Plastics anyone?

Did anyone see the 20/20 bit about cheap plastic surgery out of the country? It was quite eye opening. They showed 3 people who went to Costa Rica to have surgeries. Of course being 20/20 they were neither pro nor con on the subject. They just followed the patients before, during and after. They gave all of the precautions and so forth. Some of them had complications others didn't. But we all know this is true of any surgery done anywhere, in USA or otherwise. Has anyone ever thought of this? I never even knew this was out there. These ladies had major plastics, TT, breast lifts, thigh lifts, even face work and I think that none of their total bills were over 8,000 dollars. Could you imagine all the procedures you might want for less than the cost of one? Gives me something to think about. What about you? Would you consider it? Share your opinion. Valorie

It sounds tempting but I think I would be afraid to have it done in another country. I guess if I heard enough success stories I might. Let me know if you find out more!

Well, I know I would not go out of the US. I remember back about 6 years ago when I was researching a tubal reversal so I could have more kids. A lot of people were going to Mexico because you could get it done for about 1,000.... Locally it would have cost me about 10,000... but I did a lot of research on a lot of doctors and found one in N. Carolina that I fell in love with. It cost us about 8,000 with our travel expenses. So I have been in that boat talked to many people that had complications because of different standards and hygiene in different countries... I don't knock or put down those that want to go this route.... but it is not for me.... I would go out of Michigan but not out of the US. Just my 2 cents.... Shawn M.

I am having a breast lift with implants on Jan 21 with Dr. Fuentes in Mexico. I have been researching this for several months. I sent him pictures and he sent me a quote for 4500.00. I also got a quote for a 5500.00 facelift. I am only doing the boobies for now. The clinic is called Cozmed. It is across the border from San diego. Alot of people from CAlifornia drive there for plastics. This is a great site for people looking for plastic surgery abroad. Thier are a few from obesityhelp. http://www.plasticsurgeryjourneys.com Lianna1

I'd be a little nervous to travel out of the US for PS - but wow what a difference in cost. I guess i'd have to do a lot of research before deciding if it was right for me - I wouldn't rule it out hugs, Britt

Valorie, I've looking into this quite a bit too. There are also clinics in India and Thialand that specifically cater to people not from their country that have incredible reviews. And I know a lot of people go to Mexico for stuff now too. I think you just need to do your own research and figure out the Dr and facility you'll be most comfortable with, just like you did with your original surgery. It definitely can be a HUGE savings to go out of the country!! Corinna Q

I'm a huge fan of having expensive work done outside of the states. My husband had his DS surgery done in Brazil and the experience was amazing. The level of care he received there was on par with the level of care celebrities get here. He had a private nurse, who assisted his recovery in a private hotel room after being discharged from the hospital. The doctor (Dr. Marchesini) was incredible and so attentive and informative. And including travel expenses, hospital expenses, and doctor/private nurse expenses he paid only $10,000 for a surgery that here would have cost without insurance to cover it at least $60,000... I decided to go for the RNY when I had my surgery which was covered by insurance so I had it done locally. The level of care I received was horrible in comparison to his, even though in comparison to other hospital experiences I've had and/or witnessed it was pretty typical. Overtaxed nurses, uncomfortable setting, and the typical waiting times. I consider my service level good, but compared to his it wasn't even in the same ball park. Let me put it to you this way... when international politician's wives have the surgery they go to these hospitals and doctors abroad. They don't go to the local hospital or medical university hospital. And as a result they give you rock-star service and attention. He's already getting ready for his plastics, and I know we'll both go there again when the time comes.

Now, that sounds enticing!