Double Board-Certified Surgeon Dr. Melinda Lacerna
Dr. Melinda Lacerna is double board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. She is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons (ACS) and is a member of the American Society Of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS). Dr. Melinda Lacerna obtained her medical degree from the University of California in Irvine, and received her general surgery training at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles, and her plastic surgery training at Temple University in Philadelphia. She has over 15 years extensive experience in all aspects of plastic and reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery, with special interests in facial rejuvenation (face and neck lifts, eyelid and nasal surgery, skin resurfacing), body contouring (mommy makeovers, tummy tucks and Brazilian butt lifts) and aesthetic and reconstructive breast surgery. She has presented in many national and international plastic surgery meetings. She presented “Gluteal Augmentation” at the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons meeting in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2014. She was awarded the title “Best Brazilian Butt Lift Doctor” by an online poll on Realself.com. She will be presenting at the Vegas Cosmetic Surgery meeting in September 2020. She is a national trainer and instructor for other plastic and cosmetic surgeons with the Renuvion technology for subdermal skin tightening and skin resurfacing.
She incorporates the latest technologies in lasers, radiofrequency and plasma with regenerative medicine, in order to give her patients the best results. She has participated in many surgical mission trips, including those to Africa and the Philippines, in order to treat children with cleft lips. In addition, Dr. Lacerna is a published artist. Her oil painting “Les Fleurs de Chateaux” was featured on the cover of the Kaiser Permanente national journal in 2006. She is an avid oil painter, mixed media and mosaic artist. Her extensive surgical experience, combined with her artistic abilities, enable Dr. Lacerna to achieve the most natural looking aesthetic outcomes! Lastly, Dr. Lacerna is an avid “gym rat” and enjoys cross fit, running and scuba diving. She truly believes in maintaining a healthy lifestyle and life balance in achieving the best possible version of ourselves.
Dr. Lacerna’s Philosophy
A consultation with Dr. Lacerna is like confiding to a close friend about insecurities you have about your appearance. As a woman, she listens very closely to your concerns and hopes. She understands exactly how women want to look and feel- whether in a bikini or lingerie, or simply wanting the right curves in jeans, a little black dress, or a wedding gown. She understands you want your face to have that “natural glow” during a candlelit dinner or a reunion, but not look like you just had your face done. She understands that men also care as much abut their appearance, but they do not want to look overdone. As an artist, Dr. Melinda Lacerna can visualize the potential masterpiece in each individual. As an accomplished surgeon, she uses her skills and compassion to deliver the very best results safely and effectively at LA Plastic Surgery.
To maintain the best results possible, Dr. Lacerna encourages her patients to keep a balanced lifestyle with regular exercise and healthy eating, in order to keep the new self confidence and life optimism that matches your beautiful new face and body!
In your initial consultation, Dr. Lacerna will evaluate your health and will be frank in discussing your expectations of your post-surgical results. Again, she will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and taking or avoiding vitamins, iron tablets and certain medications. Be sure to arrange for someone to drive you home after the vaginal rejuvenation surgery.
Dr. Lacerna’s Education & Certifications
Melinda Lacerna, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Doctor of Medicine University of California, Irvine
College of Medicine (1994-1998) Irvine, CA
Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences California State University, Fullerton (1990-1994) Fullerton, CABoard Certifications
Board Certified, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
Board Certified, General Surgery
Professional Memberships
American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons
Fellow, American College of Surgeons
California Society of Plastic Surgeons
Volunteer Experience
Darma Ahenkro, Ghana, West Africa (March 2006)
Hands Across the World Foundation (treated children and adults with cleft lips and burn injuries)
Cabanatuan City, Philippines (February 2005) World Surgical Foundation (treated children and adults with cleft lips and palates)
Hospital Priveleges
Ventura County Medical Center (VCMC)
Community Memorial Hospital (CMH)
St. John’s Medical Center Pleasant Valley Medical Center
Interests & Activities
Oil painting, running, scuba, volunteer mission trips, travel, interior design
Married to Brian James Kimbrell, MD, FACS
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Temple University, Philadelphia, PA (2003-2005)
General Surgery Kaiser Permanente, Los Angeles, CA (1998-2003)
Attending Plastic Surgeon Channel Islands Plastic Surgery Medical Group Ventura County Medical Center (2007-2011)
Attending Plastic Surgeon Kaiser Permanente, Woodland Hills, CA (2005-2007)Publications
Lacerna, M, Spears, J, Mitra, A Avoiding free nipple grafts during reduction mammaplasty in patients with gigantomastia. Ann Plast Surg. 2005 Jul;55(1):21-4
Kaminski, A., Amr, D., Lacerna-Kimbrell, ML Lymphatic Mapping in patients with breast cancer and previous Augmentation Mammaplasty. Am Surg. 2007 Oct;73(10);981-3
Puopong, D, Terasaki, K, Lacerna, M, Applebaum, H Splenic artery embolization in the management of an acute immune thrombocytopenic purpura-related intracranial hemorrhage. J Pediatr Surg. 2005 May;40(5):869-71.
ElTorai, I, Wong, Lacerna, M Surgical aspects of autonomic dysreflexia. J Spinal Cord Med. 1997 Jul;20(3):361-4.
Lacerna, M Les Fleurs de La Chateau, original oil painting Cover, The Kaiser Permanente Journal, Fall 2006 issue
Professional Memberships
American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons Fellow,
American College of Surgeons California Society of Plastic Surgeons