I will never forget the first time I met a client who had traveled abroad for surgery. She had been home about a week and came to me like a lost child, still with her surgical drains and no idea how to remove them. She admitted she had thought she would just “wing it” when she got home. Before the surgery, she’d only met her surgeon once over Zoom and once right before the procedure. After that, she barely saw him again.
She woke up after surgery in an unfamiliar room, being cared for by an aftercare team. They immediately positioned her on her knees and began “post-op massages” where she’d just had liposuction. She said she nearly passed out from the pain. It didn’t stop there; once she moved to a “recovery house,” her caregivers continued these aggressive massages, telling her this was all part of achieving the body shape she wanted.
When it was time to fly home, no one gave her guidance about the help she’d need at the airport. She flew home alone, eventually asking another passenger to help lift her bags and get around. By the time she finally arrived at our clinic, she was more swollen, more sore, and completely disheartened. I wish I could say this was the only story like this I’ve heard, but sadly, it’s not.
As a medical massage therapy practice specializing in post-operative care, we’ve worked with clients who’ve undergone cosmetic surgeries from all over the world. While there are many talented surgeons both in the U.S. and abroad, the quality of post-operative care can vary greatly. Not everyone who travels out of state or country for surgery has a bad experience, but there are far more cautionary tales than success stories. My goal is to help you ask the right questions, understand what a healthy recovery should look like (hint: it’s comfortable and supported by your surgical and personal team), and explain why selecting a local surgical team is often a better choice than traveling for surgery.
The Allure of Cosmetic Tourism
When someone decides to have cosmetic surgery, it’s natural to begin researching options. Many prospective patients find themselves browsing forums like RealSelf, or scrolling through TikTok and Instagram. The appeal of cosmetic tourism often stems from:
- Surgeons with impressive before-and-after galleries
- Doctors with large social media followings
- Lower prices compared to local options
- Willingness to perform multiple procedures simultaneously
- Acceptance of patients with higher BMIs who might be rejected by U.S. surgeons
While these factors can be enticing, it’s crucial to look beyond the surface and consider the entire surgical journey, including the critical recovery period.
The Surgical Journey: More Than Just the Procedure
Many patients focus primarily on surgical results without fully considering the healing process. However, the two are inextricably linked. If you’re contemplating out-of-state or out-of-country surgery, it’s essential to ask your prospective surgeon the following questions:
- How long should I stay under your care post-surgery to manage potential complications like infections, wound care issues, or drain management?
- What is your plan to ensure I can return home safely and comfortably without compromising my surgical results?
- How will you handle post-operative care once I’m back home?
The Hidden Costs and Risks of Cosmetic Tourism
While the initial price tag of overseas surgery might seem attractive, there are several factors to consider that could offset any potential savings:
- Extended Stay Requirements: Traveling immediately after surgery increases the risk of infection, incision dehiscence (your incision splitting open), and excessive swelling. You may need to budget for an extended stay at your surgical destination.
- Complications Management: Who will provide care if complications arise after you return home? Many primary care physicians won’t handle post-surgical issues due to liability concerns. We’ve seen numerous patients resort to emergency room visits, which can be costly and stressful.
- Drain Removal and Seroma Management: Seromas (fluid pockets) and surgical drains are common post-operative concerns. It’s crucial to have a plan for managing these issues once you’re home.
- Travel Companion Expenses: Cosmetic surgery is a major medical event requiring significant assistance. You’ll need someone to help with garment changes, meal preparation, luggage handling, and optimizing your sleep environment. These additional travel expenses should be factored into your budget.
- Increased Edema from Flying: Air travel can exacerbate swelling, potentially leading to longer recovery times.
The Benefits of Staying Local for Surgery
Opting for a surgeon in your home state offers several advantages:
- Immediate Access to Your Care Team: Any complications can be promptly addressed by your surgical team.
- Faster Recovery: Provider access and a familiar environment can expedite healing.
- Optimized Home Recovery: Your home can be prepared with necessary medications, a comfortable sleeping setup, and pre-made meals.
- Support Network: Family and friends are readily available to assist with transportation and errands.
- Seamless Post-Op Care: Drain removal, infection monitoring, and seroma management can be handled efficiently by your surgical team.
- Comfort and Privacy: Recover in the familiarity and privacy of your own home.
The Dangers of Unregulated “Recovery Houses”
Some cosmetic tourism packages include stays at “recovery houses” that promise nursing care, meals, IV nutrition, and massages. However, these facilities often employ unqualified technicians and may not be sanctioned by your surgeon or local authorities. In fact, states like Florida are taking measures to regulate or ban practices in these houses.
One particularly concerning practice is “incisional drainage,” often performed by non-medical practitioners. We’ve heard alarming stories from clients about aggressive, painful massages performed just days after surgery. These techniques, often mislabeled as “lymphatic drainage,” can lead to longer recovery times due to increased inflammation. If you are having a tumescent liposuction procedure, be sure to ask your surgical team about tumescent drainage. If this is a part of their post-op recovery plan, it is important that it is performed by a licensed medical professional, ideally a member of the surgical staff.
A Better Approach to Post-Operative Care
At Via Medical Massage, we specialize in true lymphatic drainage and post-operative massage techniques. Our approach is gentle, painless, and performed by practitioners with advanced training. We work in coordination with your medical team to ensure the best possible outcomes.
True lymphatic drainage gently encourages the movement of fluid and inflammatory byproducts away from sensitive surgical areas and into your body’s lymph nodes for natural drainage. This technique is comfortable, relaxing, and helps put your body in a state of decompression and calm, rather than tension and inflammation.
Our Preferred Surgical Partner: Dr. Jessica Jacobson, DO FAACS
While there are many excellent surgeons worldwide, we believe in the value of comprehensive, local care. In Nebraska, we’re proud to partner with Dr. Jessica Jacobson, who takes post-operative care to a new level.
Dr. Jacobson’s approach includes:
- A complete and comprehensive post-op care plan
- In-home visits following abdominoplasty, mommy makeover, and facelift surgeries.
- Hotel coordination and in-room visit for out of town patients
- A direct after hours line to Dr. Jacobson for any post-surgical questions
- Extensive resources on exercise, sleep, nutrition, and returning to work/activity
- Partnerships with physical therapists, personal trainers, medical massage therapists, and dieticians to streamline recovery
- Package of 4 Indiba Radio Frequency treatments done once per week post-operatively to facilitate healing and skin rejuvenation.
Dr. Jacobson views cosmetic procedures not just as surgeries, but as complete healing journeys requiring a high level of concierge care. To learn more about her practice, visit https://jacobsoncosmeticsurgery.com/
Conclusion
While cosmetic tourism can seem appealing, it’s crucial to consider the entire surgical journey, including post-operative care and potential complications. By choosing a local surgeon and a comprehensive care team, you can often ensure a smoother, safer, and ultimately more satisfying experience.
At Via Medical Massage, we’re committed to supporting your healing journey, whether you’ve had surgery locally or abroad. However, we’re proud to recommend Dr. Jessica Jacobson as our premier surgical partner in Nebraska for those considering local options.
Remember, your health and safety should always be the top priority when considering cosmetic surgery. Take the time to research thoroughly, ask questions, and consider all aspects of your care before making a decision.
To book a post Cosmetic surgery massage, click: https://viamedmassage.noterro.com/book-online/service/141876/Post-Cosmetic-surgery-massage
We offer this service at all of our locations: South Lincoln, East Lincoln, and Elkhorn
