Home » Blog » The Dangers of Medical Tourism

The Dangers of Medical Tourism

Plastic Surgery in Staten Island, NYWhile the prospect of saving some money to undergo a plastic surgery procedure overseas may be tempting, it should be a well-researched and completely thought out decision. It is possible; after all, that danger could lurk in the operating room choreographed by the physician who lacks the necessary skill and expertise to effectively carry out the procedure.

The cheaper prices offered by plastic surgeons in countries outside the United States can be quite alluring, especially if traveling to an exotic land and undergoing the procedure while on vacation. But in many cases, the overall savings most certainly do not outweigh the potential risks at hand when seeking this type of surgery overseas.

While any kind of surgery carries some risk, and most surgery also is accompanied by a recovery period, the fact remains that not all countries are as rigorous with their surgical requirements as the United States.

What does this mean to you? It means that some facilities in other parts of the world may not be as modern as those in the United States. The procedures may not be as clean as when performed by surgeons in our country, and foreign physicians may not be as skilled or educated as those here. All of this could mean serious complications during surgery or high risk of infection after the procedure.

If your plan is like many – to undergo the procedure while on vacation in a foreign land – you should be aware that you will most likely endure an extended recovery period, lasting several weeks or more, even for more minor, less complicated procedures. So, while you may be able to recover in surroundings favorable to your taste, you most likely will not be able to thoroughly enjoy those surroundings, as your body will need to fully recover first.

So if you are prepared for a long recovery, ask yourself if the savings of having the surgery performed overseas is really worth it. Take your travel costs and lodging expenses into consideration, and if you find that your savings will be minimal, you may opt to seek out a more qualified surgeon closer to home. Even if you find that the savings will be a more considerable amount, you should still be cautious. Surgery performed overseas is often not of the best quality.

Seeking surgery overseas also may place your support system at a great distance. You will be away from the love and care of friends and family members, which can take its toll on your recovery efforts. Additionally, the likelihood that you will get to meet and talk face-to-face with your surgeon more than a few days prior to surgery is slim.

Having surgery performed closer to home has its advantages. You will be able to know your surgeon and his qualifications visit the facility and see the care that they provide to their patients firsthand, and assure yourself that you are making the best decision for your health.



Meet Dr. Decorato

One of Staten Island’s top cosmetic surgeons, John W. Decorato, M.D., believes that your choice of plastic surgeon is essential to the success of any procedure. Before selecting either a procedure or a surgeon, learn everything you can about the procedures available and about the doctor. Well-informed patients are able to forge a comfortable professional relationship with their surgeon and actively participate in discussions about the desired procedure.

Meet Dr. Decorato
Plastic Surgery, John W. Decorato, M.D., FACS, Staten Island, NY Plastic Surgery, John W. Decorato, M.D., FACS, Staten Island, NY
Facebook
Instagram
+