I had wanted to get my breasts redone for some time. I already had breast implants, but they had became saggy and misshapen after I had a child in 2000. I saw a plastic surgeon here in Arizona. He told me that I needed a breast lift and new implants. This would cost $10,000.
I saw an article in the October 2007 issue of Good Housekeeping about medical tourism and about the agents who arrange medical travel. I chose one of them, and the agency booked me with a Harvard-trained surgeon in Panama. I had no problems with the trip. It was no different than flying to New York, except I had to go through customs.
In Panama, I got a high-quality surgeon whom I could never have afforded here. He and his team took wonderful care of me before, during, and after the surgery. I saved $4,000 by having my surgery in Panama.
My husband needs about $12,000 worth of dental work (US prices). Once I pay off my surgery on my Visa card, I will accompany him to Panama to get the dental work done. The dentists there are US-trained and certified. The work will cost us less than half, including flight and hotel!
Last updated on 22 June 2011
Ask An Expert
It's free.
Get your questions answered today in a free, 15-minute consult.
Before Leaving the Hospital: Get All the Paperwork
Impatient to be gone, and often suffering the woozy side effects of surgery and post-operative pharmaceuticals, patients too often find themselves back at home later, missing important documents that could have more easily been obtained on site. So before you hightail it out of your hospital or clinic, be sure that you have all of your important documents.
Generally, larger hospitals provide complete medical documentation as part of the standard exit procedure. However, some smaller clinics may rely more on verbal instructions, and they are less likely to build and maintain a dossier on your case.
Read More