Cosmetic surgery may be a $16 billion dollar industry in the U.S. but it sure is cheaper in other countries around the world! In fact, finding a cosmetic surgeon in another country could save you as much as 80% off the suggested American price.
Whether it’s a tummy tuck, liposuction, a facelift, gender reassignment surgery, or breast implants, you may be surprised at how affordable cosmetic surgery is overseas.
The price differential has created a medical tourism market. And sure, it’s great to not only get a better price than in the States, but also to do a little sightseeing before the surgery.
What to Know About International Cosmetic Surgery
According to Healthline, over one million Americans travel for cosmetic surgery.
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Sure it may sound new and a little intimidating. But just consider that over 20 million cosmetic procedures have already been done and several countries are well known for being tourist-friendly for cosmetic surgery.
Brazil, India, Germany, France, Japan, and Italy are some of the safest countries to get the procedure done.
Of course, there is a risk of complications happening. And yes, you could get mixed up with the wrong surgeon and get a really bad nose job. But hey, that’s why the obligation is on you to seek out well-reviewed and reputable cosmetic providers.
You could also talk to someone from the facility and ask questions like, “Do you have hospital privileges to perform the procedure – and which ones?” You could ask if the facility is accredited in the country, or what complications might happen and how they are handled.
Here’s What to Pack
Even when you find the best doctor for the job, you still need to make a checklist for all your packing needs. Here are some of the most important items that should be on your list.
1. Medications
Don’t count on the medical facility to give you free meds. While the facilities might give you pain killers, there’s no guarantee on the dosage. Bring your own medications, aftercare products, (prescriptions and OTC) as well as other hygienic supplies like toothbrushes.
2. Clothing
While some people do like to sightsee during a cosmetic vacation, remember to do all the socializing and active stuff before the surgery. After you’re going to want to take it easy, and that means comfortable clothes. Avoid anything tight-fitting and try to pack “baggy” to make it easy on yourself.
3. Medical Records
Not only should you bring your medical records, but it’s also smart to have them translated into the native tongue of your destination country.
Why take a risk? Sure, it’s likely your surgeon speaks English. But taking every precaution and anticipating complications is the best way to stay safe.
It’s also preferable to let the surgeon’s team know of any allergies, medications, and other dieting and exercise regimens that you’re undergoing.
4. Travel Documents
Travel documents include your VISA, identification, passport, medical insurance papers, travel insurance records, and any other legal documents.
If you’re traveling to another country, you might want to double check what your insurance company covers and what they don’t. While most providers don’t cover the cost of overseas surgery or medications, there may be some other advantages to taking your medical cards.
You can shop for health insurance quotes here and ask about what’s covered when it comes to travel insurance.
5. Food
Lastly, remember to bring your own food and research the best foods to eat during aftercare and recovery.
Some vacation stays may come with a list of recommended restaurants, but you can’t always count on that – especially if you’re not doing a luxury visit, but just paying for the operation.
The New Age of Medical Tourism
The fact of the matter is the world has changed drastically over the past 50 years. What was one considered risky in terms of overseas surgery is now considered a fairly common procedure.
IT technology has helped shape a more global view of medicine. One of our recent articles touched on how IT enables safer medical travel and tourism because of fast record sharing, competitive shopping, and more transparency thanks to user reviews.
You may never be able to afford astronomical prices of surgery in the United States, but that’s no reason to give up on your dream of transforming your body into physical perfection! Read user reviews and research the facility. You may be surprised at how many satisfied travelers have come before you and found an international solution to their problem.