Not recommended for post-op treatment.
I procrastinated in planning post-op care and lymphatic massages and chose Belleza Colombiana for two reasons. First, the consult would be helpful (I wouldn’t be walking in for a lymphatic massage without them knowing about each procedure I received), and they could start my care quickly. Second, I'm leaving a 2-star review instead of a 1-star because I'm also at fault for not researching better, and they did refund me a pro-rated amount in the end.
First, they told me I would need the 20-session package but never explained there were other options. This package cost me $3500 but included “machines” to help with swelling and scar healing. The idea of healing my scar quickly was a huge plus, and the before/after photos they showed me of other clients sold me instantly.
The language barrier is a huge issue. The gentleman at the front desk spoke English, and the woman who did my consult spoke decent English, but I quickly learned that most of the staff spoke very little English, if any at all. I was never introduced to anybody that worked with me or informed of their position or title.
I was unable to get an explanation of the care I was receiving. At each session, I would ask what the “machines” did, and the answer every single time, regardless, would be “It helps fat go away.” or “It’s so good for your skin.” If I asked what the treatment plan was for the day, the answer was always, “Um…Lipo.” They have a couple of different treatments/machines that felt like I was being burned or shocked, and when I verbalized this, they did not stop. Each time they would pull out that machine, I would verbalize that I didn’t like it and didn’t want to do it. On one occasion, the woman that day said, “Only 20 Minutes.”, then left the room. I watched the time, and she returned 35 minutes later. It seemed I received this particular treatment more than any other treatment. I eventually learned how to “turn down” this machine because, as time passed, it would become painful, and since they left the room, there was nobody to inform. Over time the lymphatic massages became shorter and shorter in length. Some of them would last 5-8 minutes for my entire torso, while the session in total was 90 minutes.
They took a before photo of me and said they would take more after every 5th session. I started sessions eight days after surgery, so I had a lot of expected swelling. My 5th session was 20 days after surgery, so the swelling decreased a LOT, as shown in the comparison photos. I am sure the massages/treatments helped; however, my swelling did not change after that, and they never took another picture of me to compare. I can not help but wonder how much the swelling would have decreased, even without their help.
My final straw was during my 13th session when the 5-minute lymphatic massage caused my incision to open. I had an area on my tummy tuck incision/scar that was inflamed from a deep suture, which is common with the procedure I had done, but also very visible and could not have been missed during a massage. As I dressed afterward, I noticed this area was now black. They had caused it to bleed internally and bruise immediately. Unfortunately, there was nobody to inform on my way out that day. Within 48 hours, the area opened up. I covered the area with a bandage before my 14th session, and I notified my surgeon, who immediately started me on antibiotics and a care plan. Belleza Colombiana did not acknowledge the bandage or even ask why I had it on.
I notified them afterward that I would be canceling my six remaining sessions and requested a refund. They quickly placed blame and said I would need to return so that THEY could monitor my wound. After explaining that my surgeon was already doing that, they told me that I should have notified “the manager” as soon as I noticed an issue. I had to explain that I was never informed of who the manager was, nor was I formally introduced to ANYONE, and after I noticed it, the only person I saw on my way out was the receptionist. Then they asked why I didn't tell the woman that worked with me at my last session, and I had to explain that she did not speak any English and was only with me for a total of 8 minutes for the massage, as the rest of my 90-minute session was spent alone, under lights. Finally, they told me I had signed a contract for no refund, which is true, but they eventually decided to refund me, which I am thankful for.
Everyone was pleasant, but the language barrier was a significant issue. Upon canceling, I was told the manager was “the red-haired lady,” and I found that funny considering at the start of my 14th session, she was the one that called me back to a treatment room, and when I asked what the plan was for the day her response was, “um…Lipo…and um, I don’t know.” Considering one of my surgical procedures was Lipo-360, being told that so many treatments were “Lipo” was very frustrating.
They have a lot of money invested in providing contouring treatment and machines they use, but I would steer clear if you do not speak Spanish and/or need post-op care. Looking back, I would have researched before my surgery and when I was not under the influence of narcotics.