Breast augmentation remains one of the most prevalent cosmetic surgeries globally. As an increasing number of individuals choose to receive medical care, including cosmetic procedures, internationally, patients need to take the time to educate themselves. While it's straightforward to perceive the cost advantages of having elective surgery performed abroad (with savings ranging from 25% to 90%, as per Patients Beyond Borders), certain challenges might arise that wouldn't occur if you were in your native country, and your provider ought to be capable of addressing all your inquiries and concerns throughout the process. It can be intimidating if you don't speak the local language, discover that aesthetic tendencies differ from those at home, or learn that your implant warranty might be invalid upon your return.
If you've decided to become a medical traveler and journey abroad for breast implants, you must maintain an open communication channel with your surgeon. It's effortless to forget everything you wish to discuss during your consultation if you don't enter prepared with a checklist. We conversed with three international plastic surgeons to identify the key questions every patient should have answered before undergoing breast augmentation abroad.
1. What is the aesthetic style for breast augmentation in your country?
Pose detailed inquiries regarding the surgical outcome you can anticipate. Ensure to review before and after pictures to gain an understanding of your surgeon's vision during your consultation and inquire about the aesthetic trends they are observing. It is advisable to find a doctor who is cognizant of the trends and has experience with international patients. “We notice more women requesting smaller incisions, a natural sensation, beautiful cleavage, and procedures that facilitate quicker recovery,” states Dr. Juan Carlos Zambrano-Burgl, a board-certified plastic surgeon in Bogotá, Colombia.
2. Which implant should I consider if I desire a natural look and feel?
There is a considerable number of implant choices available outside the U.S. Selecting the appropriate implant for you will rely on your preference for the type of breast implant filler, shape, and projection. You'll want to inquire about the implant's appearance and sensation at rest and in motion, as mentioned by London-based plastic surgeon Dr. Veerle Rotsaert. Implants should exhibit natural movement since it's normal for breasts to do so.
3. What is the recovery process like after surgery, and when will I be permitted to fly home?
Recovery following breast augmentation surgery is never pleasant, but patients are likely to experience the most discomfort and pain immediately after surgery and in the subsequent few days. This pain can initially be managed with prescribed medication before transitioning to over-the-counter medications, such as ibuprofen. “Today's cutting-edge aesthetic breast surgery aims specifically for a rapid recovery, enabling us to have patients who return to normal in less than a week,” remarks Dr. Zambrano-Burgl. Patients are encouraged to rest their feet while their body heals for the initial few days and then are allowed to resume light daily activities afterwards but should refrain from any heavy lifting for a month or longer.
Most airline regulations indicate that it's safe to travel two weeks after surgery, but some plastic surgeons might recommend waiting longer if possible. “I advise my patients to avoid flying for six weeks postoperatively,” adds Dr. Rotsaert.
4. How comprehensive is the warranty, and what occurs if I want or need to remove my implants?
Consider breast implant warranties similar to insurance in case something goes awry. While it's improbable that you'll ever need to utilize your warranty if you settle on a trusted brand of implant and employ an experienced, certified surgeon, patients should acquaint themselves with the extent of its coverage. Since you've chosen to undergo breast augmentation in a foreign land, the warranty might not be valid back home.
“If you reside in the U.S. and obtained implants overseas that aren't approved in the U.S., then you won't be able to have them replaced with the same ones. Your warranty will still cover you, but the surgery will again have to take place overseas,” explains Dr. Rotsaert. Whether the warranty remains active once you're back home entirely depends on the manufacturer, but it's unlikely that any warranty will cover explant surgery in the U.S.
“In the end, it's a matter of trust between the patient and doctor. If the patients opt to replace their implants in the U.S., they'll be financially accountable,” adds San José, Costa Rica, plastic surgeon Dr. Pablo Solís.
5. How can I obtain support from my surgeon once I'm back in the U.S.?
Maintaining communication with your doctor is essential during the postoperative recovery period. It will take three to four months to observe the final results following breast augmentation and a period of six weeks before the implants settle and appear like natural breast tissue. Remaining in contact with your doctor throughout your recovery process is crucial since your body will undergo numerous stages as swelling subsides and the implants position themselves. “I see patients at six weeks, six months, and one year after surgery. My team and I will stay in touch using your preferred contact method—email, phone call, or WhatsApp, for international patients. We also offer virtual post-op appointments,” says Dr. Rotsaert.
6. Who should I visit for post-op check-ups?
Patients must obtain a clear response from their provider regarding who they'll see for visits after surgery to prevent unpleasant surprises later. “All my patients know how to contact me,” notes Dr. Solis.
Your provider will remove your bandages and stitches during the initial postoperative visit. During the subsequent post-op visits, the doctor will monitor your healing and the results of your surgery. “The surgeon who performed the procedure is the best person to examine you during your follow-up visits. For international visits, after I'm certain that they are safe to travel home, I keep track of them via virtual communication,” adds Dr. Zambrano-Burgl.
7. What if I'm dissatisfied with my results or require a revision?
Patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery should comprehend that, like all cosmetic surgeries, this procedure is not an exact science, so there is a possibility that revision surgery might be necessary. Additionally, breast implants do not come with a lifetime guarantee, but most new models should last for a decade or more. As women notice their bodies changing due to lifestyle alterations and aging, they may desire a revision to adjust the size of their implants or enhance their profile or shape. It's understood that any costs for this surgery will be the patient's responsibility. However, if a patient is unhappy with their results immediately after surgery, then they might qualify for a revision surgery offered by their doctor.
Asking your provider about what happens when you're not satisfied with the results of your procedure and what conditions (e.g., improper placement or symmastia—when the breasts seem joined) make you eligible for revision before undergoing the surgery is advisable. “Revision surgery will only be provided if it is the surgeon's opinion that an additional procedure will assist in achieving the originally anticipated results. Where the results are within acceptable limits and further improvement is not feasible, then no further revision surgery can be offered,” says Dr. Rotsaert.
For patients who undergo cosmetic procedures abroad, the additional costs of travel and accommodation for any revision surgeries will likely be the client's responsibility. There is no strict rule for revisions in plastic surgery, so patients must inquire with their doctors about additional external fees, such as for anesthesia or the operating room. The provider typically covers the costs for the correction itself, but it's essential to verify. “We take all feasible measures to have a mutual understanding of what to expect after surgery, and reoperation is a very rare occurrence,” adds Dr. Zambrano-Burgl.
