Traveling for Cosmetic Surgery

While some "immigrate" for cosmetic surgery, some Americans "emigrate." Our specialty has long been aware of this, but rarely has it been seen as news. What makes it newsworthy is that several countries, hungry for American dollars, are waging an aggressive marketing campaign to attract Americans seeking low-cost cosmetic surgery. No question surgery costs less in Mexico, Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand or Russia.

We have had a little peek into this world from patients and prospective patients who have shared their experience or that of a friend with "foreign cosmetic surgery." Some are happy. Some are disappointed. For you, if you consider this option, the dilemma lies in the "what if?" "What if" there's a serious complication or unintended results? What is the contingency plan? What happens when you're 10,000 miles from home?

In the U.S., we have very stringent licensure and credentialing processes for doctors, hospitals, outpatient surgery center, clinics, etc. No other countries match our standards. In a third world country, proper sterilization techniques, safety of the blood supply, and available, competent emergency care cannot be taken for granted. Most third world countries have nowhere near the safety standards, modern equipment, or highly specialized personnel to which we've grown accustomed.

There is some excellent work performed by foreign cosmetic surgeons (some American-trained) who are operating in their homeland. There are also some patients who receive terribly botched surgery and must then return home for an American surgeon to do the necessary repair work. Certainly this double dose of surgery will erase any savings.

This is not to say problems and complications never occur in Beverly Hills, New York or Miami. But, consider the world-class medical back-up available here in the United States, if needed. As one patient commented, "I do not turn over my face -- and potentially my life -- to the low bidder 8,000 miles from home." If you want to visit an exotic locale, take a vacation. If you want cosmetic surgery, be cautious and analytical in your decision-making process. Here are some questions that will help you be objective:

7 Smart Questions You Must Ask before Having Cosmetic Surgery in a Foreign Country

1. Is the doctor board-certified by one of the official American boards, e.g American Board of Plastic Surgery, The American Board of Otolarynogology/ Head and Neck Surgery, The American Board of Ophthalmology or the American Board of Dermatology?



2. Is the surgery facility a hospital? An outpatient surgery center? Or inside a doctor's office? What safety accreditations does it hold? Is it licensed by the government or any other recognized entity, such as we have in the U.S., e.g. the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, The Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care or the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations?



3. Who performs the physical exam and appropriate laboratory tests to assure my health is satisfactory for the operation(s) and anesthetic? How far in advance of surgery will this be done?



4. When I first visit the foreign clinic, what if I don't feel comfortable with the surgeon, the facilities or staff? Can I get my money back and fly home without major financial penalty?



5. If I do opt for the surgery, will there be a doctor-anesthesiologist in attendance at all times? Is that doctor certified by the American Board of Anesthesiology?



6. Typically, how long would I have to stay in the foreign country before it is wise to return home? How often will the doctor see me? Will all stitches be taken out before I leave?



7. What if a complication or problem develops after my return home? Who manages the problem? Who pays?

Related Topics:

• Guide to Plastic Surgery
• Cosmetic Surgery in Paradise

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