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*Treatment results may vary
An unexpectedly long and challenging process + more info after my 2nd round with another surgeon
Despite my initial positive review, in the interest of disclosure, I do need to provide some updates to those wondering how things progressed. After 15 months, it became clear that I had developed problematic fibrosis despite adhering impeccably to the post surgical recommendations - 3 months 24/7 in a faja, daily massages for the first month, and then subsequent massages till months 3-4. My skin is thick, and thus it didn't have an obviously "cobbled" appearance, but to the touch, it was very obvious that something was irregular under the skin and lent my abdomen a chubby appearance.
Because I ended up getting a burn from the red-light during a massage (from the therapist he sent me), this presented an issue for the aftercare, and kind of turned into a comedy of errors...Because I had an entire area that could not be massaged properly, thanks in part to my skin reacting a red lamp they placed too close.
The nurses are very dedicated and committed to their patients but after spending more time in the BBL community, and studying the mechanics of lymphatic drainage, it's clear that the standard practice in Colombia is OVER compression. My body stopped responding to the drainage massages because the faja was just too tight - it would take me nearly an hour to buckle myself into it, and this was heralded as being the solution to any potential post-surgical issues, more compression, more compression...along with extremely aggressive massages, which often entailed drawing fluid out with a syringe. I know different practitioners have different beliefs around the safety of this practice, but for me, it didn't yield a positive result, so I can only share the experience I had first-hand, and the results which came from it.
I did get breast implants with a lift, 4 months after my BBL (also with Garcia). This dumped a MASSIVE amount of fluid back into my abdomen, because the surgery was done without drains. My lymphatic system was already massively taxed after being over compressed for 3 full months, and my waist never returned to the previous size it had been prior to the BA, despite my having remained at a stable weight.
Garcia did a great job on the breast lift. but I recently did get a second round of BBL and was told I had some of the worst fibrosis ever seen in the 20 years of practice by the other surgeon. I don't know whether I can directly fault Garcia's surgical technique, or whether my circumstances were unique, given the subsequent breast surgery, the over-compression, and burn that inhibited proper massage of a specific part of my abdomen, but in spite of my previous enthusiasm, I can't say it was an easy (or fully rewarding) experience now that time has passed.
To his credit , Garcia did provide me with a nice foundation for the next surgeon to work with, but I did end up getting buttock implants to round out the shape at the top of my butt considering the heaviness of the fat ended up giving a wider and lower appearance than would have been ideal...And this revealed a huge amount of fat which had been injected deeply into the gluteal muscle, a technique which I did not think Garcia used.
I'm grateful that I experienced no greater complication than an expenditure of money, some pain, and physical / psychological labor, which does support the general census that Garcia is considered a safe surgeon but my latest surgeon was shocked at the amount of fat he found in the gluteal muscle...I'm not sure Garcia used an ultra sound guided technique, to make this safer, or if I was a unique case, but to anyone considering a surgery with Garcia - do with this knowledge what you will to make an informed choice. Some dolls have incredible results, but my journey didn't end in Colombia, despite my unwavering commitment to doing everything in my power to protect and maintain my results. Another surgery was still needed, which I'm in the process of healing from.
Because I ended up getting a burn from the red-light during a massage (from the therapist he sent me), this presented an issue for the aftercare, and kind of turned into a comedy of errors...Because I had an entire area that could not be massaged properly, thanks in part to my skin reacting a red lamp they placed too close.
The nurses are very dedicated and committed to their patients but after spending more time in the BBL community, and studying the mechanics of lymphatic drainage, it's clear that the standard practice in Colombia is OVER compression. My body stopped responding to the drainage massages because the faja was just too tight - it would take me nearly an hour to buckle myself into it, and this was heralded as being the solution to any potential post-surgical issues, more compression, more compression...along with extremely aggressive massages, which often entailed drawing fluid out with a syringe. I know different practitioners have different beliefs around the safety of this practice, but for me, it didn't yield a positive result, so I can only share the experience I had first-hand, and the results which came from it.
I did get breast implants with a lift, 4 months after my BBL (also with Garcia). This dumped a MASSIVE amount of fluid back into my abdomen, because the surgery was done without drains. My lymphatic system was already massively taxed after being over compressed for 3 full months, and my waist never returned to the previous size it had been prior to the BA, despite my having remained at a stable weight.
Garcia did a great job on the breast lift. but I recently did get a second round of BBL and was told I had some of the worst fibrosis ever seen in the 20 years of practice by the other surgeon. I don't know whether I can directly fault Garcia's surgical technique, or whether my circumstances were unique, given the subsequent breast surgery, the over-compression, and burn that inhibited proper massage of a specific part of my abdomen, but in spite of my previous enthusiasm, I can't say it was an easy (or fully rewarding) experience now that time has passed.
To his credit , Garcia did provide me with a nice foundation for the next surgeon to work with, but I did end up getting buttock implants to round out the shape at the top of my butt considering the heaviness of the fat ended up giving a wider and lower appearance than would have been ideal...And this revealed a huge amount of fat which had been injected deeply into the gluteal muscle, a technique which I did not think Garcia used.
I'm grateful that I experienced no greater complication than an expenditure of money, some pain, and physical / psychological labor, which does support the general census that Garcia is considered a safe surgeon but my latest surgeon was shocked at the amount of fat he found in the gluteal muscle...I'm not sure Garcia used an ultra sound guided technique, to make this safer, or if I was a unique case, but to anyone considering a surgery with Garcia - do with this knowledge what you will to make an informed choice. Some dolls have incredible results, but my journey didn't end in Colombia, despite my unwavering commitment to doing everything in my power to protect and maintain my results. Another surgery was still needed, which I'm in the process of healing from.
Gave Me the Bombshell Body of my Dreams!
There's no middle ground - BBL surgery can be either the best or worst decision one makes, depending upon what doctor you choose, and I'm so incredibly fortunate that for my first body surgery, the stars aligned and I found Dr. Hector Garcia. He is not only an exceptionally talented surgeon, but also an extraordinarily honest and ethical man, and I feel so grateful for his talents in creating my new body.
I feel very fortunate that I had a such a positive experience overall, but for anyone else coming from overseas, I'll break down some of the details in depth to help alleviate anyone else's concerns.
I'm located in the USA but have had one international surgery prior (a rhinoplasty procedure in Istanbul) but this was my first time visiting Colombia. Initially, I was scared because I was traveling with a considerable amount of cash, but if you are coming into the country with a sum that exceeds $10,000, just know you have to declare it with customs, and you'll be totally fine. There are outdated entries online that state any amount over $10,000 will be seized, but you just need to declare it, show that it's for a valid, legal purpose (surgery), and you'll be totally fine (as of my experience in March 2023).
They have a wonderful network of talented and caring nurses, a driver, and incredible office staff to make the experience as seamless as possible. Jessica, the coordinator, speaks perfect English and is extraordinary patient - even putting up with my endless questions and neurotic concerns, she's very helpful.
Dr. Hector speaks perfect English and is a good natured, humble and really nice person - he'll be honest with you about what can and can't be done, and actually talked me out of two procedures I wanted because I wasn't a good candidate. He truly cares about his patients as people and individuals, and isn't only about "the money," as is all too common here in the USA...I expressed I wanted a "vixen look" as I had gained a considerable amount of weight (25 pounds over 6 months) in anticipation for the surgery. He said he'd do his best and in the end, I was amazed with my results (currently 5.5 weeks post-op).
The surgical experience itself was seamless - the anesthesiologist is really talented and they take every precaution to screen you for any problems and ensure you have a smooth experience. I have extremely sensitive skin so had a few minor snafus which were unavoidable, but my nurses, Alexandra and Marie Angelica (for my 24 hour shifts, they alternated) watched everything very closely and made sure nothing evolved into being problematic.
The massages are an experience, but what is beauty without pain? They do the best job at BBLs in Colombia compared to anywhere else worldwide, and this is largely in part to their aggressive massage approaches. Erica was my therapist, and she was great. I work from home, which gives me flexibility with my working schedule, and actually extended my stay from 15 days post op to 30 days just to continue taking advantage of the massages because they are incomparable to what you'll get in the USA.
I've just gotten home this past week, and at 5.5 weeks post-op, and thrilled with my results so far and can't wait to see how things settle. I'll update with photos soon but Dr. Hector Garcia is world renowned for a reason - he's truly a body artist, and he and his entire team are amazing. If you choose to get a BBL with him, you can't go wrong.
I feel very fortunate that I had a such a positive experience overall, but for anyone else coming from overseas, I'll break down some of the details in depth to help alleviate anyone else's concerns.
I'm located in the USA but have had one international surgery prior (a rhinoplasty procedure in Istanbul) but this was my first time visiting Colombia. Initially, I was scared because I was traveling with a considerable amount of cash, but if you are coming into the country with a sum that exceeds $10,000, just know you have to declare it with customs, and you'll be totally fine. There are outdated entries online that state any amount over $10,000 will be seized, but you just need to declare it, show that it's for a valid, legal purpose (surgery), and you'll be totally fine (as of my experience in March 2023).
They have a wonderful network of talented and caring nurses, a driver, and incredible office staff to make the experience as seamless as possible. Jessica, the coordinator, speaks perfect English and is extraordinary patient - even putting up with my endless questions and neurotic concerns, she's very helpful.
Dr. Hector speaks perfect English and is a good natured, humble and really nice person - he'll be honest with you about what can and can't be done, and actually talked me out of two procedures I wanted because I wasn't a good candidate. He truly cares about his patients as people and individuals, and isn't only about "the money," as is all too common here in the USA...I expressed I wanted a "vixen look" as I had gained a considerable amount of weight (25 pounds over 6 months) in anticipation for the surgery. He said he'd do his best and in the end, I was amazed with my results (currently 5.5 weeks post-op).
The surgical experience itself was seamless - the anesthesiologist is really talented and they take every precaution to screen you for any problems and ensure you have a smooth experience. I have extremely sensitive skin so had a few minor snafus which were unavoidable, but my nurses, Alexandra and Marie Angelica (for my 24 hour shifts, they alternated) watched everything very closely and made sure nothing evolved into being problematic.
The massages are an experience, but what is beauty without pain? They do the best job at BBLs in Colombia compared to anywhere else worldwide, and this is largely in part to their aggressive massage approaches. Erica was my therapist, and she was great. I work from home, which gives me flexibility with my working schedule, and actually extended my stay from 15 days post op to 30 days just to continue taking advantage of the massages because they are incomparable to what you'll get in the USA.
I've just gotten home this past week, and at 5.5 weeks post-op, and thrilled with my results so far and can't wait to see how things settle. I'll update with photos soon but Dr. Hector Garcia is world renowned for a reason - he's truly a body artist, and he and his entire team are amazing. If you choose to get a BBL with him, you can't go wrong.
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