As a tip for anyone getting a facelift, I used a pack of those 12 inch square towel cloths (one can get a dozen in a pack). I cut a hole for my nose. Then I dipped it in cool water and covered my face while I slept. It took away the tingling and kept my face moist.

When I first visited Dr. Maxwell for a consultation, I was impressed with her comfortable manner and calm confidence. Then I also noticed her attention to the details of my particular face. She looked at me as an individual and understood by goal of having a natural, rested, pleasant restoration.

Now that my new skin and face repair is five weeks old, I am more than thrilled with the results. It gets better everyday as the residual nerve healing continues. My daughter, who lives here in Tucson, loves her mom’s new look. My husband, who was skeptical of my adventure, is charmed.

Oh yes, the tummy tuck, (well I was in pretty good shape before the operation) now I look and feel great. My stretched muscles have been restored to my youth. My stomach is flat and amazing. I love it.

Dr. Gwen Maxwell is so good. Her level of skill is exceptional. The grace and calm of her offices reflect her high ideals. I think she has become part wizard. I am so lucky. Now I get ready to return to Washington, DC and share my secrets with dear friends.

Patient Letter from November 18, 2009

A short note from a happy patient…

I must tell you how thrilled I am with my results! Gwen is OUTSTANDING and her work is flawless! She has an amazing eye for detail, symmetry, perfection and unique caring and concern for each patient. The entire staff is Fantastic and I feel she’s the BEST IN THE COUNTRY! Get a consultation and see what the results you can have! Thanks so much for all you do!!!!

22 year old with Breast Reduction

This patient had a breast reduction peformed by Gwen Maxwell, MD.

48 year old Rhinoplasty, Upper Blepharoplasty, Fat Injections, Corrugator Removal

This patient had multiple cosmetic facial procedures performed by Gwen Maxwell, MD.

59 year old, Facelift, Browlift, Laser Resurfacing

This patient had multiple facial cosmetic procedures. 

Audio Files

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Wonderfully Detailed Letter from a Necklift/Fat Injection Patient - June 2009

June 4, 2009

Dear Dr. Maxwell:

I will try not to gush...first of all, I am so thrilled with my latest procedures I can hardly contain my excitement. Not only am I sans a turkey neck as a bonus the muffin tops are gone & I assume now happily residing inside my face & lips.


I am also pleased to report what I call turkey neck shirts are now on their way to Goodwill. These garment shackles are gone forever & the neck is free at last! Due to an ample bosom I hunched my shoulders to diminish my chest (you performed a breast reduction awhile back...another brilliant result). Consequently my neck became crooked & the skin started to sag so all I wore is turtle neck shirts ala Diane Keaton. When I look in the mirror now I can hardly believe it; I can NEVER remember a time my neck looked so great! I plan on putting efforts into holding my head up high & getting those shoulders back all because of your talents. In addition, the lower portion of my face is now flawless and the frosting on the cake is my new earlobes. Because of your skilled hands my earlobes are now smaller & perfectly reshaped. How can I ever thank you enough Dr. Maxwell?


I like to share I had an interesting night after surgery. Despite the Percocet I was awake all night & had random thoughts regarding all sorts of things. Like most of your patients I wonder why I have these procedures performed; I am a pretty happy person, low maintenance, easy to please. In the past, I, as well as what I gathered from the many testimonials read in your office, allude to a nip & tuck as vanity. I think a lot of people struggle with having plastic surgery & think it vain. Being up that night I think I finally achieved some insights regarding why I am NOT vain having plastic surgery.


I know you appreciate art (the History of Art book by Janson on one of the waiting room’s side tables is like an old buddy to me) so I know you are familiar with vanitas painting. As you know Vanitas, (Latin for vanity, alludes to the biblical book of Ecclesiastes; fleeting nature of earthly life & happiness that in the end all is vanity) painting originated in 17th century is a genre painting incorporating items the church deemed as vanity. Laying in bed that night, I did have an aha moment when I recalled these items include books of knowledge (the church thought science, philosophy, etc. was pure evil), musical instruments (one’s definitely going to hell is a musician,) athletic accomplishments (a fit body is the spawn of Satan), as well as the usual items associated with vanity such as jewelry, money, etc. Perhaps this dogma has been carried down throughout the centuries?  How many individuals dating back to the 1600’s deprived themselves of reading books, playing music, staying fit because the church thought this was the path to hell? How many individuals deprive themselves because now of looking good & ultimately taking better care of themselves because of plastic surgery is still considered vain therefore one of the seven deadly sins?


I would love to share the GREAT results I have had from your skilled hands since I know many people who would absolutely love you. But going back to the vanitas theme I know there are judgmental individuals who disapprove of plastic surgery whether this is based on religious dogma or they are dissatisfied with their own appearance but are unwilling to do anything about it. In some cases it is difficult to discern who these individuals are so my policy is to keep the plastic surgery quiet. I realize it is a form of cowardice but I try to foster harmonious relationships with others.


That said I am so lucky to live in a time to have access to high quality plastic surgery as well as having a physician I totally trust, respect & admire. Every time I see you I wonder how can anyone so beautiful, intelligent, successful, beloved also down to earth & have the gift of making everyone around you feel so comfortable???


Dr Maxwell, not only do you look like you stepped out of a Botticelli painting; you embody the spirit of a Botticelli...your brushes are your hands & your canvas is you patients. There are a lot of good-looking middle-aged-elderly people walking around AZ because of you.


How can I thank you? If there is anything I can do for you please let me know.

Warmest Regards,
(Anonymous at Patient Request.)

P.S.
*I believe it is no accident that your staff is made up of the nicest, kindest people I have ever come into contact. I want to address all the wonderful individuals who took such good care of me before, after & during my procedure: (please forgive any misspelling of names)

On the morning of my surgery, Dr. Kumar examined these long scars on my face. I was struck by her demeanor...so kindly and gentle. To my surprise when I woke up I had these two beautiful thin lines with dainty stitching that looked like lace work...I was fascinated with the delicacy of this work, however in two days they disappeared & along with the scars. Such a bonus! Over the years I lived with these scars & didn’t even notice them but always wore my hair covering my face. Dr. Kumar mentioned that we may live with flaws but they have an effect.

Thank you Dr. Kumar!

Christine Tobler: my OR nurse. Christine is beyond words; so friendly, welcoming. Despite being a pro at surgery I was a bit anxious so I was very grateful for her generous spirit. She made me feel very comfortable & cared for & under her expert care everything went smoothly...thank you Christine!

Lupita: front desk receptionist. As soon as anyone walks in Lupita has a smile on her face. She is upbeat & I always enjoy seeing her. She really sets the tone for the entire experience. Lupita makes me feel like I am the most important client walking through the door.

Maritza: my nurse. Gentle spirit as well as so gentle removing the many stitches from my surgery.  Maritza did such a wonderful job; she is attuned to detail spending extra time removing stitches as well as cleaning up the area...& I did notice lunch time approaching. Being pregnant eating is important, but Maritza took much extra time making sure everything was perfect!

Katie: So efficient as well as friendly & always accommodating. I always feel in good hands working with her regarding finances.

Susan Simmons: laser goddess who is beautiful (inside/out) yet also down to earth. Susan being such a kind person made a special trip to come down to the OR just to talk to me before my surgery. I was very moved by this gesture. Her visit made so happy that any apprehension I felt completely vanished!

Regarding all the other wonderful staff I had the privilege of working with in the past I would also like to say thank you to:

Jody/gorgeous as ever; inside/outside, Estella/ who is living proof beauty is not only epidermally deep, Randi/office manager extraordinaire, always on the move but always makes time to be friendly, Carol/ so easy to talk to; with Carol one can never feel shy, Tiffany/gracious & elegant, Lu/ very pleasant/hard working.

To those whom I do not know you name or accidentally left out; please be aware that you gentle, kindly dispositions are noticed & very much appreciated! Thank you all so much!

Letter from a Happy Face Lift Patient - May 2009

One Patient’s Face-lift Experience

My experience with Dr. Gwen Maxwell and her staff was terrific. From the first time I met Dr. Maxwell and she explained to me what she could do with a full face lift I realized that I had been very lucky to make an appointment with her. I felt confident from my first five minutes with her and Jody Knight that everything would go well. Little did I know how good Maxwell Aesthetics really was. I first met Dr. Maxwell in November, 2008 and set the surgery date for April, 2009 to accommodate the USTA tennis season that I played in during the year. Jody Knight kept in touch with me after my first appointment and walked me through the procedure. As the April date approached I had an appointment with Dr. LuLu Yang to determine if my general health was good enough to go through the surgery. Dr. Yang was helpful, professional, and concise.

On the morning of my surgery, I met with Teresa Ahlers, Lu Banks, and Maritza Martinez who helped me understand the surgery procedure and got me ready for it. Teresa Ahlers spent a lot of time prepping me for the surgery and she was so calm I did not feel one moment of trepidation. One of my questions for Dr. Maxwell was how soon I could be playing tennis again and how long it would take me to heal. Dr. Maxwell’s answers were detailed. I also asked about infection and Dr. Maxwell explained that infection would always be something she and her staff would do everything to prevent; one of the ways they did that was to start the patient on an antibiotic several days prior to surgery and several days afterward. She also explained that because the surgery was done in an operating room attached to her office that she and her staff could control everything about the operating procedure.

The night before the surgery, anesthesiologist, Dr. Monterosa, called me and talked to me about anesthesia. Her call was unexpected and she answered my questions about getting sick from the anesthesia as I had been ill years ago from it. Dr. Monterosa assured me that many anesthesia procedures were very different now and she could say that the chances of my getting sick were not likely. It was a big relief.

My surgery lasted 5 and half hours. I woke up to talk to Robin Belistos, the night time duty caregiver, who was on call the entire night of the surgery and through the following morning. Just knowing she was there was all I needed to be reassured. I had no nausea from the anesthesia.

The next morning I was released with specific instructions of what to do and not to do. I had been following the vitamin ritual for two weeks prior to the surgery and all of my high blood pressure medications had been checked prior to the surgery. I was amazed when Maritza Martinez had called the entire week ahead of the surgery to make sure I was taking the vitamins and was not taking any aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications prior to the surgery.

I saw Dr. Maxwell several times in the next few weeks with all of the follow up appointments going really well. I was anxious to be released to play tennis, swim, and bike. Two weeks to the day after the surgery I was released to do all of my sports again.On day 15 I putted golf balls, swam, and hit a few tennis balls. I started back slowly and by the third week out from the surgery I was doing everything. My timing was off on the tennis court but that can happen during any kind of a lay-off from the game. It came back.

Now about the results of the surgery: one completely unexpected result was that my twice weekly migraines disappeared. I had some headaches but nothing like the ones I had had for many years and these post surgery headaches required very little pain relieving medication. I was thrilled. According to Dr. Maxwell, sometimes this happens when certain muscles are cut in the forehead area. I think if I had known that I might not have serious migraines after my face lift I would have considered doing it sometime in my thirties instead of in my mid-sixties.

I had inherited from both my parents the typical Czechoslovakian-German, French-Irish skin and had spent years in high school and college playing tennis with no sun protection. In those years no one ever knew about it. I had also inherited both jowls and double chins from my family. Prior to my face lift I did not even think to ever ask about the hundreds of small wrinkles that I had all over my face and neck along with a frown line that made me look as though I was always scowling. After my surgery I could not believe the difference this face lift had made in my overall feeling of well being. I will always be pleased with everything about Maxwell Aesthetics and Dr. Gwen Maxwell and her fantastic staff. How lucky could I have been to have found a plastic surgeon who not only does the most meticulous work but who understood all my questions and explained everything in layman’s terms. Thank you, Dr. Maxwell, and all of your staff, from the bottom of my heart.

Sincerely,
K****S*****

P.S.The 14 day do nothing period after surgery was not so bad; just me counting the days down to be able to do a sport.

Letter from a Medi Spa Patient April 2009

Testimonial from a Medi Spa Client - April 11, 2009

My experience with Maxwell Aesthetics has been absolutely great. I never dreamed that I would have such beautiful results.

I had never had any laser treatments and Susan made it a positive experience. I had many age spots and fine lines on my face which are now gone. I also mentioned the spots on my hands and she said she could take care of those. And she did that too. She also did facial hair removal which I am very happy with.

Dr. Kumar did my Botox and filler injections. She discussed with me what look I wanted to achieve and how she would do it. And the results came out perfectly.

My microdermabrasions with Sandy keep my skin clear and healthy. I look forward to those treatments because it is so relaxing and I love chatting with her.

I have also been using Obagi products to keep my skin healthy and clear.

My treatments have taken at least ten years off my age. I was recently looking at some photos of myself before I had treatments and was amazed at how much younger I look. I find that looking younger makes me feel younger and more confident.

Maxwell’s facility is beautiful and I feel very comfortable there. I always know when I go there I will have a good experience and have outstanding services.

Thanks Everyone,
EJ

Featured Patient Story-Sheila M. Face lift, Laser Resurfacing, Fat Injections, Juvederm

Sheila M. came to Gwen Maxwell, MD for concerns of facial aging. She is a 58 year old mother and grandmother. She is a former runner with very fair skin. After running for years in the Arizona sun, Sheila’s skin developed prominent wrinkles and sun damage. In addition to the wrinkles, she had laxity of the skin associated with normal facial aging. The following videos and photos follow Sheila from her initial consultation with Dr. Maxwell to her latest post surgical results. She had a full face lift, laser resurfacing, fat injections, and Juvederm filler.

VIDEO: Sheila’s initial consultation with Dr. Maxwell.

Click on the following link to view the video: http://www.kvoa.com/videos/?id=636

Photos: Before & After, This dramatic image shows half of Sheila’s face before and after the surgery.

Photos: Before Surgery

Photos: The healing process - 19 days after surgery

Photos: 6 Weeks After Surgery

Photos: Close up of the eye area before and after surgery