I have been Dr. Silvio Sterman's patient for the past three years. In 2001, I had a gastric bypass, having weighed 250+ lbs. and being only several inches over five feet tall. I lost over 110 lbs. and have maintained my present weight. I waited for several years before contemplating plastic surgery. As I was retiring after a 35 year career as an educator, and decided I really needed to have a new lease on life, and less on my body! Dr. Silvio's name was given to me by a friend in Brasil, whose cousin had had a face lift. Trusting this friend, I looked no further, and began communicating with the doctor, who requested recent fotos and sent me a list of medical exams I needed, which I completed in the US. Dr. Silvio and I continued to email, and planned a date for arrival, as well as consultation prior to surgery. When I arrived at his office, I was greeted like an old friend. His nurse, Taissa and his office manager, Sheila were extremely warm and caring. Both have a delightful sense of humor, which put everyone at ease. One trip, I arrived at 8 am on a Sunday and Taissa, Sheila and Dr. Silvio greeted me at the office at noon. On Monday morning I was at the hospital prepped for surgery. I have 12 feet of scars, 3 different surgeries. I first had my arms and tummy tuck, then a facelift. Lastly, I had the extra skin on my buttocks and legs removed. "Ouch," but I am soo pleased with the mini me! Before each surgery, Dr. Silvio and his team came in and asked if I had any questions. I was introduced to the assisting doctors and anesthesiologists. My stay in the hospital was two days for each surgery. The Sao Rafael Hospital was cleaner and more pristine than any hospital I have been in State side. The hospital personnel were very personable yet professional, and upon each return, they greeted me by name. "Oh, it is nice to see you again." The food (I still like to eat!) was delicious, served hot, and on a plate, rather than plastic. Dr. Silvio is an artist. He takes great pride in his sculpting and is very sensitive to his patients' psyche, needs and temperament. He also attends yearly conferences keeping abreast of the latest techniques world wide. Last May he was in San Diego, where we met for a chat. He is very patient and kind, but also realistic. He kindly reminded me that wrinkles would continue to be part of the physiology... but that my body would look much less "flabby" and that my face would look like a younger, more beautiful me. Indeed, after each successive operation, I was extremely pleased. Even more so, six months after, when the swelling had subsided. Dr. Silvio visited me several times a day while in the hospital, and Taissa, his nurse came to the hotel to give me massages. It took approximately 2 weeks for recovery (for travel) after each surgery. Dr. Silvio has 35 years experience with plastic surgery. His once a week pro bono work is specifically done with children with cleft palates and harelips. He is meticulous and very proud of the outcomes of his surgeries. Is every person as pleased as I am? I believe if you are honest with yourself, you will not be a movie star, however, Dr. Silvio will do the BEST for you. If you have medical issues, make sure he is informed ahead of time. If you have psychological issues, take care of those first! Attitude is half the battle and the rest of you will be in great hands. I knew before that he would improve and rid the excessive skin. The scars are little lines, barely visible but the smile on my face is all-telling. One of my former students came looking for me and asked if Dr. Suze was still around. "It's me!" He looked at me again and said "Oh my goodness, you are hot!!!" He made my day! I have no hesitation in recommending Dr. Silvio as an excellent plastic surgeon. If you have further questions, please email me. I will gladly answer you questions. (Editor's Note: This person's e-mail is available upon request)

The results I obtained with Dr. Sterman are nothing short of stunning! From the initial consultation to the numerous follow-ups afterward, Dr. Sterman and his staff are professional, courteous, and do everything possible to ensure a positive experience while in Brazil. Despite traveling alone, I always felt I had the support and assistance I needed from start to finish (Dr. Sterman provides his personal cell and home phone--a gesture you’ll be hard pressed to find in the US). And, as a healthcare professional, I thoroughly reviewed all the options (both in the US and abroad), but did not find anyone who could match the expertise or years of experience of Dr. Sternman. He is, without question, a world class surgeon. Moreover, the hospital where I had the operation was superb, the nurses: attentive, and the general ambiance: clean and pleasant. I had post-op consultations with Dr. Sterman every two days for two weeks to ensure proper healing. And when each consultation is accompanied with a relaxing facial massage set amid chic, white decor, one quickly realizes that having plastic surgery with Dr. Sterman is much more than some quick nip/tuck, it’s a holistic approach to ensure the best results. As for the results, I have yet to go to a restaurant, the beach, or the mall without someone asking for my number. Before the surgery, that NEVER happened! I could not be more pleased with the results! If you’re looking for the best, then you’ve arrived... -TE, USA