How long should I stay in Dominican Republic for my TT and lipo surgery?

Question

I want to get surgery in Dominican Republic, im scheduled to get TT, and Lipo. I am wondering how long i should stay in DR to recover.

Shlomo Widder, MD · Answer

Dear Leslie,   The only reason to go to the DR for cosmetic surgery is cost. It is an important issue, but quality of surgeon is more important, because , if you need corrective surgery , the total  cost will double , as well as the recovery time !   Another important issue that you should be aware of is the significant  increase risk of severe complication , including death, when combining tummy tuck surgery with liposuction. In a recent article in the plastic surgery journal that was based on data from cosmetic surgery only insurance company, it was revealed that the severe complication rate is X 10 higher when combining tummy tuck with liposuction as oppose to tummy tuck alone ! In Florida, it is illegal to perform tummy tuck with liposuction over 1000 cc, after state investigation discovered very high rate of severe complication, including death, after combining tummy tuck with liposuction...   I hope that this information will give you a pause and you will make the right decision. Cosmetic surgery is purely elective and complications should be reduced to a minimum !       An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure !   Always, consult with experienced board certified plastic surgeons who operate in accredited surgery center for your safety. Most importantly, check the before and after pictures in the photo gallery to make sure that they are numerous, consistent and attractive with flat stomach, tight and youthful looking skin, nice belly button, improved body posture and low scar.                   All the best,                                         Dr Widder

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would not recommend you travel out of the country for a cosmetic surgery, there are plenty of qualified board certified PS in the US. best of luck

Janet Woodyard, MD · Answer

I would never recommend going out of the country for any cosmetic surgery. Never. Use the money you are spending on travel to have a board certified plastic surgeon near your home. I have seen too many terrible problems after patients go out of the country for surgery and then have a problem when they return. Your health is too important and there are many good surgeons here.

Harry T. Haramis, MD, FACS · Answer

Unless you have family and can stay several weeks, I would not recommend surgery abroad. Tummy tuck with BBL combined with flying right after is extremely at risk for dvt blood clots, embolism, etc.Tummy tuck is a big surgery and you are best served by close follow up with your local surgeon over the ensuing weeks to months. Having surgery abroad means you will have to find a willing local doctor for any post op care- which can be difficult.

Aldo Guerra, MD · Answer

This type of travel plastic surgery is fraught with additional risks and long travel times. I don't think it's a good idea. If your surgeon in the DR has not answered this question already, it should alarm you. I can't recommend it.Good luck. Dr. ALDO

Ram Kalus, MD, FACS · Answer

However, it is concerning that  you are already scheduled for surgery and do not know the answer to that very basic question. That is something that your plastic surgeon needs to discuss with you. The problem with having your surgery far from home is that you are also far away from your surgeon in the event that you experience problems or complications. I suggest confirming that your plastic surgeon is experienced and board certified, and that he or she has a relationship with a plastic surgeon close to your home who would be willing to see you in the event that it becomes necessary. Best of luck to you.

Israel Manon, MD · Answer

Hello
I recommend you stay for at least 2 weeks. To attend your appointments with you plastic surgeon and you messages, and make sure your recovery is going good. I recommend you  check with your surgeon first. 
Regards
Dr. Israel Mañon
Certified Plastic Surgeon

Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, MD · Answer

My recommendation to all my patients is to stay at least 13 days after surgery for a better recovery and follow up.Dr. JPG

Robert Singer, MD · Answer

Having
surgery at a reduced rate in a foreign country sounds appealing, but there are
many concerns that you should consider. Generally, there is no preoperative
direct discussion with the surgeon who is going to perform the surgery in order
to establish any reasonable doctor/patient relationship. There are often
language barriers that can interfere with your care. Even if your surgeon
speaks English, the ancillary personnel like the nurses and the anesthesia
provider who are involved in your care, may not. The quality of hospitals
outside of the U.S. varies tremendously. Some are accredited and inspected,
others are not. Even if the hospital has reasonable facilities and the surgeon
has training, which may not be up to the quality of training of a plastic
surgeon certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the quality of the
nurses and others involved in your care may be very different from that in the
United States. They may have little or no formal medical education, training or
credentialing.
There
is usually little follow-up care. In addition, the general sanitary conditions
often increase the risk of infections, including some that are generally rare
in this country.There are major potential problems that may occur with traveling long distances
just before and after surgery, like dehydration and fatigue, but more
importantly complications including clots in the legs called deep venous
thrombosis and clots to the lung which may be life threatening.
In
most countries, if a problem develops, you will have little legal recourse and
no ability to file a complaint either against the hospital or about the
surgeon. If complications develop after you return home, it may be difficult or impossible to obtain care
from your local physicians. If problems do occur, the cost of subsequent care
can be far greater than the reduced cost of the original surgery. While there
are well-trained physicians in many other countries, I would suggest that you
travel for pleasure or business and have your surgery closer to home.
Robert
Singer, MDFACS
La
Jolla, California

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

You are usually better off to have surgery close to home because the post-op care is as important as the surgery.  You should talk to your surgeon about how long he would want you to stay. If you have wound healing problems you may need to stay longer.

How long should I stay in Dominican Republic for my TT and lipo surgery?

Answers (13)

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