MarinaGirl

I’m suspicious that you just joined this site to post this review of these doctors;?therefore, I don’t think your “experience” is legitimate. Do you work for them? I suspect you do.

Long term and consistent use of Retin-A/Tretinoin and sunscreen make a big difference; they’re the only evidence-based anti-aging products; everything else are unregulated cosmeceuticals so manufacturers can make whatever claims they want to about them, whether true or not. You must wear sunscreen EVERYDAY, re-apply throughout the day; and utilize wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing to lessen photo-aging caused by UV rays and visible light.
Fraxel lasers and Thermage can help to stimulate collagen production and minimize fine lines & wrinkles. My derm also recommends consuming collagen peptides (e.g. Vital Protein which I purchase at costco and put in my coffee & smoothies), especially pre & post treatment(s).
P.S. If you don’t have access to Tretinoin, which requires a prescription in the U.S. (and can be expensive without insurance coverage), you can use an OTC retinoid medication, Adapalene, which is available in a couple of drugstore products and is typically less than $20. Recent studies show it is also effective for anti-aging and not just acne control.
- Differin Adapalene Gel
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel

Long term and consistent use of Retin-A/Tretinoin and sunscreen make a big difference; they’re the only evidence-based anti-aging products; everything else are unregulated cosmeceuticals so manufacturers can make whatever claims they want to about them, whether true or not. You must wear sunscreen EVERYDAY, re-apply throughout the day; and utilize wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing to lessen photo-aging caused by UV rays and visible light.
Fraxel lasers and Thermage can help to stimulate collagen production and minimize fine lines & wrinkles. My derm also recommends consuming collagen peptides (e.g. Vital Protein which I purchase at costco and put in my coffee & smoothies), especially pre & post treatment(s).
P.S. If you don’t have access to Tretinoin, which requires a prescription in the U.S. (and can be expensive without insurance coverage), you can use an OTC retinoid medication, Adapalene, which is available in a couple of drugstore products and is typically less than $20. Recent studies show it is also effective for anti-aging and not just acne control.
- Differin Adapalene Gel
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel

I'm starting to think given the molasses-slow rate my weight is coming off, I probably won't even need plastics given loose skin is affiliated with rapid weight loss. #slowloser

My wrinkles on my face and neck are much less noticeable almost 3 years post-gastric bypass due to applying & re-applying sunscreen EVERYDAY, using Tretinoin, putting Vital Proteins collagen Peptides (bought at Costco) in my coffee every morning after my derm recommended it, and Fraxel laser resurfacing. All of these things help build and/or prevent loss of collagen, and improve fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone and laxity. I look so much younger now based on reactions from people who haven’t seen me in awhile.
If you’re thinking of getting Thermage or laser treatments, please make sure to do so with a board certified dermatologist or plastic surgeon to ensure your money is well spent and to minimize post-procedure issues/complications.
Good luck with your anti-aging journey after WLS. 😀

Long term and consistent use of Retin-A/Tretinoin and sunscreen make a big difference; they’re the only evidence-based anti-aging products; everything else are unregulated cosmeceuticals so manufacturers can make whatever claims they want to about them, whether true or not. You must wear sunscreen EVERYDAY, re-apply throughout the day; and utilize wide brimmed hats, sunglasses, and sun-protective clothing to lessen photo-aging caused by UV rays and visible light.
Fraxel lasers and Thermage can help to stimulate collagen production and minimize fine lines & wrinkles. My derm also recommends consuming collagen peptides (e.g. Vital Protein which I purchase at costco and put in my coffee & smoothies), especially pre & post treatment(s).
P.S. If you don’t have access to Tretinoin, which requires a prescription in the U.S. (and can be expensive without insurance coverage), you can use an OTC retinoid medication, Adapalene, which is available in a couple of drugstore products and is typically less than $20. Recent studies show it is also effective for anti-aging and not just acne control.
- Differin Adapalene Gel
- La Roche-Posay Effaclar Adapalene Gel

Dr Ara Keshishian in Pasadena, CA.
He also removed a defective (recalled by the FDA) LINX Reflux Management System device that was implanted around my esophagus in March 2015, 2 years before my MGB. The LINX device only helped with acid reflux for the first year I had it. So I had MGB surgery in 2017 in the hope that it would resolve reflux long term, along with losing weight.

Thanks for the great info! Good luck with your revision surgery! 😊
FYI - I had a LINX Reflux Management device implanted in March 2015, so a couple of years before MGB surgery (April 2017); it helped for 18 months and then acid reflux returned in Oct 2016. As part of my July 2018 abdominal surgery to resolve bile reflux, I also had the LINX device removed since it wasn’t useful and even more importantly, because the one I had was recalled by the FDA in April 2018. I have a family history of esophageal cancer so minimizing/eliminating GERD is paramount to my long term health. Thankfully, I’m doing very well now. 👏

Dr Francisco Sauceda in Monterrey, MX is highly regarded on realself and in the WLS community for post-bariatric plastic surgery. After his patients are discharged from the hospital, they recover at the Hampton Inn hotel and his amazing nurse Paty visits you everyday; she helps you shower, checks your incisions, and replaces the bandages. Dr S also visits you at the hotel daily. As far as food, there’s options at the hotel, an HEB supermarket nearby, a number of restaurants, and you can order from Uber Eats. There’s a shopping mall, food court, and movie theater nearby too.
12 days at the hotel and up to $600 towards your airline ticket are included as part of your quote, as well as all post-op visits (MD & RN).

I had my plastic surgery in Monterrey but my wls in Tijuana. If you need a great plastic surgeon I can't highly enough recommend Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey, he is the best. They call him an artist for reason.

Reminder to all (not sillykitty): Please check with your surgeon on when it is appropriate to start massaging your scar as starting it too soon can lead to thicker scars.
Per the following journal article on Postsurgical Scar Management:
“Following the initial 2- to 3-week period of healing, the scar has built enough tensile strength to allow for the initiation of scar massage, which is an effective and cost efficient technique for scar management. It is important to note that scar massage should not be started until the wound has closed completely. Scar massage needs to be performed carefully so as not to cause any additional trauma to the closed incision.”

Reminder to all (not sillykitty): Please check with your surgeon on when it is appropriate to start massaging your scar as starting it too soon can lead to thicker scars.
Per the following journal article on Postsurgical Scar Management:
“Following the initial 2- to 3-week period of healing, the scar has built enough tensile strength to allow for the initiation of scar massage, which is an effective and cost efficient technique for scar management. It is important to note that scar massage should not be started until the wound has closed completely. Scar massage needs to be performed carefully so as not to cause any additional trauma to the closed incision.”

Reminder to all (not sillykitty): Please check with your surgeon on when it is appropriate to start massaging your scar as starting it too soon can lead to thicker scars.
Per the following journal article on Postsurgical Scar Management:
“Following the initial 2- to 3-week period of healing, the scar has built enough tensile strength to allow for the initiation of scar massage, which is an effective and cost efficient technique for scar management. It is important to note that scar massage should not be started until the wound has closed completely. Scar massage needs to be performed carefully so as not to cause any additional trauma to the closed incision.”

When you have Lipo you have to use compression garments to help bind the skin back to the muscle layer for tissue regeneration to happen quicker & to prevent the amount of scar tissue developing in the space created by Lipo plus compression aims to prevent excess swelling
However there are a few schools of thought on this, some surgeons say no need to wear compression wear beyond the first few day, my surgeon said binder for 2 weeks then progress to the Faja until you feel its no longer necessary,
I already see how swollen I get and how quickly I happens if I don't compress (sides not abdomen... That's going to do what it wants for a while I noticed)
I just ordered something less tight than my current Faja (which the vendor did tell me was the second tightest one you could get- sounded like a good idea when I was higher than a kite 😂... But now FML)

Statistics
Cost: $16,000 for BREAST LIFT AND FLEUR DE LIS STYLED Tummy Tuck (saved up and self paid)
Date: January 21, 2020 surgery date
Surgeon: Dr. Dana Goldberg, Jupiter, Florida
Three days before surgery Hibiclens antispetic showers and application of Mupirocin ointment. I ate my regular routine and variety of high quality salads, fresh fruits, nuts, veggies, baked seeded crackers (Firehook brand) with cheese nibbles along with hot tea/1% milk + 80 -100 oz. Water per day.
Day One
Surgery 9:00am - 3:30pm yesterday. Was administered Experal, Valium (if needed) and Enoxaparin. Recovery time until 6:00 pm. Hubby takes me home and I'm in bed by 8:00 pm until 5:00am to empty pressurize drains (3) + urinate. Off balance a bit and slumped to the floor. Puppy to the rescue! Not a fall - just loopy and off balance a bit. Walked around the house with my walker device twice. Surgeon does not want me bent over but standing straight up.
Day Two
Today follow-up appointment at surgeons office 9:15am. Everything looked great and they were amazed with my healthy appearance. I believe this is attributable to clean and simple eating, water, no sugar or salt or little processed products. 5 pounds of skin was removed and I feel so much lighter! That puts me at 124! - Of course, after swelling and settling in the next weeks and months to follow maybe more.... I had them take a picture of the removed flesh. I see it fascinating, not morbid. After all, it was a part of me once. Got a glimpse of the girls aka. breasts today and I love them!!! Perky and pretty. No longer the inherited elongated missels downward from my mother and Aunt! Haha.
Other supplements to help with pain + wound healing are daily Juven drink, Arnica, stool softener, Oxycodone graduating to Tylenol as needed. In other knee surgeries - I found keeping ahead of the pain was better than when in pain.
Overall, so far, this whole process has been intriguing AND not as bad as I thought. Sensing a good premise of what's to follow. My compression garments and socks actually feel really good - stabilizing me + fit well. They placed pads between the stitches and garment. So far feeling not pinching or discomfort. We are having crispy cool whether and enjoyed a walk down the block with hubby and puppy this afternoon. Tonight Hubby's making our favorite navy bean Soup with loads of veggies, cloves + baked ham cubes for flavor. He also made Chia pudding to die for made with vanilla, pear, orange, macadamia nuts, cacao powder... Nice winter recipes.
Very excited and feel most fortunate to take this next step to what will become another game changer. I want my 60's to be a fabulous decade!
Do hope all the ladies in our winterized plastics group continued best wishes and quality healing. Addie ;]

The more I think about your conundrum,. the more I think you will be good to go 4 months post op.

That's because you don't notice fillers when done right. People just look refreshed. Over 2 million people used Hyaluronic Acid Fillers last year, and they're not all walking around looking like freaks, right?
(https://www.plasticsurgery.org/documents/News/Statistics/2018/cosmetic-procedure-trends-2018.pdf pg 😎
I have specific and realistic expectations for all the facial treatments I am going to go though. Botox is for my crows feet, laser resurfacing, peel & hydrodermabrasian are to even skin tone + fine lines, filler is to soften my nasolabial folds. The increased depth of my nasolabial folds after my WL aged my face more than anything else.

I can relate to most of this.
Despite losing down to a BMI of the 23-ish range, I have MAJOR cellulite on both thighs and pads of fat all around my knees. You can see almost every rib and my clavicles are now extremely prominent, but the lower belly pooch won’t go away either.

I’m probably really odd in this, but I’m almost glad I have a flat butt and flat boobs.
I’ve always had the body with the boobs and butt, when I’ve always really wanted the thin, long, athletic build.
Most of my fam is the long lean build and it makes me crazy that I “identify” as that, but that my body decided to go a different route.

Give me a straight-line profile with skinny legs, zero butt and a-cups and I’d be over-the-moon happy.
Anyway, my dream plastic job would be to eliminate almost all of my curves

Hi!
I'm wondering where you're from/what type of insurance plan you have? I actually work for a large insurance company and if you're going to an in-network plastic surgeon, they are contractually bound to accept whatever rate the insurance company offers. So, if you were trying to get the service done by an out of network provider, that could be the problem.

Lol I read it. Fight them babe not me. Its not really covered if you can't find a surgeon for their price, then is it? Its a deterrent.
I was sympathizing with you because ... *Almost* no insurance will cover (at the market rate what the surgeon will charge - its an epic battle for reimbursement, so they will make you pay first then bill for reimbursement knowing they pay very little if at all) something primarily classified as cosmetic surgery as you are finding out. Hopefully you'll get it all covered and worked out !
Good Luck 💝

Almost no insurance covers cosmetic procedures. Sorry 💝
There's always Medical Tourism !

I am all booked with Dr. Carmina Cardenas for a 360° Lower Body Lift with FDL! I cannot wait. She was amazing in person. Spent so much time with me answering my questions, sharing pictures with me, and explaining everything. She was very inviting and friendly - something I haven’t felt with other doctors I consulted with (exception being Dr. Michaels).

I have an in-person consultation with her on 11/21 to "determine the quality of my tissue" and to discuss in person exactly what I am looking for since I dont want fat grafting etc to my butt/thighs like some women prefer ... I reached out to Chelle Jett on here because she has had surgery by Dr. Cardenas. There are others on ObesityHelp as well that recommended her. I will be honest - I live in the Los Angeles area and we hear the horror stories about plastic surgery that goes wrong out of Tijuana so it's been a huge back/forth thing for me to even look into going down there.... I think bc so many people on these forums have recommended her - thats the only reason I will entertain Dr. Cardenas along with the fact that she has spoken at many medical conferences with Dr. Timothy Katzen from Beverly Hills. I am scheduled to have an 360 LBL and Inner Thigh Lift with him on 1/20/2020 however I will be cancelling because I cannot get over the fact that I absolutely hate his bellybuttons that he makes ... its the little things!
I have quotes from Dr. Katzen, Dr. Joseph Michaels (Maryland), Dr. Cardenas (MX), and have a consultation tomorrow (11/15) with Dr. Agha (newport beach).

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Whaaaaaaaat? Me too? That's right 😅
I decided to go ahead and (silently) have plastics done. This mommy had a makeover yesterday and is very happy with the results so far. Still very early in my recovery but I wanted to document as much as I could before I forgot.
Procedures: Mommy Makeover (breast lift w/o implants and extended Tummy Tuck with Lipo of sides)
Where: Miami baby! Southbeach body here I come 😜
Why: the usual reasons... I've been thinking about it forever and finally took the plunge
When: Jan 03, 2020
Still early out and I'm pretty laid up so ill update when I can!
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Hmmm I do see this recent review on Amazon

I Think These Reviewers Are Imagining Things People are saying they saw changes after a week, posting before and afters that literally look exactly alike - giving rave reviews? Something is off. They are either suffering from confirmation bias or the reviews are fake. First, I've seen this same product marketed as a cellulite reducer, skin whitener, and skin tightener. Sounds sketch.
The instructions are weird and incomplete.
There are three settings and three options for the length of time to use it: 10 min, 20 min, and 30 min. The manual says not to use the machine more than 3-4 times a week. But it doesn't say on which setting or for how long. So if you use it for 30 minutes on the highest setting is that the same as using it on the lowest setting for 10 minutes? Who knows. They don't explain.
I tube of gel comes with the machine, but it has maybe four words in English, the rest in Chinese, so I have no idea what those instructions are, nor the ingredients, but my face and neck broke out in a papular rash for three days. Still, I stayed the course. Not an iota of difference.
I'm not at all impressed. This is just snake oil. Not only that, but I found it on another site for $80, hundreds less than I paid. I'll be returning it. 13 people found this helpful i will be watching to see how it all turns out.