Many of us have friends or family abroad. They get their medical care there, so why shouldn’t we? Medical care, including aesthetic surgery in many countries is less expensive than the United States.
Having treated several patients who traveled for plastic surgery, here are my thoughts:
How Good are you at Determining Quality in another Country?
If you live in country XYZ, you know how much a taxi costs. If you used to live there, you have a general sense. If you are a tourist, the taxi may drive you in a circle, and you pay the “special” price.
Tourists have a hard time determining value away from home.
Is the Surgeon Reputable?
There are excellent plastic surgeons in every country. But it’s harder to tell who is reputable as a tourist. You may stop by and say hello to my friends in London or Lima – I met both at conferences here in the states.
You already know something about the difference between a Chevy Suburban and a Coverlet. How much do you know about a Trabant versus a Lancia Hyena. The Trabant is German made and sounds better than a Hyena.
What is Your Plan for Follow-up?
I typically see patients the first week after aesthetic surgery. In this visit I want to make sure there is no sign of infection or fluid collection. I also use the opportunity to re-educate patients on postoperative care.
I then see patients at 1 month and 3 months after surgery.
Most importantly, if there are any concerns, I can address them.
Not infrequently our office receives phone calls from an Emergency Room where a patient who traveled for plastic surgery now needs a local plastic surgeon.
Such situations result in lots of unnecessary stress for all involved. The cheapest option is not always the least expensive.
