Is It Wise to Travel from the UK to Have Rhinoplasty in the US?

asked 6 months ago by LailaStaff in London, H9
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 225 times
Tags: medical tourism, recommendation, risk

I currently live in the UK and I am interested in having rhinoplasty. I've been researching lots of doctors in the UK but I haven't found any that I have been really impressed with. However, whilst researching, I've found doctors in the US who's work I've been really impressed by. Is it okay to travel from the UK to have rhinoplasty in the US?

11 answers to Is It Wise to Travel from the UK to Have Rhinoplasty in the US?

Travel from UK to US for rhinoplasty

It is acceptable to fly to a surgeon in the United States to have the procedure performed as complicated as rhinoplasty is. It is important to stay in the location of your surgery for 10 days after the procedure. Follow up will be difficult and there is always a 10% chance that a revision or touchup procedure may need to be performed a year after the primary procedure. Also look for a surgeon who is board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and has... more

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Rhinoplasty overseas

While the surgeon may be very well qualified, I caution patients even coming to me that if they have issues when they go home who will address them? It may be better for them to have the surgery closer to home. If you are gung ho on having it in the US, then you should stay in town for a few weeks during the early post-op period or see if your surgeon has a friend that can see you for follow-up in your country.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Traveling for Rhinoplasty

Hi Laila, Many patients travel to have their rhinoplasty procedure. The advantage of having rhinoplasty done locally is follow up treatment. Rhinoplasty involves sculpting the nose and is dependent on the artistic vision, experience, and skill of the treating physician. In the London area I have been impressed with the work of Mr. Julian Rowe-Jones. The most important aspect of your rhinoplasty is choosing your surgeon most carefully, which it appears you are... more

Michael A. Persky, MD
Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

British Patient Having Rhinoplasty in the USA

We have done surgery,frequently rhinoplasty, on international patients for many years, particularly Europe, especially the UK. Many of our patients will contact us and E-mail pictures before traveling to the US so we can discuss their goals and provide a general idea of what would be done; the final recommendations are made after meeting the patient, examining them, and discussing alternatives. For a patient having rhinoplasty they are usually in Beverly Hills for 8-10 days. more

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Is It Wise to Travel from the UK to Have Rhinoplasty in the US?

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and have always had international patients from outside the US come for Rhinoplasty , Face Lifts, Cheek Implants and other plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures. Why travel for your plastic and cosmetic surgery? Simple, the most important element in choosing your surgeon IMHO is that they understand and follow the proper aesthetics of facial beauty. Without that, it's difficult to create natural, attractive... more

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty abroad

We have many patients from outside our city and from overseas. We like to have our rhinoplasty patients in town for at least 7 days. We would be happy to make accommodations for you. We also have contacts for follow-up in many areas in the World and certainly in the UK. Of note, a two-page article about my wife (who is British) and our foundation was in the Dec 2 Daily record on pages 22-23. Good luck and hope to see you in Beverly Hills!

David Alessi, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Travelling internationally for rhinoplasty in the US

It isn't uncommon for patient's to travel great distances for surgery, especially if they don't have any satisfactory local options. You would want to ensure that you can stay in the area for about 14 days after surgery to make sure that the nose is healing well. There is longer term follow-up after that as well so you would want to make sure to keep in contact with your surgeon with updates on how you're healing.

Thomas A Lamperti, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Medical tourism

When I was training in New York City we saw a lot of patients from Europe. I cannot see why you could not do the same although I am sure there are some surgeons in the UK who could deliver similar results. With the exchange rate being what it is I would think the procedure might be a little less for you in the US. I hope you realize that this format of posting questions and receiving answers lacks the face to face direct communication required for you to make an informed decision... more

Aaron Stone, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

Travel to US from rhinoplasty

It certainly is ok to do this if you have the means do so and remain in the US for enough healing to ocuur afterwards before returning (usually 2 weeks). Will you be comfortable though not having easy acess to your surgeon after you return for qustions or concerns. Keep in mind that many of patients questions afterward can only be truly answered by exam. not phone, e mail or photo.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD
West Palm Beach Plastic Surgeon

www.palmbeachface.com

International Rhinoplasty Patients

We happen to see a good number of international patients who travel here to San Diego for rhinoplasty surgery. This includes many patients in the past from the UK. The bottom line is you need to feel comfortable with your chosen surgeon, especially in the area of cosmetic nose reshaping. If you cannot locate a trusted surgeon in your particular area, then traveling to satisfy your criteria is not unreasonable. Keep in mind the costs involved with international travel can be significant. You... more

John M. Hilinski, MD
San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drhilinski.com

Travel to Another Country for Surgery

If having treatments a long distance from home, keep in mind how you will deal with follow up and any potential problems. If you can figure this out, and if the quality of care is as good, or better than you can get locally, then it may be reasonable to travel overseas.