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

Question

I have been wanting a mommy makeover for about 6 years. I am a black woman living in Marin, CA! I am planning to fly to Miami for a Mommy makeover procedure and here is why. I notice the Dr. in Miami work on more African American woman and have lots of pictures of their work. The cost of a mommy makeover in Miami is 9,500 and I was quoted by 2 bay area physicians over $27,000 for the same procedures. Am I crazy for taking such a risk or what would you advise? Are Miami docs good as ca docs?

Christopher Pannucci, MD, MS · Answer

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

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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.

Camille Cash, MD · Answer

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.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear citavis,
finding the right Dr. is extremely challenging especially with the number of online platforms and resources available. There a lot of great Dr's available. Make sure he/she is a board-certified plastic surgeon. Definitely check to make sure your choice specializes in the procedure you want and spend the time to read through patient testimonials. There is a number of different sites where you can check for reviews (Realself, yelp, google, etc.).You can always pick up the phone and call around also, find an office you feel comfortable with and set up a few consultations. 
Daniel Barrett, MD
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Plastic Surgery
Member, American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery

Robert M. Tornambe, MD · Answer

I completely understand your initial point of view with regard to mommy makeover surgery and cost constraints are certainly an issue. However, please proceed with caution because perceived “bargains“ in cosmetic surgery can end up in disaster. While there are many wonderful, well qualified plastic surgeons in Miami, unfortunately there are some unscrupulous doctors calling themselves “cosmetic surgeons “offering cheap surgery with often times dire consequences. 
Please do your homework regarding your surgeon and be certain that he or she is board-certified by the American Board of plastic surgery. You can verify your surgeon’s credentials on the website of the American Board of Medical Specialties or the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
Another option is stay close to home and seek out consultation at a university plastic surgery residency program. They offer reasonable rates for aesthetic surgery performed by residents closely monitored and assisted by experienced board-certified plastic surgeons.
Please balance the risks and your personal safety against the perceived advantage of cheaper cosmetic surgery, because in the long run, it can cost you a lot more, both monetarily and in personal harm. Good Luck!

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Choosing a surgeon

Answer: Choosing a surgeon

Answer: Too Good To Be True?

Answer: Too Good To Be True?

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Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

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

Answers (7)

Answer: Choosing a surgeon

Answer: Choosing a surgeon

Answer: Too Good To Be True?

Answer: Too Good To Be True?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Mommy Makeover

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.