Do you look in the mirror and lament how your breasts appear? Breast augmentation surgery can not only enhance the size and shape of your breasts but also boost your confidence. Exploring the option of breast augmentation surgery is a personal decision; if you are interested in undergoing this surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, we encourage you to read this in-depth article that will help you determine if breast augmentation surgery might be right for you.
Because breast augmentation surgery is considered a major cosmetic procedure, most insurance plans in the United States do not cover the costs of the surgery or any related complications you may experience. According to the most recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, “The average cost of breast augmentation surgery is $4,516.” They’re careful to note that this price does not include the price of anesthesia, operating room/surgical facility costs, medical testing, post-surgery medications, surgeon’s fee, and other expenses that the plastic surgeon’s office might include on your final bill.
Due to the significant out-of-pocket cost of having breast augmentation surgery performed in the United States, many patients elect to travel to Tijuana, Mexico, where they can undergo breast augmentation surgery from a board-certified plastic surgeon at a more affordable cost.
According to Statista, a global data and business intelligence platform whose mission is to empower people around the world with trustworthy data, “In 2021, the average cost of breast implant surgery in the United States amounted to 6.4 thousand U.S. dollars. That year, the same medical procedure in Colombia would cost around five thousand U.S. dollars, while in Mexico, a breast augmentation surgery would be priced at about 4.2 thousand U.S. dollars.” The helpful graph they generated offers a visual representation of the significant price difference.
Medical tourism—which can be defined as a citizen from one country going to another in order to receive medical treatment or healthcare services—continues to be on the rise. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) notes that “medical tourism is a worldwide, multibillion-dollar market that continues to grow with the rising globalization of health care. Surveillance data indicate that millions of US residents travel internationally for medical care each year. Categories of procedures that US medical tourists pursue include cancer treatment, dental care, fertility treatments, organ and tissue transplantation, and various forms of surgery, including bariatric, cosmetic, and non-cosmetic (e.g., orthopedic).” CDC’s observation reveals that United States citizens consider it worthwhile to have their medical and healthcare needs addressed in a different country.
CDC’s aforementioned article goes on to state, “Cosmetic tourism, or travel abroad for aesthetic surgery, has become increasingly popular. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports that most cosmetic surgery patients are women 40–54 years old. The most common procedures sought by cosmetic tourists include abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, eyelid surgery, liposuction, and rhinoplasty.”
Traveling to Tijuana, Mexico, to receive breast augmentation surgery does not mean that you will experience a lower standard of care. The difference between undergoing breast augmentation surgery in Mexico as compared to the United States has everything to do with the fact that medical costs in the United States are among the highest in the world. According to the Peter G. Peterson Foundation, “The United States has one of the highest costs of healthcare in the world. In 2021, U.S. healthcare spending reached $4.3 trillion, which averages to about $12,900 per person.
By comparison, the average cost of healthcare per person in other wealthy countries is only about half as much. While the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the trend in rising healthcare costs, such spending has been increasing long before COVID-19 began. Relative to the size of the economy, healthcare costs have increased over the past few decades, from 5 percent of GDP in 1960 to 18 percent in 2021.”
In Mexico, the cost of living is significantly lower, which is why the price for breast augmentation surgery is far more affordable. If you are a United States citizen who is considering becoming a medical tourist and your destination is Tijuana, Mexico, be sure to conduct thorough research on the medical facility in Tijuana that you select so you can verify the qualifications of your surgeon.
Also, have clear understanding of travel arrangements, accommodations, and the legal and regulatory aspects related to breast augmentation surgery in Mexico. It’s important to be fully prepared for your trip and feel confident in your decision to undergo breast augmentation surgery in Tijuana, Mexico.
The recovery time for breast augmentation surgery can vary from patient to patient, but if your healing process goes as expected and you follow your surgeon’s post-op guidelines closely, you should be able to return to work and begin performing non-strenuous activities within approximately two weeks.
During your recovery, you’ll need to wear a supportive bra; avoid stretching and lifting heavy objects; and schedule a follow-up appointment to ensure that any questions or concerns you have post-surgery are promptly addressed.
Breast augmentation surgery works by transforming the size and shape of your breasts, resulting in a fuller and higher bust line. Also known as augmentation mammaplasty, this procedure transforms your breasts in a way that achieves a natural balance and appearance. It should be performed only by a trusted and reputable surgeon.
Breast augmentation surgery involves the surgeon making incisions under the breast, around the areola, or near the armpit. The surgeon’s goal is to make the incisions as discreet as possible in order to minimize visible scarring.
Once the incisions are made, your surgeon will carefully create a pocket to accommodate the implants you’ve chosen and then place those implants in the location you’ve requested. After the implants have been inserted and positioned, the incisions will be closed and you will be moved to a recovery area.
It’s crucial to feel as prepared as possible before you undergo breast augmentation surgery in Mexico. If you are a United States citizen planning to travel to Tijuana, please be sure to schedule the proper accommodations, including transportation, lodging, and meals, to ensure a smooth and stress-free experience. Additionally, be sure that you’re traveling with all the necessary documentation, including a valid passport and ID.
Another way to prepare for breast augmentation surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, is to schedule a one-on-one consultation with your surgeon prior to the surgery. During the consultation, the surgeon will inquire about your overall health, lifestyle, and medical history. You’ll be asked to consider your implant options as they relate to size, type, and placement.
After your surgery has been scheduled, please closely review and follow your pre-operative instructions. Ask any questions you may have so that you can feel ready for the big day. Make plans for your timely arrival to and pick-up from the clinic; prepare the home or hotel where you’ll be staying in a way that ensures your ultimate comfort; and adhere to the specific list of instructions that your surgeon has provided for your health and safety. You may be asked to discontinue certain medications or supplements or to stop smoking, for example.
Here are some pros and cons of breast augmentation surgery.
This type of cosmetic surgery is ideal for women of all ages who wish their breasts were larger, shapelier, and/or perkier, or if they want more volume in their cleavage area. Many women choose to get breast augmentation surgery once they are finished breast-feeding their children, or after losing a significant amount of weight. Others seek out this surgery to add more definition to their breasts. It is also a type of cosmetic surgery that can be part of the reconstruction process for women who have undergone a mastectomy due to breast cancer.
When performed by an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon, breast augmentation surgery is regarded as a safe and effective way to enhance the size, shape, and overall appearance of your breasts.
Breast augmentation surgery can contribute to a more positive self-image, which can improve your overall health and well-being. In a study published by the National Library of Medicine titled “The effect of breast augmentation surgery on quality of life, satisfaction, and marital life in married women using BREAST-Q as a validation tool” by Habib Noorizadeh and Behzad Khalat Bari, the authors conclude that patients who undergo breast augmentation surgery notice an improvement in their quality of life, satisfaction, and marital relationships.
You can customize your implant type, shape, size, and placement. All of these customization options can make you feel even more confident that you are bound to get the results you desire.
You will need to take off work for approximately two weeks while you recover from breast augmentation surgery. In addition, if you have small children at home, you may need to enlist help during your recovery phase, as it’s not advisable to lift them.
As with any surgical procedure, breast augmentation surgery involves acknowledging the inherent risks, including infection, bleeding, and adverse reactions to anesthesia. Although relatively rare, serious complications can occur.
Mayo Clinic states that patients who undergo breast augmentation report nipple and/or breast sensation changes, which can either be temporary or permanent.
Should your breast implants begin to leak or rupture, you may need to undergo another surgery to replace or remove your implants.
Breast augmentation surgery is worth it if:
Again, undergoing breast augmentation surgery in Tijuana, Mexico, should be your decision and your decision alone. A one-on-one, confidential consultation will determine if you’re a good candidate for breast augmentation surgery.
During your breast augmentation surgery, your health and safety will be prioritized. After you’re administered general anesthesia, the surgeon and their team will get to work. The surgery will last a few hours, but the length of the surgery ultimately depends on a variety of factors, including the types of implants you’re getting and if you’ve elected to combine the breast augmentation with another cosmetic procedure such as a breast lift. A breast lift in combination with a breast augmentation is popular among women who want increased volume and lifted contours.
Once the breast augmentation is complete, the incision sites will be bandaged with the purpose of keeping those sites as clean and dry as possible, which reduces the risk of infection.
In addition to enlarging, rounding, and reshaping your breasts, your breast augmentation surgery will give you increased confidence. You’ll be able to wear more flattering apparel, including swimsuits and cleavage-revealing tops that accentuate your breasts. Your newfound confidence and positive self-image can enhance your overall well-being and make you feel comfortable, empowered, and beautiful!
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