I recently was asked to see a patient in a hospital emergency room to take out sutures from a facelift that she had done in Mexico. While she suffered no terrible complications, the cosmetic outcome was certainly not what I would have considered acceptable here in Indianapolis. The incisions were poorly placed around her ears and her hairline had been pulled up high into her temple area. Seeing her brings to light a somewhat disturbing trend that is evident nationally, particularly in the southern border states, but is also prevalent on the internet as well.The number of patients going overseas for plastic surgery and the solicitation to do so on the internet, promoting low prices and a 'vacation-like' experience.

Historically, going overseas for surgery is not new but has been done in the past to seek out operations or treatments that were not available in the U.S. This new overseas trend is solely based on discounted price. There are many fine plasic surgeons on other countries that do great work. Some patients are extremely quick to disregard the basic principles of selecting a plastic surgeon or operative center in the interest of saving money. Important criteria such as board-certification, professional reputation, and the quality and track record of the facility where surgery will be performed can not possibly be assessed without a prior visit or consultation.

Most patients, however, have not thought of numerous extremely important issues about overseas surgery:

1) What happens in the event of a surgical complication? Who is going to take care of it? Fortunately, in elective plastic surgery, this is usually a postoperative problem so you would be home by then. Who would you go to locally? Complications from overseas surgery will not be taken care for free by plastic surgeons here.

2) In the event of a complication during or right after surgery overseas, will your health insurance provide coverage in a foreign country? Does your health insurance policy extend beyond the U.S. borders?

3) Will you really be saving a large amount of money by going overseas? When you factor in the cost of air travel and local accommodations before and after your surgery, you may not find it such a bargain. Don't proceed without knowing all costs. The 'sticker price' may not reflect all costs involved.

While saving money on plastic surgery overseas can be enticing, cosmetic surgery performed by an unqualified surgeon or in a setting that is not safe can risk your health and result in unappealing outcomes. In other countries where medicine is not as highly regulated, doing yiur research is more important than here in the U.S.