I remember a few years ago, during a getting-to-know-each-other activity, one of my students was all excited about her surgery the coming week. Surgery? we questioned. I admit, I was concerned. She seemed young and healthy enough. I was surprised, too, since this was the first night of class and surgery seemed a bit personal. Are you okay?? I asked, innocently. "Oh yes," she replied. I`m getting new breasts.All eyes moved to her chest. She wasn t THAT small, and wow, did people really talk about these things? She certainly did. She told us allllll about it. She was very animated, so we all learned a lot, before and after the procedure.

I suppose cosmetic surgery is just that nowadays, a fact of life that people discuss. Even an anticipated event that is marked on the calendar or bragged about on reality shows. Apparently it is common to travel abroad to combine beach lounging with recovery time! If that is something that appeals to you, you couldn t have it better than Panama. No common horror stories of botched boob jobs or noses falling off here. In fact, Panama is gaining a reputation in the face lift tourism category. I might be embellishing there - I don t think such a category exists - but medical tourism certainly does. We must conclude that Panama is as likely and popular a destination for travelers to choose for cosmetic surgery as they do for other treatments. Later on you ll learn that such procedures are also much, much cheaper than at home.

What Can you Get done?

Everything. Eye lifts to butt implants, the choice is yours. Cosmetic surgery is defined as having to do with the aesthetic [ merely appearance] of an individual. Re-constructive surgery is undertaken to rectify facial or bodily defects, which are either congenital or are caused by accidents, traumatic injuries or defects arising from treatment procedures. Both are readily available in Panama.

Is it safe?

Absolutely. The government dictates that doctors must be licensed and board certified. Doctors are required to take continual training to remain so, and be considered specialists. Many doctors are actually trained in the US, Europe or Australia.

How do I find a Good Doctor?

Shop around. Check out credentials. Ask a million questions. A consult with a top doctor will cost you $40-50. That is cheap, and yet even that will be deducted from your total bill if you go with him or her. There are online medical directories available to help you choose a really good doctor. Here is a check list adapted from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons:

Cosmetic Surgery Patient Safety Check List

• Do Your Homework: Research the procedure, the benefits, and the risks.
• Have Realistic Expectations: Ask your plastic surgeon questions about how the surgery will work for you: identify expectations and understand side effects and recovery time.
• Be Informed: Talk to patients who have had your procedure so you know what to expect.
• Require a Medical Evaluation: Consult with your plastic surgeon for an evaluation and discuss your full medical history to determine the most appropriate treatment.
• Choose a Board Certified Surgeon: Why? Obviously they are qualified, trained, properly certified, experienced in your procedure, and only operate in accredited facilities.
• Ask Questions:

What about the care?

A quote from an article in the L.A.Times about medical tourism highlights the biggest difference in most doctor-patient relationships - "In the U.S., a lot of patients say when they see a doctor, they`re ushered in and out of there. Managed care forces that... In a foreign country, the doctor will see them at all hours of the day. Some of our patients have even had dinner with their doctor." Panamanian doctors are well-known to give "above and beyond" care and attention. Having their cell number to call is not unusual. All the more care is given to those who have taken the trouble to travel here for their favorite cosmetic surgery procedure.

How much does it cost?

Elective surgeries in Panama are said to be up to 50% cheaper than in the US. That is for the surgery itself, but keep in mind recovery time in a hospital bed can quickly add up. These "extra" costs are also significantly cheaper, and you are not charged for every piece of gauze used on you! The price you are given [ quoted] by your doctor usually includes everything - from initial consult to follow up visits.

Clearly prices will vary from doctor to doctor, and according to individual needs and histories. Below is a good guideline of what to expect.

Cosmetic Surgery Procedures*

* These prices serve as an outline guide only for cosmetic surgical procedures in Panama. Costs may vary and depend on individual treatments, evaluations and medical history etc.

Special Prices for the Retired

In Panama, a woman over 57 and man over 62 are entitled to a 15% discount from medical care. That is whether or not you are a resident. Imagine saving even MORE money. That`s a lot of cocktails by the beach! Moreover, if you are American and your surgery is related to an accident or injury, you will get tax deductions on your travel expenses. [See Internal Revenue Service for more info]

Any Recommendations?

Dr. Jose A. Espino Z. - One name, in fact the only name that keeps coming up in research for this article is Dr. Jos Espino. He does his consults at various private medical clinics, as well as his own. He is Panamanian Board Certified, and has several affiliations in both Mexico and the US. He has been trained extensively in both these countries as well. There s a ton of information available about him online. He does most of his operations at the Punta Pacifica Hospital. A true specialist in plastic surgery. You can read his full resume/curriculum here.

Johns Hopkins [Punta Pacifica] - At the same hospital as you find Dr. Espino, above, you will find a host of other doctors waiting for your body! As we have written elsewhere, Punta Pacifica Hospital is the only hospital in the region affiliated with the prestigious Johns Hopkins Medical Group. That puts this hospital and all its surgeons on the cutting edge of care, technology and safety. They have a web portal whereby you can get quotes on surgeries and even complete travel packages for your procedures, recovery time and tourist activities.

Testimonials

"My doctor was wonderful! He took such good care of me. I felt so safe. The care was flawless. Now I am home he keeps calling to check on me."

"It hurts, but it doesn`t hurt that bad. I never really felt any pain, he kept me nicely drugged up!"

"He is so happy with my progress. I am so glad I did it."

"My friend had total body sculpting. She looks awesome and paid so little. Now I`m thinking about having it done."

"Originally the doctor told me it would take a full 3 weeks to recovery from my tummy tuck. In the end I was up and working again after 10 days!"

Just think, that could be you! Waking up a bit dozy and swollen....Relaxing on the beach drinking tall cool glasses of whatever....Then finally the day of taking off the bandages and seeing your beautiful new.....

I`ll let you fill in the blank.
Whatever your cosmetic or plastic surgery requirements or desires ? Think Panama!

For More Information on Panama Cosmetic Surgery packages, or any aspects of Panama Travel and Panama Lifestyle, contact Douglas M. Choy at ThinkPanama.com. They will provide any guidance and information you may need to find the best package for you.