It’s no secret that plastic surgery can be pricey. If you want to change something about your appearance but can’t afford plastic surgery, you may be tempted to get creative and consider other ways to meet your goal. There’s no shortage of medical tourism options online that offer substantially reduced prices on procedures if you’re willing to travel abroad. But is a plastic surgery getaway ever a good idea?
You Get What You Pay For
Sure, that discounted breast augmentation fee may be appealing, but carefully consider what you’re sacrificing in order to save money. American plastic surgeons who are board-certified must meet very strict criteria and standards with regard to education, experience, and continued training. The best plastic surgery results come from the best plastic surgeons. Having surgery means trusting your body and life in someone’s hands, so it’s important that you’re confident in your plastic surgeon’s abilities.
When dealing with medical tourism, it can be difficult to accurately determine the education, experience and credentials your surgeon truly has. And don’t presume that all information on their well-designed websites is completely forthcoming.
Travel and Recovery Don’t Mix
A dedicated rest and recovery period is essential after any cosmetic procedure, so traveling long distances soon after surgery just isn’t a good idea. The rigors of travel can compromise proper healing and cause dangerous complications. You should also consider that once you’re back home, you’ll have no access to your plastic surgeon for follow-up appointments or post-op care, and American plastic surgeons may be reluctant to treat you if you had your plastic surgery overseas.
Additionally, consider the possibility of a botched surgery or unsatisfactory results. If you’ve traveled abroad for breast augmentation or some other plastic surgery procedure, your options for legal recourse or corrective surgery are likely very limited.
Dr. Lee B. Daniel is board certified by both the American Board of Plastic Surgery and General Surgery. He is a member of numerous societies including the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
