Surgical Tourism: Not Always a Good “Deal”

Plastic surgery tourism describes patients who seek medical care abroad for medical procedures. Plastic and cosmetic surgery sees a high rate of this as these procedures can have a much cheaper price tag in other countries. However, in many cases you get what you pay for and these procedures see a higher complication rate and re-operation once the patients return home. To understand how these experiences go wrong, let’s dive deeper into plastic surgery tourism as a whole.

What drives plastic surgery tourism?

Of course, each individual that seeks cosmetic procedures in another country has their own reasoning for doing so, but because this phenomenon is gaining popularity, we’re able to pinpoint a few of the most common motives. These include:

1. Affordability

2. Greater patient savings

3. Availability

4. Anonymity/privacy

5. Lack of health insurance coverage in home country

These motives are understandable! Cosmetic surgery as a whole continues to grow, so it’s no surprise that patient interest and cost of care follow suit. Unfortunately, these motives have drawbacks:

1. Unfamiliarity with non-native country. This includes factors such as language barriers, overnight stay, transportation to and from surgery, and lack of post-operative care.

2. Financial cost

3. Discouragement by family physicians and lack of confidence in the healthcare systems abroad

4. Feeling too ill to travel post-procedure (international flights are a long haul!)

A large amount of plastic surgery tourism happens without referral from a doctor in the patient’s home country, and without prior consultation from public health officials. In short: the patient makes the decision to undergo a surgical procedure in another country on their own, usually without guidance from a medical professional. This is where things become dangerous!

What does cosmetic surgery abroad look like?

Seeking medical care abroad is a price-driven phenomenon, made up of a subset of patients who may not be clear on outcomes and complication rates. Women dominate the market, accounting for 86.2% of plastic surgery tourism worldwide. The most common procedures these women travel for include silicone breast implants, liposuction, and eyelid surgery – think Kendall Jenner and Bella Hadid’s highly-coveted fox eyes.

Women aren’t the only ones going the distance for cosmetics, though. Men make up 13.8% of plastic surgery tourism worldwide, traveling for blepharoplasties, gynecomastias, and rhinoplasties.

Additionally, there is a growing number of labiaplasties and gluteal lift procedures (Brazilian butt lift).

How can something so popular be bad?

The drawbacks may seem like potential inconveniences, but they often present even MORE harmful effects that come up later on.

Plastic surgery tourism has become more common due to lower initial cost; yet the initial cost is only for the procedure itself. This number fails to reflect travel, stay, transportation, post-operative care, and any extra measures that may be necessary to resolve complications sustained during surgery. The lowest prices for surgery exist in developing countries – such as Thailand, India, Poland, and Turkey – rather than in developed countries like the US, UK, and Canada.

Complications from cosmetic surgeries abroad often create a domino effect of issues for the patient as they need inpatient care upon returning to their home country. In a study titled The Cost of Medical Tourism: Penny-Wise and Pound-Foolish? researchers Tran, Kludt, and Wong describe a young patient seeking various cosmetic surgical procedures in Mexico, where surgical procedures generally cost less than $5,000. Later complications arose from surgery, resulting in an escalation in her total cost of care to over $77,000. That’s 15 times the initial cost of the procedure!

Skyrocketing cost is one thing, but threats to the patient’s health are another.

We asked Dr. Capizzi about his experience with plastic surgery tourism:

“I once saw a patient who received a blood transfusion in the Dominican Republic after liposuction. Doctors hospitalized her but sent her home after 7 days. When she came to me, she had a large infectious seroma in her abdomen. A seroma is a buildup of fluids following tissue removal. For this patient, the fat removal was inconsistent – too much from one area and not enough from others. This is the kind of experience you want to avoid!”

Unfortunately, Dr. Capizzi’s experience with cosmetic surgery tourism doesn’t stop there. He continues:

“I have also seen several women who had PIP implants placed in Colombia and Venezuela. PIP is a brand of implants made from a cheaper, industrial-grade silicone that was not approved for medical use. These implants caused an international scandal as they ruptured at a rate that was double the industry average. The patients I saw with these implants required removal because of the industrial grade silicone. If the implants weren’t removed, the patients would be at risk of inflammation, scarring, and other long-term effects.”

There are other factors with implants beyond quality that create issues for patients. Dr. Capizzi recounts seeing a patient from a Colombian plastic surgeon who had large areolas and distorted breasts. Improper implant size and insertion site can cause unattractive results. This case required staged reconstruction.

“There was also a case involving a tummy tuck that was uneven. The patient arrived at an American hospital with an open wound following the initial operation in Mexico. I saw the patient at my practice once she was out of the hospital and repeated fluid collections that later required re-operation.”

Why Capizzi MD?

Seeking medical care abroad is scary for many reasons. Luckily, you don’t have to fear these outcomes at Capizzi MD. We make the surgical process as seamless as possible for each patient, whether you’re local to our office or are traveling from out of state. You can breathe easy knowing you only have to visit one location for your consultation, surgery, and all follow up appointments. Dr. Capizzi performs all surgeries in his accredited operating room located right here in our office in Charlotte, NC.

Through his many years of experience, Dr. Capizzi has built a trusted reputation in Charlotte as one of the best surgeons in the state. This reputation is due to a lifelong dedication to perfection and honed surgical skills from completing over 7,000 augmentation procedures! For more information on the surgeries Dr. Capizzi performs, browse our surgical menu. You can also check out and before and after photos.

To request a consultation with Dr. Capizzi, please fill out our form and our Patient Care Team will be in contact.

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The Cost of Plastic Surgery

Plastic surgery has come a long way in the decades since its popularity began. We’ve seen technological advances that increase both safety and patient satisfaction. There have also been dramatic improvements in the stigma associated with plastic surgery. Both men and women are more comfortable with the idea of enhancing their appearance through cosmetic surgery.

More comfortability and conversation about plastic surgery has led to many more options for those seeking cosmetic enhancement. The increased popularity of plastic surgery doesn’t necessarily mean easier decision-making, though. There’s no “one size fits all” practice or surgeon – and this is a good thing! Every individual is different, from physical makeup to what they want to achieve with surgery. Breast augmentation can be a life-changing experience with long lasting results, so it’s important to take your time and weigh your options throughout the entire process. A successful procedure can improve self-confidence and make you feel more like yourself.

If you’re interested in just exploring the cost, please click here to visit our surgical pricing page. But when considering the price, consider these other things also. We all know that sticking to a budget is important for most people. However, plastic surgery is not somewhere we would recommend budgeting for, and here is why:

You Get What You Pay For

Before scheduling your consultation, you should verify that your surgeon has proper credentials. This may sound confusing due to medical jargon, but don’t let that deter you. Look for board certification from the American Board of Plastic Surgery. This means he or she has undergone the rigorous board certification process by the only plastic surgery board recognized by the American Board of Medical Specialties. This is an important indication that you can trust that the surgeon is highly trained and qualified to perform your breast augmentation. While a well-trained surgeon can deliver amazing results, an inexperienced surgeon can increase your chances of complications and dissatisfaction, leaving you with additional costs, time, and heartache.

Their Style Should Fit Your Goals

Along with training and medical knowledge, cosmetic surgery requires the eye (and hand!) of a true artist. Everyone’s body is unique, so the “best” plastic surgeon for your neighbor may not be the right fit for you. Your surgeon’s style of work should align with your aesthetic goals. In addition, he or she should tailor your breast procedure to your unique situation to meet those goals. Review the surgeon’s gallery of before and after photos to get an idea of his or her work and ensure you like their aesthetic style.

Facility Credentials

The practice you choose should operate in an accredited and accommodating facility. Because cosmetic plastic surgeries generally happen outside of the hospital, it’s especially important to ensure that the facility your procedure will take place in is held to the highest standards of safety, quality, and patient care. Look for at least one of the following certifications:

• State licensure

• Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO)

• American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF)

• Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care

• Title XVIII Medicare participation

They Have Good Vibes

No, we are not kidding with this one! Techniques and technologies are important, but finding a surgeon that you’re comfortable with and feel like you can trust makes all the difference. When you find a surgeon that you connect with, you’ll be able to feel more confident about your surgery and you’ll be able to have open honest, and important discussions about aesthetic goals, lifestyle, overall health, and any questions or concerns that you might have. The right provider will also outline a realistic timeline for recovery based on your medical history and help you through the recovery process.

At Capizzi MD, we pride ourselves in treating you the way we would treat our own relatives. We always want you to feel comfortable enough to voice your concerns and ask questions so that you can make positive decisions as a well-informed patient, emerging from our practice more relaxed, refreshed, and rejuvenated.

They Are Known for Being the Best

Make sure your surgeon is ranked on Google, RealSelf, Yelp, Facebook, or wherever you go to get your reviews. In fact, check all of these sources! Make sure they are the best at what they do. So what does it mean to be Best in Breast? The surgeons at Capizzi MD have a combined 30+ years of experience placing breast implants and are recognized as experts among their colleagues.

The Capizzi MD approach to cosmetic breast enhancement is one of continuous research and improvement. As new and better approaches to medicine evolve daily, it is important to consider that your physician’s techniques should not be antiquated. The search for better options and safer techniques is what sets our patient experience apart. Here are a few technological innovations we use every day:

Crisalix 3D Software

A unique augmented reality (AR) experience allows prospective patients to see what their results may look like. Patients can “try on” different sizes and shapes of implants, different levels of lifts, and even results with mesh or reductions.

Implant Ultrasounds:

Our physicians see value in continuing breast care through your breast surgeon. That is why we provide patients with implant ultrasounds in accordance with FDA recommendations.

The Best Performing Breast Implants

Only two manufacturers in the US offer the gel-to-shell integration that truly makes an implant a “gummy bear.” At Capizzi MD, we are involved in the forefront of improving this technology and ongoing clinical research to ensure these implants continue to be the best options for our patients.

Private, Accredited Operating Suite

You can breathe easy and relax and know that you are in the best of hands at Capizzi MD. We have an AAAASF accredited surgery center in our practice located on East Boulevard, and all procedures are considered outpatient – meaning you will return home the same day! We hand-pick each member of our operative team, ensuring that every patient gets the absolute best quality care.

When you schedule a confidential initial consultation, your physician will meet with you to review your medical history, take measurements, and carefully go over your questions to set up your personalized treatment plan. The entire Capizzi MD team strives to offer a caring, personalized patient experience that will leave you completely satisfied when considering breast augmentation or any other body contouring procedures.

Whether you are interested in exploring a surgical or non-surgical procedure, we are here both before and after to support you. Every one of our patients is truly valued and we gratefully welcome you as a lifetime member of Capizzi, M.D. Cosmetic Surgery and Med Spa. To schedule your consultation, give our office a call at 704-655-8988 or fill out an online consultation form.

Ultrasonic vs. Power-Assisted Liposuction

When it comes to cosmetic surgery, there are some procedures that are totally unfamiliar. You may hear the word “blepharoplasty” and never assume it refers to removing excess skin on the upper eyelid (that contributes to the “hooded” look). Liposuction, though, is almost always recognized. But what about techniques like UAL and PAL?

Liposuction is the process of suctioning excess fat tissue through a thin metal tube known as a cannula. Incisions are minimal and virtually invisible after the healing period. UAL and PAL are two different methods of fat removal. PAL refers to Power-Assisted Liposuction, while UAL refers to Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction.

What is PAL Liposuction?

With Power-Assisted Liposuction (PAL), the “power” lies in the cannula. The cannula utilizes rapid vibrations to break up fat cells before suction. This allows for a smooth contour and removes fat at a faster rate. This method is ideal for patients with large amounts of fat because it is more effective for complete removal.

What is UAL Liposuction?

Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction (UAL) uses ultrasound energy instead of vibration to emulsify, or melt, fat cells. This method specifically targets fat cells. The ultrasound energy liquifies all the fat cells evenly and allows for comprehensive and smooth fat reduction.

At Capizzi MD, we use the top-of-the-line Ultrasonic-Assisted Liposuction known as VASER. VASER stands for Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance. This sounds very fancy and technical – it refers to the ultrasound waves! VASER liposuction stimulates more skin-tightening and addresses concerns with cellulite and sagging skin.

Another advantage of UAL is the ability to transfer this fat to the buttocks or breasts. Emulsifying the fat cells before suction results in over 90% of the removed fat cells remaining healthy for fat transfer procedures. Popular fat transfer procedures at our office are a breast augmentation without implants or Brazilian Butt Lift.

Is it possible to do both types of liposuction?

Yes! Both PAL and UAL techniques used together achieve smoother curves, tighter skin, and significant fat removal. Dr. Capizzi usually uses both types of liposuction in his patients to achieve the perfect contour, reduce bruising, and create more impactful results.

Interested in which liposuction technique would most benefit you? Schedule a consultation! Our surgical team is happy to chat about options and help guide you in the right direction. Give our office a call at 704-655-8988 to schedule.