Watch the Dr. Laverson interview on Channel 9 KUSI "Inside San Diego".

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Carlsbad, CA, July 24, 2007 - If you are considering having plastic surgery, you have many choices. The proximity and lower costs have lured many San Diegans to head south for cosmetic surgery.

It’s known by several trendy new names: Surgical Safari, Sightseeing & Surgery, Surgery Sabbatical…The variety and popularity of cosmetic procedures is growing, and there are more providers and facilities than ever before to choose from. This new trend finds some even offering low-cost “medical tourism” packages in exotic locales like Mexico, India, or Thailand. But are they safe?

The first thing to keep in mind is that plastic surgery is real surgery. You need to find out as much as possible about your doctor, the facility they operate in and how you will manage post-operative issues. Take your time. Do your research.

San Diego Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Steve Laverson knows first hand the potential hazards. “We’ve had patients come to us after they have experienced a complication or problem,” said Dr. Laverson, “Often they cannot get help and end up in emergency rooms or seeing plastic surgeons here. Patients need to understand that Cosmetic Surgeons in many of these countries do not have the equivalent of state and federal regulatory agencies constantly monitoring their practices. Patients are generally less well protected when they have procedures done outside of the U.S.”

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) is dedicated to making sure consumers have the safest plastic surgery possible, and offers the following Questions to Consider When Debating Having Surgery Abroad:
1) Is the physician qualified? Are the medical facility and equipment safe? Although there are many qualified physicians practicing all over the world in excellent facilities, many countries have no credible process for verifying physician training, or the standards of medical facilities and equipment. Patients can significantly decrease the dangers of plastic surgery by thoroughly researching both doctor and facility, or simply staying in the United States and selecting an ASPS Member Surgeon. All ASPS Member Surgeons are certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and put patient safety first.
2) How will my post-operative care and any complications be handled? Patients should consider that even routine post-op care (such as changing dressings and monitoring healing) can be necessary for several weeks—long after your “vacation” is over. Patients should also determine if they have insurance for complications resulting from cosmetic procedures abroad.
3) Are travel and vacation activities compatible with surgery? Although enticing, most vacation activities should be avoided after surgery, and a long return flight increases the risk of developing a pulmonary embolism and blood clots. Your surgeon should discuss what you can expect during recovery, and what you can do to minimize risk.

ASPS strongly urges you to become an educated consumer and has many online tools to help you make a safe decision. Visit www.plasticsurgery.org and read their online guide, How to Choose a Plastic Surgeon, to find out how to get the best quality of care. A list of questions you should ask your surgeon before having any procedure is also provided.

One way to help insure a safe and positive outcome to surgery is to be an educated consumer. Acquaint yourself with the potential dangers of medical tourism. Make sure your plastic surgery is safe plastic surgery.

According to Dr. Laverson, the results of cosmetic procedures depend mostly on the surgeon; The doctor’s aesthetic sense, professional standards, technical skill, knowledge, judgment, and commitment to help fulfill the patient’s vision.

Dr. Steve Laverson is a renowned Carlsbad, CA plastic surgeon, Certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a fellow of the American College of Surgeons. Please visit us at www.feelbeautiful.com or call 760-729-8016 for answers to your plastic surgery questions.