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The Dangers of Medical Tourism

Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures are not covered by insurance, which means patients have to cover the costs themselves. Cosmetic plastic surgery procedures can be expensive and costly to a patient in the United States. However, many popular cosmetic procedures like liposuction, a tummy tuck or thigh lift, have burgeoned overseas and in other countries at cheaper, more attractive rates.

Even if you consider the cost of airfare, plastic surgery performed in another country can be significantly less expensive than the same procedure in the states. This developing trend is called medical tourism.

There is Great Risk in Traveling Abroad for Plastic Surgery

Although one can save a buck, there are many risks associated with traveling abroad to receive a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, which may lead to a costly trip for the patient’s wallet and health. Medical standards differ between many different countries giving way for ethical risks and personal health risks for patients.

Infections can result from unsanitary practices, rendering bacterial and viral infections a major risk, along with serious disease from dirty needles or surgical equipment that has not been sanitized such as HIV or hepatitis. Patients could receive counterfeit medications that lack the correct ingredients and have potential to harm a patient instead of help them.

Issues post-surgery could also arise. Adequate follow-up care is an important part of healing, and often traveling can place limits on the time necessary for recovery if a patient needs to return home. Patients risk a higher chance of blood clots with air travel and if post-surgery complications arise could be in severe trouble, for this it’s always important to have contingency plans in place.

Additionally, if issues do arise with a patient’s surgery in another country their legal rights may not allow them to pursue a case, and compensation may never be awarded.

Always Question the Credentials of Your Practitioner

Before traveling abroad for a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure, one should familiarize themselves with the credentials of their practitioner, along with their standards, practices, and medical facilities. The Joint Commission International certifies health care facilities according to specific standards and is a great choice for reference.

If you are planning to travel abroad for a cosmetic procedure make sure to visit your local medicine practitioner at least 4 to 6 weeks before your trip to discuss the information you’ll need for healthy travel, and the risks related to your procedure abroad. Make sure you have all of your medical records on file and have hard copies of the important stuff.

Medical tourism can be a dangerous way to receive care, the most important thing a patient can do is to understand the risks before they travel to get medical care. If you’re interested in learning more about medical tourism, cosmetic procedures such as a body sculpting or facial surgeries, or you would like to set up a consultation, give Connecticut Surgical Arts a call today. With an office located in Norwich, CT we can conveniently serve clients in the surrounding communities of Colchester, Mystic, Waterford, and Glastonbury.