Let’s face it. We all love a good deal, especially in our cosmetic procedures. As plastic surgery becomes more mainstream, people are looking for ways to fit the expense into their budgets, and even combine their procedures with vacations to exotic locations. That takes two items off the bucket list, after all. But is going overseas for your plastic surgery procedures really a good idea? The answer may surprise you.
Standards of Care in the United States
Often referred to as “medical tourism,” going abroad for treatments is becoming more commonplace. Studies show that more than 750,000 people in the United States go outside the country each year for some type of surgical procedure. The cost difference between U.S. surgeons and foreign surgeons attracts many people to this trending practice, but you should know the downsides.
- Finding details about plastic surgeons, such as education, experience, specialties, and patient reviews, is difficult
- outside the U.S.
- Surgical facilities may not meet the same standards as those in the United States.
- Clinical staff, such as nurses and anesthesiologists, may not have the same credentials, education, and experience as their counterparts in the U.S.
More Affordable? Probably Not
The word “affordable” is often discussed when someone is considering medical tourism for plastic surgery. The smaller price tag may seem to fit into your budget, but this may not be the case on a long-term basis. The first potential issue is aftercare. If you experience issues, your surgeon is in another country once you return home. As medical tourism gains popularity for cosmetic procedures, plastic surgeons in the U.S. are seeing a rise in people who are seeking revision surgeries, even for minimally invasive treatments that have gone awry. If you work with a surgeon overseas, chances are good that your follow-up appointments will be via phone or video, you will not have follow-up care by the surgeon. This means that your surgeon cannot perform a physical examination to find any issues with how you are healing, and something could be missed that may lead to more serious complications in the future.
Finding the Right Plastic Surgeon
Considering the risks involved with having plastic surgery abroad, you may be wondering how to find the right plastic surgeon in the United States. A good plastic surgeon is:
- Board-certified in plastic surgery
- Specializes in the types of procedures and treatments that interest you
- Offers before and after photos of actual patients, both online and at the office
- Has excellent reviews from recent patients who had a variety of procedures completed
- Is willing to explain recommended treatments and find balance with your goals
- Helps you have realistic expectations of the procedures
- Offers personalized aftercare support, including follow-up office visits
- Makes you feel comfortable and confident with your choices
Looking for a Plastic Surgeon in Augusta? Contact Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery.
You will find the right plastic surgeon for your needs at Southeastern Aesthetic Surgery. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.