The Dangers of Foreign Travel for Surgery

Airplane flying at sunsetMedical tourism has become increasingly more popular; however, there are plenty of dangers associated with traveling abroad for surgery. If you are considering traveling to another country for a cheaper medical expense, please consider the below dangers before doing so.

Insurance coverage: Many insurance companies in the United States only cover procedures completed within the patient’s home network area. Though some insurance companies are changing their stance due to the popularity of traveling for medical reasons, the trip and the procedure will most likely be entirely out of your pocket.

Lack of malpractice laws: One of the main reasons medical procedures are inexpensive overseas is due to the lack of medical malpractice laws. The lack of coverage for these issues doesn’t always guarantee something will go wrong, but if you are unhappy or experience any complications, you have no resources to file a lawsuit in a foreign country.

Issues with recovery: Another concern with traveling overseas for surgery is that patients will be rushed through their recovery and get back on the plane quicker than they need. Even if the proper recovery time were allotted for, international flights would come with the risk of blood clots due to the high elevation. If you must get on a plane, it is recommended to get up and walk around every hour to maintain proper blood flow.

Follow-up care: When you undergo cosmetic surgery in Durham, NC, you will schedule several checkups with your doctor after the surgery, sometimes as far out as 12 months. When your surgeon is overseas, follow up care can be difficult to maintain.

What is a Drainless Tummy Tuck?

a Slim womanAfter you have lost a lot of weight, the sagging, loose skin and stretch marks around the abdomen will not go away. To remove it, you will need to undergo a tummy tuck surgery. During a traditional tummy tuck, three incisions are made along the lower abdominal region which forms an anchor shape. Through these incisions, your plastic surgeon will be able to remove the excess skin and fat and improve the appearance of your lower stomach area.

During recovery, drainage tubes will be placed in the patients to get rid of any excess fluids that accumulate. These tubes can often be uncomfortable and unpleasant for patients. Fortunately, a new method of surgery is on the rise that prevents the need for these tubes.

How a Drainless Tummy Tuck Differs

The procedure for a drainless tummy tuck in North Carolina is similar to a traditional tummy tuck. The difference occurs towards the end of the surgery. Rather than placing these drainage tubes into the body, a surgeon will use progressive tension sutures. The sutures are positioned within the muscle and fat layers and will dissolve on their own as the patient heals.

Due to the elimination of the drains, patients will experience less discomfort, pain, and other inconveniences. If you’re interested in learning more about drainless tummy tucks, contact Cary Plastic Surgery today at (919) 233-1933.

Is Botox Safe During Breastfeeding?

Woman holding a newborn baby in her armsBotox in Cary, NC, is a prescription medication created from bacteria called Clostridium botulinum. The toxins produced by the bacteria are called neurotoxins and are the same toxins that lead to the severe illness known as botulism. Botox is utilized in many medical procedures, primarily by dermatologists and plastic surgeons. Botox is used for many reasons, from smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles to treating cerebral palsy, chronic migraines, and excessive sweating.

Botox is injected directly into the muscle and then blocks nerve activity in that area, causing temporary paralysis of that muscle. When a woman who is breastfeeding is interested in Botox injections or wants to resume them from before the pregnancy, there are a few things to consider.

What We Know about Botox while Breastfeeding

  • Only a small amount of the botulinum toxin is within each injection.
  • Since the medication goes directly into the muscle, there is currently no evidence that the toxin will move through the body or pass into the breast milk.
  • The use of Botox injections during breastfeeding is unlikely to cause any harm to the baby.
  • It is recommended that the mother breastfeed before the injection, then wait a few hours before feeding again. This can further reduce any chance of passing the medication on to the baby.

Is Botox Safe While Breastfeeding?

Though there is not much research or information on the subject at this time, all current evidence points to mothers successfully receiving Botox injections with no adverse implications on the baby. When in doubt, always trust your instinct. If you are not comfortable receiving the injections based on the information available, speak with your doctor to determine the best possible alternative solution for you and baby.