Would you fly to another country for plastic surgery? More and more people are doing it. It's easy to understand why; in fact, a perfect storm of factors here in the U.S, including the dismal economy and the rising cost of medical care, has contributed to a booming market for cosmetic surgery in Asia, Latin America and other corners of the world.
Let's say you're just starting to get serious about breast augmentation or a tummy tuck, and one consideration you have is cost. Like most people, you go on the Web and start searching. Get ready to be bombarded with results like:
- Get cheap plastic surgery in Buenos Aires. Why not permanently alter your face? People on TV do it all the time. Besides, you’re a grown up, you can do whatever you want!
- …a surgeon…who has many years of experience in Cheap cosmetic surgery…is licensed and certified to perform such surgeries in the Czech Republic…
Not exactly confidence-inspiring. I'm sure there are many people who are satisfied with their experience outside the U.S. In my view, however, a journey to another country is a great idea for a vacation, but for plastic surgery? Not so great. Here's why:
- Research: It can be a challenge at first to understand what education, training, certifications and professional memberships mean for plastic surgeons in the U.S. It’s even more difficult to sort through what a foreign surgeon’s background really means. Not only that, but getting input from patients to supplement your view of a prospective surgeon can be impossible across borders and language barriers.
- Complications: Should you end up with an unforeseen complication, you’re in the care of the medical system of another country. This could be unsettling at a time when you feel particularly vulnerable. If you develop a problem after returning home, you will head to a local plastic surgeon and start up a new relationship that could be costly. Some patients see the money they’ve saved evaporate with surgical fine-tuning or even a reversal of the original procedure.
- Bottom line: When you add up the cost of travel, accommodations, meals and more, it could be that the ultimate savings you’ll realize really aren’t all that substantial. This is especially true if you bring a loved one to help you, which is an absolute must. And even if the balance sheet still works out in favor of traveling, is it worthwhile to trade some peace of mind for saving money?
Plastic surgery here in the U.S. is an expensive proposition, no doubt about that. But to me, it’s just not wise to cut corners. Other options include saving for your procedure and waiting a while longer, financing surgery or re-evaluating the whole idea.