Breast Augmentation Abroad

Thinking of getting your breast augmentation abroad? Make sure you do your research and understand your risks first.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons warns against the "price-driven phenomenon" of cosmetic surgery tourism. Though it's true, countries all over the world offer top-notch plastic surgeons, determining the credentials of overseas surgeons can be tricky. With the onslaught of plastic surgery "package deals" littering the internet, it's tempting to trust the "highly trained" and "credentialed" surgeons advertised in their ads, especially with the bargain prices offered. But plastic surgery is not a vacation activity; it's real surgery. Choosing a surgeon and surgical facility should require more research than booking one's next holiday get-away.

Check Out the Surgeon

Before going through with surgery, check the surgeon's credentials. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers a surgeon finders tool on their website that can help. It can be difficult determining what various credentials and certifications mean, but it pays to do the research and find out. And remember, the initial surgical consultation should be part of the evaluation process. Many cosmetic tourists meet their surgeons for the first time on the day of the procedure. It pays to spend the extra money to meet and consult with a surgeon before you decide, and some packages do offer separate trips for this purpose.

Bargain Surgery

Overseas or in the U.S., never choose a plastic surgeon based solely on price. Complications and revision surgery can ultimately cost much more than the original procedure performed by a more expensive surgeon with greater skills and credentials.


Follow-up Care

Many cosmetic tourism packages provide very limited follow-up care. And according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, "patients who have traveled outside the United States for cosmetic surgery and experience a complication may find it hard to locate a qualified plastic surgeon to treat the problem or to provide revision surgeries. Local doctors may not know what surgical techniques the physician used in the initial operation, making treatment difficult or nearly impossible." Making a plan for follow-up care is essential.

Vacation Activities

Before being lured by the sunbathing, sight seeing and pool-side margaritas offered by cosmetic tourist packages, understand that these activities can slow down the healing process and can lead to infection and other complications. Any agency that plays up the "resort" or "vacation" aspect of their plan should be viewed with skepticism. Often these bells and whistles distract a patient's focus from where it should be, on choosing competent surgeon and safe surgical facility for their procedure.

If you're considering domestic breast enhancement, Phoenix plastic surgeon Dr. Heidi Regenass will be glad to consult with you here at home.