Why do surgeons outside of the U.S. do a way more aggressive tummy tuck?

In addition to medial plication of the muscle, I also include lateral plication to cinch the waist to define the waistline. If needed, (most women with prior pregnancies) I will also reinforce the abdominal wall with mesh to create a long term 'flat tummy'. The mesh acts like an internal girdle keeping the abdomen tight and flat. My patients are required to stay in the hospital overnight for observation and pain control. An added benefit to the mesh reinforcement; with patients who are slightly over a normal BMI, often loose up to ten pounds the first few weeks post op. The mesh also helps to maintain weight loss. I hope this helps.Kind regards,Gary Horndeski M.D.

Tummy tuck and liposuction of several areas can produce a dramatic result in any country.   I
would search for the board certified plastic surgeon who you feel is
most likely to give you the best results and who performs hundreds of
these procedures each year. I would look at patient reviews as well as
before and after photos on that surgeon's website.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

There are limits to what you can learn about tummy tuck results without seeing a plastic surgeon in consultation, no matter how many hours you spend online. As a member of ISAPS (International Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) I see results and techniques used by plastic surgeons around the world and I do not agree that U.S. surgeons are less aggressive in their approach to body contouring. It is possible that what you are seeing is a combination of a certain body type more typical in Latin America, combined with circumferential liposuction in the waist and fat grafting to the buttocks along with the tummy tuck; that would accentuate the hourglass shape. Many plastic surgeons in the U.S. are capable of doing this. If you do choose to go overseas for surgery, I would recommend visiting the ISAPS website for information on surgeon and facility qualifications.

I would warn you to be very careful about what you see and read about out of country surgery. There are many variable that others here have written about, those this typically are not even discussed. All of us the in the U.S. has seen patients who have had out of country surgeries that have become disasters. Gross infection, wounds falling apart, things left in patients, surgery that has been preformed technically very poorly, I personally have seen all this and more. And the problem is: you are here and the surgeon is not. Your insurance company will not cover any of the costs associated with a cosmetic surgery complication. Now your out of pocket costs have sky rocketed and you are left with problems that will require more surgery in the future. In many cases more is not better, there is a saying in plastic surgery, " The enemy of good is better". Be very careful how you chose what you want. The surgery in the U.S. is controlled by the Federal government and through the states all in an attempt to protect the patient. Board Certification in the U.S. is designed to ensure uniform standards of training and experience. This is not to say that one can not get good surgical procedures out of country, the problem is you have very little control of what you get and you have very little recourse if there is a problem.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic Surgery

The final results of any procedure are highly dependent on the preoperative condition.  Ideal results cannot be obtained in all patients.  In order to get a "very flat tummy" the patient must have very minimal visceral fat (fat on the inside around the organs).  In this circumstance, a "very flat tummy" can be achieved without overly aggressive surgery.  It is difficult or impossible to overcome excessive visceral fat with a surgical procedure.One definition of aggressive is "pertaining to a risky surgery or treatment".  Aggressive surgery, in this context, means you are more likely to have a complication(s) after surgery.It is very important to understand that if you go abroad for surgery, and have a complication, you may have to go abroad to have those complications treated.  Further, routine follow up care after surgery is very important, and very inconvenient if a visit to your surgeon requires a Passport.  It is far better to be in proximity to your surgeon for these reasons.  Disclaimer: The most accurate medical advice requires a complete history and physical with a personal consultation. This is rendered only as general information and is not medical advice. Medical advice can only be obtained by personal contact with a qualified professional. This response does not establish a physician patient relationship.

Often one can get that impression based on the starting point. Many south of the border patients are often thinner and have the ability to get a more contoured result. But how aggressive you want a tummy tuck to be is an issue to be discussed with your surgeon and is also a function of how much risk you want to take.