Medical Tourism Takes Flight

"Even after a minor surgery, there can be swelling," Woodman said. "Most doctors will advise you to stay out of the sun after surgery."

"It's not a 'fun in the sun' gimmick," he added. "People are going overseas and getting serious surgeries."

Medical tourism isn't without some concerns, of course. Experts in the United States worry that consumers might end up getting substandard care if they don't choose their hospital and physician carefully.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has issued a briefing paper on the subject, cautioning potential patients that "it may be difficult to assess the training and credentials of surgeons outside of the United States." The ASPS also stressed that typical vacation activities -- which are sometimes marketed as part of a surgery trip -- should be avoided to allow for proper healing and reduce the risk of complications.

Even when patients select and book medical care abroad through a health travel agent, they must remain critical, informed health-care consumers, Woodman said.

The main thing a patient needs to do, he said, is check out the accreditation of the hospital and the credentials of the surgeon.

Spread of disease is another potential concern, said Kimball, who is also director of the APEC Asia Pacific Emerging Infectious Disease Network and author ofRisky Trade: Infectious Disease in the Era of Global Trade.

"Medical tourism is obviously a route for pathogen spread," Kimball said, noting that different hospitals in different regions may have different types of flora. "The extent to which it's a problem versus a theoretical concern is as yet not known," she said. "I can't issue a blank 'go' or 'don't go,'" she added.

Kimball's advice: Look carefully at the accreditation of the hospital concerned and do your homework before you board the plane. "Check out the number of surgeries done, the success rates," Woodman added. It's also key to ask the surgeon you talk to if he or she will perform the operation, not an assistant.

Kimball said she urges potential medical tourists to talk it over with their own physician. As the concept and the practice of medical tourism has evolved, she said, a physician is not likely to automatically rule out the idea.

More information

There's more on medical tourism at the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

SOURCES: Josef Woodman, author,Patients Beyond Borders, (Healthy Travel Media, 2007); Ann Marie Kimball, M.D., professor, epidemiology and health services, University of Washington School of Public Health and Community Medicine; director, APEC Asia Pacific Emerging Infections Network, Seattle, and author,Risky Trade(Ashgate Publishing, 2006); American Society of Plastic Surgeons, briefing paper