Is traveling to Mexico (from Minnesota) for rhinoplasty safe? The cost is $3,500 for Mexico and $5,400 for MN. My nose is a unique Indian nose. It starts out slim, widens out, then slims in again at the tip. But most of the pics on the MN plastic surgeons websites are all Caucasian noses. Should I chance it with a nose as abnormal as mine by going abroad even though the doctor wouldn't be able to physically examine it? I feel more comfortable with getting surgery here in the U.S. but I really can't afford the $5,400+.
Rhinoplasty in Mexico - Worth the Risk?
Doctor Answers 19
It is best to have your rhinoplasty performed within The United States. There are many issues to consider when traveling abroad for surgery, such as quality of anesthesia administration, safety and sterility of the surgery center where the surgery is being performed. In The United States most surgery centers are certified by an accrediting agency such as Medicare, which does not exist in other countries. Also consider the fact that there is a 10 to 20% revision rate so you may be flying down for revision work anyway a year later for touchups. $5,400 is an average price for a rhinoplasty throughout The United States.
Learn more: http://www.seattlefacial.com
My suggestion would be for you to wait until you can afford it here. I am sure there are very good plastic surgeons in Mexico and elsewhere but problems can and do arise and you want the best facilities to handle them.
It's always best to have your surgery performed by someone in your area, since you can then see them easily if a complication occurs. There's also less stress involved. I usually recommend patients stay at least 2 weeks after their surgery if they do come from out of town, then find a trusted PS in their area when they return to their town.
You may want to reconsider having surgery until you can afford to have it done by someone you have more trust in.
You may want to reconsider having surgery until you can afford to have it done by someone you have more trust in.
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You can find good surgeons throughout the world. However, with a complex case, you should allow any surgeon ample time to devise the appropriate surgical plan or you may end up with results that will not make you happy.
Learn more: http://www.drkrisreddy.com/West_Palm_Beach_Rhinoplasty.html
Pound wise and dollar foolish! Going to another country for surgery is fine if you know or if the surgeon has an outstanding reputation for excellence. To go strictly to save money often proves to be a mistake. I know of serious consequences that have occurred in people who have done this. If you have surgery in another country, then come home and a problem develops, you will have to pay a local surgeon to manage the problem. If re-operation is necessary, you will have to pay a local surgeon to re-operate. There are many extraordinary rhinoplasty surgeons in the United States that can very successfully manage all types of noses. Be careful!
It is risky to make your decision primarily for financial reasons. Over the years, when I've seen many patients with complications after surgery out of the country, they have universally regreted their decision. The ultimate cost was far greater than the original anticipated savings. Remember, I'm only one surgeon; many of my colleagues have seen similar patients.
What if you have a problem? Who is going to see the nose for you? Are you going to pay another air fare to return there? These are only a few of the concerns. If it sounds too good to be true......
I would strongly recommend you save money until you are able to have surgery where you live.
As a revision rhinoplasty specialist, I have repaired several noses on patients who either lived in Mexico, or traveled there for surgery. Each time I have had to charge the patient approximately twice as much as it would cost you to have surgery in MN! In addition, I have seen some of the most difficult to fix deformities in these patients.
Again, if you have been able to save up cash, continue to do so until you can have your surgery done by someone in the US who will give you the care, attention, and postoperative attention that you deserve.
While there are excellent surgeons all over the world, I would caution you to go so far to have your surgery done, What if there are complications how will your doctor treat you. While the price may be cheaper in the short run, you may pay alot more in the long run.
There are fine Plastic surgeons in most countries in the world, including Mexico. The more established and well-known a surgeon is the LESS he is apt to discount his services. If you are getting a bargain basement price - think again, are you really getting what you think you are getting?
If all you can afford is just the price of the surgery, I would strongly advise you NOT to have the surgery. While a surgical complication is not likely we can never eliminate the possibility of having a complication. Should you have one, you will need MORE money to pay for additional care. This hold true in the US as well as abroad.
Finally, if you need additional care AFTER you leave Mexico (or whatever country you have your surgery in), WHO would take over your care in the US? Many surgeons would decline to become involved taking care of another surgeon's patient, unless there has been a previous understanding between them, much less care for a complication and risk being sued in the process.
Think again.
These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.
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