The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery says a third of the aesthetic patients in Mexico, 33.3 percent on average, come from another country, and the United States is first among them. Mexico is third in the world in tummy tucks and fourth in breast lifts. Half its procedures happen in a hospital.
I went to medical school in Mexico City. I operate in El Paso. So when a patient asks me about Juarez, I do not flinch.
What I Say
I tell them that they will probably save a lot of money. They should make certain that they are having their procedure in a certified surgery center or hospital. They should also understand that they will have to be crossing the border for continued care and possible complications. There are plenty of great doctors and plastic surgeons in Mexico. Most of the well-experienced and highly regarded plastic surgeons will probably have similar surgeon’s fees. Where the patient will save is in the facility and anesthesia fees, the aftercare supplies, and nursing care.
I always say that if the deal seems too good to be true, it probably is. I also remind them that revision work is far more expensive than having the surgery done correctly the first time.
I Have Been Saying It for a While
In 2013, to a patient with an open wound after a tummy tuck abroad: One of the downsides of medical tourism is not having your doctor available during recovery and post-surgical complications.
In 2016, on buttock implants: If there is one surgery you should take absolutely no risks with, it’s implant buttock augmentation. There are many excellent and experienced doctors in Mexico, but if you choose the right one, you will find that the cost is the same as that of an experienced surgeon in the United States. You must find a surgeon experienced enough to do the intramuscular approach. Any complication will void any possible savings.
The setting numbers and the follow-up plan are in the full post on the Agullo Plastic Surgery site.
Why Me
Double board-certified, Mayo Clinic trained, Clinical Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery at Texas Tech, Castle Connolly Top Doctor 2014 through 2026. Medical degree from Universidad Anahuac, Mexico City. Both sides of the bridge.
Ready to Talk?
Call (915) 590-7900, text 1-866-814-0038, or book online. #StayBeautiful
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