Brazilian model and influencer says she is very happy with the outcome of the procedure and highlights the care, medical follow-up, and sense of security throughout the entire process
Brazilian model and influencer Natali Mattos is entering a new phase after undergoing a facelift in Shanghai, China, with plastic surgeon Dr. Xiao Zhongye, a physician whose work focuses on facial rejuvenation, lifting procedures, precision facial contouring, and the repositioning of structures responsible for facial support.
At 42 and based in California, United States, Natali says she has been going through the recovery period with peace of mind and is extremely satisfied with how the results are progressing.
“I’m very happy with the result. There is still an entire recovery and healing process ahead, but I can already see changes that make me very satisfied. The most important thing for me was to improve certain aspects without losing my identity, and that is exactly what I am seeing happen,” she says.
According to Natali, the trust she built with the doctor even before the surgery played a key role in helping her feel secure throughout her recovery.
She discovered Dr. Xiao Zhongye’s work through social media and spent a long period researching his results, speaking with patients, and learning more about his professional background before deciding to travel to China.
“When you decide to have surgery, especially in another country, trust is everything. I did a lot of research, followed many of his results, and spoke with patients. When I finally met Dr. Xiao and had the opportunity to talk to him, I felt very safe and confident,” she says.
A Recovery Closely Monitored
For Natali, one of the aspects that contributed most to a positive experience was the follow-up care she received after the surgery.
From the first days of recovery, she says the doctor and his team remained closely involved, monitoring her progress, answering questions, and providing guidance throughout every stage of the postoperative period.
“At no point did I feel like I had the surgery and was then simply left on my own to recover. The follow-up is very close. They monitor your progress, ask how you are feeling, explain what is expected at each stage, and are always available,” she says.
The influencer highlights that this constant communication made a significant difference, especially during the first few days, when patients may experience swelling, temporary changes in appearance, and questions about the healing process.
“Having a team explain what is happening gives you a great deal of peace of mind. Every question I had was answered. It helps you understand that recovery is a process and that the results become more visible gradually,” she says.
Care That Built Trust
Beyond the hospital facilities and the surgical procedure itself, Natali says the level of patient care was one of the aspects that stood out most during her experience in Shanghai.
According to her, every detail was considered from the moment she arrived to make the surgical and recovery period as comfortable as possible.
“The care really impressed me. There is a great deal of attention given to the patient. It is not only about the medical side. They want to know if you are comfortable, whether you need anything, and how you are feeling. It is very attentive and very human care,” she explains.
During her stay in the city, the team arranged transportation between the hotel and the hospital, accompanied her during consultations, and also provided support to Natali’s husband, who traveled with her.
“You can feel that there is genuine concern for your well-being. They took care of me and also of my husband. That kind of attention makes a huge difference when you are far from home, in another country, going through a surgical procedure,” she says.
According to Natali, small gestures also contributed to making her feel cared for during recovery.
“I received flowers, the nurses were always asking if I needed anything, and the entire team was extremely kind and caring. They may seem like small details, but at a moment like this, they make all the difference,” she says.
A Relationship of Trust with Dr. Xiao Zhongye
Natali also highlights the relationship of trust she developed with Dr. Xiao throughout the entire process.
With more than 27 years of reported experience in clinical medicine and plastic surgery, Xiao Zhongye works primarily in the fields of facial rejuvenation and facial surgery. His areas of practice include facial lifting, facial contour definition, treatment of the midface, correction of nasolabial folds and marionette lines, treatment of hollow areas in the temples and cheeks, and procedures aimed at improving jawline definition.
The surgeon also has experience in microsurgery and supermicrosurgery and has completed advanced clinical training at medical institutions in China, including Shanghai Changhai Hospital, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, and Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital.
Another approach associated with his work is the so-called 9D Facelift, a methodology based on individualized planning that takes into account factors such as facial anatomy, aging patterns, tissue condition, previous procedures, and each patient’s specific goals.
Depending on the indication, the surgical plan may include midface lifting, treatment of the SMAS and deeper facial structures, facial contouring, autologous fat grafting, upper-face lifting, and deep plane facelift techniques.
For Natali, beyond technical experience, the way the doctor conducted the consultations and listened to her expectations was decisive.
“Dr. Xiao really listened to me. He understood exactly what bothered me and, at the same time, made it clear that the goal was not to change who I was. He wanted to preserve my features and work in a natural way,” she says.
Natali says this level of attention also helped her feel secure during the natural moments of anxiety that can arise during the postoperative period.
“When you trust your doctor, the recovery process feels completely different. You know there is a plan and that each stage is part of that process. I always felt very safe in his hands,” she says.
A Natural Result Was the Priority
From the beginning, Natali says her main concern was avoiding an excessive transformation.
She was looking for rejuvenation that would preserve her individual features without creating an artificial appearance.
“I didn’t want to look in the mirror and see another person. I wanted to continue looking like myself, only more rested, rejuvenated, and harmonious. I’m very happy because I feel that this goal is being achieved,” she says.
Although she is still following the progress of her postoperative recovery, the influencer says she can already see the results and feels satisfied with her decision.
“Every day you notice an improvement. The swelling gradually goes down, the face begins to settle, and you start to see the result more clearly. I am genuinely very happy,” she says.
An Experience That Exceeded Expectations
After going through the entire process, Natali says her experience in Shanghai changed her perception of medical care.
For her, the combination of trust in the surgeon, close follow-up, and attention from the team helped make the recovery process more comfortable and reassuring.
“I’ve had medical experiences in other places, but this level of care truly surprised me. From before the surgery until now, throughout my recovery, I have felt supported at every step,” she says.
The influencer emphasizes that the quality of care was just as important to her as the surgical technique itself.
“When you undergo surgery, you are not only looking for a good result. You also want to feel safe. You want to know that someone is following your progress and that, if you have any questions, you will receive an answer. That is exactly what I found here,” she says.
Natali says she now looks back on the experience with a deep sense of gratitude.
“I’m very happy with my recovery, very happy with the result, and extremely grateful to Dr. Xiao and his entire team. It was a decision that required a lot of research and trust, and today I am certain that I made the right choice,” she concludes.