Advisable to Have Tummy Tuck Abroad?

While there are excellent plastic surgeons in the UK, I have a large number of patients travel all the way to California for surgery. BUT, I rarely will do tummy tucks on people that travel so far. The greatest risk from a tummy tuck is development of a blood clot. Long air travel - even without surgery - can bring upon these clots (so-called coach cabin syndrome.) Though there is no data specifically on this topic, travelling trans-atlantic and then undergoing a surgery that is prone... more

Everybody here has raised good points. Check around for Tummy Tuck prices, you'd be surprised. Some of the consultants outside of London will be a lot more reasonable.

Some studies quote up to a 50% risk of seroma (fluid accumulation under the skin after surgery) after abdominoplasty. These can be troublesome and can require repeat aspirations although they infrequently require additional surgery. If you are going to need frequent followup for this or another issue, wouldn't you rather be closer to home?

Hi! In Manhattan, we take care of people from abroad often. But there 3 problematic issues with your particular plan: 1) It is one thing to have surgery abroad because you are seeking exceptional quality. But you are looking for low price. That may compromise the quality. And believe me, you cannot imagine the difference between a well done tummy tuck and a poor one. 2) With uncertain quality comes a potentially higher risk of complications. You don't want a complication anywhere,... more

English plastic surgeons are well-trained in general and you should consider the long-term follow-up aspects and the ability to treat complications. No one can guarantee a complication-free tummy tuck so it is much more advisable to stay near your home and your regular doctors.

The main question you need to ask yourself is what will you do if you have a complication.  The lure of lower price must be countered by what is really prudent.