I am interested in any specific information that anyone has about plastic surgery (specifically facelift) in countries such as Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, etc. I am not looking for a luxury vacation package which usually costs about as much as surgery in the US , but a cost-effective alternative with a reputable surgeon. I realize that I will have to stay put for a couple of weeks, but the accomodations do not have to be extravagant.
I would prefer hearing from someone with experience - good and bad, however if anyone has a starter recommendation, it would be greatly appreciated.

Honestly, the best place to get it done would be the U.S. Why would you want to go to a 3rd world country to have surgery?

I am interested in any specific information that anyone has about plastic surgery (specifically facelift) in countries such as Costa Rica, Brazil, Thailand, etc. I am not looking for a luxury vacation package which usually costs about as much as surgery in the US , but a cost-effective alternative with a reputable surgeon. I realize that I will have to stay put for a couple of weeks, but the accomodations do not have to be extravagant.
I would prefer hearing from someone with experience - good and bad, however if anyone has a starter recommendation, it would be greatly appreciated.

I agree, you have to be careful about who you let operate on you and most importantly where you get it done! Be careful and do research. I would say that they US is the best place because you stand a better chance of verifying that the surgeon is certified. I had a breast reduction 2 years ago and I did alot of research and knew the average cost which was around $5000-6000 then I met this dr who claimed he would do it for $2500 even though his office was in a hospital, I was hesitant because it was just too cheap. I seriously considered him for a while until I asked to see pics of former patients and he kept making excuses about the pics not being downloaded on the computer or his assistant not having them....I took that hint and ran like a cheeta. So be very careful!

I was in Thailand for five months and a close friend had a facelift with Dr. Apoome at Bumrungrad hospital. Dr. Apoome practiced in California for several years before going back to live in Thailand. Bumrungrad feels like a five star hotel, and its healthcare is even better than most American standards as far as state of the art technology and care.The hospital is managed by Americans and the doctors accredited by US standards. You can also check the doctor's resume on their website.

My friend had a full facelift and stayed in a private room for four days at a cost of $4500. US She then moved to a nice residence hotel next store for $50 per day until the swelling went down. It makes you wonder why cosmetic surgery costs so much in the US.

Thailand is an easy country to travel in for Americans and you won't feel like you are in a developing country in this hospital.


Hope this helps.

I saw something on one of those news shows about Thailand becoming a major surgery destination for not only cosmetic surgery, but cardiac surgery. The program did say that the doctors were well trained and up to US standards.

I'd definitely consider it because of the cost issues, but I need so much surgery after losing 100+ pounds that the whole idea is daunting.

And the question would be what happens if you have a problem after you get home?

Yes, you do have to be careful anytime you plan on having an elective surgery. However, I have researched this same idea of going to Costa Rica or Brazil for plastic surgery. For months, I have been researching and talking to patients that have had their surgeries there and so far, I am very impressed. There are risks anywhere, but I've not heard any more horror stories about those places than I have right here in the U.S. I belong to two other forums, one of which is specifically about cosmetic surgery abroad. I've learned so much from all of the material that is posted there. There are state of the art hospitals, recovery retreats and doctors who have become world renowned for their expertise in plastic surgery there. One of the members from that board is in Costa Rica right now and had her surgery yesterday. Her doctors were kind enough to notify the message board and let us know that our friend has come through the surgery just fine and that she is doing well. Can't wait until she is able to log on and let us know how she is doing.

I Agree With You .you Need To Be Careful When Having A Surgery Offshore..but It Is Also Very Important To Be As Careful When You Having It In Us ..a Lot Of Malpractice ... There Too. I Am Planing To Move To Baha California And Consider To Have A Facelift Done ...so Far I Verify With Few Surgeon .....and With Few Women Who Have It Done There ..and With Half Of Cost ....i Will Like To Hear About Someone Who Have Any Type Of Cosmetic Surgery In This Part Of The World .....tijuana ...ensenada ..cabo... I Will Apprciate

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We have a dermatologist in town who is very successful and now he is doing cosmetic surgery. He's the kind of doctor with whom you'd be impressed and all but I wonder: what was his training?? A weekend in california at a symposium? He's an M.D. but he isn't a certified cosmetic surgeon.

I would not go with anyone who is NOT board certified.

I found a doctor in Mexico with excellent facilities who does a complete facelift for about 1/2 the cost in the United States. I saw his before and after pictures. I was very impressed. He is board certified in Mexico and also I think the United States.

It's very important they are board certified.

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wow; where is he located? we lived in east texas for decades. I'm 61. I bet you're in south texas.

Hi I recenly joined and I too would like info on offshore plastic surgery. I'm doing my research. And possibly would like to have a roommate to share a room with when I go. I'm looking to go to Costa Rica.

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Hi all,
My question is this: with the cost of traveling to an offshore facility, added to the cost of the surgery, wouldn't it make more sense to just have it done with a local plastic surgeon? Seems the cost would even out.

I would worry about going to another country for surgery... especially Costa Rica or anywhere in South America or Mexico.

God bless, Jen

no, the cost wouldn't even out because the surgery is SO MUCH cheaper that you get a vacation And the surgery for much less than surgery alone in the states. :)
If I had the guts and were much younger I'd consider it, definitely. But being an old goat I'm going to be closeby to my surgeon :D