Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about plastic surgery in Latin America.  If you have any other questions, click here to send us an email with your question.

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A:

There are a number of reasons why plastic surgery procedures are more affordable in Latin America than in the U.S. and Europe

  • Lower labor costs help explain why most procedures are less expensive.  Hourly wages in countries like Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Costa Rica and Mexico are usually lower than they are in countries like the United States and England.  Many countries in Latin America don’t have organized labor unions that control the salary requirements of health care professions.
 
  • Malpractice insurance usually isn’t as high as it is in the US.   Doctors in the US are required to pay medical malpractice insurance that usually cost over $100,000 annually. Foreign doctors are required to pay medical malpractice insurance as well, but their costs are as low as $4000 annually.  
  • Healthcare simply doesn’t have to be that expensive.  In many cases procedures are mor affordable in Latin America simply because U.S doctors charge too much.
 
A:

Cost is obviously the most obvious advantage of havings plastic surgery in Latin America, but it’s not the only one.   

 
  • The quality of service is sometimes superior to what you would find the U.S. and Eurpe.  With lower labor costs, medical facilities in Latin America can often hire more support staff than a comparable facility in the U.S. or Europe can.  Nurse-to-patient ratios are often higher.
   
  • The very act of going to Latin America is often reward enough for many travelers.  They fly to exotic locations such as Argentina and Brazil for csometic surgery, but they spend the remainder of their time shopping, sightseeing, and trying out new experiences.   See "What to do when you get there" in the links section of LatinAmericaCosmeticSurgery.com to see some of the exciting things you can do in Latin America.
A: Not to worry.  Most of the surgeons in the directory speak fluent English.  Also remember that many of them received at least some of their education and training in the U.S.
A:

        There several important factors that you should consider when deciding whether plastic surgery is the right option for you. 

        One of the most important factors is your health.  Being in good health greatly reduces the risk of complications occurring during surgery and leads to a speedy recovery. 

        Next, you need to ask yourself what your motivations are.  People who have plastic surgery generally find that the surgery enhances their overall appearance and self-esteem.  You should also have realistic expectations.   Plastic surgery is both a science and an art, neither of which are perfect.  Set reasonable goals as to the result you wish to achieve and be prepared to thoroughly discuss these goals during your initial consultation.
A: Choosing a well-qualified cosmetic surgeon is the most important decision you will have to make with regards to your surgery and should be chosen very carefully, there are several ways you can go about finding an experienced qualified cosmetic surgeon and these include:

* Checking for board certification – this is a board that only certifies a fully trained, experienced cosmetic surgeon who has several years training.

* Do they have professional membership? – this is usually a professional society which promotes standards and education in the profession of cosmetic surgery.

* Look for hospital accreditation – check to make sure the cosmetic surgeon is on the staff at an accredited hospital.
A:

        Generally, post-operative instructions call for rest and limited movement in order to speed up the healing process and recovery time.  The length of recovery varies with each procedure and is different for each individual.  Bruises usually disappear within a few days, and most swelling is gone in a matter of weeks.    Your scars will fade over time but are permanent.  Good plastic surgeons take care to conceal any scars so that they are barely visible, if at all.  The image-enhancing effects of plastic surgery become more evident over time with certain procedures taking up to a year for your body to fully adjust and settle into its new look.  When you talk to your surgeons during your consultation you can discuss your expected recovery period and any post-operative instructions in detail.
A:

        It is a relatively common practice for a plastic surgeon to perform multiple procedures during one operation.  This allows the surgeon to better “sculpt” your final appearance.  In addition, having several procedures done simultaneously saves you the expense of paying the operating room and anesthesia costs more than once.  However, having too much done at one time can lead to complications.  The decision to have multiple procedures done depends on which procedures are being done, the extent of surgery, the operating time, and your age/health.  Ultimately, the surgeon decides whether or not it is appropriate to include more than one procedure in your operation.
A:

        The issue of breast implant safety has been a hot topic throughout the last few decades.  As a result, more stringent standards have emerged in order to protect patients.  Current breast implant procedures primarily use silicone shell implants filled with a saline solution.  Occasionally, silicone-gel filler is used; but this is highly regulated by the FDA, and generally only acceptable in reconstructive surgery procedures.  Rarely, an implant will rupture or leak.  With saline implants, the saline is safely absorbed into the body.  The effect of silicone-gel leaking into the body is still being researched.  If rupture or leaking is detected early, the implant can be easily replaced.  Other possible complications from breast implant surgery may include blood clotting or pooling, overly sensitive breasts or loss of sensation in the breasts, and capsular contracture (a hardening of the tissues surrounding the implant).  Our expert team is dedicated to making your operation a smooth one. 

A:

        Due to the variety of procedures available in plastic surgery, there can be no blanket rule on age although age will be taken into consideration when planning your operation.  People of all ages have taken advantage of the image-enhancement offered by plastic surgery.  There are even procedures appropriate for young children!  It is important to realize the limitations of plastic surgery.  Plastic surgery cannot “fix” every situation or reverse the aging process.  What is a good procedure for one person may not be an appropriate procedure for another. 

A:

        You will be under anesthesia during your operation so there will be no pain during the operation.  In the days (or weeks) following the operation, you may experience some discomfort which can be effectively treated with oral medication.
A:

        Insurance providers generally cover costs for reconstructive surgery but not for plastic surgery.  For example, insurance providers will often pay for breast augmentation to reconstruct a breast following a mastectomy; breast reduction to remedy back pain caused by heavy breasts; eyelid surgery to remove sagging skin that blocks vision; nose surgery to allow for a patient to breathe better; or tummy tucks to remedy the vertical separation of abdomen muscles known as diastasis.  Insurance providers are required by law to cover breast reconstruction surgery and any cosmetic operations necessary to create symmetry in either breast.

A:

    The type of the anesthesia varies with each procedure.  For some procedures, only local anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous (IV) sedation is needed.  This method will allow you to be awake, but insensitive to any pain.  In more complex procedures, general anesthesia is needed and you will be asleep during the entire procedure.  The anesthesia used in your operation will depend on the type and extent of the procedure(s), your age, and the surgeon’s preference.
A:     The best candidates for liposuction are people in the normal weight range who have firm, elastic skin and who have pockets of excess fat in certain areas. The candidate should be physically healthy, psychologically stable and realistic in his or her expectations. The patient's age is not a major consideration; however, older patients may have diminished skin elasticity and may not achieve the same results as a younger patient with tighter skin.
A: The usual areas are: the abdomen, hips, buttocks, thighs, knees, upper arms, chin, cheeks and neck.
A:

For many individuals who are morbidly obese, surgery is the only method that helps them successfully control their weight. Bariatric surgery promotes weight loss by decreasing food intake and promoting proper food selection.

Some questions to ask yourself when considering bariatric surgery are:

  • Have I exhausted nonsurgical measures?
  • Am I well informed about the available surgical procedures and the effects of treatment?
  • Am I determined to lose weight and improve my health?
  • Can I maintain a lifelong commitment to medical follow-up and vitamin/mineral supplementation?
A: The actual weight a patient will lose after the procedure is dependent on several factors. These include:

  • Patient's age
  • Weight before surgery
  • Overall condition of patient's health
  • Surgical procedure
  • Ability to exercise
  • Commitment to maintaining dietary guidelines and other follow-up care
  • Motivation of patient and cooperation of their family, friends and associates

In general, weight loss surgery success is defined as achieving loss of 50% or more of excess body weight and maintaining that level for at least five years. Clinical data will vary for each of the different procedures mentioned on this site. Results may also vary by surgeon. Ask your doctor for the clinical data stating their results of the procedure they are recommending. Clinical studies show that, following surgery, most patients lose weight rapidly and continue to do so until 18 to 24 months after the procedure. Patients may lose 30 to 50% of their excess weight in the first six months and 77% of excess weight as early as 12 months after surgery. Another study showed that patients can maintain a 50-60% loss of excess weight 10-14 years after surgery. Patients with higher initial BMIs tend to lose more total weight. Patients with lower initial BMIs will lose a greater percentage of their excess weight and will more likely come closer to their ideal body weight. Patients with Type 2 Diabetes tend to show less overall excess weight loss than patients without Type 2 Diabetes. The surgery has been found to be effective in improving and controlling many obesity-related health conditions. A 2000 study of 500 patients showed that 96% of certain associated health conditions studied (back pain, sleep apnea, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression) were improved or resolved. For example, many patients with Type 2 Diabetes, while showing less overall excess weight loss, have demonstrated excellent resolution of their diabetic condition, to the point of having little or no need for continuing medication.

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A:     Every attempt is made to control pain after surgery to make it possible for you to move about quickly and become active. This helps avoid problems and speeds recovery. Often several drugs are used together to help manage your post-surgery pain. While you are still in the hospital, a Patient Controlled Analgesia (PCA), which allows you to give yourself a dose of pain medicine on demand, may be used by your physician. Various methods of pain control, depending on your type of surgical procedure, are available. Ask your surgeon about other pain management options.
A:     Almost immediately after surgery doctors will require you to get up and move about. Patients are asked to walk or stand at the bedside on the night of surgery, take several walks the next day and thereafter. On leaving the hospital, you may be able to care for all your personal needs, but will need help with shopping, lifting and with transportation.
A: The basic rules are simple and easy to follow:
  • Immediately after surgery, your doctor will provide you with special dietary guidelines. You will need to follow these guidelines closely. Many surgeons begin patients with liquid diets, moving to semi-solid foods and later, sometimes weeks or months later, solid foods can be tolerated without risk to the surgical procedure performed. Allowing time for proper healing of your new stomach pouch is necessary and important.
  • When able to eat solids, eat 2-3 meals per day, no more. Protein in the form of lean meats (chicken, turkey, fish) and other low-fat sources should be eaten first. These should comprise at least half the volume of the meal eaten. Foods should be cooked without fat and seasoned to taste. Avoid sauces, gravies, butter, margarine, mayonnaise and junk foods.
  • Never eat between meals. Do not drink flavored beverages, even diet soda, between meals.
  • Drink 2-3 quarts or more of water each day. Water must be consumed slowly, 1-2 mouthfuls at a time, due to the restrictive effect of the operation.
  • Exercise aerobically every day for at least 20 minutes (one-mile brisk walk, bike riding, stair climbing, etc.). Weight/resistance exercise can be added 3-4 days per week, as instructed by your doctor.
A:     Patients can return to normal sexual intimacy when wound healing and discomfort permit. Many patients experience a drop in desire for about 6 weeks.
A:     The breast augmentation which is medically known as the mammoplasty is surgery performed to enhance the shape or size of a women’s breast, this type of surgery is normally done for a number of reasons including personal reasons, to correct a reduction in volume after pregnancy, to balance different sized breasts or reconstruction following breast surgery.
A:

The prices of cosmetic surgery vary from procedure to procedure and from clinic to clinic which will offers the surgery, what you will pay will depend on several things such as:


* The surgeons fee - charges for the surgeons fee will vary considerable depending upon factors such as their experience and the facility in which they work.

* The hospital of facilities fee - it doesn’t matter if you have your surgery in the surgeons clinic or a hospital you will still have to pay a fee and depending on whether the surgery requires a stay in the facility or hospital there may be an additional fee for that.

* The aesthesia fee – if you have to have a general or local anaesthetic then you will be required to pay the fee for the aesthesia.
A:     Cosmetic surgeons are continually striving to ensure that procedures are carried out to give the end result which is as natural as possible. Of course the whole point of having surgery in the first place will have either been to correct a medical condition to make you more self confident or make you look younger, so it would be pointless if nobody noticed the difference after having gone through the surgery.
A:     This of course will depend greatly on the type of surgery you had and the reasons for having it done, if you had surgery to correct a problem such as nose reshaping or cheek or chin enhancements then of course the surgery will be permanent.