Is Puerto Rico a good place to get work done? (Photo)

Do you live in Puerto Rico?  Will you be able to hang out there for at least 3 weeks after surgery to have any early complication addressed before you return home? And will you be able to return to Puerto RIco in follow up for general questions and if you have a late complication? If the answer to either of the first two are yes and the third yes, then do your research and choose the best plastic surgeon available NOT BASED ON PRICE, and have your surgery in Puerto Rico.  If you answered no to the above, then trust me, you can't afford to have your plastic surgery in Puerto Rico. People travel to see me in Nashville, and those are the questions I ask them. Your safety comes first, and I have no idea about the safety of surgery in Puerto Rico, but I have no idea about safety in most specific surgeons offices in this country. I do know it is not safe to have surgery without adequate follow up. It is very expensive to have surgery and then end up with a preventable complication because you did not have follow up.  It is also very expensive to have to pay a second surgeon to take care of you in follow up when you can't get back to your first surgeon. Lots of things look cheap at first glance, but research hidden fees like that cost to pay a local doctor to remove stitches, if you can find one to work you in. Its your body, if it's too expensive to get done what you want, don't bargain shop. Save your money and do it when you can afford it. Best of luck!

A Mommy makeover, especially one that involves a tummy tuck, requires a lot of post op care. So, it's not just important health wise to find a surgeon in your area, but also cost wise since otherwise, you will need to pay a local surgeon for your post operative care. My best,
Dr. Sheila Nazarian
@drsheilanazarian on Instagram

Hello, Planning multiple surgeries in Puerto Rico could be a good plan for you if you live there or can stay there for many weeks post op and return for follow up visits. If you rely on paying for follow up care in the United States, you should calculate that cost as well. Overall, it may add up to quite a lot. Depending on the amount/type of surgery you have, you should expect to be followed closely by a Plastic Surgeon- preferably your operating surgeon, for at least a few months.All the best

Thank you for your question.  The issue of whether you can find a good plastic surgeon in Puerto Rico is not the issue, as I am sure there are qualified well trained surgeons there.  The question is if you have a complication, would you be able to easily see your surgeon?  Would you have ready access if an issue arises?  There is a saying of penny wise, pound foolish, and choosing a surgeon for cost may fit into this category.  If you save a few dollars by finding the cheapest surgeon, you may be sacrificing quality of result, but more importantly if something happens you may be spending more traveling back and forth to Puerto Rico or wherever to get the proper care, or end up going to a plastic surgeon near you anyways.  Best to establish your care with a board certified plastic surgeon near you so that you can get the best possible care and attention such that you get the best result.  All the best, 

No, Puerto Rico is not a good place to have plastic surgery. Maryland and the surrounding area is filled with good Plastic Surgeons.  SURGERY is not for bargain shoppers.  Jane

I honestly don't know. I do know that the standards of training and medical oversight are second to none here in the United States. 

I highly advise patients that most often than not in the plastic surgery industry, you get what you pay for.  I have had too many patients come to me for costly revisions (revisions that sometimes are 2-3x the amount of their original surgery) to fix another doctor's mistakes, because the patient chose the surgeon primarily on the price.  I advise doing research on multiple board certified plastic surgeons, seeing them for consults, getting quotes from each one, and then analyzing your options.  You don't want to take risks when it comes to your body and your health!

I'm sure there are very fine plastic surgeons in Puerto Rico. However, it would be unwise to select a surgeon based exclusively on cost. Also remember that follow-up is part of any operation in this will be more difficult at a distance. You should have a local plastic surgeon available in the advent of a complication.

Selecting the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you can make in this process. You not only want great results but it is of the upmost importance that your safety is the top priority. I encourage you to meet with experienced board certified plastic surgeons near you. Discuss your concerns and learn about the procedures. I'm confident you will be able to find a qualified surgeon near you.

I'm sure there are great surgeons there -- but it's a long way from home.  How long would you stay there? What surgeon will take care of you if you have problems once you're home?  To give Puerto Rico credit, they at least limit plastic surgery to plastic surgeons! That is not the case in the US, so in some cases it may be better!  It's the travel that's the problem.  No different than going to California for your surgery when you live in Maine.