Traveled from San Francisco to FL for the Perfect Body! - Aventura, FL

I am about 2.5 months post-op from liposuction on my upper and lower abs, upper and lower back, and flanks. I couldn't be happier with my results. It was a big risk for me to travel from San Francisco to Florida to see Dr. Salama, but I definitely made the right decision.

I was originally going to get a BBL, but due to my job (desk job, long hours), I decided that I just couldn't do the butt part. So instead of fat injections I just made sure that Dr. Salama paid close attention to sculpting my body in that area so it looked like my butt was larger and more shapely. He did an amazing job. I get compliments on my new body constantly. He kept some of my hips, made my waist very small, and definitely sculpted my lower back for that S curve, even without a BBL.

I do have to say that the recovery was extremely long and very emotional. So for any of you considering this procedure know that it is NOT easy. It especially made it difficult that I was traveling to another state. Although, Dr. Salama and his office was extremely responsive and caring throughout the entire procedure and time I was in Florida (I stayed for 10 days). Nomi was very helpful and the other girls were great. Dr. Salama also made sure to make himself available anytime I had a question, which was great. He even answered my calls and texts when I went back to California.

The recovery from the procedure itself was very difficult. I was in a lot of pain the first few weeks and I am still sore at almost 3 months post op. In fact, I JUST stopped wearing my garment and foams 24/7. I sometimes wear a Leonisa seamless garment during the day and if I am sore the foams at night. This seems to help. The worst part of the whole process by far was those awful drains! The one on my back got irritated (very painful) and I had to get it taken out early. The front drain was in for about 2.5 weeks. So I had to travel back to CA with it. Makes it very difficult to move around. When I got home I actually removed it myself after the fluid got down to the right amount. I thought that would be tough, but it was actually very easy. Dr. Salama gave me specific instructions.

When I got back home I got lymphatic massages about twice a week, which was very helpful. And at 8 weeks I started to do endermologie a couple of times per week, which has also helped with the bumps and swelling. I do have a few bumps here and there, but I am still swollen so I have high hopes they will go away.

There were definitely many times during the recovery that I regretted my decision, but now that I am finally on the other side I wouldn't change it for anything. I am so happy with my new body in every way.

I have always been thin. I have large breasts, curvy hips, and no ass! As I have gotten older it has harder to remain as thin as I was in my 20s and my butt has definitely gotten a bit flatter and flabbier. I work out and no change. After having liposuction on my arms and upper back last year, I decided I wanted to do a BBL. My husband was also very supportive of the decision and was definitely into me improving the shape and projection of my behind. Plus, the added benefit of having just a shapelier figure in general. I live in Northern California and there aren't many doctors there that are very experienced in the BBL procedure. I as going to go back to the same Dr. that did my arms, but I decided that since I was spending SO much money on it anyways that I would travel. And Miami seemed like the place to be!I contacted Dr. Salama, Dr. Mendieta, in addition to Dr. Jimerson and Dr. Cortes. A note here, Dr. Salama's office was the FIRST to get back to me and check my photos and he was by far the busiest Dr, which was impressive. Nancy, the patient coordinator informed me that he was booked out until March 2014!! Insane. I waited for the other Dr responses and they were very slow to get back to me. I heard from Dr. Mendieta and Dr. Cortes next. i was definitely interested in Mendieta, but if I didn't book my appointment to come in before December 2013 his prices would go up to $14,000!! So beware ladies. I was looking more for 2014 surgery, so that didn't work out. I also liked Dr. Cortes' staff, but I figured that I should go to the best in the country, which is Dr. Salama. And Dr. Jimerson's office never got back to me.When I booked with Nancy, she was very kind, patient, informative, and best of all RESPONSIVE! I really like when people respond to my emails right away and call me back. Unresponsiveness is the worst, so Nancy really impressed me. It also impressed me how detailed her explanation was of the process and what I would need. Not even my previous Dr. in CA who did my lipo did all of that. So I have a lloooooonnngggg time to go, but I am very excited!! It will be worth the wait.