Testimonial for Dr. Edwin Magallona from Saudi Arabia and USA
I decided on Dr. Edwin Magallona after two and a half years of an international search for that perfect cosmetic surgeon. My search demanded high standards in expertise, customer satisfaction, background investigation, support staff, emergency procedure’s, international travel to office (reasonable distance from airport), Pre/Post surgery and recovery accommodations. If I felt the doctor didn’t meet my standards in any way I instantly cut-off correspondence and deleted him/her from my list. Ultimately my list came down to four international doctors. The cost of surgery did influence my decision but only after all other standards had been met. The great thing was when I decided on Dr. Magallona all finance exchanges were handled as smoothly as possible. The financial phase of dealing with Dr. Magallona only made me more comfortable with my final selection. In my opinion selecting Dr. Edwin Magallona would be a wise decision.
I’m an American working in the Middle East at present. Till this surgery I’ve only had cosmetic surgery done in the United States. I had my first cosmetic surgery done by Dr. Meland at the Mayo Clinic in Scottsdale, Arizona, USA. When Dr. Meland left Mayo Clinic to open his private practice he performed my second cosmetic surgery. If you don’t know, the Mayo clinic is world renown for the best in medical care. Mayo Clinic is the hospital of choice by royalty, political leaders and the wealthy worldwide. After talking about cosmetic surgery to doctors and nurses practicing here from South Africa, England, India and the Philippines I decided to research cosmetic surgery outside of the United States. During a vacation I went to Dr. Meland and he agreed that some international doctors are highly qualified to perform the surgery I wanted. I wanted a mid and lower facelift, nose alterations, lower face and neck liposuction, upper and lower eyelid alterations, fraxel laser on my forehead and hands. Since I’m working in the Middle East I was able to open my search area to Europe, Africa and Asia. Still, I knew if I couldn’t find an acceptable doctor I would return to Dr. Meland in the United States. Because I had Dr. Meland as my alternate I decided to also look into Central and Southern America. My research standards required the doctor’s expertise to be recognized by a board certified in plastic surgery. The doctor’s expertise had to be recognized by his colleagues as well as his prior patients. My research standards required all the prior patients contacted were satisfied with the surgery. Every prior patient had to answer yes to my question if they would recommend the doctor to their parents and/or children. Some prior patients weren’t to happy with their parents or children so another acceptable answer was if they would recommend the doctor to their friends. My research standard required the doctor not have any complaints filed. This was researched at all available levels to include the civil (court), internet and medical board. I also had a criminal investigation completed by a local detective on my final four candidates. It worked out I was able to talk to Dr. Magallona’s mother in southern California. I took the opportunity to ask personal questions about Dr. Magallona. At this stage I was setting up a deposit for my surgery so my questions were more to verify what I already knew through my research. My research standard required the anesthesiologist and internal medicine doctor not have any complaints filed. This research was done to the civil, internet and medical board level. My research standard required emergency staff and equipment available should a catastrophic event take place. My concerns were an event such as my heart, lungs or other vital organ failing during surgery. I wanted an expert in the field of the failed organ to be available in a well-respected hospital. Because of this standard I wanted my surgery to be done in a nearby hospital. I waived this standard after an inspection of the surgical facilities and getting to know the staff. Dr. Mary Jeanne Vera the anesthesiologist is awesome! Through Dr. Vera’s in-dept questioning (ultimate professionalism), fantastic beside manner and above all no complications during or after surgery I’d rate her as the best anesthesiologist I have ever had. Dr. Jess Garcia the internist is a little serious at first but does warm-up. I had all my tests done before I arrived so Dr. Garcia verified everything and approved the surgery. Danilo the main pre/post surgery nurse (goes by Dan) is awesome! Dan was the one that was with me on surgery day from Dr. Magallona’s office and well into recovery at Ramon Magsaysay Memorial Medical Center. All other nurses at Dr. Magallona’s offices are skilled professionals with extra emphasis on their empathy. My research standard for the doctor’s location was met because Dr. Magallona’s office is about 45 minutes from the Manila international airport. I had a caregiver (Jenny Dela Torre) meet me at the airport and we took a cab to Dr. Magallona’s office. My research standard for post surgery was met with the hospital stay after my surgery. I extended my hospital stay 3 days and highly recommend you do the same. I had a large private room, which my caregiver stayed with me for the entire time. I highly recommend Jenny Dela Torre as a caregiver for your stay also. Ask Dr. Magallona about Jenny Dela Torre and I’m sure he will give you her contact information. My pre-surgery and recovery accommodations standard was met by Lancaster Suites, which is about 300 yards away from Dr. Edwin’s offices. Lancaster Suites isn’t the best accommodations I’ve been in but it is better then average. I’d rate it as a solid 3 star or weak 4 star hotel. The hotel staff was excellent and went out of their way to help in any way possible. The room was clean, modern and well furnished complete with a kitchen area. While I was there Lancaster Suites was still under construction so at times it was noisy and dusty during the day. I would have given Lancaster Suites higher marks except for the construction, which was a daily part of my stay. When Lancaster Suites is completed I would stay there again. I didn’t see any accommodations better then Lancaster Suites in the immediate area. Shangri La Hotel may give you better access to SM Megamall and Shangri La Super Mall but the hotel rooms aren’t better. I’d say the rooms at Shangri La hotel are only different then Lancaster Suites, so it’s up to your interior design tastes as to which hotel you select. Going to Dr. Edwin is a choice I have absolutely no regrets about. Every phase of my visit was as expected or better. As you may be able to tell, I’m an organized person and I like things to go as smoothly as possible. Dr. Edwin went out of his way to help in any way possible. He give me a ride to my hotel after a check-up because I was his last patient that day (ask to be his last person of the day and he may give you a ride too). His check-up visits after the surgery at my hotel room ended up being more like a friend coming over for a visit.
There are two plastic surgeons in the world I would recommend. They are Dr. Meland in Scottsdale Arizona and Dr. Magallona in Mandaluyong City, Philippines. They are both great! Sincerely, Daniel G. USA
