Undergoing plastic surgery in another country is an adventure that requires taking certain precautions to ensure a successful outcome.
In Colombia, it is indeed safe to have surgery if you follow these precautions:
- Choose a properly certified plastic surgeon. You can read our article on this topic [here].
- Always request information about the clinic where the surgeon operates. It is much easier to find complete information about a specific clinic online. It is recommended that the clinic have basic emergency resources such as an Intensive Care Unit, diagnostic imaging, a clinical laboratory, and an emergency department. You can assess the surgeon’s prestige by knowing the place where they operate. In our case, we have a Level IV clinic (the highest level in Colombia is Level V), with an ISO 9001 International Certification.
- Avoid low prices. Although one of the main advantages of having surgery in Colombia is that costs are significantly lower compared to other countries, an excessively low price is a red flag. It may indicate that the surgeon lacks formal certification as a plastic surgeon or uses low-cost resources, such as low-level clinics or inexperienced anesthesiologists. Providing a high-quality service always involves higher costs, which translate into better care and safety.
- Do not trust only what you see on a surgeon’s social media. Many surgeons manipulate photos or use techniques to alter the actual results of operated patients to showcase misleading outcomes. It is much better to contact previous patients and ask about their experience and satisfaction with the results. You can find this information on Google reviews, where patients share their opinions.
- Avoid plastic surgeons who perform multiple procedures per day. Many times, these surgeons delegate parts of the surgery to a nurse, a surgical assistant, or, at best, another surgeon you do not know. Ideally, your surgeon should perform a maximum of two surgeries per day—or just one if it is a major procedure. The best way to ensure quality work is to be fully dedicated to it, and this requires energy, which gets depleted in long surgeries. Remember that a surgeon running a “factory” will always have “workers” performing surgeries.
- Request a virtual consultation with your surgeon to get to know them and assess your level of trust. During the consultation, ask to see photos of previous patients and have them explain the techniques they use. Take the opportunity to clarify all your doubts and ask about their plastic surgery training, the university where they studied, and the time they spent in their training. If you would like to schedule a virtual consultation with Dr. Giovanny Alvarado, you can do so [here].
- If possible, travel with a companion to receive assistance from a family member or friend during your recovery. If this is not possible, ask your surgeon to provide a nurse to assist you throughout your recovery process.
- Follow the recommended recovery time given by your surgeon. This period will vary depending on the procedure(s) you undergo.
- Do not undergo more than two surgeries at a time. To minimize risks, it is best to have one surgery or a maximum of two, ensuring that the second procedure is not as extensive as the first.
- Inform your surgeon about any chronic illnesses so that they can arrange a pre-anesthesia evaluation before your trip. You can find our pre-surgery recommendations [here].
- If you smoke, quit at least one month before surgery. Smoking is one of the biggest enemies of plastic surgery, as it affects blood circulation in the tissues being treated, leading to complications such as tissue loss.
- Maintain a healthy diet to keep a Body Mass Index (BMI) below 30. Excess weight increases the risk of complications and makes surgery more challenging. The best results are achieved when the patient maintains an appropriate weight.
BY FOLLOWING THESE RECOMMENDATIONS, YOU WILL HAVE A HIGH PROBABILITY OF HAVING A SUCCESSFUL PLASTIC SURGERY IN COLOMBIA.
You can request a consultation with Dr. Giovanny Alvarado [here].
