The Dangers of Medical Tourism

Posted on June 24, 2019

Medical tourism, or the practice of traveling to another country for medical care or elective cosmetic surgery, has become a popular option in recent years. While the idea of going to a tropical destination — especially during the summer months — for discounted surgery may seem appealing, board-certified plastic surgeons advise prospective patients to consider the potential risks. Here, Drs. David Rankin and Dev Vibhakar share a few reasons why medical tourism can be a risky endeavor.

The Truth Behind Discounted or Cheap Plastic Surgery

Cheap surgery may seem like a great deal at first but consider the potential reasons why a surgeon is able to offer surgery at rock-bottom costs. Some plastic surgeons may do so because they use outdated practices. Other surgeons may perform surgery at non-accredited facilities that lack the proper medical equipment and staff needed to handle medical emergencies. Your risk of a complication increases when you work with a plastic surgeon who does not offer or invest in the latest and most advanced techniques and technologies available to keep you safe.

When your health and safety are on the line, saving money should not be your first concern. Your first priority should always be to find a qualified plastic surgeon who adheres to the highest standards of safety and care, like one who is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery.

Communication Barriers

Patient-doctor communication is critical for successful plastic surgery and a positive patient experience. Working with a plastic surgeon or medical staff that speak a foreign language that you’re not fluent in can pose serious challenges. Not only is there the potential that you may misunderstand important pre-op or post-op instructions, but your ideal aesthetic outcome may get lost in translation, leading to unsatisfactory results.

Recovering Abroad May Not Be As Comfortable As You Think

If you’re considering having plastic surgery abroad, you may imagine recovering at a tropical destination or exploring your surroundings. But the reality is that you will not be able to enjoy your vacation immediately after surgery as your energy and mobility will be limited. Even lounging poolside or at the beach will be prohibited as overexposure to the sun can impair scar healing. It is also important to note that flying immediately after surgery should be avoided as it increases the risk of blood clots or other serious complications.

Meet with Our Board-Certified Plastic Surgeons

If you are seeking world class plastic surgery care, look no further than Aqua Plastic Surgery. Drs. Rankin and Vibhakar are board certified plastic surgeons with years of experience. To schedule a one-on-one consultation with Dr. Rankin or Dr. Vibhakar, please call our Jupiter office at (561) 776-2830, our Ft. Lauderdale office at (954) 564-3832 or our Miami office at (305) 918-1750.