Caution when having plastic surgery outside the USA

My previous article on having plastic surgery overseas (say in Mexico or Brazil or Thailand or many other countries that are offering a low-cost alternative to surgery in the US) has generated a long list of questions. It is important to understand that there are some risks of having surgery outside the US. But Dr. Michael Bruck of the Juva Medical Spa in New York City, in an interview with Lindisima.com says, that he has seen many good surgeries from Latin America and he does not think the incidence of bad surgeries is much higher than that in the USA. However, he still recommends having the surgery closer to home. If some thing goes wrong, you can always return to the doctor, he says. I agree, but if the cost difference is huge then you need to decide if you are willing to bear some risk while saving some money. (Related article: How to finance plastic surgery?)

Another important point to consider is your option when something does go wrong. We all know what we do in the US - call a lawyer, sue everyone we can, collect the settlement, and move on. The laws protecting the patients and the high standards of patient care in the USA are not always there in other countries. However, there are crooks everywhere, including the Mecca of plastic surgery, the United States. Wherever you have the surgery, you have to make sure the doctor has experience and accreditations. (Related article: Plastic surgery safety)

It is more difficult to find information on doctor’s accreditations outside the US. In countries with high number of surgeries, such as Brazil and Mexico, it is much easier to find more information. Also, some American doctors are conducting surgeries outside the US because many procedures already available in Europe and other countries are not yet legal in the US.
Although Brazil, Mexico and Thailand attract many Americans for plastic surgery, Canada is also a country to consider. Spain and other European Union countries are also good destinations since laws are strict and often enforced.

If you decide to have surgery outside the USA you should not go alone. If possible you must go with friend(s) or a family member(s).

Be careful thinking that you will have a vacation while having plastic surgery. Most procedures have down time and you will be in pain and be swollen for days. It will take weeks before you can go back to regular activities and it may take months to fully recover from surgery. I mention this because some plastic surgery clinics overseas position the surgery package as a way to have some fun while going under the knife. That is why apart from airfare and hotel, they also throw in spa services and sightseeing. My recommendation is that you get the plastic surgery done right in one trip and think about a pleasure trip some other time.

Recommended article: Can I have plastic surgery safely?