Since graduating with a specialty in plastic surgery in 2009, Dr. José Fernando López has performed 2700 surgeries in all areas of the cosmetic and reconstructive fields. He also has specialized training and fellowship certification in craniofacial and ENT (ear, nose, and throat) surgery.

Usually, patients want to consult with Dr. López about an elective procedure to improve appearance, but he also performs the required reconstructive surgery for accident victims, to manipulate disfigured skin and muscle tissue and re-establish the body’s natural contours. Dr. López says, “Various procedures work well together to support each other and function in unison. Each one is a tool to help you look better.”

A woman who has recently given birth may choose to have a “Mommy Make-over” to return to her pre-pregnancy figure. While carrying a child, the skin is stretched on the abdomen, breasts, thighs, and other areas of the body to form isolated fat deposits and stretch marks. Dr. López can reshape these areas with surgery, liposuction, and body contouring. Cosmetic procedures, cellulite removal, and skin treatments reduce the unwanted physical effects of pregnancy. Lifting the face, neck, and breasts will give you a younger appearance because they reverse the effects of sagging skin.

In recent years, Dr. López has been performing facelifts with video laparoscopy or endoscopy. These procedures focus on the middle and upper part of the face – forehead, eyes, and cheeks – to correct imperfections caused by volume loss and loose facial tissue. Dr. López will make tiny incisions at the hairline, mouth, and eyelids, that heal almost invisibly, without a scar. Even though the entry points for the instruments are very small, Dr. López can work with greater accuracy to readjust the facial structures with an endoscope to create a smoother, tighter appearance. The results of your lovely new facial contouring should last about ten years.

Dr. López uses Crisalix brand virtual aesthetic software to answer everyone’s question: “What will I look like after the procedure?” This unique 4-D virtual reality technology is based on a computer-assisted design developed by the Institute of Surgical Technology and Biomechanics at the University of Berne, Switzerland. Crisalix is game-changing technology for surgeons and patients to plan for the perfect procedure and optimal results.

How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon

According to Dr. López, these are three things to look for when choosing a surgeon:

1. Chemistry – You cannot buy or force that. You must be with a doctor who you trust and who makes you comfortable.
2. Excellence – Keep in mind that people who are dedicated to achieving high goals in other areas of their life will place the same quality standards on the outcome of your procedure.
3. Experience – Your plastic surgeon should be someone who does this procedure carefully and diligently every day. This is something that cannot be learned or bought, it takes time and effort.

On the subject of medical tourism, Dr. López says, “We have the talent and technology here in Guatemala to the same standards as in the United States and Europe. If you live in Guatemala, there’s no reason to have your plastic surgery done anywhere else. If you live in North America, there is one very good reason to come to Guatemala”.  [paying 50-75% less on your medical expenses]

Dr. Lopez listens carefully to the comments and expectations of his patients and is committed to offering an honest evaluation to help them achieve realistic, yet refined beauty with natural-looking results. He says, “We are making a change to your body that lasts forever, so we need to do it right.” Science, medicine, art, and desire all combine to produce great success for both the doctor and the patient.

Dr. López says, “Plastic surgery is a wonderful specialty, because in just a few hours, I can eliminate a physical stigma and improve self-esteem so that our patients can face every day with the confidence that their appearance reflects the beauty of their spirit.”