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A Five Star Review of Dr. Arturo Munoz Meza, Plastic Surgeon, Tijuana, Mexico
A five star review from my heart to help you make a smart decision.
My background:
After hating being obese my whole life, I decided to stop making excuses and lose weight the old fashioned way. Gram by gram, I lost over 100 pounds, and kept it 100 off for nearly 2 decades.
In 2015, I started my plastic surgery journey of removing loose skin. At that time, I was naive and had a very bad experience with a greedy surgeon that cost me a complicated corrective surgery, a lot of money and stress. I've since learned hard lessons.
Present search:
After a number of surgeries over the years, I decided to correct my congenital inverted nipples and fat that I have not been able to lose. I started intense research and contacted several organizations with specific questions not addressed on their sites (ASPS, ISAPS and others). I looked for statistics, literature and qualifications on plastic surgery, surgeons and facilities globally. I then created a list of countries and criteria before making a shortlist of surgeons with whom I finally "met". Dr. Munoz was in the top two. Dr's account was suspended on the largest plastic surgery review site in the US. I inquired and was told that it was purely administrative and nothing to do with patient or medical issues. That was totally acceptable.
My priorities:
Here’s what I cared about most: safety, "artwork," long term results, recovery, and a surgeon who understands MY personal journey (unlike the greedy first one). Implants and fat transfers were the last thing this former obese girl wanted. A pleasant demeanor would be a bonus. Dr. Arturo Munoz Meza exceeded every single point. His "angels," Consuelo and Patti, personified compassion and common sense.
As a patient:
Initially, I was a tough anxious patient with little trust. I’m hypersensitive to almost everything, especially meds. I was persistent with my numerous questions. From the first email until today, Team Munoz treated me with warm professionalism, unending patience and as though I was the most important person. They tailored everything according to my medical needs and preferences.
Prepping for surgery:
I stayed the first night at the Westin SanDiego (highly recommend) to allow for flight delays etc. The driver picked me up and took me across the border to the office tower adjacent to Hospital Angeles to meet with Dr. Munoz and team, do pre-op labs and finally to the hospital where I stayed the night for IV hydration and monitoring. This is a safe way to ensure my body was all ready for surgery the next morning. They ensured strict safety protocols.
Surgery Day started with more tests, meetings with the surgeon, cardio, anesthesiologist and many others from the medical team. Consuelo was with me the entire time. Even though everyone made me feel comfortable and took a personal interest in ME, I felt a lot better with Consuelo around. She left no stone unturned.
Post op:
The 4 hour procedure was on most of my body. Dr. Munoz has golden hands. To date, I never felt any pain and didn't take pain killers.
I stayed in the hotel with comfortable compression socks and that yummy device around my legs till late Surgery Night. I had a reaction to the anesthesia and thus they waited till it cleared before bringing me to the Grand Hotel 7th floor for recovery. This is the recovery floor of a regular hotel that has medical beds, shower chairs and other on-floor amenities.
Dr. Munoz visited me in my recovery room and the Angels took me to his office to remove the lipo sutures. They also took me grocery shopping. The smart, warm practical anesthesiologist also came to visit me in the hospital because I had some painful numbness in my fingers (turned out to have been from the monitoring cuff that went away within a week). Every detail was taken care throughout.
I stayed in Tijuana for 3 nights before the driver took me back to the Westin SanDiego where I stayed another night before returning home.
Coming home:
Because of the distances in the airports, I had wheelchair assistance (United has that down to a science; they do a phenomenal job). There is no wait time in the “medical lane” at the border.
Dr. Munoz:
I was touched by the pride Dr. Munoz takes in his training, mentors, general surgery background and plastic surgery specialty. He's been helping people and continually perfecting his craft for decades! He cuts through the "fancy marketing" terms of all these procedures being advertised for actual evidence-based procedures that are safe, evidence-based, natural looking and long lasting. Just because something is well advertised doesn't mean it works in the long run, or is good for me. Machines are just tools, like paint is to an artist.
Doc talks in "human language" leaving out academic/medical terms, unless I asked. Doc spent hours talking to me, making me laugh and feel confident. Dr. Munoz helped me have realistic expectations, explained the inflammatory process, effects of gravity on the body and recovery, importance of hydration, and most importantly, the need for patience. If he could have, he would have also instructed my body exactly how to recover (ie- on MY terms); somehow, bodies don't work that way. Dr. Munoz did the next best thing and gave me 110% dedication. He cares!
Recovery:
Nearly 3 weeks post-op, I’ve started to notice definition and my recovery has been going extremely well. I'm easing into exercise as my body can handle. I drink 3-5 litres of water a day, wear my garment and cover my nipples without a bra.
Impressions:
What else can I share with you? Safety, artwork, recovery, compassion, tailoring everything for my anatomy and psychology were all 110%. Given all that, I have every reason to believe the long term results will be beautiful.
Improvements:
We know that nothing is perfect, so what would I improve. Communication was an issue because of different cultural expectations. I suggest for you to ask every detail and keep asking until you get answers. Don't assume that gratuitous information will just appear, even if you think it is important (ie-the number of the driver who will pick you up). The confusion regarding whether I pay with zelle or cash cost me 3 days on the phone with my bank to set up Zelle. I ended up wiring the money and paying cash for the balance. So why was there even an issue with Zelle. Another example, I assumed the drivers would call ahead of time to let me know when/where they'll be. They did not. Their way is to be punctual and just appear, whether or not they called you first.
Bottom line: They are 110% invested in your satisfaction. I almost cancelled the whole thing from frustration at the lack of clarity. I'm so happy I didn't because everything worked out perfectly.
My biggest complaint is that we didn't meet before this surgery. I would have avoided an unnecessary complicated breast surgery and have gotten better results from several of my other surgeries. I don't think it's anyone's fault, just unfortunate.
Notes:
A note about medical records. The hospital and Consuelo gave me all my labs, ekg etc, just not the operating room reports, as they would in the US once you sign the HIPPA form. There may have been a miscommunication about how that works. Had I known, I would have asked the hospital directly when I was there. Either way, the anesthesiologist and Dr. Munoz wrote something up for me to give to my GP back in NY.
A general note. I am someone who likes specific detailed instructions on recovery. While Dr. Munoz understands this approach, he generally gives guiding principles. This came up especially with exercise. I wanted Doc to give me detailed exercises I could do on each day. I have to say that his approach really makes sense. I smiled to myself when I realized that this detailed instructions approach is the American way. (For those accountants out there, think US GAAP vs. IFRS. A huge difference between US public accounting standards vs international standards is that US is rules-based and international is principles based :) )
Final thoughts:
This whole experience not only made me look better physically, it made me feel better about myself. The experience impacted me deeply. My hope is to be even half as compassionate and patient as Dr. Munoz and his Angels, Consuelo and Patti.
Being in Team Munoz's care is the best plastic surgery decision you can make. Trust experience.
PS, I do not use social media. That said, I will post this review to as many sites as I can under pseudonyms, even those that Dr. Munoz does not subscribe to, because I want everyone to get the best possible care.
Sincerely yours.
42 year old female
Lipo to outer thighs, upper lower back and abdomen, hips, waist, flanks.
2 litres fat removed
Correct bilateral inverted nipples
Total procedure $6500 included 1 garment, round trip transportation from SanDiego and to doctor's office
Extra: I bought Marena compression garment on Amazon $108 and one from Consuelo $100
2 nights at Westin Hotel SanDiego. I highly recommend them for exceptional service, especially once they know you are recovering
Flights to/from NYC
My background:
After hating being obese my whole life, I decided to stop making excuses and lose weight the old fashioned way. Gram by gram, I lost over 100 pounds, and kept it 100 off for nearly 2 decades.
In 2015, I started my plastic surgery journey of removing loose skin. At that time, I was naive and had a very bad experience with a greedy surgeon that cost me a complicated corrective surgery, a lot of money and stress. I've since learned hard lessons.
Present search:
After a number of surgeries over the years, I decided to correct my congenital inverted nipples and fat that I have not been able to lose. I started intense research and contacted several organizations with specific questions not addressed on their sites (ASPS, ISAPS and others). I looked for statistics, literature and qualifications on plastic surgery, surgeons and facilities globally. I then created a list of countries and criteria before making a shortlist of surgeons with whom I finally "met". Dr. Munoz was in the top two. Dr's account was suspended on the largest plastic surgery review site in the US. I inquired and was told that it was purely administrative and nothing to do with patient or medical issues. That was totally acceptable.
My priorities:
Here’s what I cared about most: safety, "artwork," long term results, recovery, and a surgeon who understands MY personal journey (unlike the greedy first one). Implants and fat transfers were the last thing this former obese girl wanted. A pleasant demeanor would be a bonus. Dr. Arturo Munoz Meza exceeded every single point. His "angels," Consuelo and Patti, personified compassion and common sense.
As a patient:
Initially, I was a tough anxious patient with little trust. I’m hypersensitive to almost everything, especially meds. I was persistent with my numerous questions. From the first email until today, Team Munoz treated me with warm professionalism, unending patience and as though I was the most important person. They tailored everything according to my medical needs and preferences.
Prepping for surgery:
I stayed the first night at the Westin SanDiego (highly recommend) to allow for flight delays etc. The driver picked me up and took me across the border to the office tower adjacent to Hospital Angeles to meet with Dr. Munoz and team, do pre-op labs and finally to the hospital where I stayed the night for IV hydration and monitoring. This is a safe way to ensure my body was all ready for surgery the next morning. They ensured strict safety protocols.
Surgery Day started with more tests, meetings with the surgeon, cardio, anesthesiologist and many others from the medical team. Consuelo was with me the entire time. Even though everyone made me feel comfortable and took a personal interest in ME, I felt a lot better with Consuelo around. She left no stone unturned.
Post op:
The 4 hour procedure was on most of my body. Dr. Munoz has golden hands. To date, I never felt any pain and didn't take pain killers.
I stayed in the hotel with comfortable compression socks and that yummy device around my legs till late Surgery Night. I had a reaction to the anesthesia and thus they waited till it cleared before bringing me to the Grand Hotel 7th floor for recovery. This is the recovery floor of a regular hotel that has medical beds, shower chairs and other on-floor amenities.
Dr. Munoz visited me in my recovery room and the Angels took me to his office to remove the lipo sutures. They also took me grocery shopping. The smart, warm practical anesthesiologist also came to visit me in the hospital because I had some painful numbness in my fingers (turned out to have been from the monitoring cuff that went away within a week). Every detail was taken care throughout.
I stayed in Tijuana for 3 nights before the driver took me back to the Westin SanDiego where I stayed another night before returning home.
Coming home:
Because of the distances in the airports, I had wheelchair assistance (United has that down to a science; they do a phenomenal job). There is no wait time in the “medical lane” at the border.
Dr. Munoz:
I was touched by the pride Dr. Munoz takes in his training, mentors, general surgery background and plastic surgery specialty. He's been helping people and continually perfecting his craft for decades! He cuts through the "fancy marketing" terms of all these procedures being advertised for actual evidence-based procedures that are safe, evidence-based, natural looking and long lasting. Just because something is well advertised doesn't mean it works in the long run, or is good for me. Machines are just tools, like paint is to an artist.
Doc talks in "human language" leaving out academic/medical terms, unless I asked. Doc spent hours talking to me, making me laugh and feel confident. Dr. Munoz helped me have realistic expectations, explained the inflammatory process, effects of gravity on the body and recovery, importance of hydration, and most importantly, the need for patience. If he could have, he would have also instructed my body exactly how to recover (ie- on MY terms); somehow, bodies don't work that way. Dr. Munoz did the next best thing and gave me 110% dedication. He cares!
Recovery:
Nearly 3 weeks post-op, I’ve started to notice definition and my recovery has been going extremely well. I'm easing into exercise as my body can handle. I drink 3-5 litres of water a day, wear my garment and cover my nipples without a bra.
Impressions:
What else can I share with you? Safety, artwork, recovery, compassion, tailoring everything for my anatomy and psychology were all 110%. Given all that, I have every reason to believe the long term results will be beautiful.
Improvements:
We know that nothing is perfect, so what would I improve. Communication was an issue because of different cultural expectations. I suggest for you to ask every detail and keep asking until you get answers. Don't assume that gratuitous information will just appear, even if you think it is important (ie-the number of the driver who will pick you up). The confusion regarding whether I pay with zelle or cash cost me 3 days on the phone with my bank to set up Zelle. I ended up wiring the money and paying cash for the balance. So why was there even an issue with Zelle. Another example, I assumed the drivers would call ahead of time to let me know when/where they'll be. They did not. Their way is to be punctual and just appear, whether or not they called you first.
Bottom line: They are 110% invested in your satisfaction. I almost cancelled the whole thing from frustration at the lack of clarity. I'm so happy I didn't because everything worked out perfectly.
My biggest complaint is that we didn't meet before this surgery. I would have avoided an unnecessary complicated breast surgery and have gotten better results from several of my other surgeries. I don't think it's anyone's fault, just unfortunate.
Notes:
A note about medical records. The hospital and Consuelo gave me all my labs, ekg etc, just not the operating room reports, as they would in the US once you sign the HIPPA form. There may have been a miscommunication about how that works. Had I known, I would have asked the hospital directly when I was there. Either way, the anesthesiologist and Dr. Munoz wrote something up for me to give to my GP back in NY.
A general note. I am someone who likes specific detailed instructions on recovery. While Dr. Munoz understands this approach, he generally gives guiding principles. This came up especially with exercise. I wanted Doc to give me detailed exercises I could do on each day. I have to say that his approach really makes sense. I smiled to myself when I realized that this detailed instructions approach is the American way. (For those accountants out there, think US GAAP vs. IFRS. A huge difference between US public accounting standards vs international standards is that US is rules-based and international is principles based :) )
Final thoughts:
This whole experience not only made me look better physically, it made me feel better about myself. The experience impacted me deeply. My hope is to be even half as compassionate and patient as Dr. Munoz and his Angels, Consuelo and Patti.
Being in Team Munoz's care is the best plastic surgery decision you can make. Trust experience.
PS, I do not use social media. That said, I will post this review to as many sites as I can under pseudonyms, even those that Dr. Munoz does not subscribe to, because I want everyone to get the best possible care.
Sincerely yours.
42 year old female
Lipo to outer thighs, upper lower back and abdomen, hips, waist, flanks.
2 litres fat removed
Correct bilateral inverted nipples
Total procedure $6500 included 1 garment, round trip transportation from SanDiego and to doctor's office
Extra: I bought Marena compression garment on Amazon $108 and one from Consuelo $100
2 nights at Westin Hotel SanDiego. I highly recommend them for exceptional service, especially once they know you are recovering
Flights to/from NYC
Provider Review
Plastic Surgeon
Av. Paseo de los Heroes 10999 Suite 703 , Tijuana, Baja California