Tummy Tuck in Tijuana | Kathy’s Story From USA

Kathy Cito’s Journey from the USA to Tijuana, Mexico for a Tummy Tuck

kithy journey for tummy tuck in tijuana

Name: Kathy Cito

Residence: Port Richey, USA

Diagnosis: Desire for body contouring 

Treatment: Tummy Tuck 

Treatment Country: Tijuana, Mexico

Clinic: Alice Beauty Clinic Tijuana

Facilitator: PlacidWay

A Desire for Change: “I Just Wanted to Feel Like Myself Again”

For years, I put everyone else first—my family, my career, my responsibilities. I loved being a mother, a friend, a hardworking professional, but somewhere along the way, I lost a part of myself. I would look in the mirror and feel disconnected from the person staring back at me.

Pregnancy, weight fluctuations, and the natural aging process had taken a toll on my body. No matter how much I exercised or ate healthy, certain areas just wouldn’t change. My stomach had loose skin that made me self-conscious, and my breasts had lost their youthful shape. I wasn’t chasing perfection—I just wanted to feel comfortable in my own skin again.

“I avoided wearing swimsuits, tight clothes, or anything that made me feel exposed. I didn’t feel ugly, but I didn’t feel like me either.”

I knew I wanted a tummy tuck, but when I started looking into it in the U.S., I quickly realized how out of reach it was.

Sticker Shock: “The Cost in the U.S. Was Impossible”

I’ll never forget the day I sat in a surgeon’s office in Florida, excited but nervous, hoping to finally start this journey. But when they handed me the estimate, my heart sank. The cost was outrageous—way beyond my budget, even with financing options.

I checked with other surgeons, hoping for a more affordable option, but every single one gave me a similar price. On top of that, some had long wait times, and others didn’t seem to genuinely care about my concerns.

“I left those consultations feeling defeated. It felt like my dream was slipping away, and I started to think that maybe I would just have to accept my body the way it was."

But deep down, I wasn’t ready to give up. There had to be another way.

A New Possibility: “Could Medical Tourism Be the Answer?”

One night, frustrated and desperate, I started researching alternatives. That’s when I came across the idea of medical tourism. Mexico kept popping up in my searches—world-class surgeons, modern clinics, and prices that were a fraction of what I’d seen in the U.S.

At first, I was hesitant.

The idea of traveling to another country for surgery was overwhelming, but the more I researched, the more I realized that thousands of people were doing it successfully.

“What if the clinic wasn’t safe? What if something went wrong? What if I couldn’t communicate with the doctors?”

The idea of traveling to another country for surgery was overwhelming, but the more I researched, the more I realized that thousands of people were doing it successfully.

Finding PlacidWay: “A Light in the Darkness”

That’s when I discovered PlacidWay. Their website had so much helpful information about medical tourism, and I saw real reviews from people who had gone through the same journey. I decided to reach out, and it was the best decision I could have made.

“I was nervous, but after speaking with PlacidWay, I felt a huge sense of relief. They helped me find the best clinic for tummy tuck in Tijuana, connected me with a skilled surgeon, and answered all my questions.”

For the first time in months, I felt hopeful. This was finally becoming real.

Preparing for the Journey: “Every Step Felt Like a Battle”

Even though I was excited, preparing for surgery in another country wasn’t easy. Although the cost of a tummy tuck in Tijuana was much affordable but still financing the procedure required careful budgeting, and not everyone in my life supported my decision.

“Some people were skeptical. ‘Why would you go to Mexico?’ they asked. But I knew I had done my research, and I trusted the clinic and surgeon I had chosen."

The night before my flight, I felt a mix of emotions—excitement, nervousness, and fear of the unknown.

“I kept asking myself, ‘Am I really doing this?’ But deep down, I knew this was the right choice for me.”

Arriving in Tijuana: “I Finally Felt Safe”

When I arrived in Alice Beauty Clinic Tijuana, all my fears started to fade. The clinic was clean, modern, and welcoming. The staff was incredibly professional, and I felt reassured right away.

“The moment I met my surgeon, I knew I was in good hands. He explained everything in detail and made sure I was completely comfortable before moving forward.”

I had expected to feel out of place, but instead, I felt cared for and supported.

The Surgery & Recovery: “A Rollercoaster of Emotions”

The morning of my surgery, I was a bundle of nerves and excitement. As I lay on the operating table, I whispered to myself, “This is it.”

The procedure went smoothly, and when I woke up, I was sore but relieved.

“The first few days were tough—swelling, discomfort, and exhaustion. But the nurses were amazing, checking on me constantly and making sure I was healing properly.”

Little by little, I started to see changes. The swelling went down, and my body began to take its new shape.

“The moment I saw myself in the mirror, I teared up. I finally felt like me again.”

Returning Home: “A Different Person”

After my recovery in Mexico, I returned home to the U.S. feeling like a new person. My friends and family were amazed at the transformation—not just in my body, but in my confidence.

“I felt lighter, happier, and more at peace with myself. I wasn’t hiding behind baggy clothes or avoiding mirrors anymore.”

Each day, I felt stronger. I had regained my confidence, and it was the best decision I had ever made.

A Message to Others: “Don’t Let Fear Stop You”

For anyone considering medical tourism, my advice is simple:

“Do your research, find a reputable clinic, and don’t let fear hold you back. PlacidWay made this process so much easier, and I can’t imagine having done this without their guidance. If you’re on the fence, take that leap—you won’t regret it.”

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This is a personal story shared to inspire others considering medical tourism. Experiences and results may vary for each individual. Always consult a medical professional before making any health-related decisions.

Kathy Cito’s Journey from the USA to Tijuana, Mexico for a Tummy Tuck

About Article

  • Medically reviewed by: Dr. Lorenzo Halverson
  • Author Name: Placidway Medical Tourism
  • Modified date: Mar 13, 2025
  • Treatment: Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
  • Country: Mexico
  • Overview After struggling with excess skin post-weight loss, Kathy sought an affordable tummy tuck and breast rejuvenation in Mexico. With PlacidWay’s help, she found top care in Tijuana, changing her life forever.