Expert: Cintia - 5/2/2005

Question
Hi, I am planning on having plastic surgery performed, and I live in the United States.  However, I just saw a website online (plenitas.com) that offers "plastic surgery trips" to argentina, where you receive the surgery and a week's accomadations for less money than the cost of surgery here.  I am not familiar with Argentina's medical requirements for doctors and surgeons, and I am wondering if they have strict requirements or if I may be taking a chance if I choose to have my surgery done there.  Thank you for your time.
Leigh

Answer
Dear Leigh,

Thank you for your enquiry.
Cosmetic surgery and dentistry for foreigners seem to have become a good business in Argentina due to our devalued currency. This, together with the fact that argentinian doctors have always been regarded as excellent professionals, is attracting an increasing number of tourists to travel to Argentina in search of medical treatments of different kinds.
In our country, to become a doctor you must go to college for at least 6 years, and then you have to study for 3 more years to get the specialization diploma. All the certified doctors must have a license (Matricula in Spanish). I do not know or have any references about the doctors who work at this place you have found on the Internet, and I personally find it a bit weird that a surgery, which implies significant risks, is being promoted as if it was merely a pleasure trip.
I believe it is a serious decision whether you are willing to undergo a surgery in a foreign country, away from your friends and relatives who would be able to assist if something didnīt turn out to be as expected. On the other hand, it is appealing that the costs are lower than what you would pay in the States.
I hope this helps you somehow and if you have any other questions feel free to ask me again through this site.
Best regards,
Cintia
Buenos Aires, Argentina