How safe are "out of country" procedures (BBL)? (Photo)

Many surgeons form many countries have profiles on RealSelf. You can do your research, take a look at their reviews, work performed, try to get in touch with some of their patients (at least that's what many of my patients have told me they do). Make sure they are fully certified. There are good 'out of country' doctors out there who can do a good job and at an affordable cost. Besides the surgery cost, you should take into consideration the days you have to stay in that country, your meals, your assistance, etc. As an 'out of country' doctor, I can tell there are responsible and not much responsible doctors, like everywhere. I advsise you to take your time to review your options. 

Hi... thank you for the question and photos... Most of the Doctors from other country listed here on Real Self are certified, you can do some research and ask them in witch clinic they work so you can take a look of it. Most of us are very careful with with we do and make sure everything come out as safe as possible. 

Hello dear!
Thanks for the pictures and provided information as well.
Based on your photos, you are a great candidate for liposuction with a BBL and a tummy tuck, to give you a nice tight tummy and to get rid of the extra skin, and I think you'll get very good results.
Liposuction allows your plastic surgeon to transform your entire shape. You can improve your waist, back and flanks, and of course your buttock, to give you a beautiful heart shape, along with the tummy tuck.
In general, you need to be physically healthy and at a stable weight, have realistic expectations, be a non-smoker and your BMI needs to be 33 or less.
When choosing a plastic surgeon, the most important thing to consider is that he or she is board certified, the experience with the procedure you are interested in and that you feel comfortable in his/her hands.
In the Dominican Republic, we have excellent doctors, great professionals, and most importantly, board certified plastic surgeons, that you can choose from.
I suggest you book a consultation to discuss the best options for your goals.
Good luck :)

There are very good surgeons all over the world. Mexico had very good surgeons who contributed to plastic surgery greatly.How ever the decision to have , and to do surgery, involves many steps and many issues to consider. Part of the cost of cosmetic surgery in the U.S. A. is the standards the surgeon and the facility and the staff has to meet to assure patient safety.The decision for surgery starts with the consultation, the physical examination and the suitability for the procedure and the options. Making sure the patient is healthy enough for the procedure. Pictures alone are not enough for the decision to go ahead with surgery. Your pictures that you posted show a bulge at the belly button or just above it, could it be a hernia? and if so confirmed on examination and some times testing, are you a candidate for liposuction of the abdomen with a hernia? No.Hospitals , surgicenters and office surgery centers in the U.S. Has to meet certain standards, starting with the physical layout of the operating room, the sterilization of the instruments, the cleaning of the operating room, the equipment used in the care of the patient has to meet certain standards , they must be inspected by a medical technician on regular basis. The drugs used need to be not expired. The anesthesia given by a certified anesthesia provider. The recovery room is staffed by certified personnel, and follow certain protocols.patient monitoring during and after surgery by certified personnel. Post operative follow up, dealing with all potential complications with all the specialists needed for the care.Bleeding after surgery needs surgical care and may be hospitalization and blood transfusion.infections need infectious disease specialists involved. Blood clots need many advanced care with multiple specialists involved in the care. We in the U.S. have to meet all these standards, for patient safety

Hello, thanks for your pictures and for your inquiry. I receive patients from different places of the world everyday, and they go home safe and sound and happy too. In my practice a BBL starts from 4000 USD. Please make sure that you and your surgeon are on the same page. Don't forget to discuss all your concerns, options and expectations thoroughly. Have a safe and pleasant PS Journey!Respectfully,Dr. Jaime Campos-Leon

Although there are many qualified plastic surgeons throughout the world, the real question that you need to ask is access to post operative care. Complications such as infections or wounds or asymmetry can occur despite a surgeons best efforts. If this occurs and you are back in the states you will be forced to have another local plastic surgeon take care of you which can be another large out of pocket expense if hospital admission is needed. We provide our patients with a cosmetic insurance that covers them for the first 30 days after surgery in the event there are problems that need to be taken care of which are not covered by traditional insurance. Many people think that the savings of going out of the country is worth it because the postoperative complications are unlikely to happen to them. Of the patients that had complications after traveling that we have seen, all of them seem to think they should have stayed closer to home to have access to their primary surgeon. Consider these things carefully. Good luck.

Thanks for your question. While there are certainly qualified plastic surgeons all over the world, traveling out of the country for a procedure can make follow up office visits and post-operative care difficult. How long are you planning to remain in the other country after your procedure? What is your plan for follow up treatment? What if you have a complication after you return home? These are all considerations you should address before your procedure.Good luck!

Dear Ms. KatiBee, Thank you for your questions, story and submitted photos.While there are many excellent surgeons in other countries I would strongly advise to have your surgery within driving distance of your home.Why:1) pre and post operative appointments2) what happens if you have a intraoperative complication? What medical care is a available is available? Will your insurance cover the complication? Who pays if you required a air ambulance to be brought home?3)What if you need a revision?4)it's best not to fly for several weeks after surgery (pain, blood clots, etc).5)price should be only one of the factors... The savings could be more based on air flights, lodging, travel time, inconvenience especially if a revision would be needed.I suggest you make several additional  appointments with experienced Plastic Surgeons who have in office financing options and who are not only Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery but in addition ideally a member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (denoting by membership as having met additional criteria and a focus on Cosmetic Plastic Surgery).My best wishes, Dr. R. A. Hardesty, MD, FACSDiplomate and Certified by the Am. Bd. of Plastic Surgerywwwimagineplasticsurgery.com4646 Brockton AveRiverside, Ca 92506(951) 686-7600