Hello y'all

It was suggested to me by a member of this kind community that I talk about my experience here in Argentina.

I arrived in Buenos Aires on Wednesday, after a long 17 hour flight over from London. I haven't had surgery yet, today is Friday, and my surgery is due on Monday - all being well I'll be in Dr Rossi's operating theatre on Monday.

In the meanwhile, between Wednesday and Friday, I have been taken care of by Amanda, who is Dr Rossi's assistant. She is an amazing woman, incredibly kind, informative, professional and yet a friend at the same time.

My journey started off being picked up at the airport, by a friendly man who could barely speak a word of English, but I understood through the use of his hands which had helped overcome International barriers, what he was saying. This driver, whose name I can't recall because it's gone 9pm and my memory in general sucks, dropped me off at the apartment I had booked in advance. During the countdown to my surgery, I had been in contact with Amanda several months preceeding this date, and had plenty of opportunity to ask all my queries regarding the surgery as well as make arrangements for accommodation.

The apartment I am staying at is...to say the least, lovely. And so is the landlady, who I am rented it from for the three weeks of my stay in Buenos Aires. Her name is Beatriz, should any of you wish to find out later more information from Amanda if planning on coming to Buenos Aires for surgical needs.

After signing the documents and been given a tour of the apartment, I met Amanda for the first time. After making our introductions, we made rough plans for the two days ahead. On Thursday (yesterday) I had my blood tests taken, EKG and Xrays at the same. Thankfully, all of my results came back without any complications. During the afternoon I took a walk to the river nearby where there are plenty of fancy restaurants to choose from, prices ranged from 100 - 400 pesos (£5-20) per meal.

Later that afternoon I joined up with Amanda again who took me over to see Dr Rossi. I found Dr Rossi to be a pleasant man to be around, some things Amanda was there to help in translation with. Dr Rossi took a good look at my face, confirmed more or less what was discussed/agreed upon during our Skype consultation - and I had the opportunity to also ask questions and discuss the matters that were important to me.

After returning to my apartment, I had an early night yesterday. It was actually a restless night, I had some bizarre dreams abouts boobs. Guess why?? Because, this morning, I went to the boob shop!

Greeted by two very pretty young ladies who could barely speak a word of English. I explained to the lady offering the consultation that my intention was not to have large bosoms, but, that I wished to have a more elegant appearance. Given that my breasts are an A cup at present, I wish to have better boobage to give me that little bit extra, look at myself in the mirror with pride and feel confident and comfortable when looking at my body, or indeed, when another does too. At first I was encouraged to go for high-profile implants, which basically stick out further horizontally than moderate profile implants. I went for moderate profile implants. They appeared to suit my frame better, in my opinion. Next I needed to decide whether to have anatomically shaped implants or round ones. Anatomical one's are slgihtly more expensive, however; when you're spending so much already on surgery, an extra $1,100 is worth the extra push, if that's what you really want. They are said to give a more natural appearance. When comparing the two, I actually found the rounded implants suited me better, and so I'd changed my original decision. Lastly I needed to decide on volume. I went for 300cc and was umming and arrring between 300 or 325 for quite some time. The difference between the two is minute, however in the end of the day you've got to ask yourself the question 'what am I less likely to regret, after walking away from the shop'. I opted for the smaller size, again because I prefer elegant.

After purchasing my new delightfuls, they hand them over to you in a box, which YOU need to take with you to the hospital. Later that afternoon, after a swift lunch. Amanda and I travelled to see Dr Szyferman...Sooooooo hansom! Him and the two other hair doctors there.... wow, i mean uh yeh, wow

Breathe...breathe. So, Dr Szyferman looked at my hair and drew and the outside on my head of where the hair would be transplanted to (just the corners) to give a more feminine hairline. The consultation didn't take long and was fairly straightforward.


Since then I've been relaxing back at the apartment and enjoying season 4 of OITNB.

So, in case you have any queries, feel free to ask away, or if you want to know what I'm upto here then I'm happy to chat.

Here is a lost of procedures I am having:

FFS:

Jaw contouring
Chin contouring
Forehead (type 3)
Brow shave
Brow lift
Lipo to cheeks
Lipo to upper lip
Orbital rim shave
Rhinoplasty

Hi

I wish you the best in your upcoming surgeries.  I think you are in good hands with the surgeons.  Also, Amanda provides really good support.  Also you will get to meet the interpreters after surgery.  Sofia and Charlotte were the one's who looked after me the first night.  They are wonderful people.

may you trip be safe and uneventful

Congratulations and best wishes for amazing results 😊

Wow!  Goodluck. I'm looking forward to updates.

Hi Jenna,

Good luck tomorrow.

Will be thinking of you.

Hugs

Paula  xx

Thank you all!

I'm in a good place and feeling good about it at the mo.

I did write a longer response the other day, which I either didn't click post on or Admin had it removed. It wasn't very interesting, but just gave some information about local services that are available, places to visit, to eat etc.. for those who are embarking on the same journey to Latin America in the future and might look for local things to do whilst visiting BA.

Thanks again for your kind wishes.

I'm feeling very positive at the mo. Will keep the thread updated on Wednesday, if not then, later on in the week, once I've gathered enough strength to type, most likely.

Ciao, as they say here in Argentina XoXoX

I'll be thinking of you Jenna, you're in good hands. I would say good luck but you don't need it. You're stunning and sweet now, you'll be even more so soon. Certainly, I hope, you'll think it was a life changing decision I'll be reading all of your posts as well.  I'll be arriving in Argentina July 26th. If you're still there, let me know!

- Ruby

oooh, if you do get a chance, would love to know what was in those suggestions of places and things to do and what to prepare for anything would be most helpful. (September for me )
guessing you will be just going under about now.
hope all goes well.

Quote from: RubyAliza on July 03, 2016, 07:38:22 PM
I'll be thinking of you Jenna, you're in good hands. I would say good luck but you don't need it. You're stunning and sweet now, you'll be even more so soon. Certainly, I hope, you'll think it was a life changing decision I'll be reading all of your posts as well.  I'll be arriving in Argentina July 26th. If you're still there, let me know!

- Ruby

Hi Ruby, thanks for your post and best wishes. I too certainly hope recovery goes well.

Unfortunately I will have left 5 days before you arrive, it would have been great to team up.

In the meanwhile I'm going to continue on updating this thread XX

Quote from: confused_very on July 04, 2016, 05:09:50 AM
oooh, if you do get a chance, would love to know what was in those suggestions of places and things to do and what to prepare for anything would be most helpful. (September for me )
guessing you will be just going under about now.
hope all goes well.

Hello there,

Trying to recall what I had posted (or accidentally not posted the other day). You'll most likely be staying in the downtown area, close to where Amanda lives. If you walk toward the river, it's very peaceful, quiet, and away from the traffic as well as pollution which gets caught between the high rise buildings. There is also a famous bridge called the Woman Bridge. Which would seem quite symbolic to cross whilst you're hear. ALong the river there are an array of restaraunts, all not too badly priced where you can enjoy a meal. However I don't think they're open in the evenings, which is what Amanda had told me.

if you want to eat out in the evenings, the most reasonably priced area that is close by and open late is the food court in the shopping mall. Clothes are hideously expensive there, so I wouldnt even think about shopping. However the food is not. I must say, I haven't been impressed by any meals I've had since I've been here myself.

If you continue to walk past the shopping mall, you'll reach the well know Florida street, which attarcts a lot of tourists. You'll hear a lot of people shouting dollar exchange in the street as well as people offering bus tours, tango, gaucho etc. The streets kind of smell a bit like beaten leather, as that is what many of the shops sell.

That's as far as I got with exploring the city before my surgery as the weather wasn't all that great. But hope that helps X

Update on Surgery:

It is now Wednesday and I had my surgery on Monday.

On Monday at the hospital with Amanda, a private hospital, not top notch by any means, however I were told by Amanda, the surgeons all know each other, kind of like a close knit team. That was the impression I got. We were due around 12pm however due to perhaps an emergency case which came to the hospital, my surgery was delayed for a few hours before an operating room became available.

When it came time for surgery. My hair was creamed by Amanda, blood pressure was frequently measured by the nurses and other preparations were made. I met the anaesthesists before surgery as well to check the size of intubation tube to be used was correct since I had surgery on my vocal folds in Novemeber and under my previous surgeons recomendation, it was advised that a 6.0 tube were used.

I were then wheelchaired to the operating room, this part of the whole experience was actually quite worrying and freaked me a little. My OR was at the end of the hall, and on the way I saw other patients being operated on along the way, as well as a patient on a bed in a hallway, who seemed to be possibly in pain whilst lying on her side. At first I observed the equipment around me and took note that it seemed dated. Rather than being in pristine condition, as shown sometimes in TV and films, it all seemed...less so. I met the doctors, who were all males and was asked to take off my top. They drew on my breasts where the implants were to go first and the doctor was acually quite thoughtful in trying to calm my nerves, as at this point, my jaw was physically shaking.

Unlike other surgeries I'd had where they send you off to sleep, I drifted off very slowly.

At the end of the surgery I was awoken and they asked me to move from the operating table onto the bed on which they'd wheel me back to my room on. Most patients supposedly do not recall this part of the surgery I was told, however it was a crystal clear memory in hindsight. I remember not being able to move and the surgeon was saying c'mon, edging me to move over onto the other bed, which at the time sent a sharp sensation into my breast.

The surgery finished at around 8pm I believe. During the night, the first shift was with a lady named Sophia, who I couldnt see due to my swollen eyes, however she had a very soft touch when she held my hand during part of the night and a very soothing voice. I frequently awoke during the night and recall the inability to breathe through my nose, due to the gauze inside, was very discomforting, and made my mouth persistently dry.

During the next shift, I was accompanied by another translator, who encouraged me to relax and stay calm throughout the night, despite my complaints due to the change in body temperature I experienced. I went from being quite cool, to extremely hot within a few minutes and began feeling sick. This was a result of withdrawal from the anesthesia and I'd have to calm myself throughout.

Later, during the third shift I was accompanied by Amanda's son, who speaks fluent English and had helped me through the morning. Helped me to use the toilet too and then later before being discharged, accompanied me back to the apartment with Amanda.

Before being discharged my gauzes were removed from my nose and the drains from beneath my breasts. During the night I frequenctly awoke, most likley due to the discomfort of sleeping upright, but used this chance to change the ice packs on my face and breasts. The medication I've been given is very helpful in alleviating the pain, especially the tramadol.

Today I was assisted by Amanda and took my first shower. The only precaution I was given was to keep the cast on my nose dry. My face is presently very swollen, however even that I am swollen around the jaw, I can begin to see the shape of the jawline and how it has been reduced. My forehead looks a lot flatter and eyebrows appear raised. Due to the bruising I'm far from being pretty hahaha, but that will all come in time.

Quote from: kitten_lover on July 06, 2016, 12:40:22 PM
Hello there,

Trying to recall what I had posted (or accidentally not posted the other day). You'll most likely be staying in the downtown area, close to where Amanda lives. If you walk toward the river, it's very peaceful, quiet, and away from the traffic as well as pollution which gets caught between the high rise buildings. There is also a famous bridge called the Woman Bridge. Which would seem quite symbolic to cross whilst you're hear. Along the river there are an array of restaraunts, all not too badly priced where you can enjoy a meal. However I don't think they're open in the evenings, which is what Amanda had told me.
SNIP

Do you know what street the apartment is you are staying at?  I stayed several blocks away from the river front.  I never ate in any of the river front restaurants.  I fixed a lot of meals in the apt from grocery food.

I'm glad to see you posting.

Quote from: kitten_lover on July 06, 2016, 01:13:43 PM
Update on Surgery:

It is now Wednesday and I had my surgery on Monday.

On Monday at the hospital with Amanda, a private hospital, not top notch by any means, however I were told by Amanda, the surgeons all know each other, kind of like a close knit team. That was the impression I got. We were due around 12pm however due to perhaps an emergency case which came to the hospital, my surgery was delayed for a few hours before an operating room became available.

It's definitely not a fancy hospital.  Amanda mentioned to me there was a newer, more expensive hospital available, but for the extra money ( I think she said it would be ~ USD$3000 more ) it was not worth it for two days.

Quote from: kitten_lover on July 06, 2016, 01:13:43 PM
When it came time for surgery. My hair was creamed by Amanda, blood pressure was frequently measured by the nurses and other preparations were made. I met the anaesthesists before surgery as well to check the size of intubation tube to be used was correct since I had surgery on my vocal folds in Novemeber and under my previous surgeons recomendation, it was advised that a 6.0 tube were used.

I were then wheelchaired to the operating room, this part of the whole experience was actually quite worrying and freaked me a little. My OR was at the end of the hall, and on the way I saw other patients being operated on along the way, as well as a patient on a bed in a hallway, who seemed to be possibly in pain whilst lying on her side. At first I observed the equipment around me and took note that it seemed dated. Rather than being in pristine condition, as shown sometimes in TV and films, it all seemed...less so. I met the doctors, who were all males and was asked to take off my top. They drew on my breasts where the implants were to go first and the doctor was acually quite thoughtful in trying to calm my nerves, as at this point, my jaw was physically shaking.

Yes, the hospital is older, I did not notice any of the things you observed regarding other patients at the hospital.  Perhaps because I was purposely disassocating for what was about to occur.  I did talk to the anesthesiologist, explaining I usually had severe chills/shaking whenever I come out of general.

Quote from: kitten_lover on July 06, 2016, 01:13:43 PM

Unlike other surgeries I'd had where they send you off to sleep, I drifted off very slowly.

At the end of the surgery I was awoken and they asked me to move from the operating table onto the bed on which they'd wheel me back to my room on. Most patients supposedly do not recall this part of the surgery I was told, however it was a crystal clear memory in hindsight. I remember not being able to move and the surgeon was saying c'mon, edging me to move over onto the other bed, which at the time sent a sharp sensation into my breast.

The surgery finished at around 8pm I believe. During the night, the first shift was with a lady named Sophia, who I couldnt see due to my swollen eyes, however she had a very soft touch when she held my hand during part of the night and a very soothing voice. I frequently awoke during the night and recall the inability to breathe through my nose, due to the gauze inside, was very discomforting, and made my mouth persistently dry.

Sofia is awesome, she was 2nd shift for me, Charlotte looked after me first.  Before they let me drink water Charlotte could apply ice to my lips.  It seems like a long time before they'll let you drink.  I did not sleep the first night, spent the night concentrating on breathing slowly through my mouth, occasionally talking to Charlotte or Sofia.

Quote from: kitten_lover on July 06, 2016, 01:13:43 PM
During the next shift, I was accompanied by another translator, who encouraged me to relax and stay calm throughout the night, despite my complaints due to the change in body temperature I experienced. I went from being quite cool, to extremely hot within a few minutes and began feeling sick. This was a result of withdrawal from the anesthesia and I'd have to calm myself throughout.

Later, during the third shift I was accompanied by Amanda's son, who speaks fluent English and had helped me through the morning. Helped me to use the toilet too and then later before being discharged, accompanied me back to the apartment with Amanda.

Before being discharged my gauzes were removed from my nose and the drains from beneath my breasts. During the night I frequenctly awoke, most likley due to the discomfort of sleeping upright, but used this chance to change the ice packs on my face and breasts. The medication I've been given is very helpful in alleviating the pain, especially the tramadol.

Today I was assisted by Amanda and took my first shower. The only precaution I was given was to keep the cast on my nose dry. My face is presently very swollen, however even that I am swollen around the jaw, I can begin to see the shape of the jawline and how it has been reduced. My forehead looks a lot flatter and eyebrows appear raised. Due to the bruising I'm far from being pretty hahaha, but that will all come in time.

Hey, you wrote quite a bit so soon after surgery.  I remember posting 3 or 4 days after surgery, my face was so swollen, could barely see the screen.  It doesn't help I use reading glasses.  :-)

Take care, the swelling will start to abate soon.

Quote from: deeiche on July 06, 2016, 02:14:00 PM
Do you know what street the apartment is you are staying at?  I stayed several blocks away from the river front.  I never ate in any of the river front restaurants.  I fixed a lot of meals in the apt from grocery food.

Heya

I too have cooked for myself up until now. I'm on Viamonte Street.

If I can eat a more decent meal next week, I might venture out that way and see whether I can stomach a meal..

Thanks for the detailed info! Glad things went ok and that you are recovering. Wow eyes so swollen you couldn't see. I'll keep that in mind.

Quote from: kitten_lover on July 07, 2016, 07:33:50 AM
Heya

I too have cooked for myself up until now. I'm on Viamonte Street.

If I can eat a more decent meal next week, I might venture out that way and see whether I can stomach a meal..

I concur on the Mall food court, yech.  However I did eat there the night before surgery, so I could get my fill of grease and salt.  :-)

I ate at two restaurants on more than one occasion.  A fast food place called "Green Curry", Amanda pointed it out to me.  Also a nice streetside cafe, can't remember the name, located southwest corner of Cordoba and Florida.  Because of the exchange rate prices are pretty inexpensive.

Quote from: deeiche on July 07, 2016, 02:22:36 PM
I concur on the Mall food court, yech.  However I did eat there the night before surgery, so I could get my fill of grease and salt.  :-)

I ate at two restaurants on more than one occasion.  A fast food place called "Green Curry", Amanda pointed it out to me.  Also a nice streetside cafe, can't remember the name, located southwest corner of Cordoba and Florida.  Because of the exchange rate prices are pretty inexpensive.

Thanks for the tips!

Quote from: kitten_lover on July 07, 2016, 08:14:42 PM
Thanks for the tips!

of course there are a bazillion other restaurants and cafes in the neighborhood.  If you could afford it you could eat at a different restaurant breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day you are there.  You wouldn't get close to eating at all the restaurants.

Hope things are healing well for you.

Heya all, just another update on progress post FFS.

I believe I'm now on day 3 or 4 post-op. Tramadol is my saviour. The headaches I am getting during the day are very painful and I am finding that taking tramadol helps a lot to relive the pain. Unfortunately my cheeks are still all puffed like a hamster, which makes it hard to recognise myself when I look in the mirror.

This evening I went with Amanda and another patient to visit Dr Rossi. Dr Rossi advised that I iced my face more frequently to bring down the swelling, and also that I wore a compression mask at night. Upon arriving back at the apartment I did try on the mask, it isn't very comfortable to say the least. But I guess it will forcefully help to reduce the swelling.

Dr Rossi ran through with me, my surgery, explaining what was performed. All as planned. Except they were not able to add fat to my lips, I had originally requested to the cheeks and lips and the lipo would be taken from my abdominal area. As I have very little fat in that area, they were unable to extract enough to be used to fill my lips, and could only achieve lipo transfer to the cheeks.

I also mentioned that my breathing seems a lot clearer. For years, decades, I have suffered from persistent rhinitis' which constantly causes congestion in my nasal passages. It's annoying, and I've hated having to deal with it all my life. To put this in perspective, I haven't blown my nose in 4 days! I don't know whether this could simply be a positive side effect of the rhinoplasty, if so great. However Dr Rossi, had straightened my septum, where there was previously curvature. I am hoping that is what's responsible for the change, and that it will be lasting!

Other things I have noticed, I keep getting little itches in my forehead. But scratching my forehead doesn't alleviate the itch, because my forehead is numb. Ahaha it's just one of the those little nuisances, but very bearable.

Anyhow, that's all for now. As soon as my puffiness disappears a little, I'll be able to post on here some before and after pics for those interested. That might be a long shot from now, but we'll see how recovery goes!

Wow headaches. Are those common, do you know? With forehead work, that is.

Hope the swelling goes down fast!