Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Although getting surgery overseas is nothing new, I have recently heard an increasing number of comments by patients and colleagues about patients seeking plastic surgery overseas or in foreign lands. What disturbs me is the reason for seeking surgery abroad.

In the past, this was primarily motivated by individuals searching for a level of expertise or procedures not offered here in the United States. For example, when the Lap Band procedure was new to the United States, a few of my patients sought a qualified surgeon in Mexico who had performed hundreds of the surgeries.

However, it appears that there is a growing trend and interest in promoting surgery overseas purely on an economic basis. I STRONGLY discourage individuals for several reasons and advise patients to:

1. Pick a surgeon based on personal or professional references
2. Choose a facility on it's track record and standing in the community
3. Select a location where recovery and follow-up visits are convenient
4. Have a plan in the event of a complication. Inquire as to management of complications both short and long-term. Will you have a physician or surgeon in your neighborhood who can be available to treat these?
5. Be prepared to remain in the vicinity of the surgeon to render adequate post-operative care
6. Take into account your as well as your companion's travel expenses
7. Consider a preparatory unplanned visit to the facility prior to scheduling surgery
8. Ask to speak to former patients
9. Ask about materials used and the standards to which they are held i.e. FDA review or the use of human derived materials as well as their sources and testing
10. Ask if the surgeon/facility covered by Malpractice Insurance? Are public documents available regarding the surgeon's malpractice history?
11. Will your health insurance cover medical care rendered outside the United States in the event of medical complications?

These are only a few of the issues involved but which need to be addressed when initially contemplating plastic or cosmetic surgery overseas or in foreign lands.

Although, I am familiar with successful surgery performed outside the United States, a patient of mine told me an admonitory tale about her hair stylist. Being in the cosmetic industry, this hair care professional thought herself to be well informed about her options in plastic surgery. Not having alot of money, she eventually chose to have liposuction performed in Mexico. In the course of her surgery, her bowel was perforated. The good news is she survived but not after having to remain in Mexico for over a month to receive medical care (not covered by her insurance). She has returned to the United States where she has undergone several more surgical procedures. Needless to say, this could happen anywhere but having to remain in a foreign land (with treatment by unknown physicians away from your friends and family) is alot to risk in order to save some money.

To view a slide show of one women's medical tourism journey chronicled in an MsNBC report, click the following link below:

One Women's Plastic Surgery Experience in Mexico: a slideshow

Choose wisely. Beware and Be aware. Know your risks and your options.

Labels: complications, foreign, Medical tourism, mexico, overseas, surgery