Going Abroad For Plastic Surgery? Jacksonville Surgeons Caution Patients Looking For Discounts

By Author: Burns Evans
Total Articles: 51
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Foreign plastic surgery can be a very appealing thought, considering the price differences and the mental images of recuperating while relaxing in an exotic, luxury hotel room with a view of the ocean or a tropical jungle. But is the financial savings worth it - and how realistic is that Fantasy Island-like recovery notion? Perhaps not so much, warns Dr. Phillip Garcia of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery near Jacksonville, Fla.

"Even in the best scenario, when you weigh the benefits against the potential risks of traveling abroad for plastic surgery, you'll see that staying stateside most often is in the patient's best interest," he says.

While it's true that surgeons in certain countries charge much less than board-certified American cosmetic surgeons for procedures like face lifts, breast augmentations and liposuction, the savings often are offset by other expenses, such as plane fare, hotel stays, ground transportation and meals. Plus, patients with children or pets must also consider costs associated with child and pet care for the several weeks they'll likely be out of the country. And remember that following ...
... most plastic surgeries, it's required that you stay out of the sun for several weeks or months. So much for that tropical island, cocktails-in-the-hammock recovery notion.

A major concern is the quality of surgeons and healthcare in other countries. Many procedures and techniques offered in other countries fall well short of safety and efficacy standards set by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, so your wellbeing could be at risk. This is especially critical in the case of a medical emergency that may happen while you're in surgery. Some foreign countries lack the high-quality emergency medical care available in the U.S. Plus, language barriers can prove particularly tough in a major, possibly life-threatening situation.

Follow up is another top issue. Facial plastic surgery often requires multiple office visits for long-term healing. Follow-up of a different surgeon's work can be tough for physicians and traveling back several times over the course of a year can be cost prohibitive.

"America truly has the world's best facial plastic surgeons," Jacksonville's Dr. Garcia says. "All things considered, it really is safer and potentially much less costly to have your cosmetic surgery performed at home."

To schedule your consultation with Dr. Garcia, call 904-247-8522.

As double Board Certified Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons, Dr. Phillip and Roberto Garcia of Garcia Facial Plastic Surgery and Reviva Medical Spa are specialists in plastic reconstructive and cosmetic surgery for aging face procedures, rhinoplasty (nasal surgery), and eyelid plastic surgery.