Cosmetic surgery is extremely popular in today's society. Once reserved for only the rich, now cosmetic surgery is available for middle class people as well. Perhaps several pregnancies have left you with a pouch on your stomach you can't get rid of that makes you self conscious, you want liposuction to remove excess fat in those stubborn areas, you have always hated your nose, or want bigger breasts.

There are many reasons that people desire cosmetic surgery, both men and women from all walks of life. The price in America however can be prohibitive. Many people simply can't afford the cost of cosmetic surgery and insurance does not cover it.

A solution to that is having your cosmetic surgery performed overseas perhaps in Mexico, Thailand, Argentina, the Dominican Republic and many other countries. This is called medical tourism which has become extremely popular in the last several years. The first thing most Americans are afraid of when they think about traveling to another country for surgery is the quality of care. They worry it will not be as good as the care in American hospitals. However this is not the case if you choose a reputable hospital and doctor of which there are many to choose from.

Often, patients are pleasantly surprised at their results, their doctor, their nurses and quality of care they received. There are several hospitals around the globe that cater to Americans and other westerners who want to have cosmetic surgery but simply can not afford the extravagant  prices of the same surgery in America. There are top notch hospitals with all of the latest technology and very experienced, reputable doctors. There are several companies that specialize in helping Americans get the surgery the desire abroad. They are assigned a case manager who assists them with all of their questions, consultations, travel arrangements and stay in the foreign country.

There are so many middle class Americans who want to have cosmetic surgery and going abroad is the only way they can afford to have it. Patients can save an average of 40 to 80 percent off of American prices. Even with the cost of round trip airfare, it is still a huge savings. With several thousand Americans going on medical tourism every year and coming back pleased with their results, the stigma of surgery abroad is waning while the popularity growing. This is not some doctor working in a sleazy motel room, these are highly qualified doctors working in conditions that meet or even exceed those in America.

Why is the cost so much lower? Because the American dollar goes a lot farther in other countries such as Mexico or Argentina which results in big savings. For example, a cosmetic procedure that may cost $15,000 in America can cost $8,000 in another country with includes consultations, pre-op testing, the surgery, anesthesia, medication and hospital stay. In America, the cost is only for surgery and everything else is an additional cost.

If you are interested in cosmetic surgery, but can't quite afford it, look into medical tourism. You can choose which country you prefer, talk on the phone with a case manager to answer all of your questions, watch videos of the hospital, read your doctor's bio, see before and after pictures of previous patients, and read or see videos of testimonials. 

The popularity of medical tourism is growing significantly, especially when patients have an experience that exceeds their expectations and the level of care they are accustomed to in America all while saving thousands of dollars.

Pros of Medical Tourism

• An average of 40-80% savings from surgery in America
• Medications cost less in other countries than in America
• Choose from high qualified doctors and make arrangements through a professional American medical tourism company that connects you with the best doctors and hospitals
• The US dollar goes a lot farther in other countries so you get more for your money
• Professional and friendly nurses and care staff
• Testimonials and references of previous American clients are available upon request
• You get to recover in a relaxing, tropical environment

Cons of Medical Tourism

• You may be confused as to which country and doctor to choose from
• As with all surgery, there are risks. No surgery comes risk free. Be aware of all risks before you choose to have surgery
• Most doctors are only board certified in the countries they practice in and not by the AMA
• There will be fear of traveling to a foreign country for surgery, a place you are not familiar with
• Unless you live close to the border, you will have to fly to the country of your choice. Depending on where you live and the country you choose, this could be a long flight
• If you go alone, you will have no friends and family to visit you while you are recovering in the hospital. If you bring along a friend or relative to be with you, that will be an extra expense from your pocket
• Since there are so many medical tourism companies, so many different hospitals, and doctors to choose from, it can hard to decide which one is best
• You will be required to obtain a passport and possibly other paperwork or documents depending on which country you travel to
• Foreign doctors are not regulated by American laws and rules, but by the rules in their own country

The AMA does not condemn the practice of medical tourism even though it takes American money and gives it to foreign doctors and hospitals. The AMA supports the freedom of the patient to make their own choices regarding their health care and supports medical tourism as long as it is voluntary and the patient is well informed with access to all of the information they need.