask the questions Holly might forget in the moment.

When she found MedSanctuary and reached out, she was put in touch with Kenny, the patient coordinator, who answered every email with patience and without pressure. No hard sell. No urgency. Just clear information and an offer to book a consultation with Dr. Dominic.

Meeting Dr. Dominic

Dr. Rushapol Sdawat — known to his international patients as Dr. Dominic — has been performing plastic surgery for 28 years. He is a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, a member of ISAPS since 2008, and one of the few surgeons in the region who has dedicated a significant part of his career to understanding how dramatic weight loss affects the ageing face.

Holly came to the consultation with her friend beside her and a long list of questions on her phone. She expected to feel nervous. She did not expect to feel heard.

““He looked at my face for a long time. Then he looked at me — not just my skin, but me. And he explained exactly what had happened structurally, why the sagging occurred the way it did after the sleeve. That explanation changed everything for me. It wasn’t a vanity issue. It was anatomy.””

— Holly

Dr. Dominic recommended a deep plane facelift — a technique that works beneath the surface muscles and connective tissue of the face, not just the skin itself. For someone whose face had changed as significantly as Holly's had, a superficial approach would not hold. The deep plane technique addresses the foundational layers, repositioning the SMAS layer and restoring the structural lift that rapid weight loss had eroded. The results, he explained, were more natural and significantly longer-lasting than conventional facelifts.

Holly and her friend asked every question on her list. Dr. Dominic answered each one without impatience. By the time they left the consultation, Holly had already quietly made up her mind.

Surgery Day

The procedure itself took approximately nine hours. This was not a quick fix. A deep plane facelift is a complex, meticulous surgery — one that cannot be rushed without compromising the result. Holly had been prepared for this. She knew going in that it would be a full day in theatre and that the recovery would ask something of her.

Her friend waited. The MedSanctuary team kept her updated throughout. When Holly came out of surgery and was settled into recovery, her friend was there.

Recovery and the Reveal

The first days of recovery were, by Holly's own admission, the most challenging part of the whole journey. Swelling, tightness, the strange disorientation of seeing a face in transition. She had been warned. She had read about it. Still, living it was different.

But the care around her made it manageable. She was not navigating it alone. And as the days passed and the swelling began to settle, something started to emerge that Holly had not been sure she would find again.

“There was a morning, maybe ten days in, when I looked in the mirror and I actually smiled. Not because it was perfect — it wasn’t yet. But because I could see it. I could see the person I felt like on the inside, starting to show on the outside. That was the moment.””

— Holly

Day 14 , Before she flew back to Hawaii, Holly had sent us this picture as to say good bye

Back Home

Holly returned to the United States with her friend, with aftercare instructions, and with the kind of quiet confidence that doesn't announce itself. She told people she looked well-rested. She told close friends the truth. The response, she says, was always the same — not "you look like you've had surgery." Just: "you look like yourself."

That, for Holly, was the whole point.

““I spent four years getting healthy. I just needed my face to catch up with the rest of me. Dr. Dominic and the team at MedSanctuary made that possible. I would do it again without hesitation.”


”

— Holly - 42

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Cath’s Important Transformation

This was Cath’s second visit after having a facelift; this time she returned for an arm lift. As you can see, her arms have excess skin as well as some localized fat. The concern extends not only under her upper arms but also along the sides of her torso. After evaluation, Doctor Dominic decided to perform an extended arm lift, addressing both the underside of the arms and the adjacent side areas for a more comprehensive contouring.

Cath always has tear coming out from her dry eyes caused by Entropian. Moreover her upper eye lid starts sagging and make her look tired and sad even if she is indeed very optimistic , bright, and full of positive energy. Moreover she also doesn’t like her arms, as she feel not comfortable with the excess sagging skin. Dr.Dominic called this type of sagging as “Bat Wings” which need “Extension” of the normal armlift.

Additional Procedure besides Arm Lift

As mentioned before Doctor Dominic also noticed Cath has a problem with her lower eyelid muscle (entropion), causing the eye to not close properly and to tear. He decided to repair the lower eyelid to fix this symptom.

Definition

• Entropion is a condition in which the eyelid (usually the lower lid) turns inward so that the eyelashes and skin rub against the surface of the eye (cornea and conjunctiva).

Causes

• Age-related (involutional): weakening or laxity of eyelid tissues and muscles — the most common cause in older adults.

• Cicatricial: scarring of the inner or outer eyelid from trauma, burns, surgery, or inflammatory disease that pulls the lid inward.

• Spastic: involuntary muscle contraction from irritation or inflammation (e.g., conjunctivitis).

• Congenital: present at birth due to abnormal eyelid development (rare).

• Paralytic: facial nerve palsy can alter eyelid position and contribute indirectly.

Symptoms

• Irritation, redness, tearing (epiphora)

• Foreign body sensation or constant discomfort

• Increased sensitivity to light and wind

• Corneal abrasions, recurrent corneal ulcers, or infection if untreated

• Blurred vision from tear film disruption or corneal damage

Diagnosis

• Clinical examination by an ophthalmologist:

  • Observation of inward-turning lid and lash contact with the eye

  • Assessment of eyelid laxity, scarring, and ocular surface condition

  • Fluorescein staining to detect corneal epithelial defects

  • Evaluation for underlying causes (e.g., skin scarring, facial nerve function)

Treatment

• Conservative (temporary or mild cases):

  • Lubricating eye drops and ointments to protect the cornea

  • Taping the eyelid outward at night

  • Botulinum toxin injection (temporary relief for spastic entropion)

  • Moisture shields or bandage contact lenses for corneal protection

• Surgical (definitive treatment for most cases):

  • Lateral tarsal strip procedure to tighten the lower eyelid and correct laxity (common for involutional entropion)

  • Everting sutures (quick, temporary or adjunctive measure)

  • Scar revision or grafting for cicatricial entropion

  • Full-thickness wedge resection or other eyelid-plasty techniques tailored to cause and anatomy

Before the procedure, Doctor Dominic performed a final consultation, reviewed the plan with her, and made the precise surgical markings. The surgery began with an extended arm lift, followed by a forehead lift and corrective surgery for her eyes to address the ectropion. Total Operation was 12 Hours for all procedures.

Summary of Procedures:

1) Extended Arm Lift

2) Temporal Lift , Cheek Lift, and Lower Eye Lift to fix the Ectopian

3) Upper Eye Lift and Fats Graft on Upper Eye Lift

4) Forehead Lift to elevate the upper face.

Total Hours for all Surgery : 10 Hours

The management team has visited Cath after the operation is finished, bring her the teddy bear.

Cath was having a follow up on wound care by dr.Dominic.

These photos were taken after the operation. Doctor Dominic visited her frequently during her early recovery, and the hospital’s management team also called to check on her progress and comfort. Cath stayed in the hospital for five nights.

For Post Op Care, we provide Cath with Hospital Standard Protocal as follows:-

• ICU Wards after Operation for 24/7 Closed Observiation, Vital Sign Monitoring, and IV Medication for pain management and antibiotics.

• Follow Up by Dr.Dominic, Wound Care, and Red Light Therapy

• 3 Meals a day served at her room

• Hair Wash Service

• Total 5 Nights at Hospital (actually it was longer but Cath just wanna move to Hotel!)

• Transportation Service between hotel, and hospital, as well as air port pick up

• home medication

• Personal Assistant to make sure Cath is happy throughout the trip.

‍ ‍

Cath loves her result. Her arms are now tight and firm. Her eyes and upper face look tighter and more refreshed. She no longer has dry eye discomfort. Her upper eyelids are lifted, and the lower lids are supported by the cheek lift from the temporal and forehead lifts.

The Results are beyond expectation!

Cath looks much more refreshed, especially now that both her upper and lower eyes have been corrected. The forehead lift truly elevates her eyes and brows, bringing a harmonious balance with the rest of her face. She looks exactly as her heart feels: beautiful, positive, and genuinely happy.

Another thing Cath wants to share to everyone, the Retreat Hotel!

Cath really can’t help but want to let everyone know that she absolutely loves the hotel we arranged for her. She insists she will come back again just to stay here and fully relax and enjoy herself. The hotel is Sens Wellness Hotel. The following are the photos of the hotel we are talking about.

Cath showed us her retreat hotel’s room. She said “I wanna live here forever”

The hotel is very peaceful and ideal for retreat. The room is big and has all facilities. Very beautiful indeed.

“The service I received from the hospital was amazing. Dr. Dominic is very caring, and he is a genius,” she said. On the sixth day she was transferred to a nearby hotel, where she enjoyed her stay immensely. “I could stay here forever. The hotel feels like a resort, surrounded by trees; the place is peaceful and quiet — very ideal for recovery.”

Funny moment: Dr. Dominic and Caths show the new arm transformation.

Illuria’s Facelift Journey

Make it stand out

Whatever it is, the way you tell your story online can make all the difference.

Illuria underwent a transformative journey that reshaped both her face and breasts, achieving natural-looking results that enhanced her confidence and quality of life.

Face transformation

• Goals and consultation: Illuria wanted facial refinement without an overdone look. During a thorough consultation, her surgeon prioritized balance and harmony—improving contours while preserving her unique features.

• Procedures performed: The facial plan combined rhinoplasty to refine the nasal bridge and tip, bilateral eyelid surgery (upper blepharoplasty) to open and rejuvenate the eye area, and conservative fat grafting to restore midface volume and soften nasolabial folds. Chin augmentation with a small implant refined her profile and helped establish better facial proportions.

• Results and recovery: Postoperative results show a smoother, more balanced facial silhouette with refined nasal contours, brighter eyes, and restored midface fullness. Scarring is minimal and strategically placed. Recovery followed an organized post-op care plan with gradual reduction in swelling over several weeks and return to normal activities within a few weeks, guided by routine follow-ups.

Breast

• Goals and consultation: Illuria sought fuller, well-shaped breasts that fit her body frame while maintaining a natural feel. The plan emphasized proportion, symmetry, and safe implant selection.

• Procedures performed: A breast augmentation with moderate-profile silicone implants was performed via inframammary incisions to optimize control of pocket creation and minimize visible scarring. Implant size was selected to match her frame and lifestyle. A simultaneous periareolar lift addressed mild ptosis (sagging), centering the nipple-areolar complex and improving breast shape.

• Results and recovery: The result is a fuller, more youthful breast contour with natural projection and soft tissue coverage. Scars are discreet and heal well within normal timelines. Postoperative care included pain management, activity restrictions, and supportive garments; most swelling resolved within weeks, with final settling over several months.

Overall outcome Illuria’s combined face and breast transformations were planned and executed with attention to proportion, natural aesthetics, and safety. Multidisciplinary planning and a structured post-op care program supported smooth recovery and predictable healing. Today she enjoys enhanced facial harmony and breast contours that complement her body, improving self-confidence while maintaining a natural appearance.

Our Post-Op Care Program delivers professional, compassionate, and comprehensive support to ensure your recovery is safe, comfortable, and efficient.

• Dedicated nursing care: Registered nurses provide 24/7 monitoring and hands-on assistance during the critical first days after surgery. They manage wound care, drain and dressing changes, pain control, medications, vital sign checks, and monitor for complications. Nurses are trained in post-surgical protocols specific to each procedure and available to answer questions at any time.

• Gentle hair washing and scalp care: For procedures that require head or face incisions, our nursing team provides careful, hygienic hair washing using techniques that protect sutures and minimize discomfort. Scalp cleansing is performed with sterile products and gentle handling to reduce infection risk and promote healing.

• Advanced therapeutic modalities: Our recovery rooms are equipped with clinically proven therapies, including red-light (low-level laser) therapy, to accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and ease pain and swelling. These modalities are applied according to evidence-based schedules and under nurse supervision.

• Personalized monitoring and follow-up: Every patient receives an individualized recovery plan with clear post-op instructions, scheduled nurse visits, and routine photographic and measurement documentation to track healing progress. Nurses coordinate follow-up appointments with surgeons and arrange any additional care needed.

• Comfort and safety-focused accommodation: Post-op accommodations are designed for rest and privacy, with trained staff attending to basic needs—hydration, nutrition, mobility assistance, and toileting—so you can focus entirely on recovery.

Illuria’s Journey — From Hesitation to Confidence

Today Illuria is delighted with her results — natural-looking enhancements, improved self-esteem, and a positive recovery experience. She credits the skilled surgical team, the thorough post-op care, and the comfort of staying in our recovery accommodation for making the process safe and reassuring.

Join Illuria — Choose MedSanctuary

If you’re considering plastic surgery and want trustworthy care, affordable pricing, and a full post-op support program, follow Illuria’s example. Choose MedSanctuary for:

Experienced, board-qualified surgeons

Transparent, all-inclusive pricing

Structured post-operative care and nursing follow-up

Comfortable accommodation and recovery support

Make the same confident choice Illuria did — schedule a consultation to learn how we can design a personalized plan for you and guide you safely from consultation through recovery.

Claire’s Return to Herself

A MedSanctuary Journey

The Quiet
Return to Herself

One Australian woman's story of choosing care on her own terms — and the people who walked beside her, from the first consultation to the last day of recovery.

Chapter One

The mirror had stopped feeling like her

For years, "Claire" — a name we use to protect her privacy — felt a quiet distance between how she felt inside and the face that met her each morning. A career in nursing had taught her to care for everyone else first. The tiredness she saw wasn't vanity; it was the sense of no longer being recognised by her own reflection.

She wasn't chasing youth. She wanted to feel like herself again — rested, present, at ease. What held her back wasn't doubt about the idea, but the fear that doing something for herself, far from home, might feel cold or clinical or alone.

The consultation — Bangkok

Chapter Two

Choosing care she could trust

Claire spent weeks researching before she reached out. What changed things wasn't a price or a promise — it was a conversation. From her first message, she had one point of contact who answered honestly, never rushed her, and treated her questions as reasonable rather than naïve.

When she arrived, the consultation was unhurried. Her surgeon explained what was realistic and what wasn't, listened to what mattered to her, and made no guarantees beyond a commitment to careful, considered work. For the first time, the decision felt like hers — supported, not sold.

“

I expected to feel like a number, somewhere far from home. Instead I felt looked after — like someone actually had time for me.

— Claire, in her own words

During recovery — day by day

Chapter Three

Recovery, not abandonment

The part Claire had feared most — being unwell in an unfamiliar place — turned out to be the part she remembers most warmly. Recovery was built into her journey from the start: somewhere calm to rest, people checking on her, and someone to call at any hour.

There were hard days, as there always are. Swelling, tiredness, the strange patience that healing demands. But she was never left to navigate it alone, and that steadiness is what stayed with her.

Her Journey, Step by Step

From first message to coming home

First Contact Before travel

An honest conversation

Questions answered directly, a personalised plan, and a single coordinator from start to finish — no call centres, no pressure.

Arrival Day 1 - In-person consultation

An unhurried sit-down with her surgeon to confirm the plan, set realistic expectations, and answer everything before any decision was final.

Precedure Day2 : Care in an accredited hospital

Performed in a partner hospital setting with an experienced, internationally-recognised surgical team.

Recover Day After: Supported, every day

Comfortable rest, daily check-ins, and round-the-clock contact — recovery treated as part of the journey, not an afterthought.

Home After Return: Continued aftercare

Follow-up support once she was back in Australia, so the relationship didn't end at the airport.

---

“It was never about looking different. It was about feeling like myself again — and being cared for properly while I got there.”

— Claire

Every journey begins with a conversation

If you're considering a procedure and want to understand your options honestly — with no pressure — we're here to listen first.

Important. This story shares one patient's personal experience of care and is provided for general information only. Names and identifying details have been changed for privacy. It does not depict guaranteed results and is not a testimonial regarding any specific surgical procedure or surgeon. All surgery carries risks. Outcomes vary between individuals. You should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner before making a decision. MedSanctuary is a facilitation service; all medical care is provided by independent, qualified practitioners.

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