Medical tourism is a phrase that describes the choice some people make to travel internationally to undergo a range of procedures, including cosmetic surgery. Patients often look for less costly options, even if that involves accepting more risk to their health. But flying across the U.S. or driving 2 or 3 hours for aesthetic surgery such as a facelift is different, and it can make sense for people who want the best facial plastic surgeon performing the operation.
For example, women and men considering a facelift travel from Huntsville and Birmingham, AL, Bowling Green, KY, and elsewhere to Youthful Reflections in Nashville, TN, because they want board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Michael Boggess to perform their surgeries.
Your Choice of Surgeon Is Important
The location of a facial plastic surgeon shouldn’t be the primary reason for choosing him or her. If you don’t live near any plastic surgeons who you believe have the qualifications and expertise to produce the results you want, looking outside your immediate area and traveling is an option. This refers to traveling to another part of your own state or another state within the U.S., rather than traveling abroad for a less expensive operation.
Factors to Consider When Traveling for Surgery
As you think about traveling to get a facelift, whether flying or driving, there are some unique issues that you’ll need to plan for. These include:
Consulting with the surgeon before scheduling surgery: The consultation is an important part of a successful procedure. The consultation allows your surgeon to thoroughly assess your facial anatomy and skin quality and then recommend specific procedures to address those concerns. It’s also your chance to ask questions and ensure you’re comfortable with the surgeon. Even though virtual consultations are an option, meeting personally with the surgeon is valuable. Driving a couple of hours for a consultation is certainly worthwhile to have a more qualified surgeon perform your facelift.
Planning to spend enough time where the practice is located: It’s usually advisable to spend at least an extra day in the city where your surgery is performed. This avoids having to make a long car ride immediately after surgery, and you can also schedule a follow-up appointment the day after the procedure. Our patients who fly into Nashville from out of state will typically remain in the Nashville area for a few days until their one week suture removal appointment before flying back home.
Someone to help with your care: This may seem obvious, but you’ll want either a spouse or close friend to travel with you to take care of you after the operation.
Management of follow-up care: It’s important to understand that you’ll need to travel for any follow-up appointments. The signature Reflection Lift offered by Dr. Boggess is usually performed without a general anesthetic, and his track record of successful results with minimal complications means patients rarely have to schedule extra appointments.
As you weigh your options, it’s important to remember that this decision involves putting your appearance and health in the hands of the surgeon you choose. Even though there are benefits in choosing a surgeon who’s closer to home, the most important consideration is selecting someone who you’re confident will create the best results. You can see the remarkable outcomes Dr. Boggess creates for his facelift patients in our gallery of before-and-after photos.
Use the online form to contact us and request a consultation with Dr. Boggess or call us at (615) 942-8016 to schedule an appointment at our Nashville facial plastic surgery practice.
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