Plastic Surgery Travel

Cosmetic and plastic surgery is a booming industry, in part because people often want to improve and enhance their appearance. Certain hot spots, such as Los Angeles, have a large plastic surgery following, and people travel from all over the globe to seek the medical expertise and skill of these local plastic surgeons. There are important things to consider when choosing a plastic surgeon and deciding to travel for a procedure.



If you are traveling from out of town, many plastic surgery offices have concierge type services where they can assist you in booking hotels using discounted medical rates, transportation to and from your surgery and follow up visits, and provide guidance for places to eat, shop, and pamper yourself. Most surgeries require that you stay in the area for a week or so following the operation, so it is often an added bonus to travel to interesting locales such as Beverly Hills to have your procedure.



You likely will never be on bedrest after undergoing a procedure. In fact, it is usually your doctor's order to walk around a little bit, either to and from the bathroom or to the kitchen even on the day of your surgery. This helps improve blood flow, prevent many complications and move the healing process along. You thus can get back to your normal activity quicker and with greater ease. The first few days after surgery you may want to take it easy because you will be a bit sore. However, if you are in town for a week to two it gives you plenty of time do fun activities such as dine al fresco at some of the hottest restaurants, shop on Rodeo Drive, or treat yourself to a manicure/pedicure at one of the celebrity salons in the area.



Once you have decided to undergo plastic surgery, the first step is to do some research to find a surgeon that you think will be best for you. Many people call the offices directly for information and search the web to view various doctor's websites. This is a helpful tool because there are usually patient testimonials as well as a before and after photos to view. There is usually a biography on the surgeon as well as recent media stories and all of this gives you a good introduction to the surgeon you will be meeting. Once you have narrowed your search, you will want to call or email the office for more information. Many offices ask you to send a photograph in lieu of coming in for an initial consultation so that they may work out a plan ahead of time.



Once you decide you want to undergo the procedure, you will speak to a consultant over the phone and they will gather information from you, give you patient education materials, and discuss the pre operative steps with you prior to surgery. Once you have set a date, you will want to get your labs done either at home, or if you plan your trip to come in a few days ahead of time, we will be able to do it here as well. You likely also will speak with the physician prior to making your trip. You should be ready to discuss your medical history, allergies to medications, current medications you are taking, if you are a smoker, and any other relevant information.



When you arrive at your Beverly Hills plastic surgery destination, you will meet with the doctor for an in depth, in person consultation. You will go over much of the same information that you were given prior to your arrival, and the physician will go over any and all questions you may have, as well as discuss your plastic surgery expectations, goals, possible risks, and recovery time. Depending on the procedure, you will be required to stay in town for a week to two weeks after your surgery, depending on what you had performed. Some surgeries require that you stay an extra half a week to a week or so for follow up visits, so it is important to cover these bases prior to travel.



At the end of your stay, you will be able to go back home. From there, the doctor and staff will keep in touch via phone and email. The doctor may ask you to send photographs and maybe to make another trip into town for a personal evaluation.