After Weight Loss Reconstruction
Your Weight Loss Changed Your Life.Now Your Body Can Reflect the Transformation.
Massive weight loss can leave excess skin across multiple areas of the body. Dr. Carmina Cárdenas creates individualized, staged surgical plans designed around your anatomy, priorities, safety and long-term results.
Not everything should be done at once.
The right transformation begins with the right plan.
Why staged surgery
But let's be real about After Weight Loss Reconstruction, we cannot safely do “everything” in one surgery
After massive weight loss, it’s very common to have loose skin in several areas at the same time: arms, chest, breasts, abdomen, back, thighs, buttocks, and even face.
However, trying to correct all areas in one single surgery is not safe.
Two of the most important reasons are:
Operating Room Time
Time in the operating room (OR)
The longer the surgery, the higher the risk of complications (blood clots, healing problems, anesthesia risks, etc.).
For your safety, we limit surgery time to a maximum of about 6 hours.
Quality of Results
Quality of the results
Each area (arms, chest, abdomen, back, etc.) requires time, precision, and attention to detail.
If we try to “squeeze in” too many procedures in the same surgery, the quality of the results may suffer because Dr. Cardenas cannot dedicate the proper time and focus to each zone.
Planning in Stages
Our goal is not to do “as much as possible” in a rushed way; our goal is to do what is best for you in a safe, high-quality way.
For this reason, we prioritize areas and plan your transformation in stages, always with your safety and long-term results in mind.
Individual evaluation
Everybody is different and that is why an individual evaluation is essential
After large weight loss, two patients can have the same weight and height but completely different:
- Amount of excess skin
- Skin quality and elasticity
- Distribution of remaining fat
- Muscle tone
- Scars from previous surgeries (including bariatric surgery)
- Medical history and risk factors
Because of this, there is no “one-size-fits-all” surgery.
Each plan must be personalized after a formal evaluation with Dr. Cardenas, where she will review:
- Your photos (front, side, back)
- Your medical and weight-loss history
- The areas that bother you the most
- Your expectations and priorities
- Your safety profile
Only then can she recommend which areas to combine in one surgery and which ones to leave for a second or third stage.
Medical Notice
Please be informed that at the moment Dr. Cardenas is not taking inner thigh cases.
Surgery is planned in stages
Stage 01
Priority areas
Stage 02
Secondary areas
Stage 03
Additional procedures / refinement
POPULAR AWL SURGICAL PLANS:
Royal Lower Body Lift
An advanced surgical procedure designed for patients who have lost a significant amount of weight and are left with loose skin around the abdomen, thighs, hips, and buttocks. Unlike a standard tummy tuck, it goes all the way around the body, lifting and tightening the lower torso and improving the overall contour from every angle.
Surgical plan may include:
- 011. 360 Tummy tuck / Abdominoplasty
- 022. Abdominal muscle repair
- 033. Mons pubis lift and/or reduction
- 044. Liposuction (Waist and flanks)
- 055. Fat transfer to buttock and hips
- 066. Outer thigh lift
- 077. Buttocks lift
Final surgical plan and consequent cost requires a formal evaluation*
Starting All Inclusive Plan Cost:
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Patient education
WHAT IS A FLEUR DE LIS AND WHY IT MAY BE NEEDED?
In some extreme cases in which patients have developed significant excess skin vertically and horizontally a Fleur de Lis may be needed.
While the procedure is optional, it is essential to emphasize and educate patients about the potential negative impact of leaving this issue unaddressed, as it may significantly affect their overall results.
If a patient needs a Fleur de Lis procedure but only receives a standard horizontal tummy tuck, they may experience:
Residual skin redundancy:
Central vertical skin may still sag or bunch up, especially around the upper abdomen.
Inadequate contouring:
The overall abdominal contour may not look tight or smooth, particularly in the central midline above the navel.
Disappointment in results:
Despite undergoing major surgery, patients may feel dissatisfied due to the incomplete correction of excess tissue.
Possible need for revision surgery:
Some may eventually require a second procedure to remove the remaining excess skin via a vertical incision.
It’s crucial to match the technique to the patient’s anatomy and goals not just choose the least invasive option. Ultimately, patients are the only ones who can decide what procedure they’re willing to undergo, but being well-informed will help you to make a better decision.
Here is an example of a patient who decided not to have a FDL:
Royal Lower Body Lift Combinations
In some cases a RLBL may be combined with:
Breast lift / reduction, or
Arm lift
Combination starting price:
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Royal Upper Body Lift
While a lower body lift focuses on the abdomen, outer thighs, hips, and buttocks, the upper body lift targets the chest, back, lateral torso and arms for a complete transformation.
Surgical plan may include :
- 011. Breast lift / reduction
- 022. Back lift
- 033. Arm lift
- 044. Lateral Torsoplasty
- 055. Inverted Tummy Tuck (for patients who had a Tummy Tuck previously but still have sagging skin above the belly button).
Final surgical plan and consequent cost requires a formal evaluation*
Starting All Inclusive Plan Cost:
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Face & neck
FACE PROCEDURES AFTER WEIGHT LOSS
Many people notice not only changes in their body but also in their face and neck. The skin in these areas can lose elasticity and appear loose, saggy, or aged, which may not match the healthier, slimmer body you’ve worked so hard for.
Surgical plan may include:
- 011. Bichectomy
- 022. Blepharoplasty
- 033. Forehead reset
- 044. Chin Implant
- 055. Lip Lift
- 066. Facial Fat Transfer
- 077. Deep Plane Mid Face Lift
- 088. Deep Plane Neck Lift
Final surgical plan and consequent cost requires a formal evaluation*
Starting All Inclusive Plan Cost:
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Safety First. Always.
Safety & Risks
Understanding risk is an essential part of making an informed surgical decision.
Safety and risk information for Royal Lower Body Lift at Beauty Enhance Plastic Surgery with Dr. Carmina Cardenas.
Risks
Although Plastic Surgery is an elective procedure it is still a real surgery and therefore there is always a potential risks of complications as in any other major procedure, DVT (deep vein thrombosis), PE (pulmonary embolism) or VTE (vein thromboembolism) which is a combination of the two are the most fatal risks and therefore you should discuss this with Dr. Cardenas thoughtfully, other potential risks may be but are not limited to:
- Asymmetries
- Bleeding (hematoma)
- Fat necrosis
- Skin necrosis
- Fluid accumulation (Seroma)
- Infections
- Poor wound healing, dehiscence or wound openings
- Numbness or other changes in skin sensation
- Pain, which may persist
- Persistent swelling in the legs
- Recurrent looseness of skin
- Skin discoloration and/or prolonged swelling
- Sutures may spontaneously surface through the skin, become visible or produce irritation and require removal
- Unfavorable scarring
Can Risks Be Completely Eradicated?
“Risks cannot be completely eradicated.”
The honest answer is NO, but risks can be reduced considerably if doctor and patient work together; You’ll be provided with a list of pre-operatory exams that need to be performed prior to surgery and a protocol of actions that you will need to follow in order to reduce the risks, but the patient must always be aware that risks cannot be eradicated completely.
Historical Complication Analysis
Clinical Experience — Dr. Carmina Cardenas
Complication Rate
- NON AWL14%
*Only complication was wound dehiscence
- AWL18%
*Wound dehiscence, Reaction to sutures, Fat necrosis and hematoma
- POST-BARIATRIC21%
*Wound dehiscence, Reaction to sutures, Fat necrosis and hematoma
- Avg. Complication Rate45%
Historical cohort methodology
Based on historical analysis of 247 patients of Dr. Carmina Cardenas, all patients’ procedures included liposuction, fat transfer and autologous flap augmentation.
- 247
- Patients analyzed
- 45%
- Average complication rate
- 0
- Fatal complications reported in this historical cohort
Dr. Cardenas has never had fatal complications; average complication rate is 45%, average complication rate is based on.
AWL / Post-Bariatric Patients
Remember AWL and especially post-bariatric patients are at a greater risk of complications, therefore, pre and post operative instructions must be followed with diligence.
Should I Be Concerned About the Risk of Complications?
The risk of fatal complications in plastic surgery (when following the recommended standards) is less than 1%, meaning that Plastic Surgery is very safe; As shown in the previous chart, other complications may happen and are more frequent, is plastic surgery worth it even after considering those risks?
Plastic Surgery is a very personal decision; therefore, it is very important that you have a comprehensive understanding of the risks involved and the benefits that plastic surgery may bring to your life, the following chart represent the improvements in the overall quality of life that patients who underwent surgery with Dr. Cardenas over the last 3 years reported.
Patient-Reported Quality of Life
Beyond Surgery: Patient-Reported Improvements in Quality of Life
Quality-of-life methodology
Self esteem, performance and Sex life were evaluated, surveys were conducted among Dr. Cardenas patients only.
- Self-Esteem
- Performance
- Sex Life
How Can We (Doctor and Patient) Can Be Better Prepared to Overcome Complications Successfully?
- 01
Follow Instructions
Following pre and post operative instructions diligently.
- 02
Have an Emergency Plan
Having a discussed emergency plan that both parts can follow in the event of a complication (Supportive PCP at home, family of friend’s support group that can help you at home in case that you need to travel back).
- 03
Maintain Open Communication
Constant and open communication and collaboration.
Protection Plan
Preparedness extends beyond the operating room.
All our patients have a PROTECTION PLAN included that can cover up to $3,500 dlls in expenses for treatment in the event of a complication that requires the patient to return to our facilities.
Patient Information Assistant
Ask About Safety & Procedures
Answers come only from Beauty Enhance’s approved published information. It does not give personal medical advice — for your individual case, our team will help you directly.
Talk to Our TeamDiscuss Your Safety Profile with Dr. Cardenas
A formal evaluation is essential to understand your individual risk profile and determine whether surgery is appropriate for you.
Request Your Virtual ConsultationAll inclusive
ABOUT OUR ALL INCLUSIVE PLANS
Our plans are carefully designed to provide international patients with access to top-quality plastic surgery and post operative services at affordable prices. That is why 98% of our patients come from the US and Canada each year.
Our plans include:
Surgical Care
- 1.Surgeon fees
- 2.Anesthesia fees (we use a combination of epidural with sedation, no general anesthesia will be used)
- 3.Surgical staff fees
- 4.Hospital fees (Dr. Cardenas operates at New City Hospital)
- 7.Post op meds
Travel
- 5.Round transportation SD - TJ
- 6.Pre op night stay either at the recovery center or hotel
Recovery
- 8.Recovery Center (Zen Recovery House)
- 9.24/7 nurses to assist you during your stay
- 10.All wound cleaning supplies and general meds during your stay
- 11.3 daily meals and 2 snacks
- 12.2 Iron infusions
- 13.Post op garment (faja) and boppy pillow if needed
Continuity of Care
- 14.Protection plan (it will cover complications related to the procedure for up to $3,500 usd
- 15.A post op coordinator that will assist you for 4 months
*A companion is allowed but not a requirement and will carry an extra fee of $69 usd per night
Questions
FAQ's
Stay in Tijuana
Varies with procedure, typically 7 - 10 days
Down time
5 - 6 weeks
When do I need to arrive to Tijuana?+
A day before your surgery (your plan will include your stay either at a hotel or recovery house.
Treatment Cost+
A thorough evaluation of your case is essential to determine the most appropriate surgical plan. Only after this assessment can we provide you with a personalized quote.
Is there a Fee for Consultation?+
Yes, Dr. Cardenas will invest time in assessing your case and providing her expert recommendation having in consideration your safety and best possible outcome.
Virtual Consultation Fee: $1,800 mexican pesos (around $100 usd)
Office Consultation Fee: $2,850 mexican pesos (around $150 usd)
* Consultation cost is independent from surgical cost.
Can Dr. Cardenas provide FMLA forms?+
Yes, your post op coordinator will help you to complete your forms.
Formal evaluation