Letters from the Patients

Should you want to "e" with any of the patients who've written letters on this page, please email me your request to be put in contact with them, and I will forward your request to that patient so they can respond directly to you.

Hi Dr. Lev:

I just wanted to thank you so much for the magnificent job you did (my surgery was on 8/22/07) and I've healed beautifully. I attended Didi's luncheon on Sat. and want to share a story with you. As her guests arrived, I noticed one lady who I knew (her name is Marilyn Weiner and she had a facelift and tummy tuck by you in Jan.). As it happens, Marilyn lives right across the street from me, and she paid me the nicest compliment. She said I not only looked beautiful, but I look like when she first met me, and that was 30 yrs. ago when we both moved to Calabasas. What a small world, isn't it. What are the chances of two neighbors, each going to the same doctor in Costa Rica, and one not knowing about the other doing so until we ran into each other at Didi's luncheon. Your name is known far and wide and with good reason. I was visited by my daughter (who's 42) and she saw me yesterday for the first time. She thought I looked phenomenal and couldn't get over how natural I looked. Didi took some pictures at the luncheon, so you can have a follow-up peek at me. I still have some black and blue marks under my eyes, but I was able to cover them with makeup so that I make a more than decent appearance. By the way, my daughter is so sold on you that when she plans to have a face lift, there's no doubt in her mind but that she's going to go to the wonderful Dr. Lev. She's already put the Eternally Vainsite on her "favorites" list on her computer, so she doesn't forget (not that I would let her). I wish you much health and happiness in the coming New Year, and thanks again for a job well done.

Fondly,

Gloria Schiff

P.S. Feel free to use my letter on your Eternally Vain web site where you feature your very satisfied patients.

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Having the time away from the usual distractions of daily living has been a Heaven-on-Earth experience for me.

Soothing rain fell nearly every day. I found myself shedding tears of joy and gratitude for being in such a state of peace within, in such beautiful surroundings, while being looked after by a caring staff.

Ron, the owner of the retreat, has put together a staff that is as gracious as they are talented. He and the staff at Villa Plenitude exert every effort to make each guest's stay one of comfort and serenity. Ron's attention to detail is evident everywhere.

Three delicious, beautifully presented meals are served daily. There are colorful, fragrant flowers in each room, impeccably kept grounds, a cozy dining/lounge area surrounded in glass, several outside seating areas, and a pool/Jacuzzi. Set high on plateau above the Rio Virilla canyon, the Villa offers great views, soft breezes, birds soaring above and the sound of the river rushing below.

I never once felt the need to go sightseeing, although that option is readily available. I managed to complete 3 personal projects within my first week there - studying, reading, writing and planning projects that I had been trying to get around to for over a year!

Refreshed, renewed, re-centered and armed with my completed projects, plus a new face, I am more excited about my future than I have been in years.

I am so grateful that I did not cancel this trip, which I had been planning for nearly 2 years. A special thanks to Didi for all her support and for helping to make this trip possible.

Life is Good!

Kathe

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Dear Didi,

I didn't know that I e-mailed you. I was going to send you another message today. Last night, my computer crashed just as I was mailing your message. Thanks for replying so quickly.

To answer your questions, I'm slightly swollen in the face, numb along the chin, cheeks and neck and feel that there are cords attached to these areas especially when I turn my head. I can see a great improvement around my eyes both upper and lower, my GP removed three sutures that popped up around my eyes yesterday. I've lost about 19 pounds. I'm not sure if that was left on the operating room floor or from not having an appetite for over three weeks. So I'm skinnier and prettier and looking forward to better things to come.

I'm not sure I mentioned this yesterday, but Dr. Lev not only performed magic on my body, but also saved my life. When I was unable to urinate, he plunged a needle through my abdomen into my bladder to relieve the pressure and prevent the urine backing up causing renal failure. In my estimation, he is not only a "Doll" as you said, but my hero and savior. I have never met such a wonderful man.

Reactions: On checking out of a store that routinely give senior citizen discounts I was asked if I qualified for the discount. And I'm still swollen!

Best regards,

Walt

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Hi Ron!

I cannot begin to truly express my gratitude and appreciation to you for the extraordinary recovery experience that you so willingly provided for me!

I feel as if I am going through withdrawal and shell-shock, being back "home." I had not been this far away since 1985 and the way I was treated at Villa Plenitud was truly special. Believe it or not, "home" to me feels like the VP and Costa Rica, the little I was able to venture out.

Having Maria there to make her fabulous, yogurt and FRESH fruit bowls was something I so looked forward to Every morning and I was crazy about her crispy-edged pancakes! Her delicious salads and main dishes at lunch were incredible and both yours and her dinners were wonderful!

You are so wise to have Maria on your staff as she is incredibly nurturing, caring, happy and very enthusiastic toward all of us as if we really are important to her!

Ron, your amazing skilll, talent and ability in running and maintaining the Villa Plenitud in tip-top, ship-shape condition was awesome!

Each and every patient's experience is unique at yours and Martin's lushious retreat. I can only speak from my own personal experience and tell you that it was beyond, way beyond anything I could have ever imagined.

For me I experienced peace and happiness. I was truly content which I hadn't felt in I don't know how many years.

Everything from waking up to Maria's sweet voice on the phone saying "Breakfast," to going to sleep at night was a dream, and fortunately for me it was real! I have never slept well my entire life yet something and someone magical (you! and of course Martin who unfortunately was not able to be there during my stay) created such a calm and relaxing atmosphere that I slept through the entire night. (And no, it was not the RX's we were instructed to take).

I am not a big eater but I'm sure that wasn't at all evident at VP. I looked forward to every fresh, delicious, creative meal with gusto!

I fell in love with the lovely, lush green trees, plants and colorful flowers that could be seen from all directions. I would stare in great wonderment at the huge, deep, wide, canyon with the small and large birds flying back and forth in a seemingly purposeful, patterned formation, chimming in with heavenly-sounding chirps and songs, all on key!

I couldn't get enough of the daily warm winds that came sailing through the palms, making the most peaceful, rustling sounds. It didn't matter to me if there were the sensuous winds or the sight and smell of the downpour of rain out of "nowhere," I felt so safe and secure that I kept my door all the way open, during those much needed naps, throughout the night, or, would you believe...watching "Grey's Anatomy" and "Desperate Housewives in English!"

And to add to my happiness, one afternoon I decided to walk up the flight stairs just outside my door when I heard a dog barking and a young boy playing, and he and I had the most amazing conversation, all in Spanish. He tried so hard to hand me his most favorite toy, but of course he couldn't possibly reach the top of the wall, so his lovely mother handed it to me and he was so excited that I was holding his precious toy for a few minutes. I felt honored, especially when it turned out to be his futbol (soccer) hero, Jose Luis Gomez. I had no idea what team Mr. Gomez played for but all I know is the three inch rubber toy made my new seven-year-old friend very happy.

I didn't just fall in love with the Villa Plenitud, its beauty, terrain, you, your staff and Didi, I truly fell in love with a country and its people. Even though I only went out three times, I so enjoyed the hospitality of everyone I met and all the sights I had the good fortune of taking in.

Where else would I have had the amazing opportunity of experiencing Saturday morning services in a synagogue completely in Spanish (and Hebrew), gone on a "4-in-1" adventure taking pictures of monos (monkeys) in a guided-tour boat, visiting a butterfly farm snapping photos of gorgeous, multi-colored mariposas (butterflies) and then on to fluttering green humming birds!

The last part of that adventure was taking a longish walk (be sure to wear a good pair of sturdy shoes) down to the cascading, La Paz Waterfalls. Splendid! Oh, and the trip comes complete with breakfast and lunch, and beautiful (and reasonably-priced items) to buy with true Costa Rican color and charm.

Recovering from surgery is not exactly easy but you, Ron, and Villa Plenitud made healing a pleasure. I had such trust in dearest Didi Carr Reuben for founding "Eternally Vain," in the remarkable plastic surgeon, Dr. Alejandro Lev for his outstanding work, in the capable hands of the anestheseologist, Dr. Greenwood and in you, for making sure my healing process was the best ever.

As I wind down what started out to be two, maybe three paragraphs, I now realize I'm actually writing a testimonial about Villa Plenitud, you...Ronald Blache-Fraser, Martin who I didn't have the pleasure of meeting, Maria and the rest of the lovely crew, Dr. Lev, Hospital Cima, Dr. Greenwood, Didi Carr Reuben, and Costa Rica with its marvelous sights, sounds and especially its people.

With gratitude and appeciation forever,

Eileen Joy Lizer

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DiDi-

I feel like an idiot for not realizing I have not emailed you since my very successful operation with Dr. Lev in August. Please accept my apologies. You must think-if you even remember me at all-that I am an ingrate, rude, or maybe (more kindly) losing my memory. No, just doing too much without being courteous. I kept meaning to write and then I'd have to answer a client email, etc etc etc.

Anyway, I am thrilled with the entire experience and would recommend Dr, Lev and Villa Plenitude to anyone anytime. It was a 10 out of 10, and believe me I did not expect it to rate that highly. I would have been happy with a 9!!! My face looks wonderful, and there were no problems from the start to finish. It is a class act that I doubt any U.S. doctor could duplicate.

So, know that I look 10-15years younger, feel fantastic, love having spent less money than any of my friends and gotten taken care of 10 times better!!!

Thank you for your emails and support from afar. I appreciate it.

Janine Watson

Hi Didi,

Wow! I can't believe that six months have flown by since our Costa Rican adventure. The adventure and intervening time since have been everything you said it would be - an inward and outward journey. The first couple of months upon returning from the retreat were surreal to say the least. I kept trying to jump back into life as though nothing had happened. At first I couldn't understand why I could not "hit the ground running" and had to constantly remind myself I had just had two surgeries. Ha! One would think that would slow me down. But no. Two weeks after coming home Bob and I went to Savannah for a week.

Six weeks later it was a three week cruise through Italy, Turkey and the Greek Islands. Since then we've been on a series of Sierra Club hikes which is a long way of saying I will be unable to attend the next "Dr. Lev Love Brunch" because Bob and I will be on a four-day hiking trip in Sedona when you gather at the Cafe Bizou. I was in Savannah for the previous one; hopefully I'll be in town for the next one. If you know the date, I'll pencil it in now and try to plan our excursions around it.

It will be such a pleasure to show and tell my face and boobies, both of which look beautiful and totally natural. I have finally gotten used to the new me and am grateful for Avra and Sue for sharing their experince and for giving me the courage to go for it; for your guidance, love and laughter in Costa Rica; and for Dr. Lev's expertise in the operating room and his concern and bedside manner in the recovery stages. Also for Ron and Martin's care and the commarderie with the other women going through the journey with me.

I know I have changed from the inside out. I am more confident and happy, and Bob loves being with his new woman. Physically I feel great (I had a few minor setbacks with the boobies - trying to do too much too fast which was the Universe's way of slowing me down so that I could heal completely) and I am totally at peace with my decision and the result. I have a feeling I will continue to change in subtle ways over the next six months and will keep you posted. Thank you for making this transformation process available to all of us terminal vain beauties. You are making the world a more beautiful place one face at a time.

Much love,
Kellie

I'm back!!! Just wanted to say thank you and overall this experience for me was the right choice and you made it so easy and safe for me. Words can't express all the things that you did or said to me while in C.R. that meant so much. The one night when I was feeling down, and you told me we were going to die in a nuclear holocaust. Wow, who else but you, could actually make a person feel better and like falling asleep after a conversation like that? DIdi you are one of a kind. So loving and generous of your time and yourself and your spirit. I am so glad you were there for me when I needed you.

I loved Ron and Martin and the Villa is mostly perfect in my opinion. There are so many pluses, the minuses seem minor and fixable to me. I would go there again , most definitely. I will write them a note when I feel stronger.

And of course I love Dr. Lev and the entire staff was wonderful at the hospital and at the Villa. I will love him more if I know that what I am feeling is normal????

I do have a couple of questions for you. I am now 16 days post op, and I still have a lot of swelling and tightness of the neck, and the forehead is numb. My energy level is not up to pre op, and I can't say I have been "totally pain free" as some of your other patients have mentioned. I just want to know if this is normal. I have not been doing much. Just small things around the house. I do not feel like going into public and it has also been so darn hot it zaps my energy quickly.

I have no plans for next week, so I plan to take to take it pretty easy. I was just wondering when their is a noticeable decrease in the neck swelling? I am still sleeping upright...

Anyway, let me know if I am somewhat normal.

And Thanks again for all you are and all you do for us Eternally Vain patients....

Sincerely,

Barb, R.N.
High Desert, CA

Dear Didi,

Before the decision of surgery out of the country, everyone naturally asks, "What if something goes wrong while you're there?" I never really entertained the idea. But something did go wrong, (my own fault, but that's a story for another time*).

So I'd like to relate to you, through a series of vignettes, my post surgery experience and my candid opinion of a situation that went from ugly to a truly life saving experience.

While I was sitting with my feet in the hot tub a couple of days after surgery, Martin, the Villa Plenitud's very own resident angel, came by to chat. Martin came to my room every evening to talk to me but this occasion provide a rare glimpse into his character that I later related to very directly. Earlier that day he had seen a black blotch afloat in the hot tub. Upon approaching he discovered a baby bird. The chick, in its first attempt to fly was unable to gain enough altitude over the hot tub and fluttered there in the hot water to save its little life. Martin scooped up the chick in the palm of his hand and placed it under the railing where the parents, who watched from a nest in the cabaña rafters, flew to the little guy's aid. The chick finally took flight and the three eventually lifted off together for higher ground.

Martin stopped by to check on me one evening, several days after surgery and determined I had a fever. There was an immediate call to Dr. Lev and a decision to have me hospitalized the next morning. Ron and Martin drove me to CIMA and sweet Martin stayed four hours holding my hand in the ER until I was admitted and situated in my room. I was in CIMA for 3 nights and 3 days with an infection of my own responsibility.

Ron came to my room and sat with me for hours every day. I can't imagine how he found the time. These two wonderful men nursed me back to health, gave me my meds and shots of insulin, paying close attention to my Drs.' instructions, delivering food to my room bringing me movies and fluttering around like the parents of a baby chick. They made sure my every desire and every need was surpassed. This is love Didi, it's not something you pay for or could ever afford for that matter. Villa Plenitud is a second home to me now. They do you proud.

Dr. Lev was monitoring every move, every fluctuation in health and attitude through this entire period even though his responsibility had ended with a successful surgery. As an aside, 4 days after my tummy tuck I was at the Tee Shirt Factory and several hours at Multi Plaza shopping, a testament to my quick recovery*. My tummy is flatter than it's been in my entire life and now I have this amazing Brazilian belly buttom (sic). Who could think of a 5ct. ruby covering such a work of art? Dr. Lev is a master artist. I can hardly believe the change my self image has taken as a benefit of his talent. All this in a kind hearted and gentle spirited man who never has a cynical or condescending thought.

Dr. Lev visited me at least twice a day while I was hospitalized. As always, made me laugh, showed excitement about my progress, (you know how excited he gets when he likes his results!) and made sure everyone on the staff was paying close attention to my needs. Believe me, they listened carefully. Brilliant, talented, compassionate, funny and sweet natured. Good God, grab some stem-cells. This isn't plastic surgery, Didi. This is love personified.

Dr. Max Gutreiman Goldberg first said hello immediately after my Dormacum injection. All I remembered was his smile and something about reporting to him on the condition of my blood sugar after surgery. Of course I promptly forgot about this in the excitement. I remember during recovery wondering who he was and what he he had said.

Dr. Max, as an internist was assigned to treat the infection that caused my re-admission. He visited me twice a day and showed intense interest in my progress, always showing remarkable kindness. Of course my first question was "How long am I in for?" Although I could barely hold my head up, a girl must keep priorities straight and shopping was mine! Hospitals are no place for the living, in my opinion.

Sitting on the sofa in my room, he looked me directly in the eye and said, "When your sugars are normal." Basically that is about all I remember. He sat there and smiled at me and spoke to me for what must have been an hour. But in the first seconds of our conversation, his eyes pierced through me in a way I have never experienced and could never rationally explain. Was it an epiphany? An unspoken conversation with God? A samati experience? It was truly perplexing. I don't know what it was. But what I do know is a deeper and more profound meaning of my life came to me through this man's eyes in a sudden and startling way. This remains with me as I write this missive and I pray it stays with me a long time because this man alone saved me from my own ambivalence. He literally saved my life.

You were right Didi. Max Gutreiman is a genius. But for me he was so much more. He was a messenger of unguarded and unlimited love. I am so grateful for his intervention in my health and in my life's path.

I am still a bit weak from the infection but well on the road to recovery. My sugars have been normal since I returned and I've gained a new respect for this vehicle I'm motoring around the planet. I'll try and give it the same care and respect I've received from all the incredible people who have overseen my transformation and healing over the last weeks.

The next time someone asks me what happens if something goes wrong while I'm out of the country, I can tell them about how right it really may be.

I still hope to do my "Joy Page" and have assembled some ideas in my head that I'll get moving on soon.

Thanks for everything Didi, you're the best.

Love, JOY

* a note from Didi...

It is definitely NOT recommended that tummy tuck or any plastic surgery patient go out and about only four days after surgery. Joy was a very bad girl and should have stayed put, but if you knew Joy, you'd know that she's not easily stayed put! So, don't be getting any ideas about going out before a week after your surgery...at least! (Even though she was a bad girl and went out too soon...she is still one of the most beloved patients we've ever had! We all love this woman to pieces!)

Hi Didi,

I have been home for over 2 ½ weeks, and find I must thank you again for being the coordinator of the my wonderful experience in Costa Rica.

I feel compelled to document my experience and hopefully share it with everyone and anyone who would care to listen.

Didi, Cima Hospital was incredible. It certainly was not "third world". In fact it was nicer than the two hospitals here that I was a guest at. My private nurses were wonderful, as well as the care I received there.

Dr. Lev and Dr. Greenwood were another story. You were right when you said I would "just love them". Dr. Greenwood was waiting for me when I was brought to my room, and after talking and reassuring me, he started an IV, and I was ready to go. His bedside manor was just so reassuring, that I went into surgery with a very positive feeling. Dr. Lev on the other hand was just so wonderful. He truly is not just an exceptional Plastic surgeon, but a fine man as well. Didi, I can't begin to express my happiness with the outcome of my face lift. To say I receive complements all the time would be an understatement. People, stop me all the time, and the first thing they say is "Rosalie, have you lost more weight"? When I answer, "no, my weight is the same", the next question is "what is different, you look so fabulous". It is then that I stop and tell about my Costa Rica experience. I just love love the outcome of my face lift. I look so natural and at least 10 to 15 years younger. I don't have that pulled and scared look, just magically younger.

Also, before I forget, Villa Plenitude. If I paid $$$$$ per day, I would not have been more satisfied. The place is lovely and oh so clean, the food incredible, and the care from both Martin and Ron were outstanding. Right after surgery, I actually allowed Martin to be the father, and me the child. He was in my room checking on me hourly, until he felt that I was able to navigate on my own. I felt like a child, and very safe in their environment. Didi, all that I can say is that this was an A++++ experience and THANK YOU for your part in helping me decide that this was an available choice.

Hope to speak with you soon

Rosalie Black

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Hi Ron and Martin,
I just came home from dinner with some old friends. The topic of discussion was my face, the A++ experience in general, Cima Hospital, Dr. Lev, and of course the two of you and Villa Plenitude. Guys, I just cannot say enough about the two of you. Martin, you became the father and me the child on that first day "home" from surgery. My friends just didn't believe that I would give up my control to someone else. Wonders never seize. Your kindness and compassion will never be forgotten. Ron, I knew you were the kindest person from the moment I set eyes on you that first morning at the airport. I will never forget the day of my surgery. You went with me, and made me feel like I was with an old friend, rather than in a foreign country. Your face was the last thing I remember before going for my procedure. Words alone cannot express my thanks to the two of you. You made me feel that the Villa was my home away from home, as well as making me feel comfortable and feeling safe at all times.

I was sure that after all of those delicious meals that I would have gained weight. I was surprised that I had lost 1 pound. You were correct when you and Martin said you need to eat healthy balanced meals. I still cannot believe that I like fish. Well, I could go on and on but I will stop.

Thank you both so much, and I look forward to seeing you next January or February.

Love to you both,
Rosalie

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Hi Beautiful Friends!

I have missed hearing from you all! How are you recuperating? I am doing very, very well. I am happy, happy, happy. I do itch like crazy on my forehead and the two to three inches into my hairline above my forehead. I am taking Benedryl so I can sleep at night. I also found a stitch under my right ear, and luckily I just happened to have an appt. with an Ear, Nose and Throat doctor, so he removed the stitch for me. And he told me: quote, "Your surgeon did an excellent job. You look better than most women I have seen that have had surgery in Newport Beach. I see too many women with that 'windblown' look." unquote. He was also surprised that my surgery had been only ten weeks before (at that time). So there is another compliment for Dr. Lev.

Mara looks wonderful too. I have seen her a few times recently, and she is as busy and beautiful as always. Apparently, she has a group of ladies from Salt Lake City (where she used to live and has recently visited) who want to go to Costa Rica now.

Please write back and let me know how you all are. I am visiting my parents again for Easter, and am looking forward to showing them how I look now. If you will remember, I visited them a few days after returning from Costa Rica, and they were upset that I didn't "look like myself." I have a feeling that they will definitely think I look like myself now. I'll let you all know...The reaction of everyone else that has seen me has been very good though. Most people can't put their finger on what is different about me, but they say I look great. I smile like the cat who ate the canary almost constantly. HA

Hugs to all of you, Deb

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Dear Cam,

Didi from Dr. Lev's office in Costa Rica has given me your email as a reference to the doctor's work. Of course, I'm assuming this is with your permission.

I'm considering having a face lift, earlobes, neck lift, upper eyes, possibly chin implant. If you have a moment and have had any of these surgeries, I sure would appreciate hearing about your experience. I'd also like to know how old you are....I'm 62.

Where did you stay for your recovery, for how long ....and would you recommend?

Thanks so much,

Sincerely, Janet

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Dear Janet,

I highly recommend Dr. Lev for the procedures that you are thinking about having done. I had everything you want to have done, with the exception of a chin implant. The great thing about Dr. Lev is that he will not do anything that he thinks will not improve your looks or is too dangerous. He does not believe that women should have pulled and distorted faces...post-surgery.

I love the natural look that Dr. Lev gave me. He turned back the clock at least 10 years (maybe more). I get complements every week from people who knew me before my facelift. They can't believe how natural I look. The most important thing is that I love my face...it's still me, only better. I am 55 years old, and I have a lot of sun damage to my skin. Dr. Lev didn't have an easy job making me look younger!!!

I stayed at Villa Plentitude for two weeks after my surgery. Everyone stays at least two weeks if they are planning on having facelift. You will enjoy your stay there, and you will make some new friends. The place was full when I was there, and we had a great time. I highly recommend the whole package...I would do it again in a heartbeat.

A little bit of information about me might be helpful...my father is a retired Anesthesiologist, and my husband is a working Radiologist. They were both impressed with the work that Dr. Lev did on me. I could have had the surgery done by Plastic Surgeons in California (I actually went to two for consultations, before choosing Dr. Lev), but I was impressed with the work that Dr. Lev did on women in my area (I got to see a couple of women and talked with them). I live in Pacific Palisades, Calif., and I could have gone to any surgeon I wanted to go to.

Good luck on your decision of what surgeon to use, and good luck on your surgery. I hope that you are as pleased with your results as I am with mine. Please feel free to write and ask any further questions that you might think of.

Sincerely, Cam

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