Because we’re living in a cost-conscious time, we want the best value for our dollar, whether it’s a purchase of Tide or cosmetic surgery. However, there’s a huge difference between the two. A box of Tide is the same box no matter where you purchase it, but a breast augmentation, tummy tuck or facelift is an individually-performed surgery that can have adverse consequences if performed by someone without adequate training and experience.
In the past month, the Attorney General’s office in New York state charged a Manhattan-based Dominican Republic physician with unauthorized practice of a profession. Apparently this surgeon has been advertising cheap plastic surgery, then examining the patients in Manhattan before they flew to the Dominican Republic for the actual procedure. Evidently, there were complaints that his patients developed severe infections and disfigurement.
It’s very important that you examine the background of any surgeon you interview about cosmetic surgery. While it can be cheaper to have a procedure in another country, the cost of airfare, hotel, meals and the need to bring a companion can offset any potential savings. Further is the potential for negative consequences such as infection, disfigurement and even death. In the US, surgeons are held to a very high standard in their operating facilities. Unfortunately, with so many onsite operating rooms, this still leaves room for cut-rate physicians bent on doing thousands of surgeries at cheap prices to cover their overhead. Many of these practitioners don’t even carry malpractice insurance. I am a Delaware board certified plastic surgeon--that means I've been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery as skilled and experienced through exams and photo evidence of my work.
You can’t put a price tag on training and experience. You wouldn’t let an unqualified plumber in the door, so be sure to check out your surgeon!
To your health & beauty,
