The Scary Truth behind Plastic Surgery Tourism

The term “plastic surgery” once was blemished with negative stereotypes and stigmas. In recent years, plastic surgery has lost its stigma. Plastic surgery is so common today that the market has surged in demand—and a greater acceptance of plastic surgery in society means that prospective patients are now looking for bargains. Getting a discount on a surgical procedure may sound outrageous, but it’s true, and it’s sparked another potentially disturbing trend called “plastic surgery tourism.” Dr. B. Aviva Preminger of Preminger Plastic Surgery would like to share why plastic surgery tourism isn’t worth the price.

What is plastic surgery tourism?

Plastic surgery tourism is the act of traveling to a foreign country with the intent of having a surgical procedure done at lower prices than can be found in the United States. Medical tourism like this often has high risks that patients are unaware of before putting themselves in harm’s way. Plastic surgery is serious… just like any other surgery. It requires trained professionals who are educated in the subject matter, but that isn’t always the case. Some practitioners may claim they are plastic surgeons but actually aren’t trained or regulated like plastic surgeons here in the States. However, prospective clients should know that any deal or bargain that comes at a very low price is probably that inexpensive for a reason. That applies to clients looking locally as well as abroad for a plastic surgeon. Researching your surgeon is a smart first step when shopping for options.

What are the possible risks of plastic surgery tourism?

• Complications: Any surgery has the risks of complications, even plastic surgery. Your board-certified plastic surgeon in Manhattan will have standards and check-ins before and after your procedure. If you see an out-of-town surgeon, and experience complication after you have returned home, then you’d have to head to your regular doctor, who may not be able to obtain full or even partial records from this abroad surgeon. This can threaten your health. In some cases, plastic surgery tourists have had to pay significantly more in medical expenses to treat any complications and revisions that they would have paid initially had they chosen the right plastic surgeon in the U.S.
• Safely Traveling: Your journey to some international destination for your plastic surgery may require quite a flight. That’s no problem for you, right? That may have been true before your procedure, but how about after your plastic surgery? Travel is stressful, even for those who do it well. That long-distance travel can run you higher chances of blood clots and infections. Many professionals near you will tell you to plan a long-distance trip only after a set time following your surgery. This can add to your financial expense if you have to extend your stay in another country.
• Recovery: It’s important to consider how you will manage your recovery. Depending on the plastic surgery you choose, it can take weeks for your body to heal fully. During that time, you may need repeat checkups to assess your healing or any complications. There’s no guarantee that your surgeon can provide that from a foreign land.
• Quality of care: The U.S. is not the only place in the world to have excellent medical care. However, a doctor from an exotic location may operate under different medical standards. Also, accreditation acquired by a facility or surgeon may not be as stringent as our country’s practices. Rigorous research may help show you the truth about your vacation surgeon.
• Legality: In America, f you go to a doctor, and they do something wrong they are held to a certain legal standard. Malpractice lawsuits are designed to protect patients in the event that negligence on the doctor’s behalf occurred during treatment. Malpractice law stands very little ground outside of our country. That means if something were to happen, any subsequent medical bills would fall into your lap. Insurance may not even cover any corrective treatment as it occurred in association with elective plastic surgery.

Choose plastic surgery in Manhattan

Plastic surgery is expensive, but if you look around for cheaper options, you may end up a proverbial creek without a paddle. Dr. B. Aviva Preminger doesn’t want that for you or any of her patients. Plastic surgery is serious and has risks like any other surgical procedure. It should be performed by a trained professional who is certified with an organization like the American Board of Plastic Surgery.  Don’t risk your future health in the name of a bargain hunt. Call the professionals at Preminger Plastic Surgery today, if you’re located in the Upper East Side of Manhattan or anywhere New York City. Chose to “vacation” at home for your plastic surgery. Contact Dr. Preminger’s office by phone at (212) 706-1900 to schedule a free consultation.