Instead of showing before and after photos — something many patients prefer to keep out of the public domain — this article gathers anonymous written descriptions of real cases treated at Elyzea Miraflores with patients who traveled from Chile between 2024 and early 2026. Descriptions omit names, specific cities, and any detail that could individually identify a person. The idea is to give you an honest reference without visual marketing, while preserving the privacy each patient chose.
For process context, before reading the cases you may find useful the Lima vs Santiago price comparison, the recommended stay days per treatment, or the complete picture in medical tourism from Chile to Lima.
Case 1 — Full-face HIFU + lip filler
The patient came with a specific concern: lower facial third sagging (incipient laxity along the jawline and cheek descent), plus lips that had thinned with age. She had researched options in Santiago and compared prices. The prior online consultation with Dr. Geldres validated that full-face HIFU + 1 syringe of hyaluronic acid for lip volume was the right plan, without over-prescribing additional treatments.
On day 2 of the visit, full-face HIFU (60 min) was performed; the next day, hyaluronic acid lip injection (40 min). Day 5, return flight. The patient reported moderate tightness the first 7 days post-HIFU (expected sensation), mild lip inflammation the first 3-4 days that subsided with cold compresses and concealing makeup. Perceived HIFU results consolidated between weeks 6 and 10 post-treatment — visibly more defined jawline, less marked mid-face descent. Lips maintained volume after filler settling (week 2). At the 3-month online follow-up, the patient expressed intent to return at one year for HIFU maintenance.
Case 2 — Morpheus8 facial (3 sessions)
The patient sought treatment for moderate cheek and neck laxity, plus residual adolescent acne scars. She had considered CO₂ laser but preferred minimizing visible downtime. Dr. Geldres recommended 3 Morpheus8 facial sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart as the main protocol. To optimize the trip, the three sessions were scheduled in separate visits rather than one long stay.
Each visit followed the same pattern: day 1 arrival and in-person consultation, day 2 Morpheus8 session, days 3-5 moderate redness and inflammation with mild desquamation, day 6-7 check-in and return flight. The patient preferred this rhythm to one longer stay. Perceived results at 3-month post-third-session check-in: notably more uniform skin texture, less deep acne scars, mild lifting effect on cheeks. The patient expressed satisfaction with the decision to travel three times instead of treating in Chile.
Case 3 — Combo: cryolipolysis + EMSbody + laser hair removal
Typical case of a patient leveraging the trip to optimize cost. Combined plan: cryolipolysis abdomen + flanks (2 zones), EMSbody glutes + abdomen as muscle complement, and laser hair removal armpits + groin + legs in a single session. Total procedures: 4 different sessions over 4 days.
Day 2: cryolipolysis abdomen (60 min) + flanks (60 min). Day 3: EMSbody (complementary toning sessions). Day 4: laser hair removal indicated zones. Day 5: check-in and rest. Day 6: return flight. No visible downtime for any procedure. Cryolipolysis results became evident around weeks 8-12 post-treatment (approximately 20-25% fold thickness reduction measured). EMSbody complemented with abdominal muscle tone. Laser hair removal required the additional 6-8 sessions completed at her primary clinic in Chile.
Case 4 — Botulinum toxin + filler (maintenance)
Maintenance case. The patient already received annual botulinum toxin and hyaluronic acid every 12-15 months from a doctor in Santiago, but sought an alternative for cost reasons and because she'd be in Lima for professional reasons. Plan: toxin application in forehead, glabella, and crow's feet + 1 hyaluronic acid syringe for nasolabial folds.
Day 1: arrival and consultation. Day 2: both procedures in one day (toxin in morning, filler afternoon with 3-4 hour buffer to avoid manipulation overlap). Day 3: quick check-in and return. Mild lip and nasolabial inflammation the first 2-3 days, no notable bruising. Toxin took effect between days 7-14 (already in Chile). The patient returned in 2025 to repeat the maintenance cycle, which in her words felt routine and convenient.
Case 5 — Picosecond laser for melasma
The patient developed post-pregnancy melasma (3 years prior) unresponsive to topical treatments. The prior online consultation identified the case required low-energy picosecond laser protocol + complementary hormonal/topical correction, not aggressive Q-switched or IPL that in Mediterranean-Latin skin can worsen melasma. Three sessions spaced 3-4 months were planned to minimize recurrence risk.
Each visit: day 1 arrival and consultation, day 2 picosecond session (45 min), day 3 check-in and any topical regimen adjustment, day 4 flight. Strict mandatory SPF 50+ photoprotection between sessions, with video follow-up at 4-6 weeks to verify response. Year-long evolution showed progressive lightening of treated areas, with heterogeneous responses between zones (forehead responded better than cheeks, typical pattern). The patient continues with annual maintenance sessions.
Case 6 — Body HIFU post-weight loss
After approximately 20 kg weight loss in 18 months, the patient presented moderate abdominal, arm, and inner thigh laxity — tissue that diet and exercise hadn't fully retracted. She evaluated body contour surgery but wanted to first try non-invasive options. The prior online consultation with Dr. Geldres recommended body HIFU on abdomen + arms as first line, evaluating results at 3-6 months before considering any surgical option.
Day 2: HIFU abdomen (75 min) + arms (45 min). Day 3-4: expected deep tightness (muscle hematoma sensation, subsided in 5-7 days). Day 5: flight. Perceived results at 3 months: visible retraction especially on abdomen, better tissue adherence to contour; arms responded partially. She returned 6 months later for a second reinforcement session on abdomen and inner thighs. The patient indefinitely deferred the surgical option.
Case 7 — Companion who also got treated
The primary patient had scheduled HIFU + filler for herself. Her mother accompanied her as emotional support but, once in Lima, decided to leverage the in-person consultation to evaluate options for herself. Result: the mother also underwent full-face HIFU on her own visit, with a protocol adjusted to her age and skin state. The two sessions were distributed throughout the week so neither was in acute phase simultaneously.
Primary patient: HIFU + lip filler. Mother: full-face HIFU (deeper version, given baseline laxity grade). Both flew back together. Illustrative case of how shared travel allows leveraging the consultation for multiple people in the same stay. The mother returned at one year for maintenance.
Case 8 — Decision not to treat
Illustrative case of how sometimes the right answer is NO. The patient researched HIFU for «preventive aging» and had a January visit booked. The prior online consultation with Dr. Geldres concluded that, given baseline state (firm skin, no relevant laxity signs), HIFU wasn't yet indicated: the treatment doesn't add value when there's no real deterioration, and «prevention» with energy technologies isn't validated as a concept.
The recommendation: continue daily SPF 50+ skincare routine, consider gentle treatments like HydraFacial or light filler only if specific needs arose, and review again in 4-5 years if real changes appeared. The patient canceled the trip with gratitude for the honesty. Saying NO is also part of responsible medical advice.
Common patterns across cases
Without claiming to generalize or promise results, we observe consistent patterns in patients traveling from Chile to Elyzea:
- Typical first-visit age: 32-50 years. Cases outside this range exist (Case 7's mother, younger patients with specific concerns) but the average range is that.
- Most frequent treatments: facial HIFU, facial Morpheus8, hyaluronic acid, cryolipolysis, in approximate demand order.
- Average trip duration: 5-7 days. 3-4 day visits are possible but less common; 8-10 days correspond to more intensive treatments like CO₂ laser or combined protocols.
- Companion: ~60% travel accompanied, ~40% solo. Both options are fully manageable.
- Return: a significant proportion expresses intent to return for maintenance or new treatments. Not universal, and that's legitimate.
- Recovery during travel: most patients combine recovery with light tourism (Miraflores, Barranco, Lima gastronomy). Some prefer total rest. Read vacation in Lima with aesthetic treatments.
Why these cases matter (and why your case will be different)
The described cases are representative but not predictive. Each patient has a different baseline: biological age, skin type (Fitzpatrick I-VI), prior treatment history, habits (sun, smoking, exercise, hydration), hormonal variables, and individual genetics. Two 40-year-old patients with the same apparent laxity may respond very differently to the same treatment.
That's why the free prior online consultation is so important. In those 30-45 minutes, Dr. Geldres reviews your specific case, looks at photos you send (with consistent lighting), reviews your medical history, and designs an adapted plan — or, when appropriate, recommends doing nothing. The descriptions in this article are general context; the personalized plan is what matters.
Related reading
- 2026 Lima vs Santiago price comparison — how much you really save.
- Non-invasive aesthetic treatments in Lima for Chilean patients.
- How many days to stay in Lima per treatment?
- Hotels in Miraflores near the clinic.
- Return to Chile post-treatment care.
- Complete medical tourism guide from Chile to Lima.
- Medical tourism from Chile to Lima — executive summary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why don't you show before/after photos of patients?
By deliberate privacy choice. Most patients prefer their image not to circulate publicly.
How do I know these cases are real?
They are written summaries from Dr. Geldres's clinical practice with Chilean patients between 2024 and early 2026. Identifying details are omitted.
Will my results be the same as these cases?
Not necessarily. Results are specific to each patient. Your personal evaluation is the only way to have realistic expectations.
Can I speak directly with a patient who traveled from Chile?
Out of respect for privacy we don't facilitate direct contacts. Some patients occasionally agree voluntarily.
How long until results are visible?
Depends on treatment: HIFU 4-12 weeks; Morpheus8 6-12 weeks; fillers immediate with settling at 7-14 days; toxin 7-14 days; cryolipolysis 8-12 weeks.
Do Chilean patients usually return for more treatments?
A significant proportion does, for maintenance or new treatments. Not all return.
How do you handle complaints if results aren't as expected?
We set realistic expectations in prior consultation. If after treatment results weren't expected, we discuss in follow-up and define next steps if appropriate.
Are there cases where you recommended NOT traveling?
Yes. The consultation filters cases where travel isn't justified.
Do patients bring companions?
Approximately 60% do. The remaining 40% travel solo.
What treatment is most requested by Chilean patients?
Full-face HIFU and facial Morpheus8, followed by hyaluronic acid + toxin combos.