Plastic surgery has become a worldwide phenomenon which understandably, continues to grow in popularity. Since plastic surgery isn’t typically covered by insurance because it’s “elective surgery,” many patients are concerned with cost. As a result of this concern, plastic surgery or medical tourism has become popular, but is it safe?
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons® (ASPS), there are now numerous companies that offer all-inclusive vacation packages that include cosmetic surgery services. Often, these companies’ selling points include private hospital services and highly trained or credentialed medical staff, or so they say.
While there are definitely highly-trained plastic surgeons in other countries, especially in developed ones, the ASPS strongly cautions Americans against medical tourism because it can be difficult for people to assess a surgeon’s training and credentials when he or she is located in another country. As American patients pay for plastic surgery vacations, they can end up taking some big risks that threaten their health and safety.
Considering the Risks Involved
If you’re considering flying abroad to save a few dollars on your cosmetic surgery, the ASPS urges you to think twice. The ASPS wants you to consider the possibility of complications, the health risks involved, and unsatisfactory results. Not only that, but if something goes wrong, you may not have any legal recourse.
Here are a few risks to consider:
- If you engage in vacation-related activities, it can put your healing, recovery, and health at risk.
- All surgeries, including cosmetic surgery, have risks, such as infections, scarring, hematomas, and unsatisfactory results. If something went wrong, would your insurance cover you if you’re abroad and would the medical care be up to par in a foreign country?
- Travel after surgery increases the risk of complications, especially long flights because they increase the risk of a pulmonary embolism and blood clots.
- Patients need follow-up care and monitoring after plastic surgery and it can be limited when the patient has to return to the United States.
- When a patient opts for bargain surgery, it can be costly when revision surgeries are needed or when complications arise.
- Certain products may not meet US standards.
Next: How to Have a Smooth Recovery After Plastic Surgery
If you’re considering plastic surgery tourism, we want you to think carefully about the risks involved. To be on the safe side, have plastic surgery performed in the US and contact our office to schedule a consultation with our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Yuly Gorodisky.