“South of the border” is where it’s at on Cinco de Mayo.
It may also be awesome as a food category or as a culinary celebration of Mexican food at a restaurant.
What it is not appropriate for is your plastic surgery – whether you are seeking a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction or even a face lift. Of course, if you have a global gambling addiction that includes your own personal health, then just maybe this choice can be a thrilling experience … until DISASTER STRIKES and you have to deal with a multitude of issues.
Undergoing cosmetic surgery south of the border in order to have your procedure done on the cheap is incredibly risky behavior. Recklessly imprudent! Or, in the more blunt and understandable vernacular (no offense intended, of course), “f#*%in’ nuts”!
My unwavering opinion regarding this medical tourism is: “NO WAY, Jose!” (or Barbara, Amber, Maggie, Julie, etc.).
I’ve have previously written about the dangers of seeking plastic surgery in Mexico including in Scar Revision for Hypertrophic Facial Scars Resulting From Surgery South of the Border and Don’t Seek Plastic Surgery South of the Border. A patient is absolutely taking major risks on the real training, skill and background of the operating doctor despite what a slick website, brochures or advertisements may be hyping. Medical tourism is BIG business and those involved in providing healthcare services frequently will do whatever it takes to attract patients and with them, their money.
Furthermore, what kind of anesthesia will you be getting and who will be administering it? A doctor (of what?; training?)? Nurse? Receptionist?
Will you be asleep (fully?) or partially awake and feel the surgery being performed?
I don’t think that you want to find that out the hard (and excruciatingly painful) way!
Does the facility match up well to American standards and regulations including as regards safety? Are you dumped in the veritable alley soon after surgery, still heavily sedated with little or no guidance and no one to call if there is a question or a life threatening problem?
Not everyone who seeks a plastic surgery procedure in Mexico, in order to save money, experiences problems. There are some very fine, talented, reputable plastic surgeons practicing there who can provide you with very good results and for a total cost less than you can obtain here but do you truly know who they are? Even then, realize that if something goes wrong, your legal recourse may be severely limited or non-existent.
So, you can venture south of the border if you want to seek out truly authentic and great Mexican food but for your breast augmentation, tummy tuck, liposuction, face lift or other cosmetic surgery: STAY north of the border IN ARIZONA!
If you would like information on any plastic surgery procedure that I perform or to schedule a complimentary consultation with me, please call my office at 480-451-3000.
Steven H. Turkeltaub, M.D. P.C.
Scottsdale and Phoenix, Arizona