The field of plastic surgery is constantly evolving, with new technologies, developments and trends that shift frequently. One trend that has become a concern is the rising number of patients returning to the US with complications from plastic surgery they sought overseas. Tempted by inexpensive surgery and exotic locations, some patients encounter serious difficulties that leave them with costly, unsightly, or dangerous complications. At Atlantic Surgical Associates we encourage you to consider some important points before deciding to undergo surgery abroad.
Medical Regulations
If you plan surgery in another country, you may not understand the qualifications those surgeons are required to meet, or how those qualifications are upheld. In the US, most patients know to look for board-certified plastic surgeons because being certified requires an extensive amount of education, experience, and skill. Also, you may not be able to identify the standards of the facility where your treatment will take place, along with the surgical staff and anesthesiologists.
Travel Risks
Surgical patients are inherently at risk during travel, with long flights or drives making them more prone to potentially serious blood clots or a pulmonary embolism. Post-operative infection can be a complication, along with bringing back resistant strains of bacteria. Most patients are advised to take time off after surgery to recuperate. This is difficult to maintain while packing for traveling and can also put unnecessary stress on wounds and delay healing. Another potential problem is residual air or gas that may be trapped in the surgical wound and can expand in the lower-pressure environment of an aircraft.
Additional Costs
While it is true that many plastic surgery procedures are cheaper overseas, the other expenses like travel costs, hotel accommodations, and extra medical care or surgery due to complications can all add up. These combined costs can make your surgery even more expensive than if you had chosen to have the procedure performed in the US.
Communication and Follow-Up Exams
Even if you have a basic understanding of the language your surgeon speaks, conversations involving medical jargon create a high probability of misunderstanding. You may not be able to visit the doctor or the facility beforehand and then find out you are not as comfortable with the surgeon and the conditions as you thought you would be. Because of the distance, many patients do not get the follow-up visits they need after surgery abroad, which can result in more serious complications.
Choosing a trusted surgeon and the right surgical procedure for you is a challenge made more difficult in an unfamiliar country. It can open the door for a host of unintended consequences, and has been the case with many of our patients at Atlantic Surgical Associates. To discuss how we can help address your concerns or if you want to resolve complications from an overseas procedure, schedule a consultation with us today.