Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Medical Tourism
Michelle Wood’s Viral Facelift: Where She Recovered After Dra. Maribel Belmontes Surgery in Guadalajara
Discover practical recovery advice, expert tips, and inspiration to help you make the most of your post-op procedure in Guadalajara.
28 Jun 2025
If you've been on social media lately, you've likely encountered Michelle Wood's (@michellewood165) facelift transformation video that has garnered millions of views and sparked widespread discussion about cosmetic surgery in Mexico. Among the thousands of comments, one question keeps appearing: where did she recover after her procedure with Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo?
The viral success of Michelle's transformation has highlighted an often-overlooked aspect of medical tourism: the critical importance of professional post-surgical recovery care.

While Michelle's viral video showcases the stunning results from Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo (@drafacelift), what you didn't hear is where she stayed after the surgery!
First, Meet Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo
If you're researching plastic surgery in Mexico, you’ve probably already heard the name Dra. Maribel Belmontes. She’s one of Guadalajara’s most respected plastic surgeons, known for her refined technique, artistic eye, and natural-looking results.
Her work speaks for itself — precise, elegant, and designed to enhance beauty without overdoing it.
She’s not just any surgeon. She’s one of Guadalajara’s go-to experts for facelift and facial rejuvenation — known for her natural results, technical precision, and a calm, confident approach that puts her patients at ease.
Dra. Maribel combines medical mastery with an artistic eye, and it shows. Her work has become a reference point for anyone considering facial surgery in Mexico — especially after Michelle’s video went viral. You can learn more about her approach and see more results at dramaribelbelmontescastillo.com

Michelle chose Dra. Maribel for a reason: she trusted her face to a true expert. And based on the response, it’s clear the world agrees.
Why Guadalajara Has Become a Global Destination for Facelift Surgery
Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo (@drafacelift) represents the caliber of surgeons that have made Guadalajara a world-renowned destination for cosmetic procedures. The city offers a unique combination of highly skilled, board-certified plastic surgeons and comprehensive support infrastructure that includes specialized recovery facilities.
International patients choose Guadalajara for several compelling reasons:
Cost effectiveness — procedures typically cost 70-80% less than equivalent surgeries in the US or Canada
No waiting lists — patients can often schedule procedures within weeks rather than months
World-class medical standards — many surgeons trained internationally and maintain certifications from multiple countries
Complete care ecosystem — from initial consultation through full recovery, support services are readily available
The proximity to the United States makes Guadalajara particularly attractive to North American patients, while the established medical tourism infrastructure ensures smooth experiences for international visitors.
Welcome to Innova Recovery House
Michelle book the full recovery package, she trusted us with her post-surgical recovery after her facelift — and we’re proud to have been part of her story.
After her surgery with Dra. Maribel, we picked her up and brought her to Innova Recovery House, just minutes from the hospital. She stayed with us for 10 days, during the most delicate stage of healing.
Here’s what we provided during her stay:
This decision proved crucial to her outstanding results. During her recovery stay, Michelle received professional wound care, facial ultrasound therapy, medication management, nutritious meals designed for healing, and transportation to all her follow-up appointments with Dra. Maribel. The facility also handled her airport transfer when she was ready to return home.
The comprehensive care during those critical first 10 days of healing contributed significantly to the flawless transformation that captured millions of views.

Understanding the Recovery Process: What Made Michelle's Results Possible
Michelle Wood's flawless healing didn't happen by accident. Professional recovery care addresses the specific challenges that come with facelift surgery, particularly for patients who have traveled from other countries.
Facelift recovery requires careful attention to swelling management, proper positioning during sleep, wound care protocols, and monitoring for potential complications. Patients need access to medical professionals who understand the healing timeline and can identify when intervention might be necessary.
The recovery environment plays a crucial role in outcomes. Factors like air quality, stress levels, nutrition, and access to appropriate therapies can significantly impact both the healing process and final results. Michelle's case demonstrates how attention to these details contributes to exceptional outcomes.
The Importance of Professional Recovery Support
Many patients focus intensively on choosing the right surgeon — which is absolutely critical — but give less consideration to their recovery plan. Michelle Wood's viral success highlights why this approach might be shortsighted.
Professional recovery facilities provide several key advantages over recovering alone in a hotel or unfamiliar environment. Medical supervision ensures immediate response to any concerns, while specialized therapies can reduce swelling, promote healing, and optimize final results.
For international patients, recovery houses also provide practical benefits like transportation to follow-up appointments, prescription management, and communication support with family back home. These services allow patients to focus entirely on healing rather than logistics.
What to Look for in Recovery Care
If you're considering following Michelle Wood's path to transformation in Guadalajara, understanding what constitutes quality recovery care is essential. Not all recovery facilities offer the same level of service or medical expertise.
Key factors to evaluate include:
Medical credentials — licensed nursing staff and established protocols for post-surgical care
Facility standards — clean, comfortable accommodations with appropriate medical equipment
Experience with your procedure — staff who understand the specific requirements of facelift recovery
Communication capabilities — bilingual staff and clear protocols for updates and concerns
The location matters too. Recovery facilities should be conveniently located relative to your surgeon's office and local hospitals, while also providing a peaceful environment conducive to healing.
Why Medical Travelers Choose Us
We specialize in recovery after plastic surgery in Guadalajara — working alongside some of the city’s top surgeons like Dra. Maribel. Whether you're coming for a facelift, tummy tuck, lipo 360, mommy makeover or facial feminization surgery, our mission is to make sure your healing is just as professional as your procedure.
The Innova Advantage for Facelift Recovery:
Specialized Facial Surgery Expertise Our team understands the unique requirements of facelift recovery. We know how to manage facial swelling, optimize healing positioning, and recognize the signs of proper healing progression that are specific to facial procedures.
Proven Track Record We've successfully supported hundreds of international patients through their recovery journeys, with many achieving viral-worthy transformations like Michelle Wood's stunning results.
Strategic Location Positioned perfectly in Zapopan, we're minutes away from:
Dra. Maribel's surgical facility
Top hospitals and medical centers
Andares shopping and dining
Premium amenities and services
Why Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo Patients Choose Innova Recovery House
Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo (@drafacelift) is one of Guadalajara's most sought-after plastic surgeons, and her patients demand the same level of excellence in their recovery care. Located in Zapopan, just minutes from Andares and top surgical facilities, Innova Recovery House has become the preferred recovery destination for patients seeking premium post-surgical care.

The Science Behind Michelle Wood's Flawless Recovery
Besides the extraordinary job of Dra. Maribel what made Michelle Wood's recovery so successful wasn't just luck — it was professional post-surgical care. Every aspect of her healing was optimized:
Week 1: Critical Healing Phase
Continuous monitoring for complications
Strategic positioning to minimize swelling
Facial Ultrasound Therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing
Pain management for comfort and rest
Week 2: Tissue Repair Optimization
Advanced healing therapies
Scar prevention protocols
Nutritional support for collagen production
Gradual activity progression
Week 3+: Result Refinement
Continued swelling management
Scar treatment and prevention
Final healing optimization
Preparation for long-term results
Personalized Healing & Comfort
Facial Ultrasound Therapy to reduce inflammation and speed healing
Post-op nursing care and home-style comfort in a private room
Nutritious meals designed for inflammation control and healing
Medication management — no stress, just rest
Daily transportation to her doctor appointments and, later, to the airport
24/7 staff support to monitor her well-being, answer questions, and give her peace of mind
What Michelle Received During Her Viral Transformation Recovery:

24/7 Medical Care
Licensed nursing staff monitoring her healing progress
Immediate response to any post-surgical concerns
Professional wound care and dressing changes
Medication management and pain control
Specialized Healing Therapies
Facial Ultrasound Therapy
Hyperbaric oxygen therapy for faster healing
Anti-inflammatory treatments
Scar management protocols
Luxury Recovery Accommodations
Private suite with smart TV and climate control
Hospital-grade air filtration systems
Comfortable healing environment
Privacy and tranquility for optimal recovery
Nutrition for Healing
Anti-inflammatory meal planning
Hydration management protocols
Customized dietary support
Concierge Services
Transportation to all post-op appointments with Dra. Maribel
Coordination with post-surgical team
Airport Drop-off
Prescription pickup and management
Beyond the Viral Moment: Long-term Considerations
While Michelle Wood's immediate transformation captured millions of views, the true measure of success will be her long-term satisfaction with the results. Quality facelift surgery should provide lasting improvements that age naturally and gracefully.
This is where the choice of surgeon becomes particularly important. Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo's reputation extends beyond viral social media moments to consistent, long-term patient satisfaction and natural-looking results.
For patients considering similar procedures, focusing on long-term outcomes rather than immediate dramatic change often leads to higher satisfaction. The goal should be enhancement that looks natural and ages well, rather than obvious surgical alteration.
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Michelle Wood 💖
Michelle was genuinely a pleasure to have with us. Super easygoing, always kind, and just great energy to be around — even while recovering from surgery.
She was down-to-earth, thoughtful, and super grateful for everything.
We had some good laughs, and it honestly felt like taking care of a friend.
We’re really happy to have been part of her journey and to see her feeling stronger and more confident each day.

Ready to Start?
Michelle Wood's viral journey demonstrates what's possible when excellent surgery meets professional recovery care. If you're considering facelift surgery in Guadalajara, take time to research not just your surgical options, but your complete care plan.
Whether you choose Dra. Maribel Belmontes Castillo or another qualified surgeon in Guadalajara, ensure your recovery plan matches the quality of your surgical care. The investment in professional recovery support can make the difference between good results and truly exceptional outcomes.
The increased interest following Michelle's viral success means planning ahead is more important than ever. Quality surgeons and recovery facilities are booking further in advance, so early planning is essential for securing your preferred dates and providers.
💬 Thinking of Getting Surgery in Guadalajara?
If you’re considering traveling for cosmetic surgery like Michelle did, we’ll handle everything post-op — so you don’t have to. From airport pickup to final check-up, your only job will be to rest and recover.
Limited Availability — Book in Advance
We have very limited rooms available, and spots fill up quickly — especially when a trend like this goes viral. If you're considering surgery in Guadalajara, we recommend booking your recovery in advance to guarantee your spot.
👉 Check availability and reserve your stay here BOOK NOW
Because behind every beautiful result is a recovery done right