Plastic Surgery Abroad
What do people consider when they plan on having a plastic surgery procedure?
When considering plastic surgery many factors have to be taken into consideration. As with all surgical procedures, cosmetic surgery also comes with a set of benefits as well as some risks. The first step in thinking about plastic surgery is narrowing down the problem area and deciding which surgical procedure is right for you. Many patients will browse the internet for before/after pictures, talk to their friends with some experience of plastic surgery and eventually request a medical consultation to see what their options are. The next stage is to think about all the details surrounding the surgery itself, such as how much recovery time is needed following the preferred surgical solution, how much disruption it will cause in one’s everyday life or if the procedure is a viable option considering any underlying medical factors. Finally, but perhaps most crucially for the majority of patients, the cost of the procedure will have to be calculated and planned for.
It is with all these considerations in mind that prospective plastic surgery patients embark on choosing the right surgeon for them. One of the ways in which patients hope to save money on the procedure is by looking for surgeons abroad. Plastic surgery packages where patients travel to other countries, to places such as Tijuana in Mexico or further afield in South America, are becoming ever more popular. Plastic surgery themed travel agencies are offering a “holiday-style nip and tuck” with a promise of palm trees and lower costs. However, it is important to remember that plastic surgery can involve risky procedures and often looking for cheaper options abroad is not the sensible path to take.
What are the risks of undergoing plastic surgery abroad?
One of the basic factors to consider when contemplating plastic surgery abroad is that every surgery, including any cosmetic procedure, is still a complicated medical procedure that has to be performed by well-trained and experienced surgeons. In some cases it is difficult to find a reliable and unbiased source of information regarding the surgeon who is going to perform your procedure and checking their references may also prove to be a challenge. Furthermore, while in theory it might sounds like lying on the beach following a procedure is very relaxing, the reality of surgery is that the recovery period can be painful and longer than expected and having the help of friends and family around you is important.
In addition, when plastic surgery packages abroad entice patients with “holiday activities” it is worth knowing that following many plastic surgery procedures it is not advised to partake in strenuous exercise or immerse in salty water. Proper healing is essential and a beach holiday could potentially hinder the process. Long-haul travel associated with plastic surgery abroad can also increase the risk of complications and can be uncomfortable and an overall unpleasant experience for recovering patients.
The low cost factor of plastic surgeries abroad is also questionable in some cases. If the surgery does not go according to plan, patients might end up paying for more costly (not to mention more complicated) revision surgeries in the U.S. As all plastic surgeons know, it is better to spend more resources on an experienced surgeon and have the first procedure performed properly than having to go in and correct mistakes with revision surgery.
Finally, it is important to keep in mind that the U.S. laws protecting patients at home are not relevant to procedures performed abroad. While a U.S. board certified surgeon will have to abide by the strictest rules and regulations set out by the board, this is not the case with surgeons abroad.
A horror story from Tijuana, Mexico
While there are many advertisements and attractive brochures luring people to opt for plastic surgery abroad it is worth being aware of other patients’ stories in order to avoid repeating their mistakes. In a recent case widely covered by international press two Texan women chose to undergo a tummy tuck and breast augmentation in a plastic surgery clinic in Tijuana, Mexico. After removing their bandages the two women discovered that the results of their surgery were far from satisfying and found there was skin hanging out from the incision sites. The two women ended up in the local hospital where they had to undergo further operations and were left with botched results and a much longer recovery period. Unfortunately no legal action could be taken against the clinic and the overall cost of the procedures, together with revision surgeries, reached a much higher level than they expected.
What to look for in your surgeon? What does it mean to be a U.S. board certified plastic surgeon?
The safest alternative to plastic surgery abroad is to choose an American Board of Plastic Surgery certified plastic surgeon. Patients often wonder what the certification actually means and are not clear on the importance of choosing a board certified plastic surgeon. Board certified plastic surgeons undergo years of rigorous training. While many doctors practise under the title “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” it does not necessarily mean that they underwent special training in the field.
Surgeons certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery all graduated from an accredited medical school, completed an accredited rigorous residency programme of six years or more and passed a certifying exam proving their skills and knowledge. It is also important to note that board certified surgeons are happy to supply references and are governed by U.S. law. While surgeons abroad might be good professionals it is much easier to find appropriate information on a U.S. board certified surgeon making the search for the surgeon who is right for the patient safer and more convenient.
Summary
The cost of plastic surgery without doubt is an extremely important factor when undergoing a cosmetic procedure. However, the health of the patient should always be the prime concern. When choosing a plastic surgeon always consider the expertise, skill and knowledge of the surgeon and aim to opt for a doctor who is right for you and who you trust to perform a life changing procedure with results that could last a lifetime.