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Is 10 Recovery Days Enough for Multiple Procedures Abroad?

I'm thinking of going abroad to have a breast lift, tummy tuck, back liposuction. Will 10 days be long enough?

Asked 28 months ago by shocking666 in england

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Recovery from multiple surgeries

First of all, if you were my patient, I would not be willing to do back liposuction the same day as a tummy tuck and breast lift. Secondly, the minimum time for recovery where you have surgery is 2 weeks, no less. Thirdly, realize that there is nobody who will want to take care of you when you come home if you have any problems because they didn't do your surgery. Traveling abroad also puts you at the mercy of a doctor who has not passed exams by the American Board of Plastic Surgery. ... more

Richard P. Rand, MD, FACS

Seattle Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

The Surgeon's Role Does NOT End in the Operating Room

I am sorry to pick on you, Shocking666, but I don't think you are being safe. As a plastic surgeon in California, USA, I take care of 5-10 patients annually, whose aesthetic surgeries were botched during Mexican plastic surgery adventures. To me, the thought of obtaining medical care—especially surgery—outside of the USA is ridiculous. Many plastic surgery procedures come with significant risks. For example, most honest American/European/Asian research studies of breast... more

Michael C. Pickart, MD

Ventura Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Plastic surgery abroad: Medical tourism and length of stay

For any surgery, the major risks fall into specific time periods. For example: Bleeding may occur within the first 24 hours Wound dehisence may occur between 7-10 days A Secondary period of bleeding may occur at 10 days Of course there are multiple other complications but we tend to prefer that our out of town patients remain around for about 2 weeks. This is not always possible and so we request that if patients leave sooner, they make arrangements or be prepared to have a local physician... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Recovery for breast lift, tummy tuck and back liposuction abroad

666, Absolutely not! (Way too short of a recovery period in MY opinion). I am ASSUMING you are travelling from the UK to far away exotic destinations (?South Africa, Eastern Europe, India or Thailand) where the costs are cheaper. But you must factor a few other things in your plans. The procedures you describe, if done well, run well over 6-7 hours and will cause soreness of the trunk (front and back) as well as of the breasts. In addition, despite the best intentions, they are associated... more

Peter A. Aldea, MD

Memphis Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Recovery Time in a Foreign Country after Surgery?

Based on the number/nature of the procedures you are contemplating, I would suggest that you be in the surgeon's country at least for 3 to 4 weeks after surgery. Be prepared for additional time of stay if complications arise. Best wishes

Tom J. Pousti, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Overseas surgery for multiple procedures

I realize that the other surgeons have already said this, but I'll repeat it for the sake of stressing its importance. Please think very carefully about going overseas for surgery, and about having so many procedures done at once. You will be at high risk for complications even if you are not planning to travel afterwards. I would recommend waiting at least 2 weeks prior to travel. You should see your primary care physician in the UK for a full evaluation, as this person knows your... more

Nina S. Naidu, MD

New York Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Tummy Tuck, Breast Lift, Liposuction time off

For your sake I hope going abroad meas to the US for your surgery. Either way 10 days is not long enough. It is not uncommon for drains to be in for 2 weeks following abdominoplasty. And you should be seeing your surgeon for at least the first 3-4 weeks. What will you do for further follow up visits or complications. Surgery in you own country or a month in another is the best.

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Christopher L. Hess, MD

Fairfax Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Plastic Surgery Abroad

The procedures you are contemplating involve a substantial amount of risk and will require careful followup by your plastic surgeon. Ten days is not enough time for you to recuperate before getting on a plane and possibly risking complications such as pulmonary embolism (blood clot to the lungs). My advice is to have the surgery done in your own country by a reputable plastic surgeon who will be there for you should future problems arise.

Pamela B. Rosen, MD

Coral Springs Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Recovery time for surgery

Having multiple procedures over seas is certainly obtainable, but I wold caution you on the recovery period. In many cases, 10 days should be OK or even two weeks. But, if you have a complication you will need a lot more time. Being far away from your doctor is not a great thing.

Steven Wallach, MD

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Problems With Medical Tourism, and Some Solutions

I agree that 10 days is cutting it a bit short. I realize there are financial benefits to travelling, but its important to remember that there are some things you need to consider: No insurance coverage: many plans wont help if you have a procedure overseas and develop a probem, so check into this before leaving No legal protecton: not much to do about this No longterm aftercare: you should find a practitioner willing to take on your care before you leave Increased blood clot risk from... more

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John LoMonaco, MD

Houston Plastic Surgeon

ASPS

Is 10 days recovery enough for plastic surgery abroad? Not in my opinion

I am often approached by patients wanting to come across the country to have me do their surgeries. I feel strongly that a patient choosing to do this should be prepared to spend 3 weeks locally before going home and be prepared to come back and see me at monthly intervals for several months. If a patient chooses this approach, I also require that they be in touch with a surgeon in their home town,should an emergency arise and that they should be prepared to pay that surgeon for office... more

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Elizabeth Lee, MD

Bay Area Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

I do not think 10 days will be enough admitting

I believe that you have concerns about the recovery and that is why you are asking the question. Traveling abroad is an option to get cheaper surgery. There are qualified plastic surgeons in many countries and you should check into the qualifications of your surgeon. You should make sure that your surgeon has admitting privileges to a hospitaland who will pay the bill if you have complications and require hospitalization. The other issue is the follow up and reviions .

Kamran Khoobehi, MD

New Orleans Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

You are guessing recovery period and that may not work out well

Hello, Surgical tourism is a gamble. It is impossible for any of us on this end to really know how it may turn out. Tens days for a tummy tuck alone with a tight muscular repair is a bit short. Make sure you talk about a pain pump.

John P. Di Saia, MD

Orange Plastic Surgeon

Surgical tourism with a 10 day recovery period

Travel and adventure!! Surgery should NOT be an adventure but rather a well-coordinated experience with ALL the aftercare you'll ever need if something goes amiss. My advice ; dont do it ! As we speak I am taking care of 5 people whoose care will cost many times what it would have cost in their native country

Barry H. Dolich, MD

Bronx Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Recovery time for multiple operations

You are facing three difficult aspects of your proposed surgery: the number of procedures in a single operation, the time for recovery, and having this done away from home. A conservative way of looking at this is that you are really pushing the envelope. A more realistic way of looking at this is that you are flirting with disaster. These three operations together is a lot for anyone to consider. In addition to physician fatigue (this will take at least 8 hours), there is an increased... more

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David B. Reath, MD

Knoxville Plastic Surgeon

ASAPS ASPS

Don't skimp on recovery

For the anticipated surgery 10 days is too short regardless of where you have the procedure performed. If the procedure is performed at a great distance the time is even more critical. You might "get away with it" but the downside consequences if you don't "get away with it" are significant. You may want to rethink your "itinerary".