International Plastic Surgery Experiences

A disturbing trend in plastic surgery over the past few years has been the solicitation of patients for lower rate surgery overseas. The use of the internet has made this phenomenon more than an occasional occurrence. While most patients may do well, stories abound about postoperatuve infections, botched operations, and undesired results.

In the past, going overseas for surgery was in the pursuit of expertise or treatments that were not available in the U.S. This new overseas trend is solely based on discounted price. There are many fine plasic surgeons on other countries that do great work. However, in the interest of saving money, I am amazed how many people would naively disregard some of the basic tenets of choosing a plastic surgeon and surgery center. Important criteria such as board-certification, professional reputation, and the quality and track record of the facility where surgery will be performed can not possibly be assessed without a prior visit or consultation.

Most patients, however, have not thought of numerous extremely important issues about overseas surgery:

1) What happens in the event of a surgical complication? Who is going to take care of it? Fortunately, in elective plastic surgery, this is usually a postoperative problem so you would be home by then. Who would you go to locally? Complications from overseas surgery will not be taken care for free by plastic surgeons here.
2) In the event of a complication during or right after surgery overseas, will your health insurance provide coverage in a foreign country? Does your health insurance policy extend beyond the U.S. borders?
3) Will you really be saving a large amount of money by going overseas? When you factor in the cost of air travel and local accommodations before and after your surgery, you may not find it such a bargain. Don't proceed without knowing all costs. The 'sticker price' may not reflect all costs involved.

Surgery preformed by an unqualified plastic surgeon or in an environment that is not safe or clean is a poor trade-off for saving money on plastic surgery done overseas. In other countries where medicine is not as highly regulated, doing yiur research is more important than here in the U.S.

Article Source: http://www.a1-articledirectory.com

Dr Barry Eppley operates a private plastic surgery practice at Clarian Health in Indianapolis. His daily blog, www.exploreplasticsurgery.com , comments on issues in plastic surgery, spa therapies, and medical skin care.

Please Rate this Article

5 out of 54 out of 53 out of 52 out of 51 out of 5 

Not yet Rated