Medical tourism, whether domestic or international, is on the rise. A yr ago, this was identified by several doctors who presented their opinions to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons at a roundtable on the subject Cost as one among the essential drivers for this upward trend. While price is actually an element, the explanations aren’t just cost-based. Medical Tourism Magazine, the digital publication for the worldwide medical tourism community, points out Privacy and anonymity along with access to advanced treatments not available domestically, as other key drivers.
Close-up portrait of a young woman standing with bare shoulders and neck and touching her face … [+]
I live in Miami, which is taken into account one among the “Plastic Surgery Capitals of the World” attributable to the high variety of plastic surgeons and practices here. Therefore, I assumed it appropriate to seek the advice of with an attorney whose law firm makes a speciality of health law and several other leading medical providers within the region to learn concerning the risks related to medical tourism, particularly when traveling abroad.
Amanda Howard, attorney at Florida Healthcare Law Firm The doctor, who makes a speciality of representing healthcare providers and corporations, tells me that she has noticed a rise in cases related to negative results from aesthetic procedures. “I have represented clients who have been accused of performing procedures in the United States that resulted in serious adverse reactions or of attempting to import non-FDA-approved medications into the United States for use on patients, or for counseling on them their area of activity did not agree with restrictions,”
Howard continues: “From my perspective, I believe that there appear to be some healthcare professionals and companies that are lowering or adjusting standards in order to be competitive in the marketplace, particularly among healthcare providers who may not be financially well-off and who are concerned “lacks legal expertise and responds to patients they face.” similar limitations.”
Dr. Durand’s patient, who had two operations abroad and likewise received a thread to lift the nose. She … [+]
Paul Durand, MD, a board-certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon based in Miami, tells me that a big a part of his practice is revision surgery for surgeries performed elsewhere. “I see many patients who have had procedures performed abroad, particularly in South America, Mexico and the Caribbean. Although there are some great surgeons abroad, many of whom I know personally, there are also many others who are not. The problem with cosmetic surgery abroad is that it is very difficult for patients to distinguish who is a well-trained and safe surgeon from those who are not.”
Even if a patient finds the perfect surgeon abroad, Durand believes that questions on the ability’s health standards, sterilization of tools, who assists the surgeon and post-operative care protocols are difficult to reply. “Complications happen to even the best surgeons. So what happens when you experience these abroad?”
Dr. Michael D. Mirmanesh, MDa plastic surgeon with a practice in several states, including multiple locations in Florida, who has performed over 3,000 surgeries since 2000, tells me that with the explosive growth of aesthetic procedures, it’s becoming more common for patients to hunt cost-saving options outside the United States search states.
A patient of Dr. Michael D. Mirmanesh, MD, who presented with silicone fillers across the eyes.
“Prices can be significantly cheaper abroad, but there is a significant risk involved. There are also certain treatments that are not performed regularly in the United States due to safety concerns and are performed regularly abroad that could have lasting catastrophic effects. The most common one that I still see is silicone injections, which often result in permanent disfigurement.” Like Durand, Mirmanesh is aware that even in the perfect medical hands, risks and undesirable consequences can arise, however the complications in such cases differ from the unique Surgeons may be treated.
Since The demand for fillers is increasing, I desired to get an opinion from a Miami based company Pamela Weinberger, a board-certified associate physician with licenses in New York and Florida and referred to as one among Allergan Medical Institute’s preeminent educators. With ten years of skilled experience, she sees one among the largest problems in her practice as the dearth of coaching and know-how. “Unfortunately, many doctors lack appropriate training and in some countries individuals administer injections without appropriate license or regulation. In my practice, as part of my daily workload, I currently administer 10% corrective injections from injectors located both in the U.S. and abroad who prioritize profit over patient safety and optimal outcomes.”
The other problem Weinberger sees is unknown filler types. “I have seen cases where patients moved to Miami with unknown lip fillers, sometimes even suspecting that they had silicone injections. Addressing such challenges requires careful assessment and, if necessary, corrective measures with hyaluronic acid fillers, accompanied by antibiotics and steroids to mitigate the risks associated with previous silicone injections. Correcting these patients often requires some of the most advanced techniques in the industry. However, the right practitioner with corrective experience can achieve amazing, natural-looking results.”
Before and after pictures of a current Pamela Weinberger PA-C patient who received silicone injections … [+]
In the United States, when antagonistic or undesirable outcomes occur, patients have legal recourse provided they’ve been given and agreed to an informed consent outlining the risks, advantages, and alternatives of treatment.
“If informed consent was not obtained, you may be eligible to file a medical malpractice claim. This is your first line of defense. Additionally, if the healthcare provider failed to adhere to standards of care or was otherwise negligent during the procedure, you may be charged with medical malpractice,” explains Howard. However, when she speaks to me, she may be very clear that whether claims are made is a unique matter. “Patients also have the right to report their concerns to the provider’s licensing agency or the state department of health, which could result in those agencies reviewing your claim.”
Howards tells me that patients who travel abroad to have aesthetic procedures performed face negative results, face antagonistic legal terrain and need to file the case in federal court.
“It will likely be very difficult, if not impossible, to establish personal jurisdiction over a foreign defendant. This means that a court cannot enforce a judgment against the foreign defendant. Even if a court can exercise personal jurisdiction and the plaintiff is successful, it will likely be extremely difficult to recover damages from a foreign defendant. There may be the possibility of an appeal in the country where the procedure was carried out; However, a patient will likely have signed a consent form or waiver prohibiting them from doing so.”
So what are the opinions of the above-mentioned medical examiners on performing aesthetic procedures abroad?
Durand doesn’t recommend it. However, if a patient decides to achieve this, he suggests checking not only with the surgeon and his country’s national society of plastic surgeons to confirm his status, but in addition with the surgery center or hospital. “If you have the opportunity, it is always better to do the operation in a larger private hospital than in an office operating room.” Mirmanesh tells me: “I believe there are a lot of excellent surgeons abroad who are only pretty much as good or in some cases “They are even better than the surgeons in the United States.” However, he doesn’t recommend that anyone who doesn’t understand the native language or just isn’t from this country undergo surgery abroad.
When it involves sourcing injectables abroad, Weinberger adds, “If you live in the United States, there is a plethora of qualified injectors—physicians, nurses, and physicians—so you don’t have to travel far for exceptional care. When it comes to your facial goals, it’s important not to prioritize cost. Correcting mistakes is far more expensive than doing everything right the first time.”
From a legal perspective, Howard tells me that patients should take precautions and do their due diligence whether or not they decide to have the procedure domestically or internationally. “Research the procedure, research the practice and research the provider. Ask your provider lots of questions. How does the procedure work? What tools are used? Which materials are used? From a legal perspective, do not sign a consent form or waiver until you are completely satisfied with the above precautions.”
