Is it safe to travel abroad for a cheaper surgery?

In the past decade, rates of medical tourism in countries like Malaysia, India and Thailand have skyrocketed. The appeal of reduced prices coupled with exciting travel has ignited a growing interest, especially in the transgender community.

If you’re considering MTF breast augmentation abroad, you may want to think twice. Both the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS) have issued statements about patients experiencing dangerous complications following surgery abroad.

That being said, there are excellent plastic surgeons around the world, and MTF breast augmentation abroad can still be a safe experience producing very satisfying results. However, it’s vitally important to do your homework in advance before making any commitment of time and money.

Questions to Consider Before Choosing MTF Breast Augmentation Abroad

Before jumping on a plane, there are a few questions that you should have the answer to in advance:

• If you haven’t already met your surgeon, how do you know you’ll feel comfortable enough to proceed with surgery?
• Will travel have an impact on your surgical outcome?
• What kind of background, experience and training does your surgeon have? Do they hold any specialty certifications?
• What type of surgical facility does your surgeon operate in?
• What will you do if you experience a complication abroad or back home?
• If you feel the surgeon has been negligent, what recourse will you have?

Finding a Reputable Plastic Surgeon

Building trust and a comfortable rapport with your plastic surgeon is a key component of patient satisfaction. Not all surgeons are created equal and you may have difficulty verifying your surgeon’s credentials in a different country. It may even be difficult to determine if your surgeon or the medical staff can speak conversational English.

In the United States, plastic surgeons are held accountable for their actions both from our legal system, and by the certification boards that routinely evaluate our medical professionals. Plastic surgeons that do not adhere to the highest standard of care are stripped of their title and banned from performing surgery. In contrast, it can be difficult to determine what type of laws and guidelines a surgeon abroad must operate under. If your surgeon is negligent, you may not have rights to legal action.

If you’re thinking about surgery abroad, selecting an ASPS member plastic surgeon can reduce many of the risks associated with medical tourism. To become an ASPS member, a plastic surgeon must complete medical school and several years of training in plastic and reconstructive surgery. They are also required to complete continuing education related to technique, patient safety and ethical standards.

Post-Surgical Care and Recovery

A safe and healthy recovery is essential to a successful cosmetic outcome. MTF breast augmentation post-surgical care can be necessary for several weeks, long after you’ve returned home. You may also require prescription refills (e.g., pain medication or antibiotics). Without this necessary care, it’s likely that you will need to seek out a qualified physician back home, which will add to the total cost of your care.

Treating Complications Abroad and Back Home

One of the most dangerous aspects of seeking out surgery abroad is the risk of developing a complication. If a complication occurs abroad, you may be subject to substandard medical care and be forced to stay much longer than you anticipated. You are also likely to be away from your your support system (such as friends and family), which can be extremely stressful. Additionally, most travel insurance policies will not cover complications related to elective surgical procedures – which means you may be forced to pay out-of-pocket for necessary care and accommodation.

If a complication arises once you’ve returned home, you will be far away from your surgeon, which can complicate getting adequate information and necessary post-surgical treatment. For this reason, it’s essential that you seek out detailed documentation of your procedure before going back home. This information should be filed with your primary care physician. It’s possible for complications to arise months or even years after your original surgery.

Whether you’re abroad or at home, experiencing a complication can be a very stressful and expensive experience. You should consider this when making your final decision.