Tummy Tuck: Q&A

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How Far from Home Should I Travel to Find a Dr. for a Tummy Tuck?

and any other type of plastic surgery.

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15 Doctor Answers | Asked by tukrhum in Moreno Valley CA

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Plan on staying for 8-10 days for Tummy Tuck out of state

There are good board certified plastic surgeons in every state. However, if you find a surgeon that you prefer who is out of state, that is fine, just plan on staying in the area for 8-10 days. Patients frequently come to my practice from out of state and out of country. We insist that they fill out a health questionaire ahead of time and have their primary care doctors communicate with me in writing about their health status and whether they are safe to have surgery. Patients are examined... more

Traveling for plastic surgery

Surgeons with national or international reputations treat patients primarily from other states and countries. Generally patients should seek a board certified plastic surgeon in their region as this will be more economical and practical. If however they seek a particular surgeon or a unique technique, they may prefer to travel.

It isnot hwo far you travel, but how long do you stay near your doctor

Hello Travel ling for a good plastic surgeon is very common, as many patients have limited access to plastic surgeons. What is more important is how long you stay near the plastic surgeon you choose. Complications are more likely to be identified in the first week after surgery, but it does not mean you are free and clear after that. In our Santa Rosa plastic surgery practice, tummy tuck patients have traveled from as far as Hawaii, which is a 6 hour flight away. Whenever you travel... more

Distance is not the problem

The most important thing is to find a surgeon that is trustworthy and experienced. Everything else will fall into place. Such a doctor will not want to put you in jeopardy so he will lay downthe ground rules by which he can perform your surgery safely. A reptuable surgeon will not do surgery and then pack you on a plane to fend for yourself. Certainly traveling to a foreign country when there are such well-trained surgeons in the States is irrational. It depends on the degree of tummy tuck... more

Robin T.W. Yuan, MD

4 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

It depends on where you live

First of all, I absolutely would not recommend going out of the country for cosmetic surgery. As has been stated many times before, nobody will want to see you or take care of your problems or complications once you come back. I personally have many patients come from Alaska, Oregon, Eastern Washington and Idaho for cosmetic surgery including tummy tucks because they feel that they will get the best care available. We have always been able to work out the logistics of this nicely. I... more

How far to travel for your surgery?

The time frame for major complications is most critical in the first two weeks to assess for bleeding or infection. Therefore it is wise to be in close proximity to your surgeon during this time period. There are other reasons, you should look for a surgeon closeby. For example, many surgeons still use drains. Sometimes these need to remain in place for an extended period of time. Who will remove it if it needs to remain in place for 3 weeks. What if you have a wound healing problem with... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Traveling for plastic surgery

We have a number of patients who are from out of state and out of country. However, the one requirement is that they need to stay long enough to provide appropriate postoperative care. see video

Find a doctor you trust and have good rapport with

The most important thing is to find a doctor that you trust, and have a good rapport with. One who listens to your concerns and performs the technique that you think works best for you. There are a large number of qualified, excellent plastic surgeons in your area. Find the one that is right for you. My advice as to techniques is to get a High Lateral Tension Abdominoplasty - created by Dr. Ted Lockwood. I find that it makes the best , most natural results. Good Luck.

As far as it takes

Deciding to undergo plastic surgery or any surgery for that matter is a very important decision that should not be taken lightly. In our practice, we see patients from all over the country. We occasionally even see patients that come from Europe and Asia. The important thing is to find a qualified surgeon and plan to stay in the local area for a few days after the surgery to make sure everything is healing properly. You may also plan to return for follow-up visits at some point in the... more

Your community or nearest metro area probably has qualified surgeons.

As a surgeon, I would suggest you do research. Talk to any other patients you know that had plastic surgery. Talk to your primary care doctor. ObGyn doctors often hear and see a lot of results from tummy tucks, breast procedures, etc. They may be very helpful. If you know nurses, ask their opinions. These methods give you personal input. Other choices include the referral services of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (surgery.org) and the American Society of Plastic... more

You need to be able to get to him or her for follow-up after tummy tuck surgery

Hello, Tummy Tucks require more follow-up than other procedures, so you need to be able to get to your chosen surgeon for that follow-up. Practices vary but I see my tummy tuck patients a dozen or more times over several months to a year. Depending upon where you live, travel may be necessary. It all depends upon the distribution of good plastic surgeons in your area.

You should be able to find a doctor close to home.

You really should be able to find a doctor close to home to perform your tummy tuck. However, it really depends where you live. If you live in the middle of nowhere, then you may need to travel to a larger city to find a plastic surgeon. Traveling for surgery is common but you have to realize that the cost can be increased due to hotel/housing while you are gone. Also, when you return home, you may find it difficult for follow up since you are so far away from where you had the... more

You may not have to go far

You may have an excellent surgeon right in your own "backyard"! By using the criteria for finding a good surgeon from the ASPS website www.plasticsurgery.org or other sites. You may be able to compile a list of surgeons that appeal to you. Then schedule consultations with a few and see which one(s) you like. If you find one, you are done, if not you can strat your seacrh into neighboring towns, cities, etc.

Travelling for plastic surgery

Thanks for your question - The short answer is the less travel the better. There are several reasons. First, plastic surgery isn't something that you can purchase off the shelf. It is a process. After the surgery follow-up is required to insure good results. While complications are very rare they are exceptionally difficult to manage at a distance. Second, air travel or extended car rides can increase life threatening complications in the immediate post-op period (usually the first... more

Not uncommon to have patients from out of state

I agree with the panel that performing surgery in other countries is not recommended. It is not uncommon to have patients come from out of state and from the same state in a diferent county. The general rule of choosing a plastic surgeon would apply e.g board certification, training, comfort zone etc. Best of luck.