Thinking about cosmetic surgery? Think safety

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RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany (USAFENS) --  As the popularity of cosmetic medical procedures continue to skyrocket, military families considering this option while serving in Germany should use discretion to ensure safety and avoid unexpected costs.

While the majority of those who receive cosmetic procedures from host nation health care providers are happy with the results, there are occasional problems, according to Army Col. Kent Bradley, Tricare Europe Medical director.

“Unfortunately, we sometimes hear about bad outcomes and serious medical errors,” Colonel Bradley said. “Too often, it’s because people don’t follow a couple of simple precautions before getting a procedure done.”

Here are things to consider before receiving cosmetic procedures on the economy:

First, talk with your primary care manager before receiving any medical procedure -- including cosmetic procedures. Cosmetic procedures do involve risks. Depending on the type of procedure, those risks may be similar to a major operation and could include infection, allergic reactions and other complications. Your PCM can advise about the risks involved, and may be able to offer alternatives.

Second, ensure that the physician performing the procedure is properly trained, licensed and qualified to perform the procedure being considered. Whether in the United States or overseas, it is always important to select a qualified specialist with a quality health system that has plenty of experience in the procedure being performed.

“Given that we’re all serving on foreign soil, it can be difficult to know whether a physician really is qualified,” Colonel Bradley said. “Just because a doctor tells you he or she is qualified doesn’t mean you should take their word for it. And even if they are qualified to perform one kind of cosmetic procedure, it doesn’t necessarily mean they are a good choice for a different procedure.”

Tricare Europe’s Web page provides a list of preferred providers for various specialties, including plastic surgery, at www.europe.tricare.osd.mil/ppn/. Tricare Europe centrally manages the list of preferred plastic surgeons to ensure they are qualified, experienced and properly licensed.

Those living outside areas serviced by a Tricare Europe preferred provider are urged to be especially careful when choosing a physician. “In some developing countries, governments and health systems are not as strict about credentialing physicians as we are,” said Colonel Bradley. “I would encourage people to consider traveling to a country with health care standards similar to those in the United States before receiving any kind of cosmetic procedure.”

Third, consider the financial cost. Tricare Europe must preapprove any plastic and reconstructive procedures and will only pay if is the procedure is deemed medically necessary by Tricare. In other words, purely cosmetic procedures are not covered. Questions should be directed to your local Tricare Service Center.

If you choose to pay out of pocket, remember that in most cases, you will have to pay for any procedures in advance. Also, be aware of the need for follow-up care, especially in the event of a complication. Depending upon location, military medical resources may not be available to provide this care -- so it is important to be prepared financially. Never consider any procedure if a move or separation would not allow time for appropriate follow-up care. Tricare Europe requires a minimum of six months of post operative follow-up time in country.

Finally, consider medical procedures only as a last resort.

“In many cases, there are healthier, safer ways to improve our physical appearance,” said Colonel Bradley. “Exercising regularly, eating right and avoiding too much sunlight are just some ways we can keep ourselves looking our best without the risks involved in surgery or other medical procedures. Your family doctor can often be very helpful in this effort.”

If, in the end, cosmetic surgery is the decision favored, be sure to weigh the risks carefully -- and talk to your PCM first. It might save you a lifetime of regret.