Have you been looking into getting plastic surgery?
There are plenty of reasons that you might want to alter your appearance. Whether you’re looking for a quick lip lift, a jaw augmentation, a Brazillian butt lift, or anything else that you think might give you a confidence boost, the stigma of plastic surgery is getting reduced every day.
Some people consider traveling for plastic surgery. Whether they’re interested in better prices, specific surgeons, or certain procedures that are more common in other countries, medical tourism isn’t uncommon.
But is it right for you? We’re here to talk about the pros and cons of opting to travel for your cosmetic medical procedures. Keep reading to learn more.
Overseas Travel
It’s common for people to want to travel overseas for their cosmetic procedures. Some countries specialize in certain types of plastic surgery.
For example, South Korea is a common cosmetic surgery destination for its jaw reduction and facial feminization techniques.
But is it the right answer for your cosmetic surgery?
Pros of Overseas Travel
As we mentioned, sometimes certain countries (or doctors from certain countries) specialize in specific procedures. If you’re aiming for a certain “look,” it makes sense for you to want to go somewhere where that look is a common result.
Sometimes people overlook the fact that many plastic surgeons use the same techniques and are able to get you your desired appearance if you show them what you’re going for.
Sometimes doctors overseas have more affordable treatments. Because most types of cosmetic surgery aren’t covered by insurance, the cost is a huge factor for people who are ultimately seeking out surgery that isn’t essential.
In this way, some people may benefit from traveling overseas.
Cons of Overseas Travel
All of that said, there are problems with the decision to go overseas for your plastic surgery needs.
The first is the overall expense. Yes, it’s sometimes cheaper to get the procedure itself overseas, but consider the costs of traveling and the costs associated with staying in the area for the duration.
Many people are misled by celebrities and influencers who get their procedures overseas because they make it look easy. In reality, these people have more money to burn.
Also, consider the aftercare period. While you’ll likely stay in the area in the time immediately following your procedure so that you can get the initial healing out of the way, you’ll have to go home eventually.
Your stay will be extended if you want the surgeon on-hand in case of any emergencies or problems, and if you leave to go back home, you won’t have that surgeon nearby to help you.
All cosmetic surgery is expensive. Medical tourism, though, adds the extra costs of travel and lodging and the potential physical cost of mismanaging the healing period.
Domestic Travel
So what about traveling within your own country? If you do your research, you’ll find that there are plenty of great plastic surgeons within the borders of the United States, even if you might have to travel out of your own state.
Traveling within your own country for a medical procedure comes with some of the same drawbacks of international travel, but it also comes with some huge benefits.
Pros and Cons Of Domestic Traveling for Plastic Surgery
On the downside, you are still traveling, and you’ll still have the costs associated with that travel, especially if you’re from out-of-state. That means that lodging and flights are your responsibility.
That said, traveling from within the country is far cheaper than trying to travel internationally.
The person that you’re seeing may not specialize in exactly what you’re looking for. That being said, plastic surgeons, like the ones in Los Angeles who serve all kinds of patients, are masters in their field. If you show them what you want, they’ll be able to make your dreams come true.
When you get your surgery in your own country, you know that you’re going to have access to your surgeon during the healing period. Even if you have to fly back home, it’s easier to arrange online consultations and fly back if necessary.
How to Travel for Cosmetic Surgery
So how do you get started when you decide to travel for your plastic surgery?
You’re going to want to start with the research stage. All surgeons have their own specialties. Look around to find one who has a portfolio of before and after shots that make you feel confident that they’re right for you.
After this, set up a consultation. Many offices offer online or phone consultations so that you can make sure you’re seeing the right doctor before you travel. This should happen several months before you plan to travel.
You’ll talk to a representative about what you want to modify and why you want to change it, as well as a set of photos and measurements. They will then give that information to a doctor and set you up for another consultation.
Once you’ve discussed your desires with your surgeon and you feel comfortable with them, it’s time to book your travel!
Your doctor may have a suggested list of lodging options. When you’re coming from out of state, you might be overwhelmed by choices. You need to plan for a long stay, as you’ll have a pre-operation examination a week or so before your surgery. They’ll also send prescriptions to your home pharmacy.
Before you know it, it will be time for your surgery. Your doctor will send you home with all of the important healing information that you need, and all follow-up consults can be done over video chat.
The short flight from Los Angeles to your home shouldn’t be problematic for your healing.
Traveling for Cosmetic Surgery: Go Domestic
Traveling for plastic surgery allows you to find the perfect doctor for your situation. While there are awesome surgeons everywhere, it’s fine to want to choose one that’s given other people the results that you’re looking for.
When you fly overseas, you put yourself at risk during the healing period, and you end up spending far more money than you need to. Instead, fly domestically and visit sunny California like a celebrity for your plastic surgery needs.
Do you want beautiful surgical results in Los Angeles? We want to give you the physical changes of your dreams. Check out our online galleries and contact us so we can get you started.
