Q: What can I expect when booking surgery with your clinic in Tijuana?

A: When you book surgery with us in Tijuana, you can expect a seamless, personalized experience from start to finish. Here’s a breakdown of what you can look forward to:

1. Consultation & Personalized Care: Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation with our team where our experienced team will listen to your goals, assess your needs, and recommend the best treatment plan tailored specifically for you.
2. Board-Certified Surgeon: Our highly skilled and board-certified surgeon will perform your procedure, using the latest techniques and advanced technology to ensure safe, natural, and satisfying results.
3. Affordable Pricing: We pride ourselves on offering world-class surgery at an affordable price. You’ll receive high-quality care comparable to what’s available in the U.S., but at a fraction of the cost.
4. State-of-the-Art Equipment: Our clinic is equipped with modern, top-tier medical technology, and meets international safety and hygiene standards, providing you with peace of mind during your procedure.
5. Comfortable Recovery: After your surgery, you’ll have access to comfortable recovery spaces and round-the-clock care to ensure a smooth healing process while hospitalized. Our team will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions and be available for any follow-up questions.
6. Travel & Accommodations Support: We do not provide transportation. However, we can assist with connecting you to a safe driver and recovery home for those of you traveling from out of the country. We can also facilitate arrangements and can recommend accommodations, making your medical trip as stress-free as possible.
7. Post-Operative Support: In our office, your actual coordinator assigned to you is a Medical-Physician. This physician will stay in touch with you every step of the way after your surgical procedure and will be available to you by text or phone.

Q. When scheduled for surgery when do I have to arrive to the Hospital?

A. When you are scheduled with us you will be provided with full details and pre-op instructions. However, our check-in and check-out times are as follows:

1. Check-In Times: You will arrive to the Hospital the day of surgery and check-in at 7:00a.m. or the designated time per your instructions. We will keep you overnight after surgery to ensure everything is going okay. Our team of nurses and staff will do their rounds with you to make sure you are comfortable and painless.
2. Check-out Times: The following day after surgery, the surgeon comes in the morning and checks in with you to answer any questions or concerns you may have. You will be provided discharged instructions and discharged the same day around 12:00p.m.

Q. Who will be doing surgery on me? And are they Board Certified?

A. The only Doctor doing surgery on you will be Dr. Perla Sarabia as she is the only surgeon. And Yes, she is Board Certified.

Q. Am I a good candidate?

A. If you were evaluated by the Doctor and you were given a plan or recommendation along with a quote then the answer is yes, you are.

Q. What are the risk and complications?

Every surgical procedure carries some risks and potential complications. It’s important to be aware of these so you can make an informed decision. Here are some common risks and complications associated with surgery:

1. Infection

• Infections can occur at the incision site or deeper within the body. While most infections are treatable with antibiotics, severe cases may require additional surgery.

2. Bleeding

• Excessive bleeding can happen during or after surgery, which might require a blood transfusion or further procedures to stop the bleeding.

3. Blood Clots

• Blood clots, especially in the legs (deep vein thrombosis), can develop after surgery. In rare cases, these clots can travel to the lungs, causing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism. It is recommended to stay active after surgery. Rest is important, however making the effort to stand every hour and walk around for a few minutes to prevent blood clots is recommended.

4. Anesthesia Risks

• Reactions to anesthesia, such as allergic reactions or complications with the heart, lungs, or other organs, can occur. These are typically rare but can be serious. Please make sure you are truthful with your Doctor about any health conditions and substance use such as street drugs or prescribed medications.

5. Scarring

• While some scarring is inevitable, excessive or abnormal scarring, like keloids or hypertrophic scars, may occur depending on how your body heals.

6. Nerve Damage

• Temporary or permanent nerve damage can result in numbness, tingling, or even loss of sensation near the surgery site.

7. Poor Healing or Wound Separation

• Sometimes, incisions may not heal properly, or the wound edges may separate, requiring further treatment or revision surgery.

8. Fluid Accumulation (Seroma)

• Fluid can collect under the skin at the surgery site, sometimes needing to be drained.

9. Swelling and Bruising

• While normal, swelling and bruising can be more severe in some cases, leading to prolonged discomfort and recovery time.

10. Unsatisfactory Results

• In some cases, the results may not meet your expectations, or asymmetry may occur, potentially requiring revision surgery. Please note results are never 100% guaranteed by any physician ever.

11. Complications Specific to the Procedure

• Each type of surgery carries its own specific risks. For example, in plastic surgery, there may be additional risks related to skin flap viability, implant rejection, or fat necrosis (in fat transfer procedures like BBL). And in some cases maybe even death.

Minimizing Risks:

To minimize risks, it’s crucial to follow pre- and post-operative instructions, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and choose an experienced, board-certified surgeon. Open communication with your surgeon about your health history and expectations will also help ensure the best possible outcome.

Being aware of these potential risks will help you make a more informed decision about surgery.

Q. How long will I need to be off work for surgery?

A. For most surgeries the time frame given is 2 weeks for recovery. For bigger procedures such as any Tummy Tuck or Mommy Makeover 3-4 weeks. Please ask your coordinator for an estimated time frame if you are not sure.

Q. Can I fly right back home after surgery?

A. You cannot fly back home right away after surgery. We recommend waiting at least 1-2 weeks before flying, but this depends on the individual case and distance of travel. Here’s what you should keep in mind:

Why You Should Wait:

1. Risk of Blood Clots (DVT): Prolonged sitting during flights increases the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially after surgery. Your body is already in a healing state, which makes blood clots more likely.
2. Swelling and Discomfort: Flying can worsen swelling due to cabin pressure, which may cause additional discomfort after surgery.
3. Proper Healing: Your incisions need time to heal, and moving too much or being in a less-controlled environment (like an airplane) can interfere with the healing process.

What to Do if You Must Fly:

• Get Your Surgeon’s Approval: Always consult with your surgeon before booking a flight.
• Wear Compression Garments: These help reduce swelling and the risk of blood clots during travel.
• Move Around: Try to walk around the plane every hour or so to keep circulation moving.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help maintain circulation and minimize swelling.
• Short Flights: For shorter flights, the wait time may be less. For long-haul flights, waiting closer to 4-6 weeks is often advised.

Ultimately, your surgeon will provide the best guidance based on your specific condition and healing progress. Always follow their advice for the safest recovery.

Q. How long do I have to wear the Faja for and my compression socks?

A. You must wear your Faja for approximately 3 months. You will start with Stage 1, then go to Stage 2. We recommend the Fajas from https://marena.com/ You can search on their website for Stage 1 & Stage 2. You will switch to Stage 2 after 6 weeks.

You must wear compression socks for 2 weeks at all times. Only removing them when showering. If showering is allowed.

Q. When is showering not allowed?

A. Usually after any Tummy Tuck or Breast Lift you will be ordered to not wet your tapes or incisions. They should stay completely dry for 5 weeks and or until removed by the Doctor. This is to ensure better healing, scarring and to prevent infections. You can clean yourself with baby wipes in all areas except those taped. They must stay dry.

Q. Can I drive after surgery?

A. You cannot drive after surgery for 2 weeks. You will be heavily medicated at this time. It is not recommended.

Q. Is there anything you recommend to speed up my healing?

A. We recommend you get plenty of rest, drink lot’s of fluids and book a minimum of 10 Hyberbaric oxygen therapy sessions.

Q. What is the Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber? And what does it do?

A. Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) is a medical treatment that involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber. The increased pressure allows your lungs to take in more oxygen than what is possible under normal conditions, which helps to deliver more oxygen to tissues throughout your body. This promotes faster healing of wounds, reduces inflammation, and helps fight infections.

How It Works:

• During HBOT, the air pressure in the chamber is increased to 1.5 to 3 times the normal atmospheric pressure.
• The high concentration of oxygen helps repair damaged tissues, stimulates the growth of new blood vessels, and enhances the body’s natural healing processes.

Benefits:

• Faster Healing: HBOT speeds up the healing process by providing damaged tissues with extra oxygen.
• Infection Control: The increased oxygen helps the body fight infections more effectively.
• Reduced Swelling: It helps to reduce swelling and inflammation in injured areas.

What to Expect:

A typical HBOT session lasts about 1-2 hours, and the number of sessions varies based on the condition being treated. While it’s a generally safe treatment, some people may experience minor side effects such as ear discomfort due to changes in pressure, or temporary vision changes.

Hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a valuable addition to the treatment plan for various medical conditions, especially those involving poor tissue healing or oxygen deprivation.

You can find a place near you, or find one in Tijuana. It is much more affordable here.

Q. When should I stop drinking and smoking?

A. You should stop drinking minimum 30 Days before Surgery and not drink for 2 months after surgery as it will pro-long your healing time.

You should stop smoking anything (cigarettes, vapes or cannabis) 2-3 months before surgery and stay clean for 3 months after surgery. Smoking of any kind will not only pro-long your healing but will also increase the risk of necrosis to your skin.

Q. What is necrosis?

A. Necrosis is the death of cells or tissues in the body due to injury, disease, or lack of blood supply. When tissues don’t receive enough oxygen or nutrients, or if they’re exposed to trauma, they can become damaged beyond repair, leading to necrosis. Once necrotic, the cells cannot be regenerated, and the dead tissue may need to be removed to prevent further complications.

Common Causes of Necrosis:

1. Inadequate Blood Flow (Ischemia): When tissues don’t receive enough oxygen and nutrients due to restricted blood flow (e.g., in heart attacks or strokes), necrosis can occur.
2. Infection: Bacterial infections, like gangrene, can lead to tissue death, particularly in severe or untreated cases.
3. Trauma: Severe physical injuries, burns, or frostbite can cause tissue to die.
4. Toxins or Chemicals: Exposure to harmful substances can damage cells and lead to necrosis.
5. Surgical Complications: After surgery, especially in cosmetic procedures like fat grafts or skin flaps, necrosis can occur if blood supply to the affected area is compromised.

Symptoms of Necrosis:

• Discolored skin (black, blue, or purple) in the affected area
• Pain, swelling, or tenderness
• Dead tissue may have a foul odor
• Loss of sensation in the necrotic area

Treatment for Necrosis:

Necrosis cannot be reversed, but treatments focus on removing the dead tissue to prevent infection and further damage. This may involve:

• Debridement: Surgical removal of dead tissue.
• Antibiotics: To prevent or treat infections.
• Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT): Can sometimes aid in wound healing by increasing oxygen supply to the affected area.

Prompt medical attention is crucial for managing necrosis, as untreated cases can lead to severe infections or even life-threatening complications like sepsis.

Q. How will I heal and scar after surgery?

A. Healing and scarring after surgery are important aspects of your recovery process, and both depend on a variety of factors including the type of surgery, your overall health, and how well you follow post-operative care instructions. Here’s what you can expect:

Healing Process:

1. Immediate Post-Surgery (First Few Days to 2 Weeks):
   • Swelling and Bruising: These are normal and will gradually subside over time. Applying cold compresses and following your surgeon’s instructions will help.
   • Discomfort: Mild to moderate pain is common, but it can be managed with prescribed medications. Make sure to rest and avoid strenuous activities.
   • Stitches and Dressings: Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on wound care, including how to clean the incision site and when to change dressings.
2. Weeks 2 to 6:
3. Months 3 to 6:
   • Scar Formation: The incision will transition into a scar, which may initially appear red or pink. Over time, it will lighten and become less noticeable, though this varies by skin type and genetics.
   • Ongoing Healing: Full recovery can take several months, during which you should follow any post-op care guidelines provided by your surgeon, including wearing compression garments if advised.
4. 6 Months to a Year:
   • Scar Maturation: Scars typically begin to mature around this time, turning flatter and lighter in color. Some scars may fade considerably, while others may remain slightly visible depending on the surgery and your skin type.
5. Scarring:
6. Incision Placement: Skilled surgeons will place incisions in discreet areas to minimize visible scarring. Over time, scars will fade, but some may remain depending on your body’s healing process.
7. Types of Scars:
   • Fine Line Scars: These occur when incisions heal well and leave minimal marks.
   • Hypertrophic Scars: These are thicker, raised scars that may form at the incision site.
   • Keloid Scars: Some people may develop keloid scars, which are more raised and spread beyond the incision. This is more common in individuals with darker skin tones.
8. Tips for Minimizing Scarring:
9. Follow Post-Op Instructions: Adhere to your surgeon’s aftercare recommendations for cleaning and caring for the incision site.
10. Use Sunscreen: Protect scars from direct sunlight, as UV exposure can cause them to darken.
11. Scar Creams: Once your surgeon approves, you may use silicone-based scar creams or sheets to help flatten and fade scars.
12. Massage the Scar: Gentle scar massage (once cleared by your doctor) can improve blood flow and help break down scar tissue.
13. Stay Hydrated and Healthy: A healthy diet and hydration support skin healing.
14. Use scar silicone tape: This will help you better with healing.
15. Long-Term Results:
16. While scarring is an inevitable part of surgery, most scars fade significantly over time, especially with proper care. The key is to be patient and follow your surgeon’s advice throughout the healing process. For the best results, attend all follow-up appointments and communicate any concerns with your healthcare provider.

With us, you’ll receive expert care in a welcoming and professional environment, all while enjoying the beautiful surroundings of Tijuana. We’re dedicated to helping you achieve your desired results safely and affordably!