Mommy Makeover Mexico: Is it safe to travel for a Mommy Makeover?

Prospective patients should be aware of the risks and downsides of medical tourism (traveling abroad to undergo elective surgery).Medical tourism has becoming increasingly popular in recent years; patients have been flying out of the U.S. for plastic surgery, lured by lower prices.However, a parallel trend has also appeared: plastic surgeons in the United States are finding themselves treating an increasing number of patients who plastic surgery abroad, correcting complications and errors. A survey by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons found that 80% of the responding doctors had treated American medical tourists for complications including infection, contour abnormalities, and hematoma.Medical tourists are often led to believe that they will receive the same quality of care for a lower price in a foreign clinic. But while it is true that the cost of plastic surgery in some foreign countries is lower, this is often because the quality of care and surgery is compromised. Such patients also seem to neglect the possibility of complications and the need for a follow-up visit.In addition to the risks posed by sub-standard medical care abroad, medical tourists must consider the risks of injections and implants in other countries. The recent crisis with French breast implant maker Poly Implant Prothese (PIP) exemplifies this problem. PIP used industrial- rather than medical-grade silicone on their implants in an effort to reduce costs, a measure which probably increased the danger of rupture. PIP implants have not been used in the United States since 2000. Removal of these implants has been recommended by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.It is often the case that medical tourists end up spending more money because they have to pay to treat complications from their out of the country surgery.

If you are considering traveling for a better result or quality, this may be reasonable. Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

There are many good plastic surgeons around the world. However, it is difficult to travel around the world for a follow up, especially if there is a complication after surgery. Most physicians are reluctant to follow someone else s patient, especially if the doctor is out of the county, and the physician doesn't  know him. Additionally, you will have to pay the new doctor who is treating you if you can find one, this may even cost you more than the original procedure. Should you have a problem with your procedure, you may have little legal recourse as laws and warranties can be quite different in other countries.Patients often sight I am getting a free trip with my surgery, perhaps your might enjoy the trip better when you don have the discomfort of recovery.Consider the options, it may be a better price point,in the long run to to stay local.Yours,Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS

 With all operations it's important to have access to your surgeon after the procedure for any complications or management issues. Traveling for surgery is okay but with a mommy makeover you should plan on being there for at least a few weeks.

You asked a very good question that would present a problem for having a major surgery away from home. If you develop a complication are you prepared to travel back to see your surgeon? You may have trouble finding a surgeon to see you for another surgeons complication. Additionally, traveling after major surgery is not wise, for several reasons; you cannot be lifting heavy suitcases, there is some risk for blood clots when flying. See the web reference below for additional concerns about traveling out of the country for surgery. Good luck.