Question:
Cost and location for plastic surgery in Mexico

I would like to find out info about plastic surgery in Mexico, or Costa Rica. I can not afford it in the states and insurance will not pay. I want it all TT, Brest lift/agmentation, Arms and thighs. Please tell me your experence and cost if you have had it done out side of the USA.    — Melissa B. (posted on May 6, 2004)

May 6, 2004
Have not had any work done, but I have looked into going to Brazil for plastics. Check out the Yahoo group - MedNetBrazil. They have a price list in the files section. <p> http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/MedNetBrazil/
   — Ali M

May 7, 2004
Was checking out plastic surgeons yesterday on the net....go to yahoo and search for plastic surgeons in costa rica. They sound good and reasonable and have a great place to recuperate ( a resort)and priced extremely reasonable. Good Luck....
   — Pat J.

May 7, 2004
A word of CAUTION!!! Remember that there are a ton of post op appointments you will need to have as you heal... that was the ONE thing I wasn't prepared for after my TT. Good luck! gail @ goal
   — Bama Beach Girl

May 7, 2004
I'm always the party-pooper on this question, because I am in Houston and see a number of patients with problems who have gone across the border to have surgery. Here are my concerns: There ARE a lot of postop visits...many weeks and months down the road (check my profile and contact any or all of my postops!). You may have no insurance coverage for complications (even minor ones) that can happen. Doctors are reluctant to get involved with another doctor's complications. You have no legal protection in another country. There is virtually NO hospital accreditation across the border...the cases are often done in smaller facilities too. This makes things we take for granted here (like safe blood banks, modern pharmacies, etc) a potential risk down there. You will certainly find people willing to talk about their success stories, and we can all share in their happiness. I have found that patients with complications, though, are often too embarrased and ashamed to come forward.
   — DrL

May 7, 2004
Melissa, I totally agree with the doctor in that you should have things done near you and paid for by insurance so that they will cover any potential complications. However, I get the feeling that you aren't in that situation of being able to do that. Unfortunately, a lot of people aren't. If you are seriously thinking about going outside the US for surgery be sure you thoroughly check out the doctor, his facility, and ask a lot of questions and talk with a lot of people. Also make sure you make arrangements for care near you once you return home. I not only made arrangements with my PCP but also a local surgeon in case of complications or post op problems. I never utilized that surgeons services but I knew things would be taken care of in case of any problems that might arise. As for insurance not covering post op problems, they might not. Many insurance companies won't pay for complications related to any surgery they did not approve. That's the same for us who self pay the RNY, the DS, our gallbladder removals, any surgery at all that they don't approve regardless of whether its in or outside of the US. If your local PS only uses a hospital setting you might find cheaper rates through someone who does a clinical setting surgery. They are all over the US with some areas of the US cheaper than others. If you've not checked into it you might consider doing so. Outside of the US I've heard good things about some surgeons in Brazil and they are even cheaper than Mexico. I've heard $2500 USD for a tummy tuck/breast lift combo, though I don't recall which surgeon it was. They definitely are less expensive and some use very nice, quality hospitals instead of a clinic for surgery. If you're interested in Mexico my doctor is Dr. Eduardo Gongora of the Genesis Clinic. He's just over the border from San Deigo, CA. He charges about $2500 for thighs or arms, about $3500 or so for a TT with muscle tightening (and often the crotch lift included!). For me it was like $5k for lipo and an extensive TT like the LBL but without any thigh work. I'm unsure of the breast lift/ augmentation. You might want ot check out his website at www.genesisclinic.com. Last tme I was on there he had a general price list on there. Keep in mind that those prices aren't just the surgeons fee. That's for anesthesia, a nights stay, etc. Good luck!
   — Shelly S.

May 8, 2004
I just got back from plastic surgery in MEXICO. I went to Dr. Gongora at the Genesis Clinic. I have lost 109 lbs. and had belt TT, Breast lift (no implants), lipo, and inner thigh lift. I just had surgery on Wednesday and I flew home yesterday. I'm feeling pretty good and had an excellent experience at the Genesis Clinic. I also had my WLS in Mexico, but with Dr. Aguirre in Ensenada. It was also a wonderful experience. I have had no complications whatsoever with the WLS. Hoping for the same with the plastics. If you would like information, please email me.
   — [Deactivated Member]