Medical Tourism???

[carrie123]

I just wanted to see if anyone had some insight to getting surgery overseas. I have heard a few testimonials, but not from reliable sources. I figured this would be a pretty good place to go.

There is a deal for plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic for 75% off what it would cost here in the USA...

I was crazy with the idea and actually put down a $500 deposit. Now I'm not sure...(I know, I know, I should have made sure to begin with)...

I can however postpone it and consider again later in the year. I just wanted to find out what you guys/gals thought about it.

Carrie

 

[Worknprogress]

Gosh Carrie - plastic surgery overseas - I saw something not too long ago about horror stories. But if I remember correctly, it still came down to using a great doctor. Somebody who doesn't already have complaints and practices in question.

I know nothing about this, but I would hope that all Doctors in every country have to "answer" to somebody. Is there a way to find out about the Doctor you have chosen and his history?

 

[spyrosmom]

I've heard of this, good and bad. I think it's all in the Dr/facility. Can you see actual pics of this Dr's work or testimonies from his patients? All surgery is kinda scary to me, and to be not home, in a foreign place, regardless of the care, would make it even worse. Remember, you also won't be healed all the way on the way home, and it may make travel very uncomfortable, you may want to consider the length/method of the trip as well.

Nan

 

[Gayle]

Well, here's a little blurb from the U.S State Department on plastic surgery in the DR - http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html :

"The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and the CDC are aware of several cases in which U.S. citizens experienced serious complications or died following elective (cosmetic) surgery in the Dominican Republic. The CDC’s web site at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5323a4.htm contains a report on patients who suffered postoperative infections following cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. Patients considering travel to the Dominican Republic for cosmetic surgery may also wish to contact the Dominican Society of Plastic Surgeons (tel. 809-688-8451) to verify the training, qualifications, and reputation of specific doctors."

Here's an article from the Miller School of Medicine at the University of Miami:
http://www.med.miami.edu/communications/som_news/index.asp?id=435

I'm sorry to be a downer, but is surgery really something that you want to skimp on? The risks are just so big...

 

[Jacque1038]

I think I remember seeing a story on dateline or one of those type of shows on that sort of thing. However there are also horror stories that happened in the USA so it probably comes down to doing your research. I would be extra careful.

 

[carrie123]

Thank you...

Thank you for the information it really helps. I am going to wait and do alot more research. Thank you again.

Well, here's a little blurb from the U.S State Department on plastic surgery in the DR - http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1103.html :


"The U.S. Embassy in Santo Domingo and the CDC are aware of several cases in which U.S. citizens experienced serious complications or died following elective (cosmetic) surgery in the Dominican Republic. The CDC’s web site at http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5323a4.htm contains a report on patients who suffered postoperative infections following cosmetic surgery in the Dominican Republic. Patients considering travel to the Dominican Republic for cosmetic surgery may also wish to contact the Dominican Society of Plastic Surgeons (tel.