I recently had the opportunity to travel to Guerrero, Mexico with The Crystal Foundation. It was a meaningful experience and one that reflects an aspect of plastic surgery that has always been important to me—using our skill set to care for patients who otherwise have limited access to treatment.
Getting There
The trip itself was straightforward but required coordination. We flew from Houston to Dallas, then on to Chihuahua, Mexico. From Chihuahua, we traveled by bus for about three hours to reach Guerrero.
Once we arrived, there wasn’t much downtime. We checked and organized our supplies, reviewed equipment, and prepared the operating areas so we could start efficiently the next morning. The clinic itself is not temporary—it has been established for nearly four decades with the support of the Rotary Club and is well set up to accommodate surgical missions like this.
Evaluating Patients and Planning Surgery
On the first full day, we began by seeing patients. The waiting room was full, and many had traveled long distances to be there. We evaluated each patient, discussed their needs, and triaged cases based on what could be safely and effectively treated during the trip.
From that process, we built a surgical schedule that would carry us through the next three days. It required balancing case complexity, operative time, and available resources. Some procedures could be done under local anesthesia, while others required general anesthesia, so coordinating with the anesthesia team was an important part of the workflow.
The Surgical Work
The cases we performed were primarily reconstructive. Common procedures included cleft lip and cleft palate repair, syndactyly release, burn contracture reconstruction, and reconstruction after skin cancer resection with the help of a Mohs surgeon on our team.
The work itself was focused and efficient. The goal was to provide safe, high-quality surgery within a limited timeframe. The setting was different from what we are used to in the United States, but the expectations for surgical judgment and technique remain the same.
Postoperative Care and Follow-Up
An important part of the process was follow-up. We saw all of the patients—especially the children—the day after surgery to make sure they were recovering appropriately. For those who required additional follow-up, arrangements were made for them to be seen in Chihuahua after we left.
That continuity of care is critical in a setting like this. It ensures that patients are not just treated, but supported through their recovery.
Working Alongside Others
One of the most rewarding aspects of the trip was the people.
The volunteer team—including nurses, medical assistants, physician assistants, anesthesia providers, and support staff—was exceptional. Everyone came prepared to work, adapt, and contribute. There was a shared understanding of the mission, and that made the entire process run smoothly.
It was also a privilege to work alongside local surgeons and plastic surgery residents from Chihuahua. They were knowledgeable, engaged, and deeply invested in their patients. Collaborating with them added an important dimension to the trip—not only in terms of patient care, but also in terms of shared learning.
Why This Matters to Me
One of the reasons I went into plastic surgery was the ability to participate in work like this.
Plastic surgery offers a unique combination of restoring form and function, and in settings where access to care is limited, that impact becomes even more tangible. The procedures we performed address real functional limitations that affect how patients live their daily lives.
Being able to contribute in this way is something I value and plan to continue doing.
Acknowledging the Foundation
This mission is part of a long-standing effort. I want to thank Dr. Scott Yarish, founder of Town and Country Plastic Surgeons and MedSpa, for starting The Crystal Foundation 39 years ago.
The consistency of returning to the same region over time is what makes this type of work meaningful. It builds trust and provides a reliable resource for patients who need it.
Perspective
Experiences like this reinforce the fundamentals of what we do. Regardless of setting, the priorities remain the same: careful evaluation, thoughtful planning, and precise execution.
It also highlights the importance of access to care and the role we can play in expanding it, even in small ways.
Moving Forward
I’m grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this trip and to have worked with a group of people who share a commitment to patient care.
It was a reminder of the broader impact of our field and something I look forward to continuing in the future.