Why I Chose Mexico for Surgery — And Would Do It Again

Every year, millions of people make the decision to travel abroad for medical care — and for many of them, it changes their lives. Michelle is one of those people. After extensive research and a successful surgery abroad, she wanted to share her experience with anyone who is considering taking that same step. Here is her story, in her own words.

1. Please give us an overview of how and when you made the decision to utilize medical tourism for your procedure. What made you choose your destination?

After looking into plastic surgery options in Canada and realizing they were far outside of my budget, I started researching traveling abroad. After more than a year of researching doctors and destinations, I decided on Mexico. I had excess skin removed from my arms and stomach, along with breast implants.

2. Did you use a medical tourism facilitator to help coordinate your trip?

Yes, absolutely. They provide a translator for the duration of my stay in Mexico. This person picked me up from the airport, stayed with me throughout my hospital stay and recovery, and accompanied me to all check-ups with the doctor. Having that support made the entire experience so much smoother and less stressful. I truly could not have done it without them.

3. Was this your first medical tourism trip? How did you prepare?

Yes, it was my first. I asked a lot of questions and spoke with past patients, as well as the medical tourism facilitator and translator, about how to prepare. I also ate healthy and stayed very active in the weeks leading up to my surgery. I did yoga, meditated, and focused my intentions on a great surgery and speedy recovery so that both my mind and body would be ready. Focusing on a positive outcome and being well prepared allowed me to tune out everyone’s fears about surgery abroad. I was literally the only one among my friends and family who had zero fears. It’s all about the law of attraction.

4. How did you choose your doctor?

I read a lot of reviews and spoke with many patients who had undergone medical tourism procedures. The doctor I chose came highly recommended. I also consulted a plastic surgeon in Montreal and asked him to look into my chosen doctor’s background to check for any malpractice or concerns, and he gave me the green light. He had actually studied this doctor’s work during his own training. You can’t get a higher recommendation than that.

5. Did you travel with a companion? If so, what were the benefits?

I traveled with my boyfriend, and I would absolutely not recommend traveling solo for anyone undergoing multiple surgeries at once. After my stomach, arm, and breast surgeries, I was practically immobile. My boyfriend took care of everything — getting me in and out of bed, helping me shower, getting me to the bathroom, preparing food, and cleaning up.

6. How did the medical care compare to your home country?

I chose my doctor after reading extensive reviews and speaking with patients who had used him. He came highly recommended, and I also consulted a medical tourism facilitator in Montreal who looked into his background, checked for any malpractice or concerns, and gave me the green light.

7. How was the cleanliness and appearance of the hospital? How were the staff and nurses?

The hospital, the room, the staff, and the nurses were all absolutely amazing. Everyone was helpful, warm, friendly, efficient, and hardworking. Since there was a language barrier, we all used Google Translate on our phones to communicate, and it worked seamlessly. There was one moment early in my recovery when I was in a lot of pain. While the doctor’s nurse was massaging my body to help with the swelling, I had tears running down my face. She wiped my tears away, held my hand, and told me everything was going to be okay. That moment really stayed with me.

8. Did you have any fears or concerns about receiving medical care in another country?

I had absolutely no fears or concerns because I had spent so much time researching and speaking with past patients of this doctor. I was extremely mentally and physically prepared going into surgery.

9. Did you feel safe at your hotel and the surrounding areas?

I felt very safe at our hotel and in the neighborhood where we were staying. We were advised not to venture too far from our area, as it could be less safe for tourists in other parts of the city. The hotel staff treated us extremely well and were very familiar with guests staying there for medical procedures. They took extra care with the cleanliness of our room and changed the sheets every day, knowing we were spending most of our time resting in bed. Staff at local restaurants and shops were also very helpful and kind, even though we spoke no Spanish. Thank goodness for Google Translate.

10. How long did your recovery take before you could travel home, and what did you do during that time?

I stayed in Mexico for two weeks. I spent two days in the hospital before returning to the hotel, and I visited the doctor at his office every single day for check-ups, massages, and bandage treatments.

The recovery was not as bad as I expected. The pain was very manageable and I only used painkillers for the first three or four days. The biggest challenge was the discomfort. After my stomach surgery, I was unable to straighten up, which meant I could not lie flat or sit up straight. I had to stay hunched, which put my back in agony for most of the trip.

For the first week after surgery, rest and gentle walking are recommended. I also found that I got tired quickly, so long outings were not realistic that early in recovery.

Once I was feeling better, we visited restaurants, went shopping, and saw the pyramids. We interacted with people on the streets, explored parks and local attractions, and even went to the movies. We also visited a Walmart, which was a surprisingly fun experience — familiar enough but completely different from what we have at home.

11. What are the advantages of getting a procedure at your destination?

The biggest advantage is affordability. You can get world-class care without going into debt, and you also get to experience another culture — and possibly turn the trip into a mini vacation. It was an incredible experience and we both loved Mexico. We actually want to go back just for vacation.

12. Was there anything you disliked about the medical care, or areas where they could improve?

Honestly, nothing. Everything I needed or wanted was taken care of, and the team was so experienced that most of my needs were anticipated before I even had to ask.

13. What advice would you give someone thinking of traveling for medical care?

Do your research, and do not automatically go for the cheapest option. There were other doctors in Mexico who were less expensive than mine, but they were not at his level. Do not cut corners on a major surgery. I understand that money is a real concern, but this is your body and your life — you want the best.

Also, be aware that some doctors in your home country may have a negative attitude toward patients who sought care abroad. I had one doctor in a Canadian emergency room refuse to treat me and tell me to go back to Mexico, even though my issue had absolutely nothing to do with my surgery four months prior. Most doctors were fantastic, but that experience scared me enough that I started giving other doctors my surgeon’s name while citing a Canadian hospital, out of fear of being treated differently.

14. What could the medical tourism facilitator or healthcare provider have offered that would have made your trip better?

Honestly, nothing. They were so experienced and thorough that they anticipated everything I could possibly need or want. They even gave me tips on getting the best currency conversion rate, since I had to pay the doctor in Mexican pesos. They were consummate professionals in every sense of the word.

15. What did you think of the culture in the country?

The only thing that was difficult to witness was the extreme poverty. Coming from Canada, it was surreal to see people living in small tin homes on a mountainside just outside of a major city.

The driving was also quite an experience. It was the first time I had ever been somewhere where I could not read the road signs. Being a passenger in an Uber surrounded by cars moving at full speed in what looked like organized chaos was something else entirely. I found it entertaining, but I would never get behind the wheel there — I was perfectly content being a passenger.

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