Plastic Surgery over seas

someone I know is having his plastic surgery over in Thailand...does anyone else know anything about doing this...? I am interested in the lower prices but my dad says NO WAY....that they have lower standards away from United States... anyone have an experience with this or know someone that has... Hugs, Sonya Brooke

Hi Sonya - and by the way, you spell your name the same way as my daughter. I have not had plastic surgery and probably can't afford it even in Thailand but I have heard wonderful things about the care there. I have travelled in Thailand and the people are lovely and the country beautiful. Many people go there for both plastic and sex reassignment surgery and I would feel as safe as in the U.S. Good luck with whatever you decide. Ruth

It's not the standards of the facilities or the surgeons over seas or across the border that is the worry. For some places it's the concept of treat and street....who does your after care once you are home thousands of miles away. Most out of the country reputable surgeons and facilities are like resorts, you stay a week or so for initial follow up, drains, etc. then you are sent home. There are tons of happy endings, ask on the PS forum if you haven't already. The horror stories are just like the publicity gastric by pass gets, either very good or very bad...more often than not parts are left out of the stories to make them sound grander to fit the tellers purpose. **** happens, infections happen just as much in good old usa as in mexico, brazil, or thailand. It's finding a PS in the US willing to take on the after care/clean up that is tricky, since you went out of the country and took the intial buisness away from the US doctors, and the whole malpractice thing etc. I stayed in the US for continuity of care, I am just jinxed enough to be one of those horror stories. I'll be going for round 2 this friday! Do your research like you would for any doctor, the ones out of the country get the same word of mouth on the boards, have before and after patients and statistics, etc. If you can't find or get the information, move on to the next doc on the list. Michelle

I think dad's point was that we have the FDA here and many regulations that even when using medication that they do not have over there...dad has travelled the world many times and was in the military for many years...so when he says this it does scare me some...I do agree that not being able to see the doctor after the initial week for a check up could lead to some big problems...I am thinking I will use Dr. Schantz in lexington he has very good references...Thanks for your thoughts it really puts things in to perspective for me. Thanks, Sonya Brooke

I know a few people who went to Brazil for plastics. Excellent surgeon from the results I've seen and the cost was quite something. From what I understand their facilities are immaculate and standards are very high. Plus recouperating with a room on the beach and view of the ocean isn't bad. LOL! Personally I just cannot get past the "what happens if" type thoughts. What if you have problems afterwards, who is going to care for you. Kathy

If you are someone who doesn't heal well or has a tendency to have problems after surgeries, it probably isn't recommended. For someone with a good history -- heals well, has few problems, it's a good deal. And if there is a problem, for the difference in money, you can afford to fly back many times over. IF I decide to have PS, I'm considering it somewhere else. I'm not real impressed with what I've seen done around here anyway. And if that's the best anyone can do, then I'm better off saving my money. Deb

I've heard good things about people going overseas for plastic and wls on this site - definitely check out that forum. But I heard that a lot of the international doctors were actually trained in the US! My mother was looking into a facelift in Hong Kong (she never did it, but it was a fraction of the price.) AND, my WL surgeon has been doing this for like 25 years, he teaches his version of the surgery all over the world, I wouldn't have gone to anyone else, and he was trained in Colombia! Go figure! LOL

Just in my opinion I would not go anywhere where I could not get aftercare. My Dad, Brother, and 4 of my good friends all had tummy tucks here in the US. (top notch dr's) They ALL had some sort of complication whether it be an infection etc... It took them many trips to the plastic surgeons office for check ups, meds, etc... I am not trying to be discouraging at all, just want you to be safe.