At one point or another, you may have heard a story or seen a dramatic reenactment on TV about someone who went overseas to receive a surgical procedure and everything went terribly wrong. In the moment, you may have thought nothing of it, or made a mental note to never receive surgery overseas. However, there are many people every day who choose to leave the country for a surgical procedure for one reason or another.
If you’re planning to have a plastic or cosmetic surgery, one of the first things you need to do is find a plastic surgeon who you trust. At The Vu Center, our board-certified plastic surgeons have years of experience and the high-level of training needed to produce amazing results time after time. We are dedicated to helping you achieve the results you desire in a comfortable and safe environment, so if you’re interested in one of our procedures, schedule a consultation at our Portland cosmetic surgery clinic today! In the meantime, continue reading below to learn more about the dangers of plastic surgery tourism.
What Is Plastic Surgery Tourism?
Plastic surgery tourism is the act of leaving the country for a short period of time for the sole purpose of receiving plastic or cosmetic surgery in another country. While plastic surgery tourism, also known as medical tourism, is still relatively new, the organization Patients Beyond Borders estimates that approximately 1.9 million Americans will travel to another country for medical care or surgical procedures in 2019.
There are many reasons why people may choose to receive plastic surgery in another country, and not all of these procedures end poorly. Many countries throughout the world have reputable surgical centers, and many people leave the country in order to visit a specialist. That being said, it’s important to be extremely cautious if you plan to visit a surgeon outside of the United States, regardless of the reason. If you’re planning to schedule a surgical appointment in another country, then keep these following tips in mind:
Don’t Base Your Decision on Photos
When searching for a reputable surgeon, it’s often best practice to look at their before-and-after photos to get a sense of the surgeon’s style and the end results of your desired procedure. While it’s still important to view photos when you are searching for a cosmetic surgeon outside of the U.S., it’s important to remember that you can’t base your decision on photographs alone.
One of the most important factors when choosing your surgeon is the in-person consultation. Unfortunately, a consultation is not always possible when you’re searching for a surgeon abroad. For this reason, it’s important that you practice caution when you start searching for doctors, and read through testimonials and information on their website carefully.
A Lower Cost Does Not Always Mean a Lower Cost
Many people choose to seek cosmetic surgery outside of the United States because they hope to save money. It’s no secret that surgical procedures are expensive, especially if you are interested in a cosmetic procedure that is not covered by your insurance. With that in mind, there are many cases in which people receive their desired procedure without any complications. However, it’s important to keep in mind that there are numerous risks associated with any type of surgery, and an inexpensive procedure can quickly double or even triple the cost if not performed correctly.
Ongoing Care Is Easier When You’re in the Same City
If you have received surgery in the past, then you may know that certain procedures require ongoing care. After your surgical procedure, it’s common that your surgeon will request that you schedule one or more follow-up appointments to see how your incisions are healing and ensure that your recovery is going well. Most people who travel abroad for a cosmetic procedure only plan to stay in the same city for a short amount of time. This can make scheduling follow-up appointment extremely difficult or impossible to accomplish. Care during the recovery period is essential if you want the best results, and it is much easier to receive when you live in the same city as your surgeon.
Visit The Vu Center Today!
When it comes to cosmetic surgery, the health and safety of the patient is of the utmost importance. At The Vu Center in Portland, you can rest assured knowing that you are receiving the very best care from our board-certified plastic surgeons. We offer a variety of different cosmetic procedures, and we are more than happy to work with you and your budget to ensure that you receive outstanding results. Browse our website to learn more, and visit our Portland plastic surgery clinic to schedule an appointment today!