Choosing a Plastic Surgeon Abroad

To choose a plastic surgeon close to home, you'd hopefully check his or her credentials and disciplinary record; research their education; make sure they are board certified by a reputable plastic surgery organization, such as the American Board of Plastic surgery; meet with the surgeon for at least one consultation; research the surgical facility; and repeat the entire process with several surgeons until you are satisfied you are choosing well. So it should go without saying that your evaluation process for a surgeon abroad should be at least as rigorous.

With the price-driven popularity of medical tourism on the rise, more and more patients are going under the knife abroad with surprisingly little research. In fact, the internet has become packed with cosmetic surgery "vacation" packages offering tummy tucks, facelifts, liposuction and breast augmentation combined with resort stays, sight-seeing tours, and ample pool-side pampering all conveniently pre-planned and at prices that far beat those of the surgical procedures alone in the U.S.

When considering plastic surgery overseas, the first thing to remember is that plastic surgery is not a vacation activity. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the "vacation" activities that lure many to these package deals have no place in plastic surgery recovery.

"Vacation activities should be avoided after surgery. To properly heal and reduce the possibility of complications, patients should not sunbath, drink alcohol, swim/snorkel, water ski/jet ski, parasail, take extensive tours (walking or bus), or exercise after surgery."

Be skeptical of any deal or agency that emphasizes the "vacation" or "resort" aspects. Though inviting, they serve as a distraction from where a patient's focus should be when considering plastic surgery and choosing a surgeon.

When seeking a competent plastic surgeon abroad, there are tools that can help. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery offers a surgeon-finder tool on their website listing surgeons in 73 countries who meet U.S. standards for training, surgical experience and safety issues.

To those considering quality, domestic cosmetic surgery, Conroe, Texas plastic surgeon Dr. Kim offers complimentary initial patient consultations right here at home.