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Should I go abroad for plastic / cosmetic surgery?
Hopping on a flight to Mexico, Thailand, or Brazil sound good? How about hopping on a flight,
getting a face lift, tummy tuck, or breast augmentation, and recuperating on the beach before
you depart back to real life? Sound good? Many people are starting to view this as the perfect
summer vacation, but what are the real results?
Bargain surgery can be costly, for every trip that is successful there are innumerable cases
where the infections got out of hand, semi-permanent disfigurements and possible life
threatening complications. The costs of revisions can easily surpass what the original surgery
would have cost, had it been done in the US. Many times surgeons in foreign lands are not as
technically knowledgeable; their experience is garnered through trial and error methods, or
simply is treated as a "spa experience".
These spa vacations are enticing patients with the hopes of recuperating on white sandy
beaches, with a nurse waiting on your hand and foot- and in some cases this may be true, but
the reality is sometimes strikingly different. These destination vacations have the best
intentions, but you have to evaluate the situation individually, and see what is right for
you. Many forget how real cosmetic surgery is- it is in most cases a very invasive procedure
that has a very real need for follow up care, and the ability to reach your doctor if the need
arises. There is very little follow up care once the patient leaves the foreign land, and if
something traumatic is to happen, there is very little one can do to hold anyone responsible.
Many times the devices and equipment used during these cosmetic surgeries is not up to US
standards. Many countries do not have the strict standards that are enforced in the US, though
the treatment may come at a discount price, you have to remember that they can afford to cut
costs, especially when they use discounted equipment. Credentials are not easily verifiable in
other countries, whereas here one can check and cross check references and affiliations to
ensure you are working with a reputable surgeon. One must remember that an anesthesiologist,
nurses, technicians and other support staff are needed to make the procedure happen ensure
that the entire team is qualified- these people have your life in their hands.
Vacation themed procedures really do put an extra stress on the healing process. It is so vital
to be in a comfortable, stress free environment after a procedure. You put yourself at risk for
infection when you are in an environment that is full of people, unfamiliar food, and an element
of the unknown. When you are in a familiar environment, it is easier to focus on yourself, and
the process of healing. You are not worried about having time to see the sights, the sounds
and the ruins of a particular vacation spot while worrying about drains, pains, and what you
look like.
Traveling combined with surgery increases the risk of developing pulmonary embolism and blood
clots and you should be aware those five to seven days after a body procedure is the minimum
before traveling. A minimum of 7-10 days is needed to prepare you for traveling after a face
procedure. Most people don't remember that these surgeries are real and in fact have after
effects.
That is why it is important to speak with your surgeon and be comfortable with them prior to
undergoing any procedure. It may be a better option to have your procedure done, heal with it,
and then plan that vacation you have been fantasizing about. Your health and life are far too
important to treat trivially- treat yourself with the utmost care and respect, you'll be glad
you did.
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Cosmetic/Plastic Surgery
