New to plastics forum - looking at my options (Sauceda patients)

This is my first post on the plastic surgery forum.  I had RNY 12/09/09 and am in a normal BMI range now.  My extra skin is driving me nuts... at least the upper legs and stomach are.  I have posted some photos in my profile and I think I have my setting set where you can see them.  I feel like a Sharpei! 

I saw a plastic surgeon today and he suggested a medial thigh lift and a tummy tuck.  It's super expensive though.  I have been reading here about Dr. Sauceda in Mexico.    My only question about seeing someone in Mexico is how does your follow up work?   Do you have to go back to him for a follow up?  Or do you see a doctor locally for follow ups? 

Thank you in advance! 

You arrange for a local ps or pcp to take care of follow  up before you go to him.  Sometimes it is hard to do.  I haven't been I'm still in the losing and saving stage but hope to go to  Dr. S.  if I can calm down family about it. 

Aftercare ... well it's virtual through email :)    Dr. S is always just a quick email away.   There is really nothing to be done unless you have wound issues that become infected etc.  With that you can only keep it clean and dry.  It shouldn't be stitched back closed.

That said ... it's important to get your PCP on board before doing this.    Be sure they will help you before by getting the needed tests ordered for your pre-op testing and helping you will drain / stitch removal should it be needed.  

I came home with 1 drain and stitches still in my thighs.  I ended up removing them by myself.   I had my hip open up about 4 weeks out once back home.   Sent pictures to Dr. S who told me what to do.  It's worked great and it's healing from the inside out.    

Should there be something that does not turn out well .... where a doc in the US will do a scar revision or small revision in his office .... You would need to go back to Mexico and if Dr. S agrees you need a revision from the way things settled then he does it at no cost to you for the clinic / hospital time or stay.   You would need to pay airfare and hotel.  

Have you joined his patient group here on OH?  Loads of info there.   Click his name in my siggy for the link.

Tom

I am a Dr S patient and am returning for Phase 2 in May.

I suggest checking with your health insurance prior to going to Mexico to make sure they will cover any complications once you return from Mexico - should you have one.  There are several who have had complications.  One was hospitalized for a week with major surgery and then on a wound pump.  Another had a very bad infection and had to be treated with IV abx for several weeks.  All this care could have cost thousands of dollars, but their insurance covered.  They both also had PCP's set up here in the states for any issues prior to going to Mexico.

Complications happen anywhere if you have plastic surgery, the main thing is to have your f/u care set up before you go.  Dr. S is available by email anytime when you return, but not everything can be covered with email. 

I left Mexico with stitches my arms after staying for 14 days and one of nurse friends removed them for me at 3 weeks.

It is very expensive but try to get your insurance to over the belly part... mine did with one letter... and because they are covering the front part im paying for the back (to make it a lower body lift) out of pocket for $4770. Most surgens will charge full price for the 1st plastic u pick then the 2nd and 3rd will be half price

Hi Jennifer, Thats super having an insurance that would pick up plastics.  Who is your insurance company???  Gail

I went to Dr Sauceda.  I wanted everything done at one time with one recovery time.  It worked well for me.  I'd talked with my PCP before going down and had her on board to order tests that I needed before surgery and for after care.  I came home with stitches in my thighs and from my breast lift.  Went into Kaiser and they removed all my stitches.  My PCP took a look at me and was surprised that I was even walking with all that I had done.  She was impressed with his work!  

I've sent Dr S emails about my drain, when I had it, and pics to see if I could get the stitches out.  Now, I have a hard spot on my cheek and he sent back a response about massaging and also info on a portable ultrasound machine that would help break up the scar tissue.  I haven't had any other trouble.  A couple of areas that are slow to scab over and heal, but they are slowly getting better, and no openings.