A Great Loss for Mexican Plastic Surgery

A doctor, a scientist, an artist and a pioneer.

Today, by chance I learned that Dr. Fernando Ortiz Monasterio passed away last year.

Dr. Fernando Ortiz was the father of plastic surgery in Mexico. He was the very first doctor in the world who performed a procedure to correct a fetal cleft palate in utero. He was also the first doctor in Latin America to perform craneofacial surgery, a branch of plastic surgery aimed at correcting facial congenital or acquired defects.

One of the traits of Dr. Fernando was that he constantly challenged current doctrines. “Don’t believe in anything. Dogma should be unacceptable. I tell you, question what books and magazines say, question it.”

Regarding plastic surgery, he considered that it was artistry in part, but, in his own words, “plastic surgery is not only about art. It’s art and science.” He also expressed that plastic surgery makes a person look better, but it doesn't make them a day younger and that patients should be realistic about that before deciding to have surgery.

I share his opinion about plastic surgery. It’s a bit like winning the lottery, it’s great and it will make you feel better, but it won’t solve any of the deeper problems that you may have.

Also, plastic surgery is not just about making your nose prettier or your face younger. For many people, it’s a way to correct defects that they were born with or that they acquired. Such people are often discriminated against or rejected. With craniofacial surgery, they are able to live normal lives.

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to get yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico, in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.

Cost of Cosmetic Surgery: US vs Mexico

Every year, the cost of cosmetic surgery in the US goes up. And every year, more and more Americans go south of the border to get it because they can't afford it at home or because they want to save a few thousand dollars.

Obviously, quality should be considered first, and that's why many others decide to stay home and pay the higher fee or just go without cosmetic surgery. However, there are many excellent Mexican surgeons and hospitals that measure up to US standards. In addition, hospitals in big cities or cities with an important ex-pat community will have English-speaking staff.

Here are the comparative prices of the most common types of cosmetic surgery*. All prices are in US dollars and researched in May 2013. The price in Mexico includes round-trip plane tickets New York City-Mexico City for two people and two nights at a first class express hotel in Mexico City's Reforma neighborhood, considered to be one of the safest and most expensive areas of the city, for one person.**


                                                                             US            Mexico***
Aumengtation Mammoplasty / Mammaplasty    $10,000        $4,700
(breast augmentation)                       

Rhinoplasty                                                     $8,000            $2,200
(Nose reshaping, nose job)

Blepharoplasty                                                $3,000            $1,530
(Eyelid surgery)

Liposuction                                                     $5,000            $2,600

Abdominoplasty                                              $7,000            $2,700
(Tummy tuck)

Rhytidectomy                                                  $10,000        $3,200
(Facelift)

Mastopexy                                                       $7,000            $2,700
(Breast lift)


   
* Prices are approximate only and may vary depending on your specific needs, the scope of the surgery, and the state where you live in.

** Prices during low season and plane tickets bought 3 months in advance. Plane Tickets $450. Hotel $260. Total $710.

***Exchange rate as of May 2013

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Robert Ervin is a freelancer who writes about healthcare, medical tourism, and living in Mexico.

If you're considering traveling to Mexico for healthcare or retiring in Mexico, you may want to consider getting yourself a copy of The English's Speaker's Guide to Doctors and Hospitals in Mexico, in order to find a good doctor or hospital in the main towns and cities of Mexico, or The English Speaker's Guide to Medical Care in Mexico, to understand how the Mexican healthcare system works.