Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
The Doctor is Out
Thailand used to be a destination for exotic travel, perhaps even for sex travel. Now, it is a well-established member of the ever-increasing ranks of surgery destinations. Yes, travel is not just for the well or even the well-heeled, now it's for the wellness-seeking. too. It's not just cosmetic surgery, either. While cosmetic surgery comprises about 80% of the travel, laser eye surgery and fertility treatments make up reasons to travel, too.
A while back, our own Erik Olsen blogged about a crazy offer to get extra frequent flyer miles to get your eyes done, and also posted an article by Casey Kittrell about medical tourism. Then, earlier this year, I wrote an article about growing cosmetic surgery tourism to the Czech Republic. Since then, the pace of this traffic has exploded, and the places have gotten even more exotic. So much so, it's worth revisiting this issue: according to the National Coalition on Health Care, over half a million Americans left the country last year for medical or dental work. A recent article even noted a man sent by his North Carolina company to New Delhi, for gall bladder and rotator cuff surgery, to save $50,000!
Tired of travelocity? A host of surgery-tourism companies have set up shop all over the internet. Costmeticsurgerytravel.com squatted on a good web address, offering "medical travel concierge" service, as well as assurance that the doctors in foreign lands are "appropriate for your procedure or treatment." Prague a little to run-of-the-mill for you? Try Tunisia, for example, through Cosmeticatravel.com. Or Turkey or El Salvador, through Medretreat.com. Or Brazil, through Medicaltourism.com. A quick google search turns up a page-topping, paid ad for medical tourism to "Bumrungrad" hospital. Is that where you get that hemorrhoid treatment done?
Follow up: The NY Times just posted an article on the same topic.
Filed under: Stories, Asia, Europe, North America, South America, Tunisia, India, Turkey, Czech Republic, El Salvador, United States
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
C Walton Oct 15th 2006 2:37PM
It says something about the state of medical care in the US when it's cheaper to fly half way around the world to get needed surgery than it is to go to the local hospital.
Lindy M Oct 15th 2006 2:52PM
Funny timing on this article...I am an American, currently in Brasil recouperating from weight loss surgery.
My insurance would not pay for it and it would have cost $40,000 in the US compared to $10,000 here. The quality of care here has surpased anything I have ever experienced in the US. Extreme measure? Sure it is. But I am fighting for my life and intend to win.
Dana Oct 15th 2006 3:00PM
WOW! That's scarry stuff!
Samantha Oct 15th 2006 3:04PM
My sister-in-law flew down to Mexico for breast implants a couple of years ago. I thought she was nuts. Furthermore, she just went on vacation and guess where? Back to Mexico. Maybe she will come back with a new nose or something, who knows. I think it's crazy.
Gil Mills Oct 15th 2006 3:15PM
Try this guy - he is fantastixc when it comes to cosmetic surgery! Dr. Fernando at the ClinicaColon. Third generation doctor, California trained, married to an American lady, has his own excellent clinic in Merida, Mexico (easy & cheap to get to). Just about all my friends and family have taken my advice and had work done by him. Less than 1/4 of the price of the best US docs and up to date in just about all kinds of cosmetic procedures. Even going just for Botox and filler shots more than pays for the whole trip, and the city is wonderful. Any questions, you can email me at GilMills@aol.com. No prob.
ninett Oct 15th 2006 5:24PM
I am in need of a plastic surgeon. Breast implants 500 cc. Can someone direct me to the best .
J. Lumsden Oct 15th 2006 5:17PM
As a male who is two months post-op from cosmetic surgery, I would NEVER go to a foreign country to have it done. My surgeon was top notch, excellent, and it didn't cost a small fortune. Had my eyes done and a facelift. I could not have asked for a better
U.S. surgeon.
Jessica Oct 15th 2006 5:32PM
Hi I am a female that has been looking to have a lower bodylift for about 5 years now after having weightloss surgery but I can not really afford it. I have been contemplating a loan but have heard of many people going to D.R., Columbia, Brazil, etc... for there Surgery. Has anyone anyone done this outside of the U.S. Of course it is scary but I am a daring person but would like some info. My e-mail is Demeter909@aol.com. Thank you!
Irene Oct 15th 2006 5:54PM
The truth of the matter is that you have to be careful of the doctor you choose no matter where you have the surgery, a poor choice can lead to disaster or even death regardless of whether you have the surgery in the US or abroad. Is it cheaper to have surgeries abroad? Most certainly. Does it mean you'll get a poorer or better quality of service? It all depends. I think it's very important to do a background check on whoever it is that you choose to operate on you. Though certainly it's easier to do that with US doctors. Unless you have the inside scoop thanks to friends or family living in one of those exotic places ;)
patty pope Oct 15th 2006 6:22PM
The best place to go for cosmetic surgery vacation is Casa Verde in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico l hour non stop flight from Houston, TEXAS .....to Leon, Mexico. My husband and I had surgery in 2001 with Dr. Carlos, who is board certified and chief of staff at the private hospital. (not a clinic; I mean fullly equipped Hospital, it's awesome ). I just returned 2 months ago; had much needed facelift for $6,500, I am thrilled.The package is arranged by www.FACELIFTMEXICO.COM. Pat Marino, is the owner and founder (since l994) and she handles every patient personally and does everything including air; I didnt have to think about anything ; I cant praise this company enough. They put you in touch with previous patients by email or phone. They even have a deluxe recuperation retreat packagae for $995 for 10 days where you stay at their retreat/spa and are pampered while you recover. While I was there the CNN crew was taping for Paula Zahn; look for it ; will be showing soon. email me at gtpope6231@aol.com.
kim thor Oct 15th 2006 7:01PM
My husband and I go to PV mexico for dental work all the time. He`s had 8 crowns done in the last 2 years we are both very satisfied wih our dentist. The cost was about 350 a crown.
gabriella Oct 15th 2006 7:46PM
where can i find out information on costmectic surgery for weightloss in mexico. since iam here in usa fighting to get my health in order i havent gotten any information for the last 4years. can anybody here help me with some good information and where i dont have to spend alot of money.
bobbi drnak Oct 15th 2006 7:58PM
i am halfway through hormone theropy and looking for a good doctor to finish the job... money is an object with me but i am very concerned that the procedure is done right. any help would be greatly appreaciated.
judi johnson Oct 15th 2006 8:10PM
Just had an extended tummy tuck done by a world renown Hopkins professor and plastic surgeon. He did an excellent job ... however due the the extensiveness of the surgery and the way my body heals, I have had to have return trips to keep up with drainage (this is after the initial drains were removed) I don't know what I would do if my Doc was in Mexico or Brazil ... he's close to home and I can reach him at any time. I plan to return to him for more surgery in six months.
visit his website: at drvogelplasticsurgeonDOTcom ... you add the dot (.)
MICHELLE Oct 15th 2006 8:12PM
THIS IS FOR JESSICA IN SOUTH CAROLINA I LIVE IN KANSAS AND HAD A MY BREAST DONE BUT NOW AM WANTING TO GET A TUMMY TUCK HOW MUCH DO YOU PAY WHERE YOU LIVE TO GET IT DONE HERE IT IS LIKE 5,000 AND WAS IT VERY PAINFULL AND HOW LONG WAS YOUR RECOVERY ? IM HOPING TO LOOSE SOME OF THAT BABY FAT FROM MY KIDS I ONLY WEIGHT 140 AND ONLY HAVE ALITTLE FAT TO TIGHTEN UP DOES IT NORMALLY TIGHTEN ALL THE WAY UP SO IT WILL BE FLAT?? THANK YOU MICHELLE