Traveling from CA to Miami for a mommy makeover? Is It safe?

Hi citavis,
Cost isn't everything. Safety is more important. I don't know the specific doctors you are working with, and thus can't make a broad statement comparing Miami and California surgeons.
I would suggest doing your homework prior to medical tourism--understanding the surgeon who will be doing your procedure, and how they will evaluate you (eg are you flying down for a preop consultation? Or just showing up to meet your surgeon on the day of surgery?). As importantly, you should inquire about the postop followup plan and how problems will be managed--if you have complications from your Miami surgery but are home in California, you won't have any resources to receive care.
Two months ago, I got a call from my local ER in Spokane, Washington for a patient who flew to Miami for surgery and returned home at one week--and was having problems at two weeks post-op. It creates a challenging problem for patients and surgeons alike, when you are not physically co-located for followup visits and post-operative management.
Hope this helps.
Best,Christopher Pannucci MDBoard Certified Plastic SurgeonPlastic Surgery NorthwestSpokane, Washington

Cosmetic surgery tourism refers to the popular process of having surgery in a different location from that in which the patient lives. The term has come to carry with it the pejorative connotation that the motivation is usually due to a financial savings on the procedures performed. Make sure the procedures of interest to you are performed by board certified plastic surgeons. An MD degree allows any medical doctor to perform PS procedures even they he/she has not been educated/trained/certified to perform them. Some of these individuals may be emergency room physicians, family practice doctors, or OB-GYNs. The procedures may be performed in operating rooms and surgery centers with staff that do not have to pass the very stringent certification process for ambulatory surgery centers. Be sure to consider travel time and cost should you need to return from west to east coast for follow-ups or unforeseen complications.

Selecting a surgeon is first of the important decisions you make before your procedure. You want to go on a few consultations before making your decision. Be sure that the surgeons are board certified and that the procedure will be performed in an accredited facility. Review credentials of your surgeon as well as before after photos. Trust your gut. Select the surgeon with whom you feel the most comfortable and confident, not simply the one who says what you want to hear. If you will be traveling for your procedure make sure that you discuss follow up appointments and how long you will need to stay in the area after your procedure. The ASPS website is a good place to begin when selecting those you wish to meet with for a consultation.