It’s no secret that medical care in the United States is expensive. Whether the care you receive is elective or necessary, there’s a strong chance that you’re going to walk out with a hefty bill.
Seeing this, some may think that they can save a little cash on their plastic surgery by traveling abroad.
Online advertisements make this process sound pretty appealing. Often, surgical centers in other countries will advertise that they can not only give you the surgery you want, but provide lodging, transportation, and nursing care as well — all for less than the surgical fee at home. Plus, many international surgeons and hospitals have high standards when it comes to medical care. This means that crossing a border to get a procedure done is not inherently unsafe.
However, there’s a pretty major caveat here. How can you be sure that the advertised savings will come with the safeguards, follow-ups, and accountability that a major surgery requires?
At his Milwaukee, Wisconsin clinic, Dr. Mark Bosbous has consulted with numerous patients who considered getting plastic surgery abroad. Here’s what you need to know before you think about booking a flight.
Why Can Surgery Abroad Cost Less?
There are numerous reasons why the cost of plastic surgery abroad may be lower. Wages, facility expenses, malpractice costs, and currency values all vary considerably between countries. A clinic may also be highly specialized in a particular procedure, allowing them to perform that procedure frequently at a lower cost.
While there’s a stereotype that a lower cost abroad means poor care, this is not necessarily the case. There are surgeons around the world who meet or exceed the standards found in America.
However, whether the surgeon you’re consulting is one of those high-quality specialists can be difficult to verify, especially if you’re traveling to a country with an unfamiliar language or a place where accreditation systems and training procedures differ from the United States.
The Follow-Up Problem
Issues arise when it comes to recovery. Recovery is an essential part of surgery, not an optional extra.
While many plastic surgeries are completed without issues, there’s always a chance that problems can emerge. Wounds may separate, fluid may collect, implants may become infected, and a patient may require everything from medication changes and wound care to an unplanned return to the operating room.
Packages for plastic surgery abroad tend to include a stay in a hotel. However, that stay may end before problems emerge. Once a patient flies home, they are limited to treatment via photographs or video calls, and if problems arise, a local surgeon may lack the operative report, implant information, or a clear record of what occurred.
A local emergency department can treat urgent problems, but they are not substitutes for planned postoperative care.
Are You Really Saving Money?
Advertised prices for procedures abroad may be misleading. While they might say that they include everything a procedure requires, they could leave out key details that can turn into high costs. These include additional testing, medication, compression garments, extra nights in a hotel if complications emerge, and more.
Not only that, but if something does go wrong because of a surgical error. you may have less legal recourse. Obtaining records, filing a complaint, or pursuing a malpractice claim can be difficult when dealing with a country that is far away, speaks a different language, and uses an unfamiliar legal system.
Plus, if anything goes wrong during your procedure and you need to visit a local physician or emergency room, you may end up right back in the expensive American healthcare system — something that your original plan was trying to avoid.
This doesn’t even account for the savings that come with staying at home. Abroad, everything costs money: food, additional nights at a hotel, transportation, and more. At home, you can not only save money on housing, but you have access to a support network of friends, family, and acquaintances who can assist you during your recovery.
So, Is It Worth It?
While plastic surgery abroad may cost less initially — and reputable international care exists — you should be careful not to base your decision to leave the country for care solely on a package price or images you find on social media.
Many plastic surgery procedures are major. This means that they require adequate preparation, recovery time, and follow-up meetings. This is difficult to accomplish over a short international trip. Plus, given how difficult it can be to check a surgeon’s credentials abroad, there’s always a chance that you’ll receive a lower quality of care.
If you’re interested in surgery in the United States, you can look for a board-accredited surgeon like Dr. Mark Bosbous. Schedule your consultation today.