Do multiple procedures maximize profit?
Of course they do and I am much more conservative than others in terms of tummy tuck packages. Often, patients will want several procedures but, after the first one, realign their financial priorities and reach sufficient satisfaction that they delay the other items on their list.
Realistically, a longer day in the OR means a higher financial payoff to the surgeon. I honestly believe that the mommy makeover frenzy was the brainchild of a brilliant PR person who had no understanding of surgical morbidity and consequences of extremely long procedures.
In NY, we have maximum OR length in office based facilities and other standards, not to mention malpractice exposure, that you will not find in Mexico and the Dominican Republic, among others. Safety, not expediency, should always come first, second and third! (Robert L. Kraft, MD, New York Plastic Surgeon)
After reviewing photos – it is clear to me that the primary procedure for you would be an abdominoplasty ( Tummy Tuck). This would maximize the attempt to flatten your abdomen. Liposuction of the gips and flanks would also be effective in moving you along the path to fulfilling figure.
As ethical physicians – we are committed primarily to patient’s safety. And not profit. After safety- we are all committed to the best possible anatomic result. (Thomas Trevisani, Sr., MD, Orlando Plastic Surgeon)
Combining procedures / medical tourism
When you go some place else for surgery you have to be very careful. Other countries have much different requirements and training.
If you have a complication you will most likely have to return to your surgeon because most surgeons in your area won’t deal with it. It sends the message that they weren’t acceptable to you to have done the surgery right initially but they are acceptable to deal with problems rekayed to another syrgeon. Most board certified plastic surgeons would place patient safety ahead of profit.
Tummy tuck package can be done at once in the appropriate patient. Judging from your photos you would have some improvement at this stage but you would most likely not have an hourglass figure or cartoon like features as you request until you get closer to your recommended BMI. Significant weight loss before surgery will lead to a result that you will be much happier with. Make sure your surgeon is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and a member of the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. (Richard Dale Reynolds, MD, El Paso Plastic Surgeon)
I would hope that qualified surgeons in both countries would not put profit over patient safety. That said multiple procedures can be done at once in the appropriate patient but it would require an examination to determine what might be best for you. (Frederic H. Corbin, MD, Brea Plastic Surgeon)
You HAVE to lose weight before you have surgery. Any surgeon, here or abroad, that would not tell you that, is not being truthful. You are a setup for complications being overweight. If you want the best result (and I bet you do), lose weight in a healthy manner and then have your surgery. You will get a much better result and be so happy that you did this. I think you will get an amazing result from your tummy tuck, but only if you do things the right way. (J. Garrett Harper, MD, Charlotte Plastic Surgeon)
Safety as priority
You have to acknowledge that all over the world, it is a real concern the Safety in Plastic Surgery. So this is something which represents a priority in the US or Mexico.If you have a personal or virtual consultation, be sure she/he is a Board Certified Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon and then you have to acknowledge that multiple large procedures are not safe to do as tummy tuck package. Neither is safe to perform if your BMI is higher of 30. So, be proactive and careful. (Laura Carmina Cardenas, MD, Mexico Plastic Surgeon)
Is it true USA Drs want you to do separate procedures to maximize profit?
No, it is not true that plastic surgeons in the United States want to separate procedures to maximize profit . Safety is of paramount concern. I am hopeful that you make your decisions carefully, avoid potentially serious complications, and end up with surgical outcomes that you’ll be pleased with. (Tom J. Pousti, MD, FACS, San Diego Plastic Surgeon)