The cover page of the recent October 30, 2006 international issue of Newsweek Magazine is titled “Hospital Hotspots, Why Patients are Flocking Overseas for Operations”. Writer Joe Cochrane starts off the featured article by saying that, “Hospitals around the world are drawing new patients with topnotch doctors, high-tech equipment and low costs.” The article goes on to speak of the phenomenon of medical tourism and how the sky-rocketing cost of health-care in the First World has made the option of getting treatments abroad an attractive option. The preferred medical tourism destinations overseas include Thailand, India, Singapore, Malaysia, Argentina, Costa Rica, Cuba, Jamaica, South Africa, Jordan, Hungary, Latvia and Estonia. The Philippines is a relative latecomer to this industry. Nevertheless, since it is predicted that opportunities in this business will continue to grow for the next 10 years, the Philippines can still positively look at the prospect of cashing in on this global trend.
If a patient is seriously considering medical tourism-style cosmetic surgery, his trip should be planned in such a way that enough time is allotted for the following: pre-operative consultation (1 day); pre-operative laboratory work-up (1 day); actual surgery date (1 day); and time for post-operative recovery (1 to 2 weeks). The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) has issued an advisory that before flying back home, a patient should wait for 5 to 7 days after body procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation, and 7 to 10 days after cosmetic procedures of the face including facelifts, eyelid surgery, nose lifts and dermatologic laser treatments. Pre-surgery precautions also include the following: 1) Stop using alcohol, aspirin products or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and anti-coagulation medication (in consultation with the doctor) 2 weeks before the surgery; and 2) Stop smoking at least 2 weeks, but preferably 4 weeks before surgery.
In addition, it would be worthwhile to look into the following:
a) Is the medical facility certified or accredited by local and/ or international agencies?
b) Check with your health insurance for coverage outside your own country; consider getting extra coverage if there is a problem with your current insurance coverage.
c) Make sure the location is ideal for a lengthened stay. You'll need time to heal, usually 7-10 days, possibly 2 weeks. Check with the facility for their arrangements for post-operative treatments and care.
d) Have a backup plan at home. Look for a surgeon who will take care of you, in case you have complications when you arrive in your hometown. How will you pay for secondary procedures, if need be?
e) Make sure the people running the medical facility you're interested in speak your language fluently. Many problems can arise from miscommunication in foreign countries.
f) Who are you talking to? Talk only to the doctor and his direct staff.
Patients with concurrent medical risk factors such as diabetes or cardiovascular disease will also need to consult their primary care doctor, cardiologist, or internist, and secure a written clearance that they are physically fit to undergo the contemplated cosmetic surgery procedure. As an added measure of safety, it would be prudent that laboratory tests, including x-rays and an electrocardiogram be done in the facility where the procedure will be done and to get a medical clearance from a local physician as well, for after all, they will be the ones who will look after you should medical complications arise. Let them make their own evaluations.
Once all of these pre-operative precautions are taken, the next step is to choose a qualified aesthetic plastic surgeon for cosmetic surgery procedures or a qualified dermatologist for skin care treatments. The importance of doing your homework on who you will be entrusting yourself to for treatment cannot be over-emphasized. The best physicians will usually provide the best results. While you have admittedly sought medical tourism options because of cost considerations the qualifications of your physician should not be a factor that is to be scrimped on.
Look into the following:
a) Know the doctor’s training. You want your surgeon or dermatologist to be specifically trained for the procedure you're about to undergo.
b) Get a board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon or dermatologist. Your safety must be placed in the hands of professionals, not amateurs.
c) Know who certified your surgeon or dermatologist. Not all certifications are equal. The qualifications for certification vary from one organization to another and knowing the background of the certifying body will be to your benefit.
d) Check to see if your surgeon or dermatologist is a member of recognized national and international professional societies.
e) Check for references. Get names and contact information of patients who have recently had a similar procedure, and talk to them about their experience.
Lastly, while medical tourism services are often marketed as “vacation packages”, vacation-related activities should preferably be done before the scheduled procedures. Avoid over-fatigue and skin sunburn, as both your body and skin condition should be in tiptop shape. After the surgical procedure and/ or dermatological treatment, vacation-related activities should then be restricted. A recovery spa environment may be appropriate. Patients should avoid sun exposure, walking tours, bus tours, alcohol intake, smoking or exposure to second-hand smoke, exercise, and water activities (swimming, snorkeling, scuba diving, water skiing, jet-skiing, etc.). Avoid clothes that are too warm, hot baths and saunas. Avoid physical exertion like pushing, lifting, squeezing and even coughing, sneezing and emotional excitement.
To help ensure optimal results and to limit risks and complications, patients should not take their treatment procedures lightly and must observe all the necessary precautions during both pre-treatment and post-treatment periods.