José and Sonia, a married couple from Grover Beach, California, have shared a life together for over 30 years. Friends since childhood and high school sweethearts, they’ve now added a unique chapter to their love story—by choosing to undergo plastic surgery at nearly the same time.
Rather than celebrating turning 50 with a party or travel, Sonia decided to give herself what she called “the gift of looking new again.” José, 54, eventually agreed to join her, making the decision a shared journey in transformation.
A Shared Step into the Operating Room
The couple visited Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon Dr. Carl Truesdale in September 2024. Dr. Truesdale is known for achieving remarkable cosmetic results, including on his own mother.
Sonia, 51, already had some experience with cosmetic procedures. As a wellness center manager, she had tried Botox, fillers, and even a “mommy makeover” in the past. But this time, she wanted something more permanent.
“José and I were very open about it,” she told People magazine months after her surgery. “Turning 50 felt like the right time.”
José, on the other hand, had never undergone any cosmetic treatments. As the founder of a construction company, he had always been supportive of his wife’s choices, but he never considered doing anything for himself—until Sonia suggested they do it together.
“She said, ‘You’ve always taken care of me. Why don’t we take care of each other?’” José recalled.
Keeping It Low-Key from Family
The couple decided to keep their plans private, especially from their adult children—a 30-year-old son and a 24-year-old daughter.
“I told them I was just doing a neck lift,” Sonia said. “I didn’t want them to worry about me being under anesthesia for too long.”
In reality, Sonia’s procedures included a neck lift, fat grafting, removal of cheek fat pads, a lip lift, an eyelid lift, and a lower eyelid pinch to remove extra fat. José also underwent face and neck surgery, but kept the decision a surprise even from Sonia until shortly before the procedure.
Staggered Surgeries, Shared Recovery
Sonia had her surgery first, spending nearly half a day on the operating table. José followed with a six-hour procedure the next day. The cost of Sonia’s surgery came to around $60,000, while José’s cost approximately $30,000.
After surgery, each was monitored closely by medical staff. José did experience a minor issue near one of his ear drains, a device used to remove fluid from surgical areas. According to the Cleveland Clinic, untreated issues with such drains can cause hematomas. Fortunately, the complication was addressed without further problems.
The Challenges of Healing Together
Recovery was difficult, especially without additional help at home.
“Everything had to be done carefully,” José said. “We were both recovering and couldn’t support each other physically.”
Still, the emotional support they gave each other made a big difference. They shared antibiotics, helped manage each other’s medications, and even gave each other lymphatic massages to speed healing.
“It wasn’t a normal kind of date, but I really enjoyed the time with him,” Sonia said.
A Fresh Look and a Renewed Spirit
A few days after surgery, the couple revealed their new looks to each other. It was a powerful moment.
“I was stunned,” José said of seeing Sonia. Sonia, equally impressed, added, “His neck looks amazing.”
The couple said they already felt confident before surgery, but now they feel re-energized. “New and renewed,” is how Sonia put it. “We just wanted to look happy and energetic—not tired. These procedures helped us do that.”
Looking Forward, Not Back
For now, the couple has no immediate plans for more surgery, but they say they’re open to future procedures if needed. Until then, they’re enjoying their routine—weekly sushi nights and time with friends.
Their surgeon, Dr. Truesdale, said José and Sonia were the first couple he’s ever treated together, and he described the experience as “really special.”
“They are the definition of couple goals,” he told People. “I always say couples who do plastic surgery together stay together. They supported each other through it all, and I knew I had to deliver amazing results. Double the love, double the joy.”
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