What are the pros and cons of being an out of town patient?

If you are a med/surg RN you will have seen your share of postoperative complications, and you will know that this can happen even if surgery is performed by an experienced physician.  If you are far away from home and there is a complication it may make your aftercare difficult.  Also, it is harder to have proper followup appointments.  These potential and real hassles will need to be weighed against the cost savings.

Thank you for the thoughtful question.  Generally speaking,  mommy makeover procedures can be quite extensive, involving significant physical and emotional recovery periods.  As you know, based on your profession, complications may occur. Therefore, best to have the procedure performed relatively close to where you live.  My best suggestion: continue to save up and find a good board certified plastic surgeon in your area to help you.  Careful selection of your plastic surgeon, careful communication of your goals, careful execution, and appropriate time for rest/recovery will all be important.  You may find the following words of advice I give to my patients prior to proceeding  with mommy makeover surgery helpful to you:
1. Make sure you are doing the procedure for the right reasons (for yourself) and that you have realistic expectations. Be aware that an improvement in the “problem area” may not translate to an overall improvement in your life situation. You are bound to be disappointed with results of the procedure if your motivation for doing the surgery is not internally driven.
2. Time your surgery carefully; generally, it is not a good idea to have surgery done during or immediately after a stressful period in life (for example divorce or death of a loved one). The additional stress of surgery will undoubtedly be more challenging to deal with if a patient's emotional reserves our already exhausted. Remember, that an improvement in your physical appearance will not translate to an improvement in your life situation.
3. If possible speak to patients who have undergone similar procedures and query them about the toughest times of their recovery period. Any practical hints previous patients can provide may be very helpful.
4. Make sure you are aware of potential complications that may arise how to reach your surgeon if necessary.
5. Make sure you have a strong and patient support system (several people if possible) in place who have time/patience to take care of you. Arrange for professional nursing if any doubt exists regarding the availability and/or stamina of your caretakers.
6. Be patient with the healing process, understanding that it will take several weeks to months to feel “normal” again. It may also take many months/year to see the end results of your surgery.
7. Be prepared to distract your mind with things of interest such as books, magazines, and movies.
8. Expect less of yourself; do not go back to work, school or chores too early and let others take care of you (for a change).
9. Pick your surgeon carefully (a well experienced board-certified plastic surgeon) and trust in his/her advice. Keep in close communication with your surgeon and do not hesitate to communicate questions/concerns and the emotional swings that you may experience.
10. Resume all medications that you were using preoperatively when cleared by your plastic surgeon and stop the use of narcotics and sedatives as soon as feasible after surgery.
11. Keep in mind the end results as you go through the tougher emotional times after your surgery. I hope this, and the attached link ( dedicated to mommy makeover surgery concerns), helps.Best wishes.