POSTED UNDER Body Lift Reviews
Life-changing Surgery After Massive Weight Loss
ORIGINAL POST
Life-changing Surgery After Massive Weight Loss: Ethical, Safe, Reconstructive, and Deeply Human
WORTH IT
I am a 37yo male who lost about 130lb in roughly a year and a half. I have gained and lost weight my entire life, but this time I reached 280lb and when I dropped down to around 150 pounds, it became very clear that I was absolutely going to need skin removal surgery.
When I started consulting surgeons, I immediately ran into a problem: we were not on the same page. Many surgeons in the United States and elsewhere kept telling me I only needed a tummy tuck. That made no sense to me, because most of my excess skin and fat had always accumulated in my back. I clearly needed a lower body lift, not just an abdominoplasty. That disconnect was a deal-breaker for me.
That is when I specifically started looking for surgeons who specialize in after massive weight loss patients, and that is how I found Dr. Carmina Cárdenas.
From the moment I started watching her videos, something felt different. Her personality, warmth, and genuine care came through immediately. I watched many other surgeons’ content in the United States and internationally, and while many were technically skilled, their focus felt purely cosmetic, glossy, and impersonal.
Dr. Carmina felt different. In my opinion, she is not just a cosmetic surgeon. She is a reconstructive surgeon who truly reconstructs lives. Her goal is not artificial or plastic beauty, but helping people regain a natural, realistic, healthy version of themselves after massive weight loss. That impression was completely confirmed during my consultations with her and her team.
One of the biggest reasons I chose Dr. Carmina was her integrity. Other surgeons simply added procedures to my quote when I mentioned them. Dr. Carmina did the opposite. When I asked about gynecomastia surgery, she studied my case, explained why I did not need it, and reassured me. She even acknowledged body dysmorphia and helped me see things more clearly. We agreed to reevaluate months later instead of rushing into unnecessary surgery.
When I asked about combining a thigh lift with my lower body lift, she refused and explained why. She talked about safety, operative time limits, higher complication rates with thigh lifts, and how difficult the recovery would be if everything were done at once. Even though I wanted everything done at the same time, I appreciated that she prioritized my safety and long-term outcome over money. She quoted me based on what I medically qualified for, not simply what I asked for.
Her preoperative requirements were extensive, including blood work, ECGs, and cardiology clearance, and that alone made me feel safer than I ever did consulting surgeons in the United States.
Unlike every U.S. surgeon I consulted, who planned same-day discharge, Dr. Carmina’s care included one night in a first-class hospital followed by a nurse-staffed recovery house with meals, medications, and around-the-clock care. This level of aftercare is invaluable and something I would never have received in the United States without hiring private nurses myself.
The entire experience, from landing in San Diego to crossing into Tijuana, hospital visits, and recovery, was seamless and well coordinated. Her team is organized, professional, and incredibly kind.
Recovery was emotionally difficult, especially the first few days. I was not fully prepared for that, and I do recommend bringing a loved one if possible. That said, the nurses, coordinators, and Dr. Carmina’s team were constantly supportive and reassuring.
Even now, weeks later, I still have full post-operative support. I send photos, ask questions, and never feel abandoned after payment, which unfortunately is common elsewhere.
At four weeks post-op, I am still swollen, which is normal, but even now I can see the quality of her work. My incisions look amazing, my belly button looks great, and the symmetry and contouring are excellent. The more I learn about what was done and what was intentionally not done, the more convinced I am that she is an exceptional surgeon with a strong sense of balance, realism, and aesthetics.
Yes, she may be more expensive than some options in Tijuana, but what you are paying for is surgical skill, safety, ethical decision-making, structured aftercare, and ongoing support.
I also came back with a completely different perspective on Tijuana. It is a modern, medical-focused city with world-class facilities. The hospital where she operates is impressive, and it is clear she cares deeply about her city and its reputation.
If you are an after massive weight loss patient who can follow Dr’s instructions to the T, and are looking for someone who will truly see you, protect you, and help you reclaim your life, I cannot recommend Dr. Carmina Cárdenas enough. Going with my gut led me to the right decision.
Every day I look in the mirror, I feel grateful, and I cannot wait to see my final results.
When I started consulting surgeons, I immediately ran into a problem: we were not on the same page. Many surgeons in the United States and elsewhere kept telling me I only needed a tummy tuck. That made no sense to me, because most of my excess skin and fat had always accumulated in my back. I clearly needed a lower body lift, not just an abdominoplasty. That disconnect was a deal-breaker for me.
That is when I specifically started looking for surgeons who specialize in after massive weight loss patients, and that is how I found Dr. Carmina Cárdenas.
From the moment I started watching her videos, something felt different. Her personality, warmth, and genuine care came through immediately. I watched many other surgeons’ content in the United States and internationally, and while many were technically skilled, their focus felt purely cosmetic, glossy, and impersonal.
Dr. Carmina felt different. In my opinion, she is not just a cosmetic surgeon. She is a reconstructive surgeon who truly reconstructs lives. Her goal is not artificial or plastic beauty, but helping people regain a natural, realistic, healthy version of themselves after massive weight loss. That impression was completely confirmed during my consultations with her and her team.
One of the biggest reasons I chose Dr. Carmina was her integrity. Other surgeons simply added procedures to my quote when I mentioned them. Dr. Carmina did the opposite. When I asked about gynecomastia surgery, she studied my case, explained why I did not need it, and reassured me. She even acknowledged body dysmorphia and helped me see things more clearly. We agreed to reevaluate months later instead of rushing into unnecessary surgery.
When I asked about combining a thigh lift with my lower body lift, she refused and explained why. She talked about safety, operative time limits, higher complication rates with thigh lifts, and how difficult the recovery would be if everything were done at once. Even though I wanted everything done at the same time, I appreciated that she prioritized my safety and long-term outcome over money. She quoted me based on what I medically qualified for, not simply what I asked for.
Her preoperative requirements were extensive, including blood work, ECGs, and cardiology clearance, and that alone made me feel safer than I ever did consulting surgeons in the United States.
Unlike every U.S. surgeon I consulted, who planned same-day discharge, Dr. Carmina’s care included one night in a first-class hospital followed by a nurse-staffed recovery house with meals, medications, and around-the-clock care. This level of aftercare is invaluable and something I would never have received in the United States without hiring private nurses myself.
The entire experience, from landing in San Diego to crossing into Tijuana, hospital visits, and recovery, was seamless and well coordinated. Her team is organized, professional, and incredibly kind.
Recovery was emotionally difficult, especially the first few days. I was not fully prepared for that, and I do recommend bringing a loved one if possible. That said, the nurses, coordinators, and Dr. Carmina’s team were constantly supportive and reassuring.
Even now, weeks later, I still have full post-operative support. I send photos, ask questions, and never feel abandoned after payment, which unfortunately is common elsewhere.
At four weeks post-op, I am still swollen, which is normal, but even now I can see the quality of her work. My incisions look amazing, my belly button looks great, and the symmetry and contouring are excellent. The more I learn about what was done and what was intentionally not done, the more convinced I am that she is an exceptional surgeon with a strong sense of balance, realism, and aesthetics.
Yes, she may be more expensive than some options in Tijuana, but what you are paying for is surgical skill, safety, ethical decision-making, structured aftercare, and ongoing support.
I also came back with a completely different perspective on Tijuana. It is a modern, medical-focused city with world-class facilities. The hospital where she operates is impressive, and it is clear she cares deeply about her city and its reputation.
If you are an after massive weight loss patient who can follow Dr’s instructions to the T, and are looking for someone who will truly see you, protect you, and help you reclaim your life, I cannot recommend Dr. Carmina Cárdenas enough. Going with my gut led me to the right decision.
Every day I look in the mirror, I feel grateful, and I cannot wait to see my final results.
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