The Real Costs of Discounted Plastic Surgery

Medical tourism has become more well-known in recent years as a tempting choice for people looking for reasonably priced healthcare abroad. The appeal of exotic locations mixed with the promise of reduced prices can be alluring for everything from major surgeries to cosmetic procedures. But what many patients overlook are the serious risks connected to receiving medical care in strange environments.

Dr. Solomon Azouz is a board-certified plastic surgeon practicing in Dallas. He has personal experience with the consequences of subpar surgeries performed abroad. Although saving money may seem like a good goal, there may be many more negative effects than positive ones.

What are the cheapest places for cosmetic surgery?

The most popular destinations for cosmetic surgery tourism are Brazil, Thailand, South Korea, Mexico, the Dominican Republic, and Turkey. These places attract international patients by offering low-cost cosmetic surgery and full package offerings. Brazil is well-known for body sculpting and face surgery. Thailand and South Korea are popular countries for rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery. Mexico offers cost-effective options in close proximity to North American patients, while Turkey is popular for vacation destinations. Many clinics in these nations provide all-inclusive packages that include surgery, lodging, transportation, and post-operative care, making “cheap plastic surgery” tempting to medical tourists.

What are the risks of medical tourism?

There are several risks associated with cosmetic surgery tourism. Patients may encounter poorer medical regulation and control standards, creating safety issues. Language barriers can make it harder to talk to doctors and nurses, which can make it harder to understand pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Furthermore, flying soon after surgery with prolonged general anesthesia raises the risk of problems like deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and infection. Individuals seeking cosmetic surgery overseas must thoroughly study and check the credentials and reputation of clinics and doctors, understand the full scope of the procedure and dangers, and arrange for proper aftercare.

Common Complications of Cosmetic Tourism

• Post-operative complications: Infections, blood clots, and delayed healing are among the issues that might arise from travelling soon after surgery. Once patients return home, their access to follow-up appointments and immediate medical care may also be restricted.
• Long-Term Follow-Up: Thorough post-operative care is necessary to track the course of healing and take care of any potential problems. Distance may make it difficult for the surgical team to provide further assistance and follow-up appointments. It is very important to be consistent with follow up appointments after surgery to ensure proper healing for optimal results.
• Lack of Accountability: International clinics could not be subject to the same openness and accountability requirements as American facilities. This may make it difficult to confirm qualifications, locations, and the calibre of medical equipment used in treatments.

How much does medical tourism cost?

Medical tourism packages for cosmetic procedures have a wide range of prices that depend on where you go, what kind of surgery you get, and how much the plan includes. Most of the time, these sets cost between $2,000 and $8,000. For example, a full package for breast augmentation in Mexico could cost between $3,000 and $4,000. This would include treatment, accommodation, and transportation. An offer like this in Thailand or Turkey for surgeries like liposuction or rhinoplasty could be anywhere from $2,500 to $5,000. More complicated treatments, like full body lifts or major facelifts in South Korea or Brazil, can cost between $6,000 and $8,000.

These expenses often include the surgeon’s fee, anesthesia, the operating room, and care before and after the procedure. However, they can vary depending on the complexity of the operation, how experienced the surgeon is, and where the surgery is performed.

Most patients who have cosmetic procedures abroad usually require postoperative care and additional treatment to obtain the full results. Thus, medical tourism can actually cost more, when combining the cost of the initial procedure and revision surgeries or postoperative care. Furthermore, revision procedures are more complex due to infection, scarring, and poor wound healing.

Alternatives for Medical Tourism

While medical tourism may seem appealing, patients should put their health and safety above any financial benefits. Selecting a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Solomon Azouz will give you peace of mind since you’ll know that your surgery will be carried out in a controlled and secure setting and that you’ll have access to thorough pre- and post-operative care.

Spend some time carefully weighing the pros and cons of each choice before deciding on anything. Investing in your health and well-being is worthwhile. Contact us directly at (972) 702-8888 or contact us online for additional details on reputable and safe cosmetic surgery alternatives available in Dallas. Learn more about traveling to Dallas for plastic and cosmetic surgery.

Written by Surbhi Joshi and Rhiya Patel on behalf of Azouz Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery