Although there are many reputable and distinguished plastic surgeons all over the world, traveling for cosmetic surgery procedures may not be the safest or most effective choice. The lure of less expensive pricing and recovering from a remote location might be tempting, but this trend of “medical tourism” can result in adverse effects both immediately and long-term. Below, our Sacramento plastic surgeon – Charles Perry, MD, FACS – outlines the benefits of staying local for cosmetic procedures and the reasons why traveling abroad for surgery can be anything but a vacation.
Potential Risks of Medical Tourism
In recent years, individuals have endured a variety of unfortunate experiences related to seeking cosmetic surgery away from home due to:
- Inadequate surgical credentials, certifications, qualifications, and training
- Less stringent safety protocols and non-standardized regulations
- Lack of proper licensing and hygienic/sanitary measures
- Blood clots, deep vein thrombosis (DVT), and fluid build-up from airplane travel*
- Miscommunication about surgery and inefficient care due to language barriers
- Misleading advertising for aesthetic outcomes, amenities, and surgical centers
- Disrupted post-procedure care for follow-up appointments due to distance
- Limited legal protection for patients who experience malpractice
Benefits of Local Plastic Surgery
Alternatively, staying local for cosmetic procedures can offer benefits throughout the surgical experience, including:
- One easily accessible location from the initial consultation through long-term recovery
- Clearly documented accreditations for surgeons, anesthesiologists, and surgical centers
- Familiarity with local professional standards
- Comfort and convenience of going home when released after surgery
- Quick access to pre-operative and post-operative appointments
- Recovery support from nearby family and friends
- Little to no travel expenses
- Supporting the local business community
Ultimately, choosing the right plastic surgeon for your individual aesthetic concerns and goals with the best skills, expertise, and personalized care is the most essential aspect of planning a cosmetic procedure. Patients should feel comfortable, confident, and at ease with their decision.
To find out more about the benefits of local cosmetic surgery, or to schedule a consultation at Chrysalis Cosmetics, please contact us today. Our board-certified plastic surgeon looks forward to helping you achieve your aesthetic goals with the highest standards of efficacy and advanced surgical results.
