Canadian seeking breast augmentation either in Canada or USA

Question

I’m a Canadian tossing between travelling to Toronto for a breast augmentation or if it would be worth it to travel to a major US city. Both options have excellent PS so I wonder if any Drs can weigh in on whether their Canadian patients tend to fair better staying within Canada or going to US? Either way I have to travel as I come from a smaller area with only one PS, so there’s not enough options for shopping around for the best PS for my needs and personality.

John L. Burns Jr., MD · Answer

Board Certification is the litmus test for well qualified surgeons.  Finding a Board Certified doctor closest to your home would be my suggestion.

Michael Kreidstein, MD, FRCS(C) · Answer

You will find equal expertise on both sides of border.  You should consider your need to have follow-up visits and choose a location that is more convenient for travel.  You should also consider the remote chance of an emergency during/after surgery that would likely be covered financially by your health insurance in Canada but not in the U.S. ($$$).

Mathew A. Plant, MD, FRCSC · Answer

In general, if you are Canadian and are having a cosmetic surgical procedure it is advisable to stay in Canada. Although breast augmentation is an incredibly safe procedure, all procedures do have risks and god forbid you have a complication at least you will be covered by OHIP for any medical care needed. Hope that helps

Robert S. Houser, DO · Answer

If there are good surgeons close to you, go there.  If that means Toronto, that's fine.  There are great surgeons in bigger cities, but there are also bad surgeons there too!  You still need to do your homework.  Make sure they are boarded by the American Board of Plastic Surgery or the Canadian equivalent.  Good luck!

Robert Shenker, MD · Answer

There are many wonderful and talented plastic surgeons in Canada, all across the country, all of whom would be extremely capable of performing breast augmentation surgery. It's nice to stay close to home, family and friends around the time of your surgery.Post operative visits for routine follow up visits,  and for, heaven forbid, complications will certainly be easier (and likely cheaper) at home in Canada.Finally, something you may not know: due to various FDA and state regulations, Canadian plastic surgeons have much much more experience with certain types of breast implants that have only recently become available to our American counterparts. Whichever route you decide to go, please make sure to choose a plastic surgeon with good training, a great staff, and a top notch surgical facility.I hope this helps! Dr. Robert Shenker MD FRCSC

Canadian seeking breast augmentation either in Canada or USA

Answers (8)