Many people decide to combine a spot of plastic surgery with a luxurious vacation in some sunny clime. But having plastic surgery abroad is not always the best – or the safest option, according to Dr. Thomas Liszka, who runs Ballantyne Plastic Surgery in Charlotte, North Carolina.
The biggest downside of having plastic surgery abroad is that you don’t always know exactly what you are getting yourself into. You need to be very careful and become aware not only of the experiences and certification of the physician who will perform the procedure or procedures, but also of the facility itself.
Different countries have different criteria for completion of a medical specialty. We don’t usually worry when people go to Europe for plastic surgery as we think the standards are the same as they are here in the United States. It’s the Latin American or Far Eastern countries which can be a concern, where we think the plastic surgery market is a less-regulated one.
I would consider checking credentials of the surgeon as well as the facility before you go. You would also need to determine the cost involved if there were complications and thus a need for repeated trips back to the surgeon or country, or potential need for correction back here in the United States.
Why Go Abroad?
Most people go abroad for plastic surgery for one of two reasons. One is usually the expense, as they assume it will be cheaper. That is why you have to weigh the possibility of complications in your budget. What if you have to go back to have something corrected? That would make the entire experience a lot more expensive.
Another reason is that people often want to go to an area that is a bit more exotic to recover. But, the reality is that you will not enjoy whereever you are the first week after surgery. I have had friends tell me that they want to have surgery done in Argentina because they have always wanted to visit there. But I tell them they’re not going to enjoy it anyway, so why bother?
If you choose to have plastic surgery abroad, make sure you go your research beforehand and only choose a certified, experienced surgeon and a top-class facility. And don’t expect to enjoy a great vacation while you’re out there, although it might provide a safe sanctuary to recover away from intrusive glances from family, friends and co-workers.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
