Cosmetic Surgery Abroad - Benefits and Drawbacks

Cosmetic surgery is often viewed as nothing more than a medical procedure but there is often more to the process than simply visiting the office of a doctor. There are some patients who make the decision to combine their medical visit with a vacation so they can recover in style. If this sounds appealing enough to want more information, keep reading to learn about the benefits of having cosmetic surgery abroad in the future.

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad – Is There a Name for it?

The phrase for people who travel aboard for cosmetic surgery is known as “medical tourism.” The term refers to traveling to another country in order to undergo a medical procedure. The reason for the trip can be a desire to pay less money than the cost of the treatment in the United States, having an alternative treatment that is currently not available in the United States, having a medical procedure even through the patient does not have medical insurance, or enjoying a trip to a foreign country in addition to the treatment.

Some of the most popular destinations include medical clinics in Mexico, South America, and the Caribbean. While this is not a comprehensive list of medical procedures performed as part of medical tourism, popular treatments include a tummy tuck, breast implants, liposuction, cosmetic dentistry, and rhinoplasty.

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad – Concerns About the Decision

It is an appealing idea to recover from a medical procedure in a location that is far from the eyes of friends and family members. It is especially appealing if the recovery takes place in a hotel or medical spa as opposed to a hospital facility. The allure of the idea makes sense, but it might be a better idea to stay home for the treatment.

Many of the most popular medical tourism treatments listed earlier in this article are invasive medical procedures which include certain risks. There is no guarantee that the destination for the cosmetic surgery will have the same level of medical standards and medical facilities as the United States. The doctor might not have the necessary skills, experience, and training to treat complications that could threaten the life of the patient.

In addition, it might be difficult to see the doctor for a follow-up appointment once the patient has left the country. The person would need to be able to easily reach the doctor, explain the issue, and then buy another plane ticket and book another hotel room in order to see the doctor.

Plus, the idea of recovering at a resort might not be as fun or entertaining as the patient hopes. The person will likely be advised to avoid being in the sun immediately after the surgery. The patient will also be advised to not get in the pool or ocean water while they have stitches in the body or need to wear bandages as part of the recovery process.

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad – Benefits of the Decision

One of the main benefits of medical tourism is being able to save money as cosmetic surgery in foreign countries is often much less expensive than in the United States. Having said that, the chance to get a good deal should not be the deciding factor in the medical tourism decision. The patient needs to make sure the doctor they have in mind is board-certified and experienced in performing the procedure of choice. The actual experience of the doctor should be a higher concern than the cost of the treatment.

As mentioned earlier, it is a benefit to be able to have the procedure in a resort atmosphere even if the actual patient cannot enjoy the pool or other amenities. The family members or friends who accompany the patient can help them recover while also taking advantage of the location to have a vacation experience.

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad – Get to Know the Doctor

A higher price for the treatment does not guarantee that the level of care matches the cost. The medical facility will need to factor in additional fees charged by the doctor or the medical team, as well as a gas such as anesthesia into the final price.

It is also important to have a good relationship with the doctor to the point that the patient is comfortable asking questions regarding the board-certification and experience of the doctor along with sharing any concerns about the medical procedure. There are doctors who practice abroad who are board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. Finding a doctor who is certified by this board will help to put the patient at ease.

If the doctor is not certified by an American medical board, the patient should find out the type of training the foreign doctor has when it comes to the desired procedure. Once the patient has all of the necessary information about the medical professional and the medical facility where the cosmetic surgery will be performed, the person can make an educated final decision about having a procedure as part of medical tourism.

- MA