Avoid plastic surgery misadventures in Mexico

By Dr. Ramon Angel Robles, “The Creator of the Latina Mami Makeover^TM”

During my 10-year plastic surgery practice in Arizona, I’ve facilitated reconstructive healing procedures with patients with botched operations by other plastic surgeons.

Yet I’ve never encountered a situation as bad as what occurred with Lorena, who last year made a choice to have breast augmentation and a tummy tuck with a plastic surgeon in Tijuana, Mexico.

When Lorena came to my office, she was in despair and desperate for help. She had the operation performed at the Mexican doctor’s clinic and immediately developed life-threatening complications, including painful infections of the incisions that caused them to ooze fluids. There were blood accumulations beneath the incisions, skin breakdown and separations, bleeding, and subsequent ugly scarring. 

Lorena shared her story with me, and told it to my assistant who wrote it down. But her sad tale is one that any prospective surgery patient considering plastic surgery procedures should heed.

I share her story now because it is a warning to please beware of plastic surgery in Mexico. While there are many excellent physicians south of the border, it can be difficult for women living in the United States to properly check the qualifications of a Mexican plastic surgeon. Even when a tragedy like Lorena’s doesn’t occur, other surgical mistakes can end up costing the patient more than she saves by having the procedure done in a foreign country.  I only want all prospective patients to make wise choices.

Lorena says, “I was watching a talk show when the host, singer Jenni Rivera, endorsed this doctor. She said that he was very good. I relied on this publicity and didn’t thoroughly investigate if he really was a good doctor. I wish I could go back in time and search better for a good doctor.”

“In April 2012 I went to Tijuana, talked to him, and toured his clinic. It looked clean. I thought it would be cheaper to have it done there. It was $5,000 for a tummy tuck, and $4,500 for breast augmentation. But in the end it costs more. There is the hotel, gasoline, and other expenses. I could have saved that by having it done here in the United States, close to my home, with a good doctor.”

“On June 11, he operated on me. When I signed for the operation, the paper said I was responsible for whatever happens. I just thank God that I’m still alive. After the operation I felt like I was dying from a high fever. I could have died. I got an infection from the operating table. The doctor said I was okay. But I wasn’t okay. He couldn’t tell that I had an infection. I was in a hospital for five days. His nurses gave me antibiotics. I never saw the doctor again.  ”

“My sister lives across the border in the U.S. One month later she took me to a clinic in National City. It took months for the cuts to close but not to completely heal. I felt I wasn’t well inside. I was so uncomfortable I couldn’t sit. I still have pain.”

“I came to Dr. Robles last September because the cuts were still open. I did my investigation. He was well certified. He spoke Spanish. He said it could take years before I was well enough inside to operate. I see him once a week. He wasn’t just interested in my money; he was interested in my well-being.”     

Yes, I am interested in the well-being of all my patients. That’s why I’m offering the following advice:

While the cost of plastic surgery in Mexico may be lower than in the United States, the saying “you get what you pay for” certainly applies. And should you still make a choice to get plastic surgery in Mexico, stay safe and healthy by doing extensive research long before crossing the border. This research should include background checks via the Internet about complaints about the plastic surgeon. Lorena’s doctor had such complaints about botched operations posted by past patients.

Patients should seek out board-certified plastic surgeons to avoid a horror story like Lorena’s and others reported in the news. Often that is difficult to do without personal contact with the physician. Properly vetted surgeons should openly display of their certifications to prospective patients, as well as permit inspection of facilities, staff, technology, service quality, testimonials from previous patients, and detailed costs. Again, this type of thorough research is easier to do in the United States than in a foreign country. I cannot stress enough how important it is to take your time and choose carefully.

Lorena says now she advises all women seeking plastic surgery, “Don’t go to Mexico. The savings are not worth it. If we look here in the United States, there are many good doctors. For those women who don’t speak English well, find one that speaks Spanish and is a certified professional.”

At Robles Plastic Surgery we show every patient an exceptional, customized experience, from the initial phone call to the last follow-up visit. I and my staff will answer your questions in a kind and informative manner. Schedule a consultation now and discover the special qualities that set us apart from other plastic surgeons.

About Dr. Ramon Angel Robles –“The Creator of the Latina Mami Makeover^TM”

Dr. Robles was trained at the prestigious Aesthetic Center at Duke University Medical Center. He is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. He specializes in the Latina Mami Makeover^TM, which includes a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, and a Brazilian butt lift from his practice in Phoenix, Arizona. Dr.Robles@Roblesplasticsurgery.com