“Every year I see patients who have had surgery abroad that did not meet any reasonable standard of care,” adds Dr. Rosenberg. “This includes numerous patients who have had facial nerve injuries and have permanently paralyzed and disfigured faces after facelifts. These are not one-offs or anecdotes. There are a number of studies that have documented significantly higher rates of complications from plastic surgery abroad.”
A lot of brokers are also not doctors, which he says can hinder their ability to really understand your needs and create a safe environment for you when recommending a surgeon abroad. “It is very difficult for lay people [and] even well-educated ones to fully understand the complexity of even straightforward surgical procedures,” he says. “Details matter.”
He adds that you’ll want to be wary of private plastic surgery brokers, as the financial incentives may take precedence over your needs as a patient. “Look at how regulated the financial industry is, yet financial services brokers (and even big banks) are always getting in trouble for not working in their clients’ interest. There is no regulation for plastic surgery brokers in the US or abroad,” he says. “Many plastic surgeons pay brokers, so they’re financially incentivized to steer patients toward specific providers,” agrees Dr. Parcells. “Regardless of fit.”
With companies like Beauty Broker Inc. and Persana, fees are only charged to the patients, which experts believe is a more transparent approach that better benefits the client’s needs. “We do not, under any circumstances, accept money from surgeons, clinics, or vendors,” says Farina. “No kickbacks. No commissions. Ever.”
Experts urge you to do your own research—especially if you go the broker route for a surgeon abroad. Research the broker and the company you are enlisting for help, but also do your own vetting for the surgeons they recommend. Dr. Parcells recommends looking into the surgeon’s board certification, experience in the procedure you’re considering, complication rate, and what kind of follow-up care they can provide. But most importantly, she says you should follow and trust your gut. “If something feels off, walk away,” she says.
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