Is it Safe to Seek Plastic Surgery Abroad?

Reduced stigma around cosmetic surgery made it more appealing; the internet made it more accessible, putting information and doctors at everyone's fingertips. Now, travel may be making it cheaper.

Patients aren't just flocking to surgeons, they're bargain hunting, too. They're getting the most bang for their buck with "plastic surgery vacations," overseas trips that combine medical procedures with leisure time at a resort.

The trend is taking surgery hopefuls on trips across the world: A 2019 study found that at one cosmetic surgery center in Colombia, the 658 patients studied came from six different continents, 38 of the U.S. states and seven of the Canadian provinces.

Medical tourism is unlikely to drop in popularity, but if you're considering taking a trip to undergo a given procedure, weigh the potential risks against the possible savings to your wallet. Weigh them carefully, and weigh them more than once. Maybe weigh them again after that, too.

Risks of surgery abroad

For both your safety and satisfaction with your aesthetic results, a board-certified plastic surgeon in your home country is your best bet. This is especially true if anything goes wrong or an unrelated medical issue comes up during the procedure, or you suffer side effects after the procedure. You would have an easier time navigating a health system you know, and family and friends would be nearby to assist you.

Surgery abroad is often cheaper, but facilities may sacrifice certain factors in the quality of care.

Additional concerns regarding overseas surgery include:

• Antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Some countries have a higher prevalence of hazardous bacterial strains that pose an added risk during surgery.
• Counterfeit medications. Depending on the facility and location, you may not be getting the best quality meds for your procedure and postoperative care.
• Follow-up care. Unless you plan to stick around for several weeks, you'll need to transition your follow-up care to a U.S. doctor who may have concerns about the techniques used by your overseas surgeon.
• Language barriers. If you don't speak the same language as your surgeon, it can be difficult to communicate effectively about your expectations or concerns.
• Travel. Jumping on a plane or a boat after surgery can put you at a higher risk of a blood clot or other complications. Traveling immediately when you're on pain medications, as well as stressing your body when it should be healing, could be detrimental to your recovery.

If you're planning to pair your procedure with a leisurely vacation, consult your doctor to find out what type of activities you'll be able to participate in after your procedure. Drinking alcohol, swimming, taking long tours and sunbathing may not be recommended.

Be sure to do your homework and look for a surgeon who has been vetted by a credible regulatory body, such as the DNV International Accreditation for Hospitals, the Joint Commission International or the International Society for Quality in Healthcare.

The International Society of Plastic Surgeons can also help you research a safe facility for your operation abroad.

It's important to talk to your doctor in your home country and be honest and open, because they may have referrals or resources to help you choose a facility or be able to tell you about possible side effects and postoperative complications.

Get healthy before plastic surgery

You can take several steps to prepare and protect yourself whether you're having an operation domestically or abroad.

First, focus on getting in the best possible shape. In addition, quit smoking and reduce your alcohol consumption, so the recovery process goes more smoothly and your body can handle the anesthesia better.

If you're overweight, or you have diabetes or high blood pressure, aim to reach a healthy body mass index (BMI) and get control over your chronic conditions before surgery. It's a good idea to schedule a physical four to six weeks before surgery with your local primary care doctor, who will screen you for risk factors that need to be addressed. Take this documentation with you just so the physicians abroad can be aware of the information, because they, too, will want to know your background and risk factors.

Take steps before overseas surgery

For surgery in another country, communication is key. Get a document that outlines exactly what is included for the cost of your surgery and travel.

If your doctor in the U.S. doesn't approve, and you decide to proceed anyway, you should still let them know about your plan for surgery and schedule a follow-up appointment for when you get home. Take all your medical records with you on the trip—don't forget a full list of your current medications—and return home with copies of your updated medical records for your local doctor to reference.

Always put your safety ahead of the desire to save money on surgery. While plastic surgery is rarely covered by insurance, many surgeons in the United States offer no-interest financing options to help manage the cost of your procedure.

Be sure to explore your local options before you decide to travel for plastic surgery. You may be pleasantly surprised.