DoctorLowenstein

I can tell you that I have treated several patients who had their surgery overseas, and came back with varying types of problems- infections, implant loss, and implant malposition. I have been able to salvage some of these situations, and others have been left with significant deformities because of what was done to them overseas. The price you were quoted locally seems very high- I'm sure you can have these procedures done domestically, and safely, for less than $20,000.

Rachel, I'm very sorry that you have had a less than optimal experience with one of our local plastic surgeons. I know that you are not one of my patients- I routinely go over all the risks and benefits as well as the details of the incisions and plans involved with the surgery with every patient. I am under the impression that most of our local plastic surgeons do the same and are of excellent quality. Should you require some revision in the future, I am certain that you'll find your subsequent plastic surgery experience to be exemplary in Santa Barbara.

I would be very careful about traveling outside of the US for surgery. While I'm sure I get a tainted view of these procedures because I only see the problems, I have seen a LOT of patients who have gone to Central and South America, and have problems or are unhappy once they come home. Remember that surgeons outside of the US are not as accountable for procedure, ethics, and even supplies as a properly licensed surgeon will be in the US. That is not to say that there are not some excellent plastic surgeons in South and Central America, but you often get what you pay for. Many of them do not plan to see you in followup, and so may be less accountable for their actions. While I myself have patient from all over the world come to see me here in California, I always council them that followup for concerns of theirs may require a return trip to see me, and if this is not part of the pre-operative understanding, surgery closer to home may be a better bet. Personally, I've seen too many patients patients from Central America with excess skin, contour irregularities, infections, open wounds, and even breast implants exposed and needing to urgently be removed- that I need to then fix. I cannot recommend surgery South of the Border unless you are planning to stay there or returning there for an extended period of time (3-6 months) for proper followup.