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Topic: I think I ready for my tummy tuck.... Posted: January 12 2010 at 4:59pm
Hello all, My name is Nathalie. I already posted my story in other forums but my experience was so incredible that I want to share it with all people taht want to travel abroad for plastic surgery overseas and also give some advices to avoid a bad experience.
This is my story:
In 2007 after giving birth to my third and LLLLast child I decided to correct the skin excess of my stomach and so undergo a tummy tuck surgery.
My husband and I were looking for a competent surgeon in Miami, and above all an affordable price. My budget was about $ 5000 U.S. to perform this surgery. Unfortunately, after 3 months of research we didn't find a plastic surgeon who wanted to perform my surgery for less than U.S. $ 7500!! I was really desperate because we could not afford to pay such amount for just a surgery.
After one year (in 2008) I found a new job in a tourism agency and my coworker was a Bolivian woman. One day we were talking about plastic surgery and she was saying me that the plastic surgery procedures in her country were very cheap compared with the cost in the US. She just said me that she was going to south america in June of 2008 to carry out various surgeries (rhinoplasty, tummy tuck, breast lift with implants and full liposuction). She proposed me to accompany her.
I agreed and I was very very excited!!! but my husband didn't agree that I carry out my surgery in another country.
My girl friend underwent her surgery in February of 2008, she stayed 3 weeks in Bolivia. When she returned (3 weeks after the surgery) the results were really incredible.
Even after 3 weeks she was still very swollen but I already saw that the results would be amazing. I was not mistaken….2 months later the results were amazing;;; just perfect. The scars were still very red but they were well made. She paid for all the surgeries (Rhinoplasty, Breast lift with implants, tummy tuck and full liposuction) 8500 US$ for all the surgeries + stay at the clinic included and her stay in a 4****hotel included for 3 weeks ... JUST A GIFT!
Seeing the results of my friend and the price she paid I begged my husband to let me go to Bolivia to undergo my surgery.
After a month persisting he finally let me go. I wanted him to come with me but because of the children he couldn't accompany me. So I left alone on June 2008. I stayed 15 days in Bolivia. I took advantage of this trip to also perform a rhinoplasty.
The name of the agency that arranged my all trip is MakeoverTravel. The agency has organized my whole trip from the day of my arrival to my departure. I just bought my flight ticket and I sent them my dates of arrival and departure.
They took care to arrange everything,, they booked the hotel (a 4**** hotel), scheduled my appointment with all the medical team (surgeon, anesthesiologist, cardiologist), reserved my room at the clinic, they gave me a personal assistant and they have organized all my transfers, a private driver picked me up at the airport the day of my arrival... everything, they organized absolutely everything from the beginning to the end.
My personal assistant was really nice. The agency gives you a personal assistant who speaks English (in my case it was not necessary because I speak Spanish) but your assistant will accompany you to all your appointment with your surgeon before and after the surgery. Every time you have to go to the clinic she picks you up at your hotel and she accompanies you everywhere.
The day of surgery she also accompanies you to the clinic and she stays with you until the moment you go to the operating room. Despite this, the first week after the surgery was hard because I felt alone. Before traveling we feel strong but it's not easy to be far from your family after a surgery. In the hotel there were other patients from Europe and United states I met French, Spanish, Canadian and American patients and most of them were nice. They all came with MakeoverTravel for the same thing, to have their plastic surgery done at a lower cost.
When you are in the hotel the time is very lonnnggg. There is nothing to do, just watching TV or read. Before travelling the agency told me that I will able to visit the city but this is not true. Firstly because after a tummy tuck you always feel tired (because of drugs) and also because after this surgery it's very difficult to move.
Therefore it's nearly impossible to make any activity at least during one week. And after a week in the hotel you get bored, you can even feel a kind of depression.
However I have seen other patients who felt very well, I think all depend on the surgery you undergo, but sincerely I felt depressed to be far of my home and family, I was counting the days to go home. The hotel is a 4 stars hotel, but four stars in South America is not the same that four stars in the United states. The hotel was neither good nor bad, just normal, but very clean and it’s the most important. The staff of MakeoverTravel and the medical team are truly exceptional persons, very professional, the surgeons are extremely talented doctors and truly skilled with their craft. They are honest and straight forward with their approach so as to provide realistic results and prevent false hopes.
At the clinic, the care is very good, the nurses are always available if you need something and you can call your personal assistant whenever you have a problem;; the quality of care I received was astonishing!
In conclusion, even if it wasn't the best trip of my life (maybe the worst!) I am very pleased with the results of my surgery. My tummy is very well done and I am very happy with my rhinoplasty. My nose is fine and natural. I paid U.S. $ 4800 for all my packagethat includes a full tummy tuck + a rhinoplasty + 15 days in a 4****hotel, the price is excellent and it's worth it to travel (even if as I said before it's depressing being away from home for recovery).
I think that plastic surgeons in Latin America are as good as plastic surgeons in the United States. I chose the MakeoverTravel agency in Bolivia because it’s a great agency but there are also other destinations that are very good. Costa Rica, Brazil, Colombia or even Argentina can be good alternatives for people who can't afford a plastic surgery in their country.
The most important prior to travel is to do the following:
The most important elements in your assessment of any doctor or medical agency is to obtain as much information about the doctor or agency as possible, evaluate the experience of the agency and the credentials of surgeons, their dedication to quality, medical warranty is something very important. In my case I also chose the agency MakeoverTravel because the agency offers a perfect surgical guarantee.
Should complications arise; everybody knows that immediate postoperative problems can be solved redoing a surgery, but in most of case the patient doesn’t have the necessary amount of money to redo a corrective surgery.
MakeoverTravel provides a 100% full medical warranty; in case of any complication or the necessity of redoing the surgery, the agency will assume all the costs arising therefrom. Should it be necessary to prolong your stay, with the specific aim of undergoing corrective procedures or to guarantee the full recovery prior to your return, Makeover Travel covers the hotel expenses, local transportation (hotel, clinic airport), and general associated expenses arising from the corrective surgery.
Therefore, their guarantee means that you can rest assured that in the unlikely event that you should require a corrective surgery the agency will pay fully for the costs of necessary stay, clinic, surgeons, anaesthetist, full medical team, accommodation and hotel bills.
I don’t believe there is a cosmetic surgery clinic in our country that gives you such service and warranty. Therefore at the moment of choosing your surgeon it’s very important you evaluate the surgeon upholds your best interest, and most importantly, he do an complete evaluation of your health and any potential risks prior to surgery.
I highly recommend, as I did myself, that you also have a full health assessment from your own physician and communicate your desire for cosmetic surgery and if he/she feels that based on your current health assessment, that it is safe for you to proceed.
To prevent all possible medical risks -during and after surgery- (for example clotting and cardiac problems, diabetes, etc.), your doctor should require you to undergo a full set of pre-operative blood work (Hemogram, Blood Sugar, Creatinine, PT & PTT Clotting Factors, Prothombin Time) and a complete cardiological exam. For example, all these analysis and test were included in my package and obligatory. These exams have to be performed prior to your surgery in a laboratory to then be analyzed by your surgeon before your surgical procedure.
I hope you will take in consideration my advices, if you want more information about the clinic where I underwent my surgery, you can visit the MakeoverTravel agency website: www.MakeoverTravel.com
Kisses,
Nathalie
Hagsonthehill
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Posted: January 26 2009 at 6:54pm
Hey Paulina,
I went to Rosenstock this past May. I had a tummy tuck and implants. I was very happy with my whole experience. I paid $3600 for the tummy tuck and $3000 for the implants. There is a 5% discount for cash - which I took!
I stayed for 12 days after surgery for postop care. I was at a brand new retreat that was beautiful. Paradise Cosmetic Inn (www.paradisecosmeticinn.com ) they had 24/7 nursing care- which was a huge comfort!
I had found a company that plans your whole "stay". They give you a price, set up the doctors, set up the travel plans and they also take care of where you stay. I worked with a woman named Norah. She was very nice - very patient - I asked 1,000 questions. She took care of everything. It might be worth it to get an estimate from them to take care of everything. I went through http://www.healthcostarica.com
I look forward to reading where you decide to go.
Good Luck!
Edited by Hagsonthehill - January 27 2009 at 7:53am
vzabrina77
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Posted: January 23 2009 at 6:15pm
....
Edited by Karen Shelton - December 02 2010 at 1:33pm
sexibeach
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Posted: January 04 2009 at 1:55pm
pm the OP of this thread meechie she's back and looks great!
PaulinaCT
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Posted: January 04 2009 at 12:07pm
I'm sorry, I was not clear in my message: I would like to know what places you all would recommend to stay, who has the most inclusive packages, your results post surgery, how long has it been since your surgery and are you still happy?
I am having a t/t, lipo on at least 4 areas, breast lift w/ implants.
Thru gosculptura.com I was quoted about 8k. Which included my surgery with Dr. Rivera, my stay at chica resort, if I am correct.
My choices after reading on line for about 2 weeks now is Dr. Rosenstock and Cohen. Can some one please help me? Thank you so much, I do appreciate your assistance.
PaulinaCT
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Posted: January 04 2009 at 11:50am
Hi, I am new to this board. I am definitely having plastic surgery done! Yahoo! I seem to find that Dr. Rosenstock and Cohen have the best reviews so far. I was going to go thru gosculptura.com but they got a bad review. Have you had your surgery done yet? Could you mind sharing with me how it was, where you went, prices, etc?
Thank you so much!
Maxie
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Posted: May 14 2008 at 8:59am
Hey Fabulous, Thank you. Yes, I had so many people who thought that once I had the surgery I would be thin, like the next day. I am glad that it took some time because it gave my skin a chance to go back in shape a little. So hang in there and don't listen to them. The scale and mirror don't lie so you know you are loosing the weight but the reality really sinks in after the cosmetic surgery. Wow, then you really see the results. I know have 'perky' boobs, flat tummy with a Waist, and the thighs are my favorite. If you decide on CR, let me know and I will be glad to help. I had this woman from www.healthcostarica.com set everything up and it was so easy. Loved the doctors, the stay at a retreat, etc...
Hey Hags....we went to the same place through the same coordinator and I can only tell you don't be nervous, everything is great. I hope you let us know what you thought. Where are you staying?
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Posted: April 26 2008 at 1:40pm
sexibeach wrote:
relentless wrote:
Dear Tia,
Thank you for your interest in our professional plastic surgery services when you seek surgery. The full surgery and recovery stay in Costa Rica for Breast lifting and liposculpture cost $7000usd the price includes the following services:
Doctor's fee, plastic surgeon , anesthesiologist and the internist specialist Operating and recovery room, overnight stay at the hospital following surgery Pre operative test and evaluation by internist 10 days accomodation at the recovery home, meals, post op cares, transportation to and from hospital , airport transfers 2 medical bra , 2 compression garments Therapy massages after liposculpture Pre operative antibiotic and pain medication All follow up appointments
You will need to stay in Costa Rica 11 days total. If you wish to have online consultation please feel free to send a recent photos of the areas you wish to be treated.
Do not hesitate to contact me with questions you may have. I look forward to your reply and being of further assistance. Sincerely, Dr Luis Carlos Pastor MD Plastic Surgeon
OK YOU FOUND A PASTOR AND A SURGEON ALL IN ONE, you on something...LOL i hope you saw what i posted about the laser's for you..
I know what is that about^^^^^^ and thanks for the info I never went to the appointment i was sick as a dog. I had a throat, ear, and eye infection.
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Posted: April 24 2008 at 10:06pm
Maxie wrote:
Hey Fabulous, I had lap band surgery also. I had mine done in Costa Rica. Dr. Quesada did mine and he was wonderful, good looking too! I went back March after loosing 80 lbs., I had breast implants, tummy tuck, and thigh lift. I stayed at a really nice retreat, Casa de la Mariposa and was treated like a queen. The doctors, Dr. Rosenstock and Cohen were the best. I think that doctors in Latin countries aren't in such a rush and spend a lot time with their patients and they LISTEN, that is a shock. I found them through healthcostarica.com and what was wonderful too. I know when you go back to Mexico for cosmetic work the surgeon will be just as amazing as your bariatric doctor. It took me almost a year to loose my weight but the results of the lap band and the cosmetic surgery have made me feel like a new person. Best wishes with your weight loss.
Thank you maxie! Congrats on the weight loss and surgery! I agree about the doc's not being in a rush! All this talk about costarica has got me thinking I might consider that as an option! Btw, I keep wanting to ask a fellow bander this, you said that it took you a year to lose the 100 pounds which is amazing! but anyway I keep having friends ask me why is my surgery not working and i'm like say what, what they mean is that they think all the weight is supposed to be gone in like 6 months, did that also happen with you, I mean people asking you stupid questions that that?
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Posted: April 24 2008 at 9:07pm
Hey Fabulous, I had lap band surgery also. I had mine done in Costa Rica. Dr. Quesada did mine and he was wonderful, good looking too! I went back March after loosing 80 lbs., I had breast implants, tummy tuck, and thigh lift. I stayed at a really nice retreat, Casa de la Mariposa and was treated like a queen. The doctors, Dr. Rosenstock and Cohen were the best. I think that doctors in Latin countries aren't in such a rush and spend a lot time with their patients and they LISTEN, that is a shock. I found them through healthcostarica.com and what was wonderful too. I know when you go back to Mexico for cosmetic work the surgeon will be just as amazing as your bariatric doctor. It took me almost a year to loose my weight but the results of the lap band and the cosmetic surgery have made me feel like a new person. Best wishes with your weight loss.
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Posted: April 23 2008 at 10:23pm
My goodness...I find the idea of cosmetic surgery so scary. Well, any surgery really. I don't think I'd ever be able to do it. I really wish those of you who do go through with it all the best :)
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Posted: April 23 2008 at 10:08pm
Well since we are on the topic of going out of the country for surgery...
I had the lap-band done in December of 07, and I went to Mexico. I know that it sound scary but I really was SUPER SUPER happy with the hospital! it was hospital Angeles and it was nicer than most in the us, the doctors were amazing I saw them 2 times a day and the nurses were so sweet and willing to do whatever it took to make me happy! I have since lost about 50 pounds and plan on losing 60 to 70 more, and after I do I am going back to Mexico to have a full body lift, and some facial work done. I have found through my research that there are good and bad doctors EVERYWHERE! I mean my mom paid almost 20 grand for a tummy tuck breast augmentation and facelift in '06 from a doc in Cali and ended up going to Mexico for revision of the surgery! My plastic surgeon is going to be Dr. Cárdenas, google him if you'd like. I am not saying it is for everyone or even that you should go there I am just sharing me story.
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Posted: April 23 2008 at 9:22pm
Meechie - I saw your posts and just wanted to let you know I am going to Costa Rica in May. I found your post when I did a search for the www.healthcostarica.com/ website. I have been putting off getting the surgery - because of money. When I found this center in Costa Rica I was so excited. Then I started reading all about these doctors in Costa Rica. Some of the things I read and heard were great - but I was hearing a lot of negative things from people about going there to have the surgery done. Then one of my friends decided to have a facelift and she went first! She had the best experience - and she looks great. I feel so much better that I actually know someone who went. So when I saw your post I thought I would let you know I am going before you. If you want - I will keep in touch and let you know how it goes. I am getting a tummy tuck and implants. My surgery is scheduled for May 28th - I had to wait until the kids got out of school or otherwise I would be going tomorrow!
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Posted: April 13 2008 at 7:26am
amazon1147 wrote:
This is a great thread. I have been researching the fat grafting butt lift for months. This is what I want:
hey that looks great! altho i've got one the lift part would be nice to have.. altho if i just worked out till i accomplish this i can save some money cuz i got some junk in my trunk...
amazon1147
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Posted: April 12 2008 at 10:15pm
This is a great thread. I have been researching the fat grafting butt lift for months. This is what I want:
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Posted: April 12 2008 at 4:54pm
HEY YA I THINK I DONE HIT THE JACK POT again! i got a Doctor tryin to holla at me...LOL 1st he's a doctor that's great, but 2nd he's a doctor with a medical spa so he does laser treatments HEY NOW!!!!!!!!! 3rd plus about this guy is he's india and nice looking, so maybe i can get him or one of his family to give hair for many, many lf's... 4th his last name is Gucci ok i think if this works out i could be in love cuz you know with a name like that he has to buy me gucci
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Posted: April 05 2008 at 9:05pm
i found some ladies on the plastic surgery forum that are going and have scheduled their surgery already i've sent them messages to give me their information for argentina and another one is going to the Czech Republic, where the prices can be up to 80% lower, i'll post once they get back with me..
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Posted: April 05 2008 at 5:33pm
relentless wrote:
Dear Tia,
Thank you for your interest in our professional plastic surgery services when you seek surgery. The full surgery and recovery stay in Costa Rica for Breast lifting and liposculpture cost $7000usd the price includes the following services:
Doctor's fee, plastic surgeon , anesthesiologist and the internist specialist Operating and recovery room, overnight stay at the hospital following surgery Pre operative test and evaluation by internist 10 days accomodation at the recovery home, meals, post op cares, transportation to and from hospital , airport transfers 2 medical bra , 2 compression garments Therapy massages after liposculpture Pre operative antibiotic and pain medication All follow up appointments
You will need to stay in Costa Rica 11 days total. If you wish to have online consultation please feel free to send a recent photos of the areas you wish to be treated.
Do not hesitate to contact me with questions you may have. I look forward to your reply and being of further assistance. Sincerely, Dr Luis Carlos Pastor MD Plastic Surgeon
OK YOU FOUND A PASTOR AND A SURGEON ALL IN ONE, you on something...LOL i hope you saw what i posted about the laser's for you..
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