?? any advice on having surgery in Mexico or South America

 Hi

I had DS nearly 2 years ago and am very happy with the results other than the loose, floppy skin.  Is there any advice on having surgery outside of the US or Canada?  Anyone or place to stay away from.  

Thanks Jan

Good morning!  just wanted to drop a line and let you know that I had plastics done in Mexico recentlyish... April I had a tummy tuck, horizontal thigh lift and back lipo/contouring done in Mexicali with Dr. Lugue (terrible hard to contact but so far results have been worth it!) for around $7000 with the discount I received (medical professional).  Last March 2009 I had Lower body lift and breast lift with augmentation done @ cosmed clinic in TJ for about $10,000 both of those turned out great as well!  Cosmed is better known and definitely easier to be in contact with.  Either place in my opinion is a good option.  Prices are so much more reasonable than the US too!

Thanks for the advice.  What's (medical professional)?
We think the prices in the US are cheaper than here in Canada, I was thinking of coming to Florida for PS originally.  Mexico sounds like a great place for a little 'vacation'. 

Because I am a nurse he gave me a medical professional discount.  But I really think If you just ask for one they will give you something...

http://www.obesityhelp.com/group/Dr_Sauceda_Patients/discuss ion/

Hi Jan,

 I'm 5 weeks out from Breast Lift w/ Aug, thigh lift, arm lift revision and tummy tuck revision with Dr. Sauceda in Monterrey. It was an AMAZING experience and I am thrilled with my results. Dr S patients have created a message board here on OH to share their experiences. There are some blogs on "stickies" at the top of the page and if you read through the posts you'll get lots of info. People are very candid and honest about their experiences. I have some before/after shots of 12 days out on my profile.  

I'd be happy to answer any other specific questions you have.

Best of luck, I know it can be a daunting and scary thing to choose an out of country doc.

Robin

 Hi Robin, Thanks for the info on Dr. Sauceda, your results are amazing.  You're one brave lady but I can see it's worked great for you.

Thanks again Janet

Advice:

Have a local doctor who knows what you are doing agree to assume oyur care when you get home.

See if your insurance, or perhaps travel insurance, would cover you if you developed problems while away and needed to stay longer or receive extra services.

See if your insurance covers you for care of complications after you are home.

Ask about how you will be treated for blood clot prevention, since a large surgery like this plus the compression garment plus travel (over 3 hours) are all risk factors for clot development.

Check online for your surgeon's credentials, and understand that "board certification" means different things in different countries.
 
Check the accredidation of the facility where  your surgery will be performed at: http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/International-Es sentials-for-Quality-and-Patient-Safety/  and request their free "International Essentials for Quality and Patient Safety" handbook.

Check safety and travel advisories as needed, particularly if your destination is Mexico or S. America: http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html

If cost savings is your main concern, consider a residency or University training program close to your home as an option.

Hope this helps,