Big Butts No Lies Plastic Surgery Podcast

After losing approximately 430 pounds, Teresa Marie Gallegos faced another major chapter in her transformation: skin removal surgery.
In this episode of The Recovery Diaries, Mavi Rodriguez sits down with Teresa, whose journey includes removing 47 pounds of excess abdominal skin, experiencing a life-threatening pulmonary embolism during recovery, and undergoing additional procedures that helped her feel more confident and comfortable in her body.

Teresa opens up about what recovery was really like—from pain, exhaustion, and unexpected challenges to the emotional freedom she experienced as she began to embrace fashion, intimacy, and a new version of herself.

Tummy tucks and mommy makeovers are among the most popular procedures in plastic surgery, but they are also widely misunderstood. In this expert panel episode of Big Butts No Lies, host Mavi Rodriguez brings together four top board-certified plastic surgeons—Dr. Andre Marshall, Dr. Vasileios Vasilakis, Dr. Jerry Chidester, and Dr. German Newall—to break down candidate selection, surgical techniques, and recovery protocols. 

Dr. Andre Marshall opens with a deep dive into abdominoplasty variations, explaining why thin moms are often better candidates for full tummy tucks than minis. He breaks down muscle repair (diastasis recti), incision shapes, scar...

Welcome to another entry of The Recovery Diaries.

In this episode, Mavi Rodriguez sits down with Danae De Guelle to hear the story of a surgery that turned into a life-threatening medical emergency.

What Danae thought would be a routine hernia repair became months of complications, multiple surgeries, wound care, and an infection that completely changed the way she thinks about surgery and recovery.

Danae shares what happened when her incision began to change, the warning signs she experienced, spending months going in and out of the hospital, and...

Fan favorite and the "BBL King" Dr. Azizi is back on the show! In this highly requested classic archive episode, Mavi sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Azizi to demystify the most confusing and controversial parts of plastic surgery recovery: post-op sitting protocols, compression garments, and achieving a truly natural look. 

Dr. Azizi details the rigorous path of becoming a board-certified plastic surgeon, explaining exactly how their advanced training differs from standard "cosmetic surgeons" and why that difference matters if things go wrong. He shares how immersive training in Colombia inspired his unique post-op protocols—including adv...

How do you make sure your newly transferred fat actually stays, plumps up, and thrives after surgery? We are bringing back one of our most requested classic episodes to answer the ultimate recovery question: How do you "feed the fat"? 

In this deep-dive, Mavi breaks down the exact science of re-establishing a blood supply to delicate new fat cells, whether they are in your booty, face, or breasts. You'll get an exact breakdown of the essential healthy fats, proteins, antioxidants, and vitamins your body needs to speed through recovery, alongside the major inflammatory foods you must avoid t...

What happens when you finally face a medical fear you've carried for over a decade, only to realize most of the terror was just in your head? Welcome to Entry #3 of The Recovery Diaries! 💖 In this episode, Mavi sits down with Cameron, a Southwest Florida midwife and mother who lived with the physical and emotional burden of painful, stretched breasts for nearly 13 years. 

Cameron walks us through her deeply personal decision to finally undergo a breast reduction, her non-negotiable mission to find an all-female surgical team, and the breathtaking joy of her day-one mirror reveal. As a...

What happens when the multi-billion dollar cosmetic surgery industry prioritizes private equity profits over human lives? Welcome to Part 1 of Before You Go Under the Knife, a dark, immersive audio series hosted by 18-year plastic surgery insider Mavi Rodriguez. 

In this premier episode, Mavi pulls back the curtain on the lethal gaps in the medical system that protect dangerous doctors instead of innocent patients. She exposes the terrifying reality that 1 in 8 doctors marketing themselves as cosmetic surgeons are practicing completely outside their medical specialty—meaning pediatricians and ear doctors are legally performing liposuction aft...

What actually happens to your body when a cosmetic procedure goes wrong? Welcome to Part 2 of Before You Go Under the Knife, an explicit, investigative audio series hosted by 18-year plastic surgery insider Mavi Rodriguez. 

In this episode, Mavi breaks down the raw medical mechanics behind the industry's most requested and dangerous procedures. She exposes the precise anatomical reason why the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) carries a staggering 1-in-3000 mortality rate, tracing how a single centimeter of depth can trigger a fatal pulmonary fat embolism. Through harrowing, real-world case studies—including a 2026 wrongful dea...

How do you protect your life and your body in a system filled with hidden surgical loopholes? Welcome to the final part of Before You Go Under the Knife, an investigative audio series hosted by 18-year plastic surgery insider Mavi Rodriguez. 

In this finale, Mavi hands over the ultimate power blueprint to the patient, detailing the exact research steps you must take before booking. She reveals the profound difference between true American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification and lesser cosmetic boards, exposing how high follower counts can mask severe negligence. Discover how t...

Planning your tummy tuck recovery at home? In this solo episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi shares an updated recovery masterclass packed with raw, real notes straight from her post-op facility, The Recovery Haven. 

Mavi dives deep into what the first week after surgery actually looks like, starting with the reality of post-op pain and why the old myth that liposuction hurts less than a tummy tuck is completely false. She breaks down the exact gear you need to stay independent and comfortable, explaining why an electric power-lift recliner is vastly superior to a b...

Are you trying to figure out your next steps after losing weight on GLP-1 medications? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with board-certified Portland plastic surgeon Dr. Aric Aghayan to talk about the reality of body contouring after significant weight loss. 

Dr. Aghayan breaks down why a traditional tummy tuck only addresses two-dimensional, post-pregnancy changes in the front, and why anyone who has lost more than 50 pounds is likely a much better candidate for a 360-degree 3D body lift. We dive deep into the absolute complexities of the b...

Welcome to Entry #2 of The Recovery Diaries! 💖 In this entry, Mavi sits with Hillary to break down her entire surgical timeline, including the highs and lows of her Tummy Tuck, Fat Transffer, Labiaplasty, and Breast Implants.

Together, they are peeling back the layers of the plastic surgery world with zero filters and a massive dose of humor. Hillary shares her unique perspective on the cosmetic surgery community, how comedy helps us process our physical transformations, and why finding joy (and a good laugh) is a vital part of the healing journey. If...

Are you considering a breast reduction or a breast lift but feel completely overwhelmed by all the medical jargon online? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with board-certified New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Keith Blechman to demystify everything you need to know about breast surgery. 

Dr. Blechman strips away the confusing terminology and breaks down breast anatomy into two simple parts: the skin envelope and the breast mound. We dive into the critical differences between a medically necessary breast reduction (which relieves chronic back pain, neck strain, a...

Are you on a massive weight loss journey and trying to figure out the final phase of your transformation? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with board-certified New York City plastic surgeon Dr. Kevin Small, Director of Plastic Surgery at the New York Bariatric Group. 

Dr. Small answers the number one question patients ask: Will insurance pay for body contouring after weight loss? He reveals exactly how to document skin rashes, pain, and functional issues to get insurance approval. We also dive deep into the strict safety limits o...

Are you considering a non-surgical liquid rhinoplasty, or do you want to understand what it takes to completely rebuild the central feature of the human face? In this very special episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with her very first overseas guest from the UK, board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Anil Joshi. 

Dr. Joshi details the intense clinical complexities behind nasal reconstruction caused by severe trauma, skin cancer, or extensive cocaine abuse. He explains the three-dimensional architecture of the nose and why it represents the highest stakes in f...

Does your plastic surgeon worry about your blood supply as much as your results? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi talks with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Monica Wentworth about the critical role of vascular health in surgery. 

Dr. Wentworth shares why her background in vascular surgery research makes her a specialist in preventing complications like necrosis and surgical wounds. We dive into why you must disclose previous energy-based treatments like CoolSculpting or radiofrequency, and the real dangers of smoking or vaping before a facelift o...

Welcome to the very first entry of The Recovery Diaries. In this debut episode, your host Mavi steps out from behind the consultant desk to share her heart, girl-to-girl. After over a decade working in the plastic surgery industry, Mavi opens up about her personal surgical journey—from waiting until after kids to having a 360 Lipo, BBL, and breast reduction.

But this isn't just a story about physical changes. Mavi dives deep into the "Saturn Return" that led to her divorce, the realization that surgery couldn't fix a marriage, and the emotional "mirror work" that finally helped he...

Are the "after" photos you see on Instagram actually real? In this episode, Mavi sits down with board-certified plastic surgeons Dr. Ryan Kunkel and Dr. Rhett Willis to expose the details that separate a "good" mommy makeover from a breathtaking one. 

We break down the technical side of the abdominoplasty—specifically why the belly button is the "tell-tale sign" of a tummy tuck—and explore the polarizing debate of combining a breast lift with an augmentation in a single stage. Plus, the doctors share how to spot "red f...

Are your eyes making you look tired, angry, or older than you feel? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with DC-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lexie Wang to dive deep into the world of ocular plastics.

Dr. Wang explains why the eyes are the "highest yield" area for facial rejuvenation and breaks down the crucial differences between hooded eyes and a drooping brow. We discuss the risks of removing too much skin during an upper blepharoplasty, how to test your own anatomy at home, and the...

Is the era of "bigger is better" finally over? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with Houston-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ravi to discuss the massive shift toward natural results in breast augmentation and liposuction.

With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Ravi breaks down why patients are opting for smaller implants, "auto-augmentation" breast lifts, and the revolutionary Preservation Technique. We also dive into the truth about Breast Implant Illness (BII) and why the secret to a perfect BBL is actually...

Can peptides actually improve your plastic surgery recovery? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with Jackie Barreda—a veteran patient care coordinator and host of Glow Time—to discuss the "Glow Stack," weight loss medications, and how to maintain your BBL or mommy makeover results. 

Jackie shares her journey from working in dermatology and plastic surgery since 1997 to becoming a "peptide pro." We dive deep into the world of liposuction, abdominoplasty prep, and why choosing to stop drinking alcoh...

What does a mommy makeover actually do for a patient’s confidence and body? In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with Houston-based board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Cara Downey to break down how breast augmentation, liposuction, and abdominoplasty work together to restore what pregnancy or weight loss has changed. 

Dr. Downey shares her expertise on why this journey is about more than just "getting a surgery"—it’s about safety, timing, and understanding how your body heals. We dive into the rise of GLP-1 weight loss medications, how they impact anesthesia, and what you nee...

What makes one plastic surgeon better than another?

In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with Dr. Emmanuel De La Cruz to break down what truly separates good results from exceptional ones, and it goes far beyond just technique.

Dr. De La Cruz shares his journey traveling the world to learn from the best surgeons, from training in Colombia, to studying techniques in Turkey, Italy, and across the U.S. His commitment to constantly improving his craft is what shaped his approach to body contouring today. 

Many women think they need breast implants… when what they actually need is a breast lift.

In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Olga Bachilo to break down the difference between a breast lift and breast augmentation — and how to know which one is right for you.

Dr. Bachilo, founder of Glamour Plastic Surgery and Med Spa, is known for creating natural, personalized results and specializes in breast surgery, body contouring, and mommy makeovers. 

They talk about:

• What a breast lift ac...

If you’re thinking about breast surgery, this is the conversation you need to hear first.

In this episode, Mavi sits down with Dr. Ryan Couvillion to break down what patients really need to understand before making a decision — from expectations and safety to how to approach your consultation the right way.

This isn’t about trends… it’s about making the right decision for you.

🎧 Listen if you’re considering breast augmentation, lifts, or any kind of breast procedure — and want honest, unfiltered guidance.

Thinking about surgery? Don’t guess.

👉 Watch the fu...

Lymphatic drainage massages are one of the most talked-about parts of plastic surgery recovery… but are they actually necessary?

In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, Mavi sits down with lymphedema specialist Kathleen Lisson to break down everything patients need to know about post-operative lymphatic massage.

With nearly two decades of experience working alongside top plastic surgeons, Mavi knows recovery can be just as important as the surgery itself. Kathleen explains how the lymphatic system works, why swelling happens after procedures like liposuction, and how proper lymphatic drainage can help re...

Breast surgery is NOT one-size-fits-all.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Hamilton to break down what patients really need to understand before choosing breast implants, a breast lift, or revision surgery.

We talk about:

• How to know if you need a lift, implants, or both
 • Why some women don’t actually need implants
 • Implant size mistakes
 • Skin quality and long-term results
 • When to replace or remove implants
 • Common misconceptions about breast surgery
 • How surgeons determine the right plan for YOU

If you’re thinking about breast au...

You guys have been asking about peptides… and today we’re finally breaking it down.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Zarrabi from Vitality Med Spa in LA to talk about GLP-1 medications, semaglutide, retatrutide, BPC-157, TB-500, and the growing peptide trend taking over social media.

Are peptides safe?
Should you use them before plastic surgery?
What does “stacking” actually mean?
Is this FDA approved… or is it the Wild West?

We cover:
• GLP-1 medications for weight loss (Ozempic-style drugs)
• Microdosing and biohacking
• Compounding pharmacies vs brand-name pe...

Can insurance actually cover plastic surgery?

In this episode, I sit down with Jacksonville plastic surgeon Dr. Abby Threet to talk about what procedures may qualify for insurance — including breast reduction, panniculectomy, upper blepharoplasty, gynecomastia, skin cancer reconstruction, and breast reconstruction revision.

We break down:
• The difference between a breast lift and a breast reduction
• Insurance requirements and the “magic number” rule
• Board eligible vs board certified
• Why some surgeons don’t take insurance
• Drains vs no drains in tummy tucks
• How to choose the right plastic surgeon

If...

If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight — whether through GLP-1 medications, bariatric surgery, or lifestyle changes — and you’re wondering what happens to the loose skin, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode of Big Butts No Lies, I’m sitting down with Dr. Sarah Kennedy, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Atlanta, to break down body contouring after weight loss. We talk about what procedures actually help with excess skin, why doing everything at once isn’t always the safest option, and how staging surgeries can dramatically improve healing and results.

We al...

My girls, if you’ve been looking in the mirror wondering “Do I need a facelift?” — this episode is for you.

In this episode of Big Butts No Lies, I’m sitting down with Dr. Edward Daniele, one of the only surgeons in West Texas who is double board-certified in Plastic Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, to talk about something that gets overlooked all the time: the neck.

We break down:

If you’ve lost a significant amount of weight and are now dealing with loose skin, scars, or confusion about what surgery you actually need — this episode is for you.

In today’s episode, I’m joined by Dr. Jordan Kaplan, board-certified plastic surgeon in San Diego, and we’re breaking down body contouring after massive weight loss from a safety-first, patient-first perspective.

We talk about:
 ✨ When you’re truly ready for skin removal surgery
 ✨ Why a tummy tuck isn’t always the answer
 ✨ How to prioritize procedures safely
 ✨ The truth...

If you’ve been wondering what a lip lift really does, who it’s for, and whether it’s worth it, this episode is for you.

In today’s episode of Big Butts No Lies, I sit down with Dr. Parsa Salehi to break down everything you need to know about lip lift surgery — no filters, no hype, just real education.

We talk about:
 • What a lip lift actually changes (and what it doesn’t)
 • Lip lift vs filler — which one makes sense for you
 • Cost, scars, and realistic re...

Hey my girls 💖

We’re officially kicking off a new year and a new season of Big Butts No Lies, and I couldn’t think of a more important way to start than this conversation.

In this episode, I’m talking about the things every woman needs to understand before plastic surgery — not just the procedure, but the mindset, the preparation, the recovery, and the choices that truly protect you.

Plastic surgery can change your body, but the way you prepare, heal, and advocate for yourself is what changes your life...

This episode is so special to me 🥹
 Today I’m recapping the Top 10 most impactful episodes of 2025 — the conversations you girls loved the most, shared the most, and DM’d me about nonstop.

From plastic surgery safety and recovery, to mindset, self-worth, choosing the right surgeon, and healing from the inside out — these episodes shaped this entire year.

If you’re considering surgery, recovering, or simply becoming the woman of your dreams, this recap is for you.
 These aren’t just episodes… they’re lessons I’ll carry forever 💖

✨ Listen back, save your favor...

If you’re thinking about a breast lift, implants, explant, or revision, this episode is a MUST.

I sit down with Dr. Danielle Andry, the board-certified plastic surgeon who did my breast lift, to talk about what actually matters:
✔️ breast lift techniques
✔️ how long results really last
✔️ implants vs lift only
✔️ mesh, capsular contracture & BII
✔️ the biggest RED FLAGS 🚩 in plastic surgery

This is real education for real women — no fear-mongering, no fluff, just facts.

💗 For my girls who want safe, beautiful, feminine results — this one’s...

Hi my girls 💕
 Today’s episode is a MUST-LISTEN.

I’m sitting down with Anni Kimchi, and she’s bravely sharing her entire plastic surgery journey — from trusting the wrong surgeons to living through traumatic procedures, revisions, online bullying, and finally finding the right care.

What makes this episode hit harder?
 👉 Anni is a medical professional, and this still happened to her.

We talk about:
 ✨ Rhinoplasty gone wrong
 ✨ Revision surgery (and the emotional toll)
 ✨ Non–board-certified surgeons
 ✨ Awake liposuction trauma
 ✨ Being bullied online for your appearance
 ✨...

If you’re thinking about a breast lift, implants, explant, or revision, this episode is a MUST.

I sit down with Dr. Danielle Andry, the board-certified plastic surgeon who did my breast lift, to talk about what actually matters:
✔️ breast lift techniques
✔️ how long results really last
✔️ implants vs lift only
✔️ mesh, capsular contracture & BII
✔️ the biggest RED FLAGS 🚩 in plastic surgery

This is real education for real women — no fear-mongering, no fluff, just facts.

💗 For my girls who want safe, beautiful, feminine results — this one’s...

Hey my loves 💕
 Today I sat down with one of the kindest, most grounded surgeons I’ve ever met — Dr. Nicholas Howland — and wow… this conversation touched every part of my heart.

We talked about the things most people are too scared to ask:

✨ How to choose the right plastic surgeon
 ✨ Why hospital privileges MATTER so much
 ✨ The real difference between cosmetic vs. board-certified plastic surgeons
 ✨ Complications he’s managed — and how to stay safe
 ✨ The emotional + spiritual side of self-love
 ✨ Facial feminization, gender-affirming care & treating every patient with dignity
 ✨ Why d...

Thinking about a BBL revision or a BBL redo? In this episode, Dr. Stan breaks down the real first steps you need to take — from choosing the right surgeon to managing expectations for asymmetry, goals, and realistic outcomes.

A BBL revision isn’t a simple surgery — it requires expertise, strategy, and honesty. If you’re considering a second round, a reduction, or you feel like your original results didn’t turn out how you expected… this conversation is for you.

🎙️ Listen to the full episode on Big Butts No Lies
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