Gary Vela, MD, FACS

April 27 me operé con Dr Gary Vela. Me hice un extendido tummy tuck con lipo laterales y levantamiento con implantes! Estoy súper contenta con mis resultados y mi recuperación.Lo más bonito que la cicatriz son muy pequeñas. El Dr Gary Vela fue muy profesional y humilde siempre me escucho y me senti en buenas manos! Yo lo recomiendo!!!

Dr.Gary is profesional and personal, he will take the time to listen and explain you. He is one of the few surgeons that will do multiple surgeries at once, which is why I picked him. The day of the surgery he was assuring and calm. A few days after surgery he was available to answer any concerns, a few weeks after he disappear. I only had one follow up appointment in person the day after surgery. Now 4 months after surgery is when the imperfections are showing. Overall I am 80% happy with my athletic bbl and 50% happier with breast lift. My breast are not symmetrical and one is much bigger than the other. (Hard to tell in pictures)

Dr. Vela is great. I highly recommend him! On 12/28, I had a mini-tummy tuck and breast implant exchange to increase my bust size. Belcara is a wonderful facility and Dr. Vela has a caring and professional demeanor. I have had no complications at all and my recovery has been smooth all the way. Updated on 5 Jan 2023: I wanted to share a bit about my diet after surgery, in case it's useful for anyone. I think I've had pretty good results so far. ~Starting the night before surgery, I began fasting at 9pm. I continued liquid fasting for 96 hours, consuming green tea in the morning (caffeinated and high in antioxidants), rooibos tea in the evening (very soothing and high in antioxidants), and copious amounts of lemon water throughout the day. During his time, I took B12 and Vitamin C supplements. I also took the prescribed Oxycodone for pain on the day of surgery and the next day, alternating with ibuprofen. I continued with ibuprofen only on day 3 but discontinued all pain/anti-inflammation medications by the end of the day. I started ambling carefully around the house beginning on the evening after my surgery. My surgeon placed one Jackson-Pratt drain in the surgical site to eliminate excess fluids from the surgery. I was told to empty the drain bag regularly and measure the fluid it contained at specific intervals. The day of surgery, I collected about 5 ml on fluid in the drain, which was way less than the <20 ml I was told to expect. After that first day, I didn’t get more than 1 or 2 drops of blood (really, a pinprick’s worth) each day. By the third day, I wasn’t draining any fluid. I don’t know if this has something to do with the way the drain was inserted, the surgery performed, or my general constitution, but clearly I had no significant fluid retention. I’d like to think my liquid fasting, low sodium healing protocol had something to do with it. On Day 3 post-op, I introduced new liquids to my diet, drinking cold-pressed vegetable juices throughout the day. The juices included different combinations of kale, cucumber, celery, beet, parsley, spinach, ginger, young coconut water, and green apple. On Day 4, I added wheatgrass shots (superfood with mega-protein, chlorophyll), alternating a shot with my green juice and lemon water, and being careful to space my consumption of each liquid to ensure maximum nutrient absorption. I also went for my first acupuncture treatment to support blood circulation to the trunk of my body and breasts. This day also happened to be New Year’s Eve, so I must admit, I did indulge in some cheese, raw walnuts and olives that night, followed by two glasses of Champagne. But, as noted, I had stopped my pain meds on day two so I wasn’t really concerned about the consequences. On the evening of Day 4, I consumed beef bone broth for its amino acids, protein and anti-inflammatory effects. On Day 5, I had vegetable juice in the day plus broth, and I had homemade black bean soup with avocado slices, cilantro and sour cream for dinner. It was an unusually warm day for January in Baltimore, so I spent about 3 hours on my rooftop deck soaking in vitamin D from the sun (non-surgical areas only) and it was paradise. I took a wonderful walk in the park late afternoon and felt no pain or discomfort whatsoever. I hadn’t had a bowel movement because of all the liquid nutrition so the fiber in the beans was an utmost necessity! On Day 6, I continued juicing and had a late afternoon snack of raw walnuts (for fiber) and organic sauerkraut (a lot of it!), which I should have started eating sooner since it’s a powerful raw pro-biotic. I wanted to make sure to balance out my gut after taking the antibiotics prescribed by my doctor. Tonight, it’s green salad and senna tea (gentle natural laxative). I should mention that throughout my entire first week, I never really felt swollen in my torso area, though I had lots of swelling around my breast implants. The incisions below my breasts hurt but the swelling did not. Tomorrow, Day 7, I will resume my acupuncture for three consecutive days. I would have gone daily but they were closed for the New Year holidays. I am hoping that the acupuncture will accelerate healing by counteracting the sluggish energy and blood flow induced by the trauma of surgery and the 24/7 binding of my torso and breasts. Let me explain why I decided to focus on juice fasting. It was important to me to develop a treatment plan for myself that would optimize and accelerate my healing as much as possible. I wanted to wean myself off pain meds quickly while also detoxifying my system and lightening the pharmaceutical load on my liver. To give my immune system and other vital systems their best fighting chance, I knew fasting was the answer, with lemon juice (and its white blood cell producing power) as my number one ally. But healing requires lots of nutrition, too. So, I also decided that juice fasting would offer the most superior nutrient delivery system, supporting every cell in my body, since consuming a vegetable in juice form increases (by leaps and bounds!) the bioavailability of the minerals and vitamins contained within. In addition to the juices, the beans, bone broth and avocado were important because I wanted to do my best to support collagen production, which would help my severed muscles to repair themselves as well as feed my connective tissues. As every woman knows, collagen is also great for skin health, which we all need after major cosmetic surgery! Although my Week 1 healing journey wasn’t totally without pain and discomfort, I’m glad I took care of my body as I did. I feel great and am getting better every day. I will begin Week 2 of healing tomorrow, and after acupuncture I’ll be heading to the gym for a long, slow walk on the treadmill. I have no doubt that my final results will be fantastic, thanks to a great surgical team, my own positive attitude, the support of loved ones in my life, and adherence to a nutrient-dense raw juice healing method. I hope this post-op food diary is helpful to someone.

Had a BBL two days ago with Dr Vela. My body looks incredible, highly recommend!!! He is a GREAT surgeon who truly cares about his patients. I will continue to see Dr. Vela in the future for any other elective surgery work I may want.

I had been contemplating getting a tummy tuck for quite sometime because after my hysterectomy and being over 50, my stomach started to do something I could never have imagined. I worked out and dieted and lost 20lbs but still my stomach would not cooperate. I went to see Dr. Vela about a rhinoplasty a few years ago so I was familiar with him as a surgeon and his office so it was a no brainer when i decided I wanted a tummy tuck. I wasn't sure about the scarring, the pain and the cost but Let me just say everyone of my expectations were met from consultation to pricing, recovery to results! I only needed 1 drain, I was up and about in about a week, enough talk I'll show you where I am now 10 months later.

Dr Vela and the whole staff at Belcara are simply amazing! Some of the kindest people you will EVER meet in your life! I am beyond thrilled with my Mommy Makeover results and thank god I did this! I now recommend everyone there.

I had a great experience with Dr. Vela. He is very thorough during the consult and pre-op appointments and make sure I had realistic expectations of the results. He was not trying to upsell me on a procedure that wasn't needed and offered options that would result in a good result with a reasonable price. During my pre-op, I decided to switch the original plan and opt for a lower body lift and I am glad that I made the switch. In addition to the LBL, I had chin lipo and back lipo. The results are great and I will be contacting him soon for a 2nd round. I chose him from online reviews and his experience with patients with a higher BMI. I had WLS 10+ years ago and was finally ready for surgery to address certain areas.

Throughout a year of research and reviews I wanted to look for a Surgeon to enhance my natural body shape. I needed massive skin removal from weight loss. I chose Dr. Gary Vela who has over 20 years experience and Board certified. He personally takes the time, dedication and care to help guide and navigate his patients throughout their journey of plastic surgery. When speaking with Dr. Vela you can understand his passion for his profession and the comfort and confidence he provides his patients during a very nervous time. He calmed me and gave me confidence and control before surgery, after surgery he gave me back love for myself which I never thought could be possible. I highly recommend Dr. Vela for his passion, care and experience.

Dr Vela at belcara health is great. The entire staff is amazing and friendly and incredibly helpful. I'm 4 days post op and besides minor discomfort, I'm feeling good. First post op appt is Tuesday!!! Updated on 23 Jul 2019:

Hi ! I'm a 40 yr old married, mother of 2 children (19 and 10) , and 2 pups! Back in 2012 I was at my heaviest which was 331 pounds, that year I had WLS(sleeve), and I dropped down to 200 pounds within a year and 3 months. From 2013 to about 2 months ago,I have crept up the scale to 247! I decided enough was enough and I went back to basics- protein first, veggies next, and if I have room carbs ( I hardly ever have room for the carbs). I still have restriction in my sleeve so I never over eat, but I was eating everything I shouldn't have... and frequently. My goal weight is to get down 210 by June 28th which is my surgery. My surgery is my motivator for me to eat right and lose this weight... because who wants to spend almost 20 grand for a result that won't look as good? So, I'm getting the fleur de lis tt, BL/BA, and aggressive lipo to my thighs (dr made me understand that I may need a part 2 for thigh lift). I am so ready for the body I've always wanted! I will update with pics of me without clothes - yuck and sorry for the image that will be burned in your retinas lol! PS. You wonderful ladies who have been posting have such a huge help for me- thank you all from the bottom of my heart! Updated on 6 Jun 2017: So, I started this week taking an herbal medication to help with my blood chemistry and help my metabolism. So , I'm always thirsty! Lol, this is a good think because I can go through an entire day with only drinking 8 oz of water. Not now... now I'm getting 120 oz of water where 32 oz is my unsweetened tea! I hope this helps with my weight loss goal. I also had a come to Jesus meeting with myself about eating healthier. I got this! I'm determined! Plus all of you beautiful ladies that have made it to the Updated on 6 Jun 2017: Today I had my pre-op, took my before photos with the photographer, met with the nurse to go over the procedure, talked about upping the size of my implants from 350 to 400. I also made my final payment... shewww, there goes my savings. I was up all night wondering if I would back out and just keep the money , but in all honesty, this is something that I wanted to do for YEARS.. I worked hard to lose this weight, albeit I gained some back. I'm excited, nervous... so many emotions. I also know that afterwards I need to give my body enough to heal... well guys, it's real, this is happening, no turning back!! June 28th can't get here fast enough! Updated on 19 Jun 2017: Ughhh , these emotions!!! One minute I'm excited as can be, the next minute I'm thinking like I'm making mistake. We just bought our first home, so I feel guilty that the money I'm spending on my surgery should be saved for in case of issues with the house. I'm just ball of nerves... Updated on 24 Jun 2017: Getting closer guys!! Today while I was in the shower I was shaving, when it was time to shave my vajayjay.. you know , lift up the fat flap with one hand while trying to maneuver the shaver with the other... I thought to myself: although this is a great work out, I can not wait til I'll be able to do this without the struggle!! Well, here are some more photos.. I'll try to put up breast shots tomorrow. I've opted on 400 ccs to go along with my small breast lift. I've lost so much tissue there with the weight loss! Updated on 28 Jun 2017: See you on the flat side!! Pics of my elated size C!! Updated on 30 Jun 2017: Hi lovelies!! Well, I made it to the flat side! I barely remember anything coming home after surgery! So, day after surgery was wow!! My breasts don't bother me at all, but my stomach and thighs are very sore! Never knew how much I used my stomach muscles. I'm totally fine when laying down. But when I try to get off my recliner... yikes!! I cannot wait to see Dr Vela's art work on my body! I am in my compression garment and that's feels good to me, I did take my compression socks off cause they hurt. So, the must have items that are great for me during recovery are, cough drops, recliner, xlarge doggy pads, tons of pillows, and my protein shakes, stool softener and laxatives. Still waiting for the brown fairy to help me out! Lol I tried to take a handful of medicine atone time and stared to choke because water went down wrong pipe... omg, coughing was excruciating !! It felt like I was splitting open! I also ended up with one drain. That doesn't bother so much. Today, I'm a little sore, my breasts are a little more sore today. My thighs from lipo feel like they're burning. My Dr ended up using 375cc mentor memory gel smooth high profile implants. I just cannot wait to see my body!! Updated on 2 Jul 2017: The pain is becoming better and better being manageable. The coughing I get is annoying, it just comes and go, but when I do cough it hurts oh so bad- but that pain is getting less and less too. I make sure to ge t up and walk ,walk,walk. It does me feel good, and exhausts me at the same time. I really really want to sleep on my side. When I get up I am hunched over , but then I am ale to stand up a little better. The lipo sections are still pretty sore and the compression garment cuts into them. I feel like I could wear a smaller compression garment for my tummy. Well I unzipped my garment and tries to take a pic, seems like myright breast is higher- or outmost be cause I used my right arm to take a pic ,Idk.. hopefully it will all fall in place once swelling goes down. Talk to you all soon! Updated on 2 Jul 2017: M adding these pre weight loss pictures so that way I can remember where I began... and how far I've come,especially if and when I hit that time during my healing where I ask myself"was this really worth it, or,why did I do this". Updated on 4 Jul 2017: So, I finally took a shower! I felt so gross and I just wanted to shave!! lol I definitely did not do it alone because as soon as I took my cg off, I felt dizzy and just weird and I wanted to make sure I wouldn't fall. I tried to shower quickly because I didn't want to swell so much and then it be difficult to put my cg back on! I just wanted to cry at how different I looked! Belly is gone!! Yea , I have swell hell- but even swollen i think it's just amazing! I'm so glad that I listened to Dr Vela and went with the fleur de lis tt, yes I'll have that visible scar.. but I'll wear it with pride! M just so happy! Tomorrow is my first po appt: hopeful that they will change the tapes. I'm already prepared to hear that the drain will have to stay. Good night ladies!! Updated on 9 Jul 2017: So I woke up this morning around 3:30 a.m to my left arm being wet. I immediately realize that my garment under the left breast incision is soaked ! I unzip my cg and I see that there is a clear pink tint liquid leaking from under my steri strips of my left breast! I have no pain, no fever, it doesn't smell... but holy crap it's leaking. I immediately call the office and leave a message for the on call Dr. not even 3 minutes go by and Dr Vela calls me back, he tells me that what is going on is that there is a fluid that's formed that normally gets absorbed by my body , but instead it fond an opening to come out of- my incision. He says that it is ok, and to just put gauze and let it come out. That when I shower , I can apply some pressure and let the fluid work itself out. I'm putting my faith in him and I will not freak out.. I mean I am a little lol. The things that run through my mind are 1. If fluid can come out, then an infection can easily get in... 2. Capsular implant issue... 3. Infected pocket leading to implant removal, wash the breast pocket out and implant and put back in. Or hopefully.. 4. After reading majority RS questions on similar issue as myself- Seroma liquid that will slow , and the incision will heal just fine and the breast will be just fine Just like Dr Vela said! I'm hoping it's #4. At my first po appt on 6/5, Lisa - who is awesome, said that my left breast was a little higher than the right, and that I was still quite swollen. She showed me how to massage it to help guide it to start dropping. Maybe the massage caused it? My left breast was a little bigger ... but didn't think nothing of it because I'm still so early out of my procedure. Well, I will shower in a little bit when I get enough courage to take my cg off and the maxi pads I have on my incision and do what Dr Vela said. I hope it is done leaking. Ughhh... I'm so ready to just take these steri strips off and scrub my self clean. But I won't- I will be good and follow the healing Plan my Dr has for me. Thanks for listening RS sisters... to be continued Updated on 12 Jul 2017: So yesterday I had an appt to follow up about the leaking issue had with my left breast, as well as my belly button not looking right. It was white on the edges and it was seeping too. I also would catch a Whiff of something every once in awhile. So I was freaking out that I was in the process of getting infections. Well, I am a worse case scenario , Time to freak out, better write out my will right now yep of person lol, I immediately think my breast is infected and I'll need to get it out to wash out pocket and my belly button is getting necrosis. But I relaxed and waited to see what true medical people would say lol. . So, I go to my appt and awesome Lisa is there o assess because Dr Vela had an emergency at North West hospital. She says my breasts look great, the fluid that needed out was done. My belly button was spitting out a stitch , so she took that out. She said the "white" that I'm seeing is the body's glue.. I also told her about I was just starting to seep a little from my "T" junction where my vertical and horizontal cuts meet. She took the tape off, and said that the tape is interfering with the healing. She took pics to send tight to Dr Vela. She cleaned the wounds with saline and only put gauze in that area. She said Dr Vela answered back and said the wind is not infected just "angry" looking , but that we will treat it right away. So I am on another round of antibiotic "Cipro" , 2xs a day and an ointment " silvadene 2xs a day. I also was able to take the drain tube out, thy o not like it in for more than 2 weeks. Lisa warned me that I old probably experience leaking in that area. Now- later on that night I went grocery shopping, and to Walmart. Came home, took my first dose of Cipro. Holy moly. I fil out of it, then I started getting chills and I was so cold, but I was sweating so much. I took my temp and it was between 100-101.. that was with me being on Tylenol and Motrin very 3 hours! I was miserable. That was around 830 pm. Also I was really leaking clear fluid from my t junction wound , not my drain hole... I had to put a dog pad under the wound to collect it. It was only leaking bad if I moved around or put any pressure in my stomach area like sitting on the potty. By 230 a.m I felt much better no fever. Still leaking a little. Then I went to sleep. When I woke up this morning for work, the leaking started back up again, not as heavy as yesterday but enough to where I'm just staying home and relaxing. And what the hell would I wear to cover the bunched up doggy pad I have under my underwear waist band? I also took another dose of Cipro- much better no chills, no fever. I'm really wondering if he first dose was just killing something and getting it out of my body and that's why I reacted like that? Well I'm taking it easy. I have a f/u in 1 week , I could go sooner but I wanted to get the meds in my system first to see if it works. RS sisters- I really do hope this all pays off in the end because this is craziness. I've had brain surgery and compared to this, it was a piece of cake! Ughhh. Updated on 12 Jul 2017: So here's a pic of the skin Dr Vela removed! See my tattoo on the bottom right lol- it's supposed to be a Chinese dragon. Also to give idea of how much skin - there's a white ruler right next to skin flap on the top right!! Wish I asked them to weigh it! Updated on 15 Jul 2017: So I've been taking my antibiotics (Cipro) and apply the silvadene cream 2xs a day on my wound. I've also been taking pictures each day just to see if there's any improvement. I've heard that it gets worse before better when wound seperation starts to heal, but honestly I'm freaking out because I feel like it's getting wider and now there's holes... Im officially in freak out mode. I have an appointment this Tuesday coming up with my Dr so he can see how this round of treatment is working after 1 week. I also am getting ready to send 5 days worth of pictures to Lisa so that she can see and assess before I get there Tuesday. I can do this right? This is all worth it right? What if I need revision ... I've used all my funds to have this surgery.. I didn't put aside to account for set backs.. I'm just worried. I love my Dr and I'm putting my trust in him. Maybe I'm just over reacting . Jumping the gun... but I just can't help it, I'm a worry wart. Updated on 18 Jul 2017: So I had my follow up appt for Dr Vela to check on my progress of the wound. Good news is- it's not infected- bad news is- I do have to go and have a small surgery hopefully this Friday so that he can cut back some of the tissue and the re-stitch me. He said I will need to be put back under but that it won't take more than 30 minutes. He explained that the type of TT I had done (fleur de lis) the T -Junction where the 2 scars meet tends to be weak and a separation can happen- and that's what happened to me. Dr Vela told me that this minor operation will not delay my healing time, and that the leaking will stop too. I trust hm, I always did. Just was a little sad that I had this bump in the road, I wanna wear pretty panties like the other sexy hot mommas lol. On a really happy note my vertical scar from my breast to above my bb is so thin and flat- looks great! And the scar from my hips until they hit the yucky part in the middle are nice as thin and flAt! Updated on 22 Jul 2017: Hi! So yesterday I had my wound revision with Dr Vela. I met him at St. Joe's and got all patched up and went home around 730 pm. All was good , slept good that night with a pain pill. I woke o today, no pain.. just sore,I only get up to use the restroom. Well part of my incision that is taped bled. But only when I get up. I can shower today , so tonight.. i will shower and if it still makes me feel like something is wrong I'll call my dr. He said their could be some discharge , but I don't know if he meant like that yellow oozy stuff that came out before surgery or blood? I guess lol feel even better after I put my compression garment back on after my shower. I'll post a pic of what my wound looked like right before surgery. Next week I'll be able to get the sutures out- hopefully. Updated on 25 Jul 2017: So here's a pic of what my other scars look like so far- I think they are great and soon the part of incision that opened up will look just as good! Updated on 4 Aug 2017: Hi! Soooo,I had a small revision surgery where I was pt under to get patched up on jul 22. I was fine.. no major pain, just a little stinging, burning feeling. I stayed in bed for 3 days, only getting up to use bathroom. I didn't have too.. but I just did it just to be safe. Fast forward to today... my incision is just fighting the healing. I went this past Tuesday for my follow up , and there is no infection, and Dr V said let's give it another week, as it is no where near as bad as last time. So hopefully it will close up. I just hope it closes , there's one spot that looks like is getting deep.. but idk. Regardless, I trust my Dr, and I LOVE my results! I snapped a few pics of this morning. I was able to take the tape off from around my nipples! My areola's are small!! Lol they were so big before lol. I'm definitely happy! Updated on 6 Aug 2017: Tried on pair of jeans today... it looked great- no stomache overhang , but 30 minutes into wearing them... I was dying!!! I swelled up so much!! I am so glad I had a long shirt on, cause I unzipped and unbuttoned lol!! I even had my CG on.. it was insane! I guess when I wear my sundresses or my yoga pants I do t realize how swollen I get. Updated on 21 Aug 2017: Hi! So My incisions are finally healing after my revision! They do still seep a little, I only have to use one dressing. I'm still super swollen- by midday Im miserabley swollen! I'm still loving my results! I am putting Maderma on the scars that did not split open. IM loving my results- swelling and all! Ty Dr Vela and thank you RS sisters for sharing your journey as well as advice to me! I've been released for light workouts- as long as I don't put strain in my incision. Time to see if I can get some abs and do something with these legs of mine! Updated on 14 Jan 2018: Hello everyone! So I’m about 7 months out and love my results... but the only thing im not happy about is that after I had my Mommy makeover, my voice was very hoarse, it was hard to speak.. and it wold cut in and out.. oh and I wold be breathless and get tired of trying to talk. My Dr said to give it Time .. well at each visit it was the same and finally army 3 mo he said to make an appt with an ent to get checked. Well , getting an appt for an ent or better be prepared to wait. So finally in Dec I had my appt. it was discovered that I have a paralyzed left vocal chord. Has this ever happened to anyone? I have another appt soon to go over my cat scan results and barium swallow tests that I have. I’m just scared that this will be permanent. I hate talking now, no one can understand me cause I have to whisper, and to top it off it affects my job because I’m in marketing- I have to head a few meetings a month and it’s so embarrassing trying to talk. I even asked for medical paperwork from anesthesia to see if something happened , but nothing weird I see (I’ll bring with me to ent so she can go over), and my dr is stumped. He said in all of his career nothing like that has happened. I’m pretty scared.