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

Question

How long would you recommend staying? What would a person do if there is a problem after surgery once they go home? Do you have any tips for women traveling for plastic surgery whether its domestic or abroad?

Larry S. Nichter, MD, MS, FACS · Answer

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.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

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

Jon M. Grazer, MD, MPH, FACS · Answer

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

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

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.

Miguel Delgado, MD · Answer

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.

Alex Campbell, MD · Answer

Surgery overseas can be an excellent option for results,
experience, and value.  That said, you
definitely have to choose your surgeon correctly and make sure that he/she has
the training and experience to meet your goals with absolute safety.

We treat many international patients from the USA, Canada,
Eurpoe, and Latin America.  Your body form
is excellent for this combination of procedures as long as the surgeon has
experience in combination procedures and can minimize the operative time.  For example, we work in a team and would take
around 4 hours for the complete operation.

A key quality indicator is Board Certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t settle for less than
a Board Certified Plastic Surgeon with specialized expertise in this procedure.

Aramis Vega, MD · Answer

It is safe to have plastic surgeries performed outside the country. What matters is that where you would be submitted is a board certified plastic surgeon at a clinic supported by the ministry of health, and that you follow the guidelines in time recovery to stay where you travel.

Jaime Campos Leon, MD · Answer

Hi, thanks for your question. I receive patients from all over the world and as my practice is close to the border is easy for them to stay in touch, we have US landlines and our safety regulations are just as the same as you have back home. Here, the medical tourism is very important, so we do our best to keep our guests happy with their overall experience: transportation to/from airport to the surgical facility, recovery houses with trained bilingual nurses, In-call assistance, etc. Normally patients stay around for 7 to 10 days- depending on the procedure(s) so they could come to their post op consultation (which is extremely important) and also to make sure that they are safe enough to fly home.  If you still have any question regarding surgery in Mexico please do not hesitate to contact us at anytime,Respectfully,Dr. Jaime Campos-Leon

Vincent D. Lepore, MD (retired) · Answer

Although, there are excellent plastic surgeons throughout the world, in general, I would advise staying close to home for your surgery, unless you plan to stay at least 4 to six weeks.  If you have a problem when you get home, the surgeon who performed your surgery will not be able to help you and local surgeons may be reluctant to deal with a surgical complication not of their making.  Best wishes, Dr. Lepore.

Paul Silverstein, MD (retired) · Answer

Travelling is safe.  The surgery may not be.  Complications (major and minor) from such a major surgery are  common.  No doctor in your home town will want to take care of complications from another surgeon in a foreign country, because techniques may be different.  I f you are convinced that there is an advantage to leaving the USA for surgery, then plan to stay there for a month, until you are healed, and your surgeon will be available if you need him.

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

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