Dr. Lacerna
Meet Plastic Surgeon Dr. Melinda Lacerna
Dr. Lacerna was born in the Philippines and migrated to the US with her family when she was 8 years old. She became inspired to pursue a career in Plastic Surgery after learning about various volunteer mission trips that Plastic Surgeons are involved with all over the world.
Dr. Lacerna’s motivation enabled her to finish her Bachelor’s Degree in Biological Sciences from California State University, Fullerton near the top of her class, while working three jobs to support herself. In 1998, she obtained her Medical Degree from University of California in Irvine; she then pursued her training in General Surgery at Kaiser Permanente in Los Angeles followed by Plastic Surgery residency at Temple University in Philadelphia. She is Board Certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Surgery. She is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons and is a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Dr. Lacerna has extensive experience in all aspects of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery with special interests in Aesthetic and Reconstructive Breast Surgery, Body Sculpting, and Body Contouring after Massive Weight Loss.
She is involved in numerous charitable activities both locally and internationally and has treated children with cleft lip deformities in the Philippines and burn victims in Ghana, West Africa. She lives in Camarillo, CA with her husband, Dr. Brian Kimbrell, and son Caden. She is also an accomplished artist and oil painter, and enjoys travel, gourmet foods, and scuba diving.
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. 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.
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!