Googling about different plastic surgery procedures or facilities in Mexico can be overwhelming due to all of the information. Most of the information is actually misinformation. This misinformation drives the myth that healthcare in Mexico, including plastic surgery, is unsafe, and those who undergo treatment there are at risk because their medical services are not unregulated and risky.
However, this is far from the truth. Plastic surgery performed in Mexico is not only legal, but it can be just as safe and effective as a medical procedure done in the United States or Canada. Both Mexican doctors and facilities have to go through rigorous testing and accreditation to make surgery in Mexico safe – so why do people say plastic surgery in Mexico is unsafe?
People are skeptical of what they don’t know
Many plastic surgery seekers consider choosing plastic surgery in Mexico because of its low-cost options, but others are afraid of what they don’t know. They may have heard horror stories about botched procedures or unhygienic conditions in Mexican plastic surgery clinics.
However, the fact is that these types of clinics are found all over the world – not just in Mexico. The truth is that plastic surgery in Mexico is safe and effective when performed by a qualified plastic surgeon at an accredited facility.
In order to become a plastic surgeon in Mexico, doctors must complete extensive training and pass rigorous exams, and surgery facilities need to be cleaned and checked regularly.
Are Mexican surgery facilities dirty?
Absolutely not! Certified medical facilities where plastic surgery is performed must meet high standards of cleanliness and safety. In Mexico, a reputable plastic surgery clinic is regularly inspected to ensure that high cleanliness standards are met.
In addition, plastic surgeons have worked hard to develop a network of other plastic surgeons and other medical professionals who can support them should they need it (such as relationships with anesthesiologists and nurses).
But, when choosing your plastic surgery clinic in Mexico, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, make sure that your plastic surgeons are board certified by the Mexican Board of Plastic Surgery.
Second, ensure that the plastic surgery clinic has been accredited by an independent organization such as the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF), which demonstrates a facility committed to providing the highest levels of safety and surgical care.
Why do people get plastic surgery in Mexico?
Mexico has become popular with cosmetic surgery patients because it offers both tummy tucks and liposuction, procedures that tend to be cheaper than those offered in Canada or the United States.
Tijuana, for example, is consistently one of the top 3 medical tourism destinations in the world, year after year. Medical tourism is the process of people who travel outside of their country of residence for the purpose of receiving medical care.
If Mexico had such abhorrent surgeries, plastic surgeons, and facilities – it would not be ranking as the top destination for medical tourism every year.
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Questions to Ask Before Surgery
Are your prospective plastic surgeons board certified?
Anywhere in the world, surgeons should be board certified by their country’s Board of Plastic Surgery. These certifications expire too, so double-check if their board membership is up to date. This guarantees that your prospective board-certified plastic surgeon is up to date on the newest and safest surgery techniques and procedures.
How long has your doctor been in aesthetic plastic surgery?
What is his area of expertise within the field? Experience matters a lot. You don’t go to a dermatologist for a stomach ache, right? Same here. You should be able to verify how long your doctor has been a plastic or cosmetic surgeon and ask about your experience in the particular procedure you are interested in.
Can your prospective doctor provide you with references?
Good doctors will probably post a couple of patients’ before and after pictures, but excellent doctors will be more than happy to give you information on former patients, show you a ton of before and after pictures and even refer you to testimonials for a reference.
Honesty and transparency are great indications of safety! Another great tool for patients is RealSelf, an independently operated site that combines doctors’ expertise and patients’ unfiltered reviews, experiences, and before and after photos.
Can your prospective surgeon provide you with information on the anesthesiologist for your procedure?
Sadly, we’ve learned about doctors who employ different anesthesiologists every time they perform surgery. Look for trustworthy doctors who will give you complete information on the anesthesiologist that will be in your surgery. The anesthesiologist should also be licensed and board certified.
Does your prospective surgeon take you into consideration?
Look for a doctor who will not only talk to you about the procedure but who will thoroughly verify your medical history and any risk factors you might have coming into the surgery; such as age, weight or being a smoker.
Also, trust your instinct! We always advise patients to choose a surgeon that will take the time to listen to all of their doubts and questions.
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Go to an accredited facility. Better yet, go to an internationally accredited facility.
Great doctors will be very careful of the facilities they operate from. However, just to be extra safe, as a medical tourism patient, verify the facility’s credentials. If traveling abroad for your plastic surgery, check for a surgical facility accredited by the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
VIDA Wellness and Beauty Center was actually the first surgical facility in Mexico to obtain this accreditation! Verifying these types of credentials assures that not only the doctors but the clinic as well are up to international standards.
What does this guarantee? This accreditation guarantees a place that is clean, safe, and equipped to care for patients during and after surgery.
Choose VIDA Wellness and Beauty as your plastic surgery medical tourism destination
If you’re considering plastic surgery in Mexico, be sure to do your research and choose a qualified Mexican doctor and clinic.
If your surgeon meets all the qualifications and certifications required by the country, then you can be assured that you’ll receive quality care and beautiful results.
At VIDA Wellness and Beauty, our facility is AAAASF accredited and follows strict health and wellness guidelines. For more information about medical tourism, our facility, our board-certified plastic surgeons, and the cosmetic procedures we offer, reach out to us today.
Recommended Reading: Questions to Ask Your Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Alejandro Quiroz
Dr. Quiroz is our board-certified Chief Plastic Surgeon at VIDA Clinic in Tijuana. He specializes in Facial Rejuvenation, Neck lift, Buttock Augmentation, Breast Augmentation, Body Contouring and more. He is member of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, American Society of Plastic Surgeons, International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, San Diego Plastic Surgery Society, the Mexican Society of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery and the Mexican Council of Aesthetic & Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, to mention a few.
