Traveling for cosmetic surgery has become widely accepted. Unfortunately, patients have failed to see what I call the why behind the what.The why is answered rather quickly when we consider the global economy and the” idea” that everything outside of the United States is cheaper. This” idea”is not only untrue, it dangerously assumes that all services and products are created equal.In the presence of others many will deny that they would ever base their cosmetic surgery decision on price. The truth is, now more than ever patients have been duped into believing that price, affordability,and value are the same thing. What is really happening is that patients now believe that cosmetic surgery procedures are a commodity. Openly sold and marketed like cars, houses, or any other high ticket item. So, given this climate there is no surprise that people will travel to places they’ve never been with their American expectations for surgical outcomes that will be exceptional. This is not to say that there are not excellent cosmetic surgeons outside of the United States. There  are qualified cosmetic surgeons in many countries. A recent article in the International Medical Travel Journal cited many concerns and quoted Catherine Foss of ISAPS s “We see travel agencies brokering surgery for their clients with surgeons they have never met.  The patients have no assurance that their surgeon is properly trained or qualified to perform the procedure they will undergo, and all too often little attention is paid to post-surgical care. Complication rates for surgeries performed under these circumstances are alarming.”.

There are a few questions that I advise my clients to answer when they are considering cosmetic surgery outside of the United States. These are very basic questions which will clearly show if they are a candidate for cosmetic surgery in another country.

1). What is the primary reason for considering cosmetic surgery outside of the United States ?

2). If there is a complication,do you have the resources including financial, personal support, and ability to make alternative  arrangements if necessary?

3) Have you researched options closer to home and if so, why have you rejected them?

I help patients to make these decisions every day. If you are considering cosmetic plastic surgery I may be able to help you.