Is a tummy tuck safe in the Dominican Republic? What should I be looking for in a Doctor?

Thank you very much for sharing your concerns with us.I usually tell my patients that the first step for a safe plastic surgery is to choose a board certified aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgeon.This should have a personal website containing details of his professional biography and some photos of the procedures performed.Your plastic surgeon should be transparent and a honest person with you, with ethical and human values, and especially with good reputation and history. Also, it's much better if this doctor have special training and experience in procedures like the one you're interested.Finally, i invite you to send your photos to give you more information of interest for you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

It's not only the doctor- and there are many good ones abroad- you have to consider what happens after the surgery to avoid problems.  A tummy tuck is a big operation with risks- are you going to stay there for at least 2 weeks before you fly home? What happens if you have a complication or need follow up here?You need to consider all these factors and their costs as well- not just the surgery fee. 

I appreciate your question.Please do not travel abroad for surgeryThe best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam.Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic and restorative plastic surgery.best of luck!Dr Schwartz

Thank you for your question about tummy tuck.Beware of having destination plastic surgery.  Logistics could become very complicated if you have problems out of the country.To be sure, see two or more experienced, board-certified Plastic Surgeons for a complete evaluation to make sure you are a good candidate and that it is safe for you to have a tummy tuck or related procedure.I hope this helps.

 I would echo the concerns the others have raised. Primarily what are you going to do if you have a problem? Who will be removing your drains after surgery?  I want to ask you a hypothetical question. If you were on a cruise or vacation visiting a beautiful Third World country and you had a medical problem, would you want to stay there to receive your medical care or do you try everything possible to get back to United States?  

Thank you for your question.  The concern with traveling abroad is that it becomes very complicated, dangerous, and stressful if the patient has a complication or issue once leaving DR.   It is going to be very difficult to find a reputable plastic surgeon to take over your care close to home if issues occur.   You will most likely have to go to an academic center or charity institution for care.   Although I am sure there are excellent plastic surgeons in DR, it is always best to find a doctor who can and will see you through the end result.

Although there are some excellent surgeons abroad, you really have to do your homework. It seems like you did some, but a very important factor is the care that is available if there is a problem. Is there a major accredited hospital nearby? Does that surgeon have privileges there? If the answer to either of those questions is no, then you should rethink your surgery. A tummy tuck is a major surgery and this information as well as information on the anesthesiologist should be readily available. Are you staying in the country for at least a month? If not, it could be hard to find a plastic surgeon back in the US that would take care of a complication - All things to think about.

Hello dear, thanks for the question. Many patients are coming to the dominican republic for having plastic surgery done, you have to chose well your board certified plastic surgeon and check the facility too, it has to be clean, safe and proper for your recovery.

Thank you for your question. It sounds like you are asking the right questions and doing your research. A tummy tuck can be safe or unsafe regardless of the country in which you get it done. The doctor's credentials and track record should be carefully examined. The major problem with traveling for surgery is the post operative followup that you require. If you have any problems or complications with your surgery you surgeon will be unable to take care of you. Furthermore, it will be difficult to find a local surgeon to take care of you. Also, if you need additional care at home you will have to pay for it. In the long run going abroad may not turn out to be a bargain. Good luck. 

In Dominican Republic a board certified PS, should charge for a Tummtuck and BBL from 5000 to 6,000 dollars. Some doctors offer all inclusive packs with surgery and stay.Complications could happen at any place of the world.  I received a lot of Butched patients that had their surgeries in USA and travel to Dominican republic to fix them. Just look for certified PS, experienced on these surgeries.