As plastic surgery has become more and more commonplace in recent decades, the industry around cosmetic rejuvenation has also grown and expanded. This means the rise of plastic surgery tourism and the additional resources needed to make traveling for plastic surgery a practical reality for patients who choose to do so. One such development is the prevalence of plastic surgery recovery houses, a business that allows patients who have undergone a body contouring procedure or even a facelift away from home the opportunity to enjoy comfortable post-operative care with the help of on-site “medical professionals”. However, there is plenty of evidence at this point that many of these recovery houses can pose serious risks for patients.
Recent reporting has uncovered a rash of unlicensed, underground recovery houses in the Miami, Florida area. Like here in Atlanta, Miami is one of the hottest spots in the country for body contouring surgeries like the Brazilian Butt Lift and breast augmentation, so it makes sense why recovery houses would be more prevalent there than other cities.
In the reports, patients discussed overcrowded “centers” (often residential homes) with unsafe and unsanitary conditions. These businesses typically operate primarily on social media and provide misleading photos and other information to potential customers.
While this may seem like an extreme example, it’s actually quite common and just another reason to be vigilant when considering your plastic surgery options. Before even thinking about a recovery house or any other plastic surgery facility, it’s important to confirm the following:
- How the center is structured and whether or not you will have a private room.
- If the staff is licensed and accredited to provide this kind of medical care.
- What type of medical equipment they have access to on-premises.
- All the potential charges and fees you will be required to pay.
- Their process for emergency care should an issue arise.
In order to prioritize your own safety and the best possible results from your plastic surgery experience, I strongly advise taking the following steps:
- Choosing an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon.
- Taking time to do ample research on your procedure and any plastic surgeon you are considering working with.
- Looking for an in-person referral from someone who has previously worked with your plastic surgeon, as well as post-surgery care and boarding, instead of relying solely on online reviews.
- Making sure to ask important questions during your plastic surgery consultation about the post-surgery recovery process, as your surgeon may have an accredited place and nurse to refer you to.
While I wish I could say that every practice and recovery facility will have the patient’s safety and best interests at heart, I’ve been in this industry long enough to know that simply is not always the case. And while the convenience of this kind of assistance during the recovery can be invaluable to some patients, it’s important to do your due diligence to ensure you don’t end up somewhere that can negatively impact your experience, safety, and results. For more information or to schedule a complimentary plastic surgery consultation, please contact me, Dr. David Whiteman, at Southern Plastic Surgery today. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok for additional plastic surgery tips, news, and so much more.