The Dangers of Medical Tourism

It always feels good to get a bargain, but no bargain is worth risking your health and safety. Yet that’s what many are doing when they choose to have procedures and treatments outside the United States. It may be tempting to save your hard earned cash or kill two birds with one stone and go on vacation while also enhancing your look. However, there are a number of health risks and concerns every person considering medical procedures outside of the country should take into consideration.

International Treatments and Their Risks

• Dermal Fillers and Injectables: Ranging from Botox® to facelifts, cheap fillers can be found everywhere. The United States government understands the risks that these treatments entail and allow only certified and licensed professionals to administer them. On the other hand, other governments may not have such strict guidelines on these medical practices. Unfortunately, many individuals who choose to have dermal fillers or implants in other countries suffer the consequences of the side effects of improper administration like infection and even decaying of the skin.
• Laser Treatments: While hair removal laser treatments may seem harmless, they also pose some risks. While these risks may be the same in every country, the problem is that health care isn’t the same from country to country. The biggest, most unsolvable problem for tourists who choose to go outside of the U.S. for their laser treatments or other procedures is when something does go wrong their health care won’t cover it. Using the best equipment and utilizing optimal sanitary methods sometimes isn’t enough to keep infection at bay. And, when it isn’t, are you going to be able to afford the bills?
• Sclerotherapy Treatments: It can be tempting to consider getting a cheap vein treatment while you’re on vacation abroad. The same dangers that put laser and dermal filler tourist patients in jeopardy also haunt those who choose to invest in vein treatments.

If you’re considering going out of the country to get beauty treatments, you may want to consider the hazards, which unfortunately affect many who make the decision to do so. Or, you could save the hassle and choose an expert like our very own Dr. Sandhu. To schedule a local consultation and learn more about our services, contact us today.