Medical Tourism - Plastic surgery is real surgery. Do you have the facts you need?

With the rapidly growing popularity and variety of cosmetic procedures, more and more consumers are considering plastic surgery.

They can choose among a wide range of providers and facilities, with some even offering low-cost “medical tourism” packages in exotic locales. But are they safe?

Questions to ask when considering having surgery abroad:

* Is the physician qualified? Are the medical facility and equipment safe?
* How will my post-operative care and any complications be handled?
* Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

Is the physician qualified? Are the medical facility and equipment safe?

Although there are many qualified physicians practicing all over the world in excellent facilities, it can be difficult to verify physician training, or the standards of medical facilities and equipment.

Patients can significantly decrease potential dangers of medical tourism by thoroughly researching both doctor and facility, or by selecting an ASPS Member Surgeon Abroad or an International Corresponding Member Surgeon.

* All ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the ABPS (or the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada)
* ASPS Member Surgeons put patient safety first, and must operate in accredited facilities

How will my post-operative care and any complications be handled?

Patients should consider that even routine post-op care (such as changing dressings and monitoring healing) can be necessary for several weeks—long after your “vacation” is over.

And patients should also determine if they have insurance coverage for complications resulting from cosmetic procedures overseas.

* Before surgery, patients should research the potential plastic surgery risks and side effects for their particular procedure

Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery?

Although enticing, most vacation activities should be avoided after surgery, and a long return flight increases the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism and blood clots.

* Your surgeon should discuss what you can expect during recovery, and what you can do to minimize risk

© 2008 ASPS, Reprinted from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons

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