Mexico?
I am infamous for postingthe downsides of surgery overseas, but you did ask about it being a good or bad idea, so I think it's only fair to give you both sides. In a nutshell:
You will have no easy access to your surgeon after 2 weeks, and you WILL need access to a doctor as these surgeies have many issues associated with aftercare.
You have limited if any legal protection in Mexico and limited if any health insurance coverage while you are down there in case of problems.
Many U.S. doctors have Cosmetassure, which covers the cost of extra hopsital days and/or complications should they occur.
There is no way to check the accreditation of many of the clinics used in Mexico, unlike here in the states where all hospitals and surgery centers can be readily checked.
If you have implants, the warranty requires that you return to Mexico for replacement if they leak or you need surgery again. Implants placed in the US have free replacement plus money available towards the cost of surgery.
As an alternative you might at least look into residency trianing programs at a Medical School or University program. The one I am associated with offers surgery (overseen by me) at about a50% discount along with Cosmetassure and access 24/7/365 to the doctor who did your surgery.
Mexico can be a good choice, but in my opinion you have to be aware of the downsides too.
You will have no easy access to your surgeon after 2 weeks, and you WILL need access to a doctor as these surgeies have many issues associated with aftercare.
You have limited if any legal protection in Mexico and limited if any health insurance coverage while you are down there in case of problems.
Many U.S. doctors have Cosmetassure, which covers the cost of extra hopsital days and/or complications should they occur.
There is no way to check the accreditation of many of the clinics used in Mexico, unlike here in the states where all hospitals and surgery centers can be readily checked.
If you have implants, the warranty requires that you return to Mexico for replacement if they leak or you need surgery again. Implants placed in the US have free replacement plus money available towards the cost of surgery.
As an alternative you might at least look into residency trianing programs at a Medical School or University program. The one I am associated with offers surgery (overseen by me) at about a50% discount along with Cosmetassure and access 24/7/365 to the doctor who did your surgery.
Mexico can be a good choice, but in my opinion you have to be aware of the downsides too.
John LoMonaco, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Plastic Surgery
Houston, Texas
www.DrLoMonaco.com
www.BodyLiftHouston.com
Plastic Surgery
Houston, Texas
www.DrLoMonaco.com
www.BodyLiftHouston.com
I tend to agree with Dr L. I went with Dr S in Mexico and had a wonderful experience, but I feel it is not for everyone. YOU really have to do your homework and get all of your ducks in a row for when you return. YOU need to have a doctor here in the states who is ready and willing to take on any complication you may have. AND you need to be aware that if you do have a complication your medical insurance here may not cover it and that will be an out of pocket cost for you.
All of what Dr L had to say need to be considered.
I didn't go with Dr S for the price, I went because I had contact with so many of his former patients and they were all so pleased with his work. I knew people here on OH and I knew people in real life. The flight home was not easy and it's something you have to consider - if you're going it alone.
I am not here to discourage you - I just want you to take everything into consideration.
I will be returning in the fall to get the rest of my work done with Dr S - and I can't wait!
All of what Dr L had to say need to be considered.
I didn't go with Dr S for the price, I went because I had contact with so many of his former patients and they were all so pleased with his work. I knew people here on OH and I knew people in real life. The flight home was not easy and it's something you have to consider - if you're going it alone.
I am not here to discourage you - I just want you to take everything into consideration.
I will be returning in the fall to get the rest of my work done with Dr S - and I can't wait!
12/09 and 6/11, 9 skin removal procedures with Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey Mexico
Revised to the Sleeve after losing 271 lbs with the LapBand.
He's affiliated with the Baylor Residency program here in Houston. I know several on the boards have gone this route and are thrilled with the results. Hopefully they will chime in here.
LapBand 8/2007 - Lost 90 lbs
Band removed and Sleeved (VSG) 1/2009 - Lost 70+ lbs
Round 1 plastic surgery - LBL and BL with Dr. Lomonaco - 1/2010 - 15 lbs sliced off!
Total lost to date: 181 lbs!! Wearing petite size 6s and 8s!!
Band removed and Sleeved (VSG) 1/2009 - Lost 70+ lbs
Round 1 plastic surgery - LBL and BL with Dr. Lomonaco - 1/2010 - 15 lbs sliced off!
Total lost to date: 181 lbs!! Wearing petite size 6s and 8s!!
I agree with Dr. L and Steph. I did go to Dr Aceves for my sleeve and Dr. S for my PS. I am thankful to both. But you do have to make sure your local Dr. is on board. Mine was for both and I ended up with complications (non surgical related) with my PS. It was a long arduous recovery. Do have support here if you go to Mexico. Chances are there won't be complications but even if you have something simple like a seroma you may need to go to your PCP for after care.
Extended Tummy Tuck & Breast Lift W/Dr. Sauceda 12/30/2009
I have a family member who is a PS in another country....so, I could have had my work done FOR FREE in his surgicenter, either with him or with one of his associates . However, due to all the follow up/possible complication issues brought up by Dr. L, I decided to forgo that particular family benefit and have my plastics here in the States.
Everyone must make their own choices; but for me, there was only one.....surgery here in the States.
Everyone must make their own choices; but for me, there was only one.....surgery here in the States.
Marilyn (now in NM)
RNY 10/2/01
262(HW)/150-155(GW)/159(CW)
(updated March 2012)
jonimom
on 4/22/10 4:42 am
on 4/22/10 4:42 am
I agree with all the negatives noted, but I also want to add that I looked at thousands of pictures and Dr S consistently had the best results. When I talked to local PSs they had worked on less than 5 massive weight loss patients in a year as opposed to the many (probably more than a 100) Dr S works on in a year. Quality of Results and experience were far more important than cost in making my decision to go to Mexico. I also have an awesome family practice doctor in the states who has been totally supportive, so that helps in making the decision to go out of the country for surgery.
I had TT, Bracchio, and MACS lift with Dr. Gonzalez in Cancun. I'm pretty happy with the results. The cost was a fraction of the US but there are times I don't know if the savings was worth it. Most of the time I'm very thankful I went to Mexico for the surgery. Mostly for the reasons already pointed out already.
Cons:
1. I did have a complication after returning (very minor that a nurse walked me through over the phone) but the local PS wouldn't see me at all - and I wasn't asking to see him for the problem, just a 4 week check to see how I was healing. Thank goodness I didn't let him do my PS as I thought his manner was arrogant and rude while he canceled the appt his nurse had arranged.
2.Travel home was miserable because I couldn't afford 1st class. Coach was uncomfy and the flight long. It was the travel that caused my problem.
3. The MACS resulted in "pixie" ear on my right ear. It's not really bad but I hate it. Either I go back to Cancun or pay to have it fixed here. I am returning to Cancun on vacation as I felt absolutely in love with the city but I don't want surgery while there. So medical tourism results in no follow-up.
Pros:
1. The cost. My surgeries were ~$8400. The surgeon has 2 decades of experience and was the most personable doctor I've ever met. That alone was so different than the personality of nearly every doctor I have ever met in my life. Very caring and accessible while I was there. also, there were no shortcuts pre-op. An appt with a cardiologist, full lab work and a consult with the anesthesiologist. All meds, garments, extra costs were covered. It also included 9 nights at a hotel.
2. The Gulf of Mexico - truly the most beautiful beaches in the world. As I said I loved Cancun and would move there in a heartbeat. Two days pre-op, slow walks on the beach were physically and mentally curing.
3. The best patient coordinator for all my care. She went from coordinator to friend. She just emailed me the cutest YouTube video link of dogs because we found we had a shared love for dogs.
Cons:
1. I did have a complication after returning (very minor that a nurse walked me through over the phone) but the local PS wouldn't see me at all - and I wasn't asking to see him for the problem, just a 4 week check to see how I was healing. Thank goodness I didn't let him do my PS as I thought his manner was arrogant and rude while he canceled the appt his nurse had arranged.
2.Travel home was miserable because I couldn't afford 1st class. Coach was uncomfy and the flight long. It was the travel that caused my problem.
3. The MACS resulted in "pixie" ear on my right ear. It's not really bad but I hate it. Either I go back to Cancun or pay to have it fixed here. I am returning to Cancun on vacation as I felt absolutely in love with the city but I don't want surgery while there. So medical tourism results in no follow-up.
Pros:
1. The cost. My surgeries were ~$8400. The surgeon has 2 decades of experience and was the most personable doctor I've ever met. That alone was so different than the personality of nearly every doctor I have ever met in my life. Very caring and accessible while I was there. also, there were no shortcuts pre-op. An appt with a cardiologist, full lab work and a consult with the anesthesiologist. All meds, garments, extra costs were covered. It also included 9 nights at a hotel.
2. The Gulf of Mexico - truly the most beautiful beaches in the world. As I said I loved Cancun and would move there in a heartbeat. Two days pre-op, slow walks on the beach were physically and mentally curing.
3. The best patient coordinator for all my care. She went from coordinator to friend. She just emailed me the cutest YouTube video link of dogs because we found we had a shared love for dogs.
Most Active
Recent Topics
