Sagging skin is a common problem faced by people who undergo significant weight loss after bariatric surgery abroad. This often comes in the way of the positive life that patients look forward to after all the hard work and commitment involved in weight loss surgery in Mexico, Costa Rica, India, Belgium, and other medical tourism centers. For this reason, patients may benefit from plastic surgery after weight loss surgery.

Drooping skin is not just a cosmetic problem. Large amounts of loose skin can hamper how you dress and your other daily chores as well as create health issues like rashes and infection.

Cost of plastic surgery procedures is quite prohibitive in the US, UK, and Canada. Patients looking at cheap plastic surgery after weight loss surgery would do well to go abroad to maximize savings.

Which Plastic Surgery Procedures May be Necessary after Weight Loss Surgery?

Plastic surgery after obesity surgery is often done in several stages. When the weight loss is massive, it leaves loose skin all over the body including abdomen, buttocks, thighs, breasts, arms, face and neck. One or two areas are taken care of at a time. This is to minimize blood loss, infections, and other complications.

Here is the lowdown on plastic surgery procedures for each of the problem areas. Your plastic surgeon will recommend which procedure you need when and how best to go about it.

Abdomen: The most commonly known plastic surgery procedure for the abdominal area is the tummy tuck or abdominoplasty. This involves removal of the loose skin and tightening of the abdominal muscles. In some cases, only excess skin needs to be removed. This procedure is called panniculectomy.

Buttocks and Upper Thighs: Plastic surgery procedures for this area are known as lipectomy. Here the sagging muscles may have to be lifted, besides removing extra skin.

Thigh Lift: An incision from the groin till the knee is made to remove sagging skin.

Breasts: Breast lift is the most common plastic surgery procedure for this area.

Arms: Procedure to remove excess skin from the arm is known as brachioplasty.  It involves making an incision that extends from the armpit to the elbow.  The plastic surgeon may combine this with a breast procedure.

Face and Neck: Cosmetic surgery for face and neck after weight loss is very much like the traditional, aging-related facelift. However, more skin needs to be removed for people who have lost weight. Facial plastic surgery has to be planned very carefully.

Benefits of Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss Surgery

Bariatric surgery involves a major lifestyle change for patients. It is only fair that patients will want this newfound positive outlook to reflect in all spheres. With plastic surgery after weight loss, patients look and feel better, can dress more smartly and enjoy freedom from hygiene issues and infections that loose skin can bring.

Factors to keep in Mind when Considering Plastic Surgery after A Major Weight Loss

There are a few factors specific to body contouring after bariatric surgery that you need to consider.

• You should wait for a year or so after weight loss surgery to undergo body contouring. Significant weight loss happens during the first year. For best results, go for plastic surgery after your weight has stabilized.
• Chronic problems like diabetes and heart ailments do not bode well for body contouring. You need to be in overall good health.
• A proper diet with sufficient nutrition is essential. Protein deficiency can affect healing after plastic surgery. Since the weight loss surgery would have already placed several restrictions on food, you need to choose your diet well.
• You must have realistic expectations from plastic surgery. Marked improvement is likely but do not expect plastic surgery to completely reverse effects of weight gain and aging.

Risks of Plastic Surgery after Weight Loss Surgery

Plastic surgery after weight loss involves making larger incisions than traditional cosmetic surgery, as more skin needs to be removed. You must be aware of the following risks:

• Bleeding
• Infection
• Death of skin tissue
• Scars
• Asymmetrical looks
• Rare complications like clots in veins and lungs, pneumonia and heart attack

Cost of Plastic Surgery Abroad

Cost of plastic surgery is much lower in medical tourism destinations like Thailand, India, Costa Rica, and Mexico compared to USA rates. For instance, the tummy tuck procedure costs in the range of $6,000-$8,000 in USA, whereas in India, the average price comes down to less than half of that.

It must be pointed out that cheaper rates in these countries do not mean substandard facilities. Plastic surgeons and weight loss surgeons in Mexico, Costa Rica and India are highly qualified and experienced and work in some of the most hygienic and well-equipped healthcare facilities in the world.

Hernia surgery in Mexico is safe, affordable, and hassle-free. Mexico is an established medical tourism destination internationally and is especially popular with Americans because of the proximity and high quality of medical care. (The other preferred medical tourism destination for hernia surgery is India. Read about the cost of Incisional (Ventral) Hernia Repair Price.)

A hernia is an abnormal bulging of internal organs, often the intestine. It happens because of a weakness in a muscular wall. This weakness itself can happen because of various reasons. There are different types of hernia, namely Inguinal, Femoral, Hiatal, and Umbilical, etc.

Treatment options for hernia

• Open Mesh Surgery: A small incision is made at the hernia site. The bulging tissue is then returned to the abdominal cavity. The repair of this area is completed by first sealing the hernia rupture or hole with a plug made of a sterile mesh material, and then suturing a piece of sterile mesh material over the mesh seal.

• Laparoscopic Surgery: The patient is put under general anesthesia. A surgeon inserts small tubes through the abdominal wall, one of which is a tiny video camera and performs the surgery while viewing the hernia on a TV monitor. As with the open mesh method, mesh is used to repair the hernia site.

But eligibility for laparoscopic surgery depends on a number of factors. The surgeon must be able to see the interior of the abdomen clearly, and sometimes obesity or large amounts of scar tissue make that difficult. Also, the patient may not be a good candidate because other health problems prohibit the use of general anesthesia. The choice of surgical procedure is based on patient safety.

Post-operative care
After Open mesh surgerfy, you are required to rest for 4-6 weeks. But with laparoscopic or keyhole surgery, you can get back to work in about a week. Hospital stay is also short – you are discharged a couple of hours after surgery.
Small children have no activity restrictions following routine hernia repair. Older children should avoid contact sports for at least 3 weeks.
Adults should avoid heavy lifting or straining for about 6 – 8 weeks after surgery. Such activity can disrupt the hernia repair.

Cost of hernia surgery in the USA
In the US, a hernia surgery may cost you between $10,000 – $ 11,000 on an average.

Cost of hernia surgery in Mexico
Even if you have insurance, check if it covers hernia, because some health plans qualify some forms of hernia surgery as “elective”. But more than 40 million Americans don’t have insurance.
This is where medical tourism in Mexico comes to the rescue. At about a third the cost, you get top-class medical care at Mexican hospitals. These hospitals are JCI-accredited and have strict standards on hygiene. Also, Mexico is the closest quality medical tourism destination for Americans. Mexico hernia surgeons are highly qualified and experienced in all surgical methods available.

To get a fair idea of how low the cost of hernia surgery is in Mexico, see below:
Hospital Star Medica, Ciudad Juarez, Mexico (20 Minutes from El Paso Airport, TX)

Umbilical Hernia in Mexico: $3,000
Inguinal Hernia in Mexcio (open): $3000
Inguinal Hernia in Mexico (laparascopic): $4000

Hospital Angeles, Tijuana, Mexico (25 Minutes from San Diego, CA Airport). It has some of the best hernia doctors in Mexico.

Umbilical Hernia in Mexico: $3,800
Inguinal Hernia in Mexico: $5800

Hernia Surgery Resource

Anyone who has had injuries in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament has been through a lot of pain and is anxious to get the ligament reconstructed as soon as possible. If you are one of these people, getting your Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery done in Mexico, Costa Rica or India can bring you relief quickly at unbelievably low costs.

ACL is said to occure more commonly in women than in men. A tear in the Anterior Cruciate Ligament happens because of a sudden direction change or when a deceleration force crosses the knee. The patient often feels or hears a popping sensation, has the rapid onset of swelling, and develops a buckling sensation in the knee when attempting to change direction.

Is Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery done in Mexico, Costa Rica and India?

Yes, very much. The surgical procedure of ACL repair overseas adheres to the standards followed everywhere:

Surgical treatment of the torn ACL usually involves an arthroscopic surgical reconstruction of the injured ligament. Although different types of tissue have been utilized to reconstruct the ACL, the most common type involves harvesting the central third of the patellar tendon with a bone block at each end of the tendon graft. After performing a diagnostic arthroscopic examination of the knee, the central third of the patellar tendon is harvested. The remaining tendon is then repaired. After harvesting the tissue, drill guides are used to place holes into the tibia (bone below the knee) and femur (bone above the knee). By placing the drill holes at the attachment sites of the original ligament, when the graft is pulled through the drill hole and into the knee, it will be placed in the same position as the original ACL.

After pulling the graft through the drill holes and into the joint to replace the torn ACL, the graft is then held in place with bioabsorbable screws or metallic screws.

Fastening the graft in this manner allows new blood vessels to grow into the transferred graft and for healing to occur. Typically, the procedure is performed on an outpatient basis.

Post-operative care for Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery

It is possible to bear weight (partial weight bearing) on the surgically treated leg by using crutches for the first 7-10 days after surgery. Patients may stop using crutches when comfortable. Supervised physical therapy often is started by the second to third day after surgery.

ACL repair in Mexico, Costa Rica, and India

In the US, ACL repair can cost an astronomical figure of $30,000 to $40,000. At the same time, the cost of ACL abroad is a very affordable $4,000-$9,000.

Orthopedic surgeons in Mexico, India, and Costa Rica are highly experienced and routinely perform Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery. Most of the surgeons in these countries are educated in the US or UK, and have even worked in developed countries for a significant period of time. Hence, their expertise levels are very high.

Plus, top hospitals in India compare with the best in the world. They are either JCI-accredited or have collaborations with the best American medical institutions.

So, why go for expensive medical care when you can easily get your Anterior Cruciate Ligament surgery done in Mexico, Costa Rica or India at one-tenth of US costs?

Related links:

Hip replacement cost

Knee replacement India

Lap band fills & adjustments are necessary for optimum results from a lap band procedure. The lap band adjustments help drive and manage the weight loss. The band fill procedure is usually painless and takes a few minutes to do. Engaging a qualified lap band fill doctor before the procedure is recommended. Especially, if you are going to Mexico, Costa Rica or other overseas destination for the lap band, traveling back to the doctor who performed the surgery might not be practical. Below are some common questions about lap band fills followed by a link to a resource where fill doctors that accept overseas patients is highlighted. Always consult your bariatric physician before making any decisions based on the information provided here. He will be in the best position to advise you based on your specific needs.

When is the first Lap band fill required?
The first fill is usually is done at 4 to 6 weeks after the the lap band surgery. It varies between individuals, depending upon the surgeon and patient. Most lap band patients require about three to five adjustments over a two year period after the procedure.

When do I need a lap band fill?
When you stop losing weight is usually the time for a new fill. After some time It becomes a second nature for most people to know when they need a fill.

What to do before the lap band fill?
Be well hydrated and drink a healthy amount of water few days before the fill appointment.

What to do after a lap band fill?
Avoid solid foods for about one day after a fill. Liquid diet is the best. After that you can continue with your regular doctor recommended bandster diet.

How do you know if the fill is adjusted right?
The amount of weight loss you achieve after a lapband fill is a good indicator of the adjustment. It can take 3 to 4 weeks after a fill to know that. If you feel hungry & have still not lost weight, that means you may be in need of a tighter adjustment.

I had a Lap band in Mexico. How do I find a fill doctor in my local area?
For individuals who have a lap band procedure in Mexico, Costa Rica & other overseas location a comprehensive list of Lap band fill doctors that accept overseas patients is available at Lap Band Fills Doctors for Mexico, Costa Rica, & Other Overseas Clients.

Gastric Sleeve Surgery is a relatively new bariatric procedure. But quickly it is becoming a popular weight loss surgery option. Seeing the preliminary results of this surgery, some doctors claim that in the future it may become a very common bariatric surgery if not, THE most popular one.

In the first stage of the operation the surgeon creates a tube out of the stomach by using staples. The portion of the stomach that is stapled out is them removed. This results in a small sized stomach, which takes a shape of a “sleeve” or a “banana” or a “tube”.

According to a published scientific research a hormone called “GHRELIN” makes people hungry, slows metabolism, and decreases the body’s ability to burn fat. This hormone is produced in the stomach. Gastric Sleeve operation removes the section of the stomach in which Ghrelin is produced. The non production of this hunger relating hormone results in preventing an increase in appetite.

Thus gastric sleeve works in two ways to become an effective weight loss surgery. One by reducing the stomach size to accomodate excess food & secondly reducing the harmones that create craving for food. This is the reason Gastric Sleeve surgery is believed to be superior by many doctors.

Advantages & Benefits of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Can result in 30 to 60% excess weight loss within 12 months of the procedure.
- Less invasive than gastric bypass and does not result in altering or cutting of the intestines.
- No dumping syndrome associated with gastric sleeve.
- Malabsorption is not as is in the case of gastric bypass surgery. The patient does not need too much nutritional supplements compared to ones who have a gastric bypass.
- No foreign device is in the body, unlike a LAP BAND
- Gastric sleeve procedure is believed to be less risky for high BMI patients
- Better for patients with prior surgery or complex medical conditions.
- After the surgery most food items can be consumed. Although in small quantities.
- Other type of weight loss surgery if required can still be performed following a Gastric Sleeve procedure.

Short Comings or Disadvantages of Gastric Sleeve Surgery
- Relatively new procedure there are no long term scientific studies. Although preliminary results are very promising.
- Once performed this procedure cannot be reversed.
- Experienced surgeons can sometimes be difficult to find, that again due to this being a new procedure.
- Insurance companies do not cover gastric sleeve surgery.

American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery also provides a position statement on Gastric Sleeve.

A High Quality Hospital might be a better choice for getting a Gastric Sleeve Surgery than going to a surgery center or a clinic. In rare case of an emergency or medical complications a hospital is better equipped. With all medical specialist & medical equipment & services like blood bank, MRI, X-RAY, etc. at the same location. Look for hospitals that are accredited & certified by leading third party organizations. This increases the chance of stricter enforcement of high quality standards & client service. Finally resulting in patient safety & convenience. Medical Tourism Corporation facilitates low cost high quality gastric sleeve surgery at one of the best hospitals in the world. These include USA Joint Commission accredited hospitals in Costa Rica, India & Mexico. Some are also affiliated to top medical institutes in USA like Harvard Medical, Tulane Medical Center and Ochsner Health System. For more on hospital & price visit medical tourism link on gastric sleeve surgery cost.

We recommend that you always check with a qualified physician before making a health related or gastric sleeve surgery related decision.

It is estimated that from over 150,000 to 600,000 people from USA, Canada, and Europe travel overseas each year for medical treatments. Of these, a large number of people visit India, Costa Rica & Mexico for orthopedic surgeries, including knee, hip, and shoulder surgeries. Many elderly people with chronic problems, such as hip or knee osteoarthritis, need surgery to get back their quality of life. However, they cannot afford the cost of private treatment in their own countries and opt to visit hospital overseas where the cost is substantially lower. This article focuses on the factors you should consider when looking for an expert orthopedic surgeon in India, Mexico or Costa Rica for a hip, knee, or shoulder surgery. High cost in USA and long waiting times in UK and Canada are the primary reasons that drive patients to India for orthopedic surgery.

While the cost of a total hip replacement in USA is around $40,000, the same surgery in India costs only $8,000 & $11,400 in Costa Rica. Similarly, a total knee replacement that costs around $45,000 in USA, costs only $7,000 in India, 10,600 in Costa Rica. Patients who need to go in for total shoulder replacement can also undergo the surgery for just $5,730 in India instead of the $20,000 they would need to shell out in USA.

But low cost is not only advantage that India provides as a medical tourism destination for orthopedic patients. Skilled surgeons, high quality of medical service, and clean hospitals are some of the other attractive features that make India one of the most favored destinations for medical tourists. India has impressive medical expertise with a large pool of US and UK returned surgeons.

When looking for an expert orthopedic surgeon abroad you should consider the following factors:

• Credentials of the orthopedic surgeon: The surgeon should have a formal degree in orthopedics. The surgeon should have undergone specialized training in hip, knee, and shoulder replacement. Ideally, the orthopedic surgeon should have at trained at a reputed hospital in USA, UK, or other developed country. The presence of an international qualification, such as Fellowship of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) in orthopedics from UK, in the surgeon’s resume confirms that the doctor is considered suitable for practicing as a surgeon in the country that issued the qualification.

• Surgical and teaching experience: Verify that the surgeon has at least 5 to 10 years of surgical experience. Find out about the success rate of the surgeon for the specific surgery that you require—hip replacement or resurfacing, knee replacement, or shoulder replacement. In addition, check whether the orthopedic surgeon has academic affiliations or serves as surgery faculty in a medical college. Such affiliations indicate that the orthopedic surgeon is considered as an expert and is invited to teach surgery to surgeons undergoing training.

• Past track record: Take feedback from existing patients of the orthopedic surgeon. You will be able to find contact numbers of patients in patient testimonials on the Web site of the surgeon or the associated hospital. Prefer orthopedic surgeons who already have experience in handling international patients. If past international patients are satisfied with the surgeon, you can go ahead with your travel and surgery plans.

• Knowledge of English: Check that your surgeon speaks and understands English. This is important so that you can communicate clearly with your surgeon and understand his or her instructions on post-operative care. As English is widely spoken in India & Costa Rica, getting an expert orthopedic surgeon who speaks English should not be a problem.

India, Costa Rica & Mexico have many Orthopedic Surgeons that will meet these criteria.

Also, keep in mind that there is nothing like a perfect doctor or surgeon. Don’t let your mind get cloudy by asking too many people and considering too many criteria. Look for someone who is experienced, meets the important things you are looking for and you feel comfortable working with.

Related: Finding Orthopaedic Surgeons in USA

It is not as if surgery in the United States is absolutely error free. According to the Institute of Medicine, at least 44,000 people die in hospitals each year in USA as a result of medical errors[Refer: To Err is Human: Medical Error Deaths in USA]. In addition, lap band surgery has been performed much longer in Mexico than in USA. While lap band surgery started in USA in 2001 after FDA approval, it has been successfully performed worldwide 1996.

When deciding whether or not to opt for lap band surgery in abroad, it is important to differentiate between the risks of the surgery itself and the risks of getting it done in Mexico. Like all other surgeries, lap band surgery too involves some risks and dangers. However, these risks are related to the surgical procedure and have nothing to do with where the surgery is done. The second type of risk occurs because the surgery was not performed correctly. This is directly related to where and by whom you get your surgery done. Most such risks can be avoided if you choose your surgeon and the hospital carefully.

There are cases of lap band surgery in some countries that were done for as low as $6,000. Avoid places that offer such a low price as it indicates that the facility does not do a quality job and may have an incompetent or inexperienced surgeon. A decent hospital in Mexico, Costa Rica or India with a well experienced surgeon is likely to charge between $8,000 and $10,000 for lap band surgery.

When deciding on which doctor overseas for lap band surgery, it is important to do a lot of detailed research. Look at the surgeon’s qualifications, surgical experience, and proctoring experience. The surgeon should be certified by a medical board and should have experience of at least 100 Lap Band surgeries. Talk to existing patients of the surgeon and get their feedback on the surgeon and the surgery.

Another important factor to evaluate when considering lap band surgery in a foreign country is the hospital quality. It is better to go for a fully integrated hospital rather than a clinic so that any unexpected emergency can be taken care of there itself. Verify the track record and reputation of a hospital before agreeing for the surgery. In addition, check that the hospital staff understands and speaks English. Try to go for an international quality, fully equipped hospital, such as Hospital Angeles in Tijuana, Mexico; Clinica Biblica Hospital in Costa Rica; or Wockhardt Hospital in India.

If you take the above precautions, you can safely go ahead and avail the cost savings from a lap band surgery abroad.

You might want a friend or relative to accompany you when you go for lap band in Tijuana, Mexico. Therefore, look for a hospital that has boarding arrangements for a guest accompanying the patient. In addition, you should also ensure that the hospital staff speaks and understands English and not just Spanish. This is important for clear and open communication between you, your surgeon, and the other hospital staff. Before agreeing to a Tijuana lap band surgery, review the track record and reputation of the hospital you are considering.

In addition to the hospital, you should also be careful when selecting your surgeon for lap band in Tijuana, Mexico. Verify the credentials and surgical experience of your surgeon. The best surgeons for Tijuana lap band surgery have experience of over 500 surgeries. Ideally, you should look for INAMED (Allergan) or John Johnson certified surgeons. INAMED is a global leader in manufacturing obesity intervention products. Both Allergan & Johnson Johnson lap bands are FDA approved.

An example of an international quality hospital with leading lap band surgeons is Hospital Angeles. Hospital Angeles is a popular choice for lap band in Tijuana, Mexico. It is a one-stop hospital with the latest technology and is fully equipped. All doctors practicing in Hospital Angeles are certified by the Mexican Medical Board. More than 50% of its patients are from outside Mexico.

Tijuana lap band surgery may be the right choice for you especially if you are located in western USA and require a weight loss surgery.

Travelling to Tijuana for Lap Band Surgery

Proximity of the Tijuana border to the USA allows easy access for Americans. Flying into San Diego (Airport Code SAN) followed by ground transportation  is one of the most popular means.  Lap band Packages in Tijuana include hotel, ground transportation & more.

Many people visit Mexico for low cost gastric bypass, a surgery for overweight. In a gastric bypass surgery, a surgeon divides the stomach into two connected parts—a small upper pouch and a larger, lower pouch. After the gastric bypass surgery, the patient automatically reduces food intake as he or she starts feeling full earlier. This leads to a dramatic weight loss over a period of six months to two years. Gastric bypass surgery also significantly reduces morbid obesity related illnesses, such as hypertension and heart disease, and related deaths by up to 40% .

Although the advantages of gastric bypass surgery are well documented, many severely obese people are discouraged by the high cost of the surgery. The average cost of the surgery is around $25,000 in USA. Insurance companies in the USA pay for the surgery only if the patient has a BMI of over 40 and can prove that he or she has made other serious non-surgical efforts to control weight. When this is not always possible, many patients opt for low cost gastric bypass surgery in Mexico. The cost of gastric bypass surgery in Mexico is almost 50 to 70% lower. Low cost gastric bypass surgery in Mexico can be availed for about US $12,000.

The low cost of gastric bypass surgery in Mexico does not mean that the quality of the surgery suffers in any way. Mexico has some great international standard hospitals, such as the Hospital Angeles in Tijuana. In addition, Mexico boasts of some of the most experienced and renowned gastric bypass surgeons. For instance, Dr. Lopez Corvala is an experienced surgeon who has been performing bariatric surgery for more than 15 years. At the same time, it is important to be careful when looking for a low cost gastric bypass surgery in Mexico.

Avoid settling for the cheapest offers you get for gastric bypass surgery in Mexico. A very low price indicates that the hospital or clinic does not have much business and may not do a quality job. Chances are that a $10,000 clinic will have an incompetent or inexperienced surgeon and obsolete equipment.

When looking for low cost gastric bypass surgery in Mexico, be sure to choose a fully integrated hospital rather than a surgery center. In case of an unexpected medical emergency or surgical complication, a hospital is a better option than a stand alone surgery center. Try to find a hospital for that has boarding arrangements for an accompanying guest. You should also verify the reputation and past record of the hospital providing the option for low cost gastric bypass surgery in Mexico.

In addition, when looking for an option for low cost gastric bypass surgery in Mexico, you should check the experience and credentials of the surgeon. Preferably, the surgeon should have performed over 100 surgeries. You should also check the medical certification of the surgeon. It is also important that the surgeon and the staff performing the gastric bypass surgery in Mexico have a working knowledge of English. This way, you can have clear communication with each other, without any possibility of misunderstanding.

Costa Rica, India and Mexico are all popular medical tourism destinations for low cost Gastric Bypass surgery.

Cranioplasty is the neurosurgery repair of deformity or defect in the skull. It involves the use of a bone graft to repair a gap or defect in the vault of the skull. The graft is done using bone from the pelvis, rips, or part of an adjacent skull bone. Even synthetic material, such as silastic or tantalum, can be used instead of bone to make cranioplasty implants. Although cranioplasty is considered more as cosmetic surgery, research shows that it can also be used for neurological improvement. Refer Neurology India – The Effects of Cranioplasty…..

Many patients from America, Canada, UK and Europe are nowadays opting for cranioplasty in India. This article examines the reasons for India’s popularity as a medical tourism destination. It also points out the factors you should consider when looking for the best hospital for cranioplasty in India.

Patients who either do not have private medical insurance or do not have adequate insurance coverage cannot afford the high cost of cranioplasty in USA and other developed countries. For instance, the surgery costs $18,000 in USA whereas the cost if cranioplasty in India is $3,600. Even after accounting for airfare, accommodation, and other charges, cranioplasty in India results in 60 to 80% cost savings

The other reasons why patients prefer cranioplasty in India are India’s medical expertise and world class hospitals. India has a vast pool of qualified and experienced medical professionals. Many of India’s neurosurgeons have graduated from top medical schools in USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia. Many surgeons have completed their neurosurgery training from these countries before moving to India.

India also has top-class, state of the art healthcare facilities for brain and spinal surgery. The hospitals are accredited and receive patients from over 40 countries for personalized medical care. These hospitals have the latest technology and machines and equipments that are same as used in USA or Europe. Therefore, these hospitals have success rates that are at par with US and European hospitals.

When looking for the best hospital for cranioplasty in India, check that the hospital is accredited and has a proven track record. Look for a well equipped hospital that has the latest neurology equipment, such as neuro-navigation and endoscopic facilities. The diagnostic center of the hospital should have advanced diagnostic equipment, such as EEG, video monitoring, 3.0 Tesla MR, and CT scan systems. The hospital should preferably be in a metropolis, such as Mumbai, Bangalore, Chennai and Delhi. Ensure that the hospital has English speaking staff. This will make communication with the staff and surgeon easier and more transparent. Most hospitals in India have English speaking staff as English is widely spoken here.

In addition, the hospital should have a certified neurosurgeon with a formal Master of Surgery (MS or M. Ch.) degree or a plastic surgeon with specialized training in a field like cranio-facial surgery. The surgeon should have at least 5 years experience in cranioplasty.

Related: Video of Brain & Spine Hospital in India

A number of people visit India for cost savings on hip resurfacing surgery. Hip resurfacing or surface replacement arthroplasty is a safer alternative to total hip replacement (THR) surgery. In hip resurfacing surgery, only the diseased part of the femur is removed and normal bone is preserved.This is unlike THR in which the complete femoral head and neck are removed, making it difficult for the patient to regain a natural gait after surgery. This article addresses the important things to keep in mind when shopping for a hip resurfacing hospital in India.India is fast emerging as a popular medical tourism destination for patients who require hip resurfacing surgery. The main reason for this is the price difference.

A hip resurfacing surgery can cost anywhere around $50,000 in USA and £25,000 in UK. In comparison, you can get a hip resurfacing surgery for as low as $15,500 in Mexico, $8,750 in Costa Rica and $8,500 in India.

In addition to price, India offers some other advantages as a destination for hip resurfacing surgery patients. India has a large pool of US and UK returned surgeons. Some of India’s hospitals have internationally renowned surgeons with excellent training, experience, and track record.

India provides a very high quality of private medical care. India has several state of the art hospitals, equipped with the latest technology and world class infrastructure. The hospitals for hip resurfacing surgery have the latest orthopedic surgical equipment, stimulators, and traction machines. They follow international standards of quality and cleanliness. Most hospitals will provide you medical treatment packages at a fixed price that you will be informed in advance.

Another advantage of going to India for hip resurfacing surgery(also known as Birmingham Hip Resurfacing) is that English is widely spoken here. The surgeon as well as the staff attending you is likely to be well versed in English. This enables clear and open communication between you and the surgeon.

Despite its many advantages, it is important to be careful when selecting a hip resurfacing option in India. Price should not be your only criteria. You should also look at other factors such as qualifications and experience of the surgeon, quality of the hospital, and quality of service provided.

When evaluating an option for hip resurfacing surgery in India, you should check out the surgeon’s credentials qualifications and experience. The surgeon should have specialized in orthopedics after completing a formal medical degree and should be registered medical practitioner. Look for a surgeon who has undergone specialized training in hip resurfacing surgery and has at least five years of surgical experience at a reputed hospital.

In addition, select a reputed hospital that has fully functional Trauma division, Arthroplasty section, operating rooms, and ambulatory surgical suites, all at the same location. You should check the track record and past performance of the hospitals you are considering.

Request & examine the testimonials of the patients from the hospital & the surgeon in India. Ultimately patient outcomes and experiences are that matter.

Lap band surgery is the answer to the prayers of many patients suffering from morbid obesity and related disorders, such as hypertension and heart disease. In lap band surgery, an adjustable band is placed around the upper region of the stomach to restrict food intake and help patients feel full sooner. As a result, patients experience a dramatic reduction in weight within a period of six months to two years. The results of the lap band surgery are permanent. However, the cost of lap band surgery is quite prohibitive in the USA leading patients to look for cheaper alternatives elsewhere. But is cheap lap band surgery really possible? Does quality suffer if you opt for cheap lap band surgery? Not necessarily.

In USA, the cost of lap band surgery ranges from $20,000 to $30,000. Moreover, health plans, such as Medicare and Medicaid, cover the cost of the surgery only if you can prove dire medical necessity. This means your BMI has to be higher than 40, and you should be able to demonstrate a history of previous attempts at weight loss. Any patient who does not meet these requirements does not qualify for health plan coverage for the surgery. This effectively puts lap band surgery out of reach for many patients in the USA. An alternative they have is to go to places such as Mexico, Costa Rica, and India for cheap lap band surgery. Some people believe that the low price is a trade off for quality in these places. Let’s examine some of the reasons why quality does not need to suffer if you go overseas for cheap lap band surgery.

The main reason that countries like Mexico, Costa Rica, and India are able to provide cheap lap band surgery is that the general cost of living there is lower than in USA. This means the cost of almost everything such as hospital prices, surgeon’s fee, food, and boarding is generally lower in these countries than in USA. What this does NOT mean is that the quality of the hospital or its services are in any way lower than that available in the USA.

In addition, the bands used in Mexico, Costa Rica or India are the same as the ones used in USA. So you need not fear that an inferior quality band is being used in cheap lap band surgery. If in any doubt, you can crosscheck with your surgeon about the band being used. The FDA approved bands are INAMED and Realize. The INAMED band is produced by INAMED Health, which is now owned by Allergan. For a long time, INAMED was the only FDA approved band. The Realize adjustable band is produced by Johnson & Johnson’s (J&J) Ethicon Endo-Surgery (EES) subsidiary. FDA approved the Realize band in September 2007

Another good reason for traveling overseas for cheap lab band surgery is that the surgeons in these locations are in many cases more experienced than surgeons in USA. This is because FDA approved lap band surgery in USA only in 2001. However, in Mexico for instance, lap band surgery has been successfully performed since 1996 This means surgeons there have more than 10 years experience in this surgery as compared to 5 to 6 years experience of US lap band surgeons.

Of course, when traveling overseas for cheap lap band surgery, you need to be careful to choose only an international quality hospital and a reputed, top notch surgeon. For this, verify the track record of the hospitals and the credentials of the surgeons you are considering.

Cheap is a relative term; But if you compare the cost of lap band in the USA to that in Mexico, Costa Rica or India, it is cheaper by about 50% for the same quality service & Lap Band device.

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Gastric Bypass Cost – Surgery Overview & Price in Mexico, Costa Rica & India

Lap Band Surgery in Mexico

Spinal decompression is a spinal disease caused primarily due to sudden changes in barometric pressure. It can be treated through advanced spinal surgery. Spinal fusion is a treatment for spinal deformities and injuries in which two or more vertebrae are fused together. Both spinal decompression surgery and spinal fusion surgery are complex procedures requiring a high level of medical expertise. Unfortunately, because of the long waiting times and high cost of the surgery in developed nations, more and more patients are turning to India for their treatment.

In UK, the waiting time for urgent spinal surgery is close to 4 months whereas that for routine spinal surgery is as long as one year. The situation in rest of Europe and Canada is not much different. Individuals who can afford it, rather than wait for such long time, prefer to visit India or some other medical tourism destination like Costa Rica where there is no wait time involved.

In addition to the long waiting time, the cost of spinal decompression and fusion surgery is also prohibitive in the west. People who have partial or no insurance coverage cannot afford these high rates. The cost of spinal fusion surgery is around $50,000 in USA and approximately £25,000 in UK. Therefore, they opt to travel to India where the cost of spinal decompression and fusion surgery is a fraction of the cost in USA and UK.

However, when looking for the right low cost hospital for spinal decompression and fusion surgery in India, it is important to verify the credentials of the surgeon you are considering and the quality of the hospital to which the surgeon is associated with. The surgeon should be a qualified neurosurgeon and should have at least 10 years experience in spinal surgery. India scores well on this factor as it has a high number of reputed neurosurgeons. In fact, Indian neurosurgeons have done pioneering research in some fields, such as craniovertebral anomalies and stereotactic surgery.

In addition to the surgeons, you should take care to research the track record of the hospital you are considering for spinal decompression and fusion surgery in India. Select a reputed hospital that has well-equipped neurosurgery operation theaters and diagnostic centers. Look for a hospital that is in a metropolis, such as Mumbai, Delhi or Banglore, as they have a more cosmopolitan culture.

India has several private hospitals equipped with the latest neuro-navigation and endoscopic facilities and advanced diagnostic equipment, such as EEG, video monitoring, MRI, and CT Scan. In addition, as English is the second language for most Indians, patient does not have difficulty in communicating with the hospital staff and the surgeon.

Testimonial to India being a favorite overseas destination for spinal decompression & fusion surgery is the large number of patients that visit India every year for the spine surgery treatments.

In some patients with back injury, the disc between the bones of the spine slips or prolapses and presses on a nearby nerve causing acute pain in the lower back or leg (lumbar disc prolapse / slipped disc/herniated disc). Endosopic micro disectomy is a spinal treatment aimed at patients who have sustained such back injury.

Because of the high cost of endosopic micro disectomy in US, many back injury patients are looking for a top quality hospital abroad in countries such as India.

Endoscopic micro disectomy is a less invasive alternative to microsopic lumbar disectomy. In EMD, an endoscope is used to view the nerve root and the prolapsed disc. A small incision is made to introduce the endoscope at the affected disc level. The endoscope illuminates and magnifies the surgical area, allowing the surgeon and supporting staff to view the area on a television screen. The surgeon can perform the entire surgery by looking at the television screen. As a result, there is less muscle dissection. Endoscopic micro disectomy patients can get up and walk on the same day of the surgery. The hospital stay is very short.

The main reasons for patients turning to India for endoscopic micro disectomy are lower costs and no waiting periods. The endoscopic micro disectomy costs between $6,000 and $8,000 in India, which is a fraction of the cost of the surgery in USA and UK. In addition, there is no concept of waiting list in India. In contrast, the waiting time for urgent spinal surgery in UK is close to four months. And routine spinal surgery can keep you waiting for as long as one year.

In addition to the huge cost savings, there are other reasons for India’s popularity as a medical tourism destination for endoscopic micro disectomy. India has leading neurosurgeons and spine surgeons. Some of them have done pioneering research in fields such as craniovertebral anomalies and stereotactic surgery. The surgeons also have expertise in handling high risk patients through use of minimally invasive techniques and robotic surgery.

Another reason for favoring India for endoscopic micro disectomy and other spinal surgeries are the international quality hospitals in India. Indian hospitals are well equipped to handle all phases of spinal problems and provide comprehensive spine care. They use the latest innovations in medical electronics to handle problems ranging from routine spinal problems to disk replacement and treatment of spinal tumors using radiological management. Their technology is world class and they easily meet the global benchmarks for number of surgeries handled. In addition, most Indian hospitals have English speaking staff and surgeons.

When looking for a top quality hospital for endoscopic micro disectomy abroad, you must verify the credentials of the surgeon and the quality of the hospital you are considering. The surgeon should be a qualified neurosurgeon and should have a master of surgery (MS) degree. The surgeon should have at least 10 years experience in spinal surgery.
You should also do some careful research on the hospital you are considering for endoscopic micro disectomy. Select a reputed hospital that has a high success rate. The hospital should have well-equipped operation theaters and diagnostic centers. All the equipment necessary for endoscopic micro disectomy and related surgeries, such as endoscopes, HOPKINS II telescope, and video monitoring, should be present in the theaters. In addition, the hospital should have advanced diagnostic equipment, such as EEG, video monitoring, MRI, and CT scan.

Related: Cervical Disc Replacement in India—Choosing the Right Hospital & Surgeon

About 1% of the total world population over the age of 65 years suffers from Parkinson’s disease. Parkinson’s is a degenerative disease in which brain cells that control body movements start dying. The patient’s condition worsens over time, and the patient may start experiencing tremors, stiffness, slow movements, and loss of reflexes. Deep brain stimulation surgery is an effective treatment for the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease. Over the past few years, many people have started visiting India for deep brain stimulation surgery. This article looks at the key factors you should consider when selecting a hospital or surgeon in India for treatment of Parkinson’s disease.

In deep brain stimulation surgery, a brain pacemaker is implanted in the thalamus of the brain. The pacemaker sends electrical impulses to parts of the brain to block abnormal activity. The FDA approved deep brain stimulation surgery as a treatment for Parkinson’s disease in 2002. However, there is no US national medical policy on coverage for this surgery. Some states do cover the surgery but for the remaining people, an option is to visit countries like India or Costa Rica for the deep brain stimulation surgery.

Here are the four key factors you should keep in mind when looking for a hospital for deep brain stimulation surgery in India:

• India is a cost effective medical tourism destination. The cost of most surgeries in India is only a fraction of their cost in USA. This applies to deep brain stimulation surgery also. The average cost of deep brain stimulation surgery in USA is $50,000.  Even after you add travel and accommodation costs, a deep brain stimulation surgery in India can result in 50 to 75% cost savings. Look for a hospital in India that provides an all inclusive medical package at a fixed price.

• Deep brain stimulation surgery is a complex surgery requiring a high degree of medical expertise. It should be performed by only an experienced team of neurologists, neurosurgeons, and neurophysiologists. India specializes in neurosurgery. Many of India’s neurosurgeons have graduated from top medical schools in USA, Canada, Europe, and Australia. For deep brain stimulation surgery, you should look for a surgeon who has an M.S. or M. Ch. degree in neurosurgery. In addition, the neurosurgeon should be trained in functional and stereotactic surgery. The team should have experience in treating Parkinson’s disease and related problems, such as movement disorders.

• Because of the complex nature of deep brain stimulation surgery, it should be performed only at a hospital that has state of the art equipment for the surgery. This includes facilities for MRI and CT scans, computerized brain mapping technology, and sophisticated imaging and microelectrode recording equipment. Look for a hospital that meets these requirements. Ensure that the hospital follows international standards of quality and cleanliness.

• You should check the track record and past performance of the hospitals you are considering. You can look at patient testimonials of the hospital. If possible, contact some of the patients or their relatives personally to take feedback from them about the hospital, the effectiveness of the surgery, and the post operative service.