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- Name: Janette Serhal
- Residence: Edmonton, Canada
- Diagnosis: Desire for cosmetic surgery (Mommy makeover, tummy tuck, liposuction, Brazilian butt lift)
- Treatment: Mommy makeover, tummy tuck, breast lift, liposuction, Brazilian butt lift
- Treatment Country: Mexico
- Clinic: Dr. Miguel Angel Fernandez, Mexicali, Mexico
- Facilitator: PlacidWay
A Desire for a New Beginning
Janette Serhal, a 30-year-old woman from Edmonton, had always been passionate about living a full, confident life. She had dreams of feeling beautiful in her own skin, not for anyone else, but for herself. At 5'6" and 235 lbs, Janette had struggled for years with her body image, longing for a change but unsure of where to turn.
Despite maintaining a busy life as a mother and managing her mental health with medications like Abilify, Janette felt disconnected from the woman she wanted to be. She wasn’t just looking for physical change—she wanted to feel alive again, to feel empowered, and to rediscover the confidence she had lost after having children. She had always felt self-conscious about her appearance, especially about her tummy and excess back fat. Her dreams were simple: a flatter tummy, a lifted chest, and a fuller, more defined body shape. But these dreams seemed out of reach, until she began to explore the possibility of cosmetic surgery.
| “Before I decided to go down this road, I just wanted to feel like myself again. I wanted to look in the mirror and feel proud of the reflection looking back at me, not ashamed.” |
The Pain of Finding Treatment at Home
The path to finding a solution in Canada was not easy for Janette. She researched various options for weight loss and body reshaping, but the cost of such treatments in Canada was overwhelming. Even when she consulted with doctors, she was faced with long waiting times, especially in a healthcare system where elective procedures like the ones she desired were often delayed.
Janette also faced the constant challenge of affordability. The price for a tummy tuck and liposuction in Canada was simply out of her financial reach, and she wasn’t willing to compromise on the quality of care for the sake of cost. The frustration grew as she realized that no matter how hard she tried, the changes she envisioned for herself were becoming increasingly distant.
| “I felt stuck. Every time I thought I was getting closer to my dream body, I’d hit another roadblock. The cost was impossible, and even when I found a solution, the waiting lists were months long. It felt hopeless.” |
Searching for Hope
When Janette finally made the decision that she couldn’t wait any longer for the change she so desperately needed, she turned to the internet for alternatives. She began researching medical tourism as a possible solution. As her options expanded, so did her doubts. The idea of traveling abroad for surgery made her nervous. She had heard both good and bad things about medical tourism and wasn’t sure where to begin. Would she be able to find the right clinic? Could she trust the doctors? Would the experience feel safe? Every question came with a new layer of anxiety.
Despite her fear, she knew this was her only shot at regaining the body she longed for. Janette’s heart was set on Mexico, a place she had heard positive reviews about, especially concerning cosmetic surgery. She didn’t want to settle for less, but she couldn’t afford to go anywhere more expensive. It felt like the perfect balance.
| “I was so scared. It felt like a leap of faith to travel to another country for surgery. I wasn’t sure who I could trust or if I was making the right decision, but I knew I had to take the chance for my own happiness.” |
Finding PlacidWay: A Beacon of Trust
During her search for a mommy makeover clinic in Mexico that could offer quality care at a reasonable price, Janette discovered PlacidWay. After reaching out to them, she was immediately impressed with how professional and attentive the team was. They didn’t just provide information; they listened to her concerns, answered her questions, and took the time to understand her needs. PlacidWay connected her with Dr. Miguel Angel Fernandez in Mexicali, Mexico—an experienced surgeon specializing in the very procedures Janette desired. With PlacidWay’s guidance, Janette felt a renewed sense of hope and direction.
While she knew PlacidWay wouldn’t arrange her travel, they offered valuable insight and support in finding the right clinic, which made Janette feel confident in her decision.
| “Talking to PlacidWay was a turning point. They didn’t just give me a list of doctors—they really helped me understand the process and guided me toward the right choice. I felt like I wasn’t alone anymore.” |
Preparing for the Journey
As Janette prepared for her trip, she was filled with mixed emotions. She had saved up for the surgery through years of careful budgeting and some support from her family, but the financial burden was still there. Leaving her children behind for a few weeks made her feel conflicted, and she wasn’t sure what to expect when she landed in a new country with a completely different culture.
Her mind raced with concerns about the language barrier, the procedures themselves, and whether she’d be comfortable during her recovery. Still, she knew this was her chance for a new beginning. On the day of her flight, a mix of fear, excitement, and anticipation flooded over her. She was about to change her life forever.
| “I was terrified. I kept thinking, ‘What if something goes wrong?’ But at the same time, I felt so hopeful. I knew this was my chance, and I couldn’t back out now.” |
A Warm Welcome and a Safe Space
Arriving in Mexicali, Janette was immediately struck by the warmth of the people and the professionalism of the clinic. Dr. Miguel Angel Fernandez and his team made her feel comfortable, at ease, and completely supported. The clinic was clean, modern, and well-equipped. What impressed her most was the kindness and care of the staff—they genuinely seemed to care about her well-being.
Meeting Dr. Fernandez gave her the confidence she needed. He explained every step of the procedure, ensuring Janette understood what to expect and how the recovery process would unfold. For the first time in a long while, Janette felt truly taken care of.
| “I felt like I was in the best hands. From the moment I stepped into the clinic, I knew I had made the right decision. Dr. Fernandez and the staff made me feel like family, and that meant everything to me.” |
The Journey Through Treatment
The day of the surgery was both daunting and exciting. Janette had never undergone any major surgeries before, so this was a huge leap of faith. The team at the clinic was supportive throughout the entire process, making sure she was comfortable and calm before the procedure.
Post-surgery, Janette faced some discomfort, but the care from the medical team made all the difference. She was closely monitored, and the nurses were always ready to assist her. There were moments of anxiety and pain, but there was also a deep sense of hope as she could already see the beginning of the transformation she had dreamed of.
| “It was tough. There was pain, but the worst part was the fear of the unknown. Yet every time I looked in the mirror, I knew it was going to be worth it. I could see the changes happening.” |
Recovery and Rebirth
The recovery process wasn’t easy. Janette had moments of doubt, longing to return to her familiar surroundings and family. But with each passing day, she could feel her body healing. One of the most emotional moments came when she looked in the mirror and realized that she had the flat tummy, lifted breasts, and enhanced body shape she had always wanted.
It wasn’t just physical change—it was a mental and emotional rebirth. She felt proud of the woman she had become. Every step of recovery, no matter how difficult, was worth it.
| “The first time I looked in the mirror and saw the change—it felt like I had reclaimed myself. It was the moment I knew I had made the right decision.” |
Returning Home: A Transformed Life
When Janette returned home to Edmonton, her family and friends couldn’t believe the transformation. They were amazed not just by her physical appearance but by the newfound confidence she exuded. Janette no longer felt limited by her body. She could do things she hadn’t done in years, and most importantly, she felt at peace with herself.
Looking back on her journey, Janette realized that it was more than just about the surgery. It was about reclaiming her life and her confidence, and she had no regrets.
| “When I walked through the door at home, I felt like a new person. I wasn’t just different on the outside; I was different on the inside too. This journey changed everything for me.” |
A Message to Others: Don’t Let Fear Hold You Back
To anyone considering cosmetic surgery abroad, Janette’s advice is clear: don’t let fear stop you. She strongly encourages those who are on the fence to seek the help they need, especially with trustworthy facilitators like PlacidWay, who can help guide you through the process.
| “If you’re thinking about taking the leap, don’t hesitate. Do your research, trust your instincts, and don’t let fear control your choices. This could change your life like it did for me.” |
Disclaimer:
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.
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