Posts tagged medical tourism

Flying off to an island for plastic surgery?

Scottsdale – Having a medical practice specializing in plastic surgery so close to the U.S.-Mexico border we see and hear about patients seeking plastic surgery south of the border.

There are two ways that we encounter patients after they have returned from their medical tour.

The first and most common, is when patients visit me at the AB Guerra Plastic Surgery Center, many months or years after the procedure. Patients consult with me at my Scottsdale, Arizona medical office because they are not completely satisfied with the results of surgery or because of complications from cosmetic surgery performed south of the border.

These patients often require revision plastic surgery, which can be quite costly. Any perceived benefits of financial savings from the original surgery are usually erased when a revision is required.

A second way we see patients who have had surgery is when they present with an immediate complication to an American hospital from the plastic surgery done outside the U.S. Fortunately, this is pretty uncommon. However, when this occurs, it is usually a far more serious situation.

The best way to prevent these unfortunate events is to educate patients about the differences between surgery performed in the U.S compared to surgery performed in other countries. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has educated patients about medical tourism for many years.

In the U.S., plastic surgeons follow a culture of safety. In other words, we use the latest medical technology and knowledge in providing a reasonable standard of care, using evidence-based medicine. This standard is usually significantly better when compared to the medical standards in other countries.

We ask patients to consider that even routine post-surgery care, like changing dressings and monitoring healing can be necessary for several weeks. Most do not plan for that long of a medical vacation. Patients should also determine if insurance coverage for complications resulting from cosmetic surgery overseas will be covered. Patients should also realize that having the plastic surgeon of their choice, take care of a severe complication, on an emergency basis, may be a significant challenge.

AB Guerra Plastic Surgery Center in Scottsdale, Arizona.