Question:
Has anyone had plastic surgery in Mexico?

I am 18 months post-op and am at the stage of researching reconstructive surgery. I will be self-pay and I am wondering if anyone has had reconstructive surgery in Mexico. What surgeon did you use? What were the costs? How was your experience? Were you happy with the results?    — Wendy R. (posted on June 20, 2003)

June 20, 2003
Just an FYI or something to thing about. If you have complications (like I did) and have to visit this doctor many times or the hospital are you able to do that easily?
   — ZZ S.

June 21, 2003
I know of a lady that did have a tummy tuck in Mexico, I plan to use her plastic surgeon....when I get to that point. She was very happy with her results. The doctor she used has a website that lists the ballpark cost as well. Here is the website!!!!!!!! Good luck to you. http://www.genesisclinic.com/genesisclinicframe.htm
   — jennap

June 21, 2003
SAN Z, sorry to hear you had such problems. I did have a TT in Mexico and used Dr.Gongora from the website already recommended. I didn't have any complications, as thankfully most people don't. But I was also intelligent about it. I stayed almost a week post op at the clinic and had made arrangements with both my doctors office and a surgeons office for follow up in case I needed it. For the poster of the question, I do totally recommend Dr. Gongora. He did an excellent job for me, his staff are loving, wonderful people, and his facility is very clean and nice. If you'd like to ask me any questions I'd be happy to answer.
   — Shelly S.

June 21, 2003
Surgery is a risk no matter what you have done or where. My post just points out make sure you plan for any complications. Nobody can say that there won't be ANY complications for EVERYONE. My doctor is competent and is the president of the PS association. He has been to many seminars and found that many wls post ops have blood/bleeding/healing problems. I know of 5 other people on the large group I'm on, that had different doctors who had some problems with the PS and had no problems with wls. This isn't personal against Mexico or any other doctor. Just a THINK about "what if" so you're planned well in advanced.
   — ZZ S.

June 21, 2003
SAN Z, personally I'm glad you brought up the subject. I don't think some people realize you need to make arrangements ahead of time for post op care with your family physician as well as with a local surgeon if you have surgery out of your area. Thats true of any surgery. And many people who have WLS, plastics, or whatever do have to travel for surgery, maybe not as far as to Mexico depending on where you live, but when its not nearby you do need to be smart about things and be prepared. I personally already assumed you were using a good surgeon as your profile mentions he performed a belt incision for your tummy tuck, not every doctor does that, usually only very experienced ones. Dr. Gongora used a similiar incision for me. Mine went hip to hip in the traditional smiley face fashion and then around the backside at my waist. I remember falling really hard post op (a belly flop!) and I was scared to death I had split my incision line open. Unlike you I didn't but I was very lucky. For me the nearest medical help when I'm home is over 20 miles away! I totally agree with you that even though complications, especially serious ones like you had, are rare you should be prepared. Although I removed my own drains I did see my family doctor for the stitches removal and from there I saw them weekly to follow up on a spot of cellulitis that showed up shortly thereafter. I never did have to see my local surgeon for any problems but still I had made arrangements ahead of time with them. If I made you feel as though I was dismissing your worry I'm sorry. I was just trying to combine by acknowledgment of your troubles at the same time I was answering the posters question. I'm like everyone here, excited to share information, especially when we think we've hit a gold mine - like a great PS you can afford.
   — Shelly S.