Frequently Asked Questions

What are the advantages of using Cosmetic Vacations?

1. CosmeticVacations medical tourism works exclusively with members of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery – the national equivalent of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the largest organization of its kind in Latin America. This guarantees a high level of quality and safety for the patient.
2. CosmeticVacations helps you in each step, from the first contact to find you the doctor that better fits in your needs. We even help you with your flight and to find accommodations for a reasonable price. We do everything to make sure you receive all information you´ll need to plan your trip and think about everything you may need.
3. We´ll take care of you from the day you arrive until the day of your departure. Our staff will assist you and someone will be available 24 hours a day. Our medical tourism service includes:

• The surgery, the anesthesiologist, the hospital and medical team
• All post op medication prescribed by surgeon
• All pre and post surgery consultations
• Airport transportation to and from your hotel
• Transportation for your consultation and surgical procedures
• A bilingual representative to accompany you every step the way

Why Brazil?

• Brazilian doctors have an outstanding training because they have already operated on hundreds of live patients during their years of residency. In general, other plastic surgeons only start helping with surgery on live people after their residency.
• Brazil is second only to the USA in terms of number of surgeries and is also recognized as the “World Capital of Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery.” Brazilian plastic surgeons have a considerable higher number of surgeries performed than others. Many surgeons travel to Rio to be trained and have extra courses, in order to improve their curriculum.
• Recovery is as important as the surgery itself. People love to enjoy a relaxing recovery in Rio de Janeiro, known for the comfortable warm weather with a wonderful view of the mountains and the sea.

Do you have a price list?

Here in Brazil it is considered unethical to give the cost for surgery without a consultation. Everybody is different and therefore the price for a given cosmetic procedure only can be determined individually, after consultation

I know very little about Brazil, do I have to worry about not speaking the language?

At Cosmetic Vacations we employ multi-lingual staff who will assist you at every stage of your visit. For those of you who would prefer English speaking surgeons we have several to choose from. While a little Portuguese helps, it is not necessary to speak the language.

Is Rio de Janeiro a safe destination?

From the moment you arrive at the airport until the day of your departure you will be assisted by our staff. We pick you up from the airport and bring you savely to your hotel. Someone will be available to take your calls 24 hrs per day.

Can I bring a companion?

Of course. All of our accommodation options allow for an extra-person. This is a good idea, especially if your recovery period is an extended one - two weeks or more.

What is the difference between Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery is defined as a surgical specialty dedicated to reconstruction of facial and body defects due to birth disorders, trauma, burns, and disease. Cosmetic Surgery is elective and meant to enhance one's appearance and Plastic Surgery is necessary and reconstructive in nature.

How many people undergo Cosmetic Surgery each year?

The number of surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures in the United States increased by 7 percent in 2006 and had a 59 percent increase compared to 2000. In 2007, almost 12 million cosmetic plastic surgery procedures were performed (information from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons - ASPS). In 2007, the most frequently procedure performed was Botox injection and the most popular surgical procedure was breast surgery.

How many men have Cosmetic Surgery?

American men had nearly 1.1 million cosmetic surgical and nonsurgical procedures in 2007. This number represents 9 percent of the 11.7 million cosmetic procedures performed in the U.S. last year. In the last seven years, the number of men procedures increased by 9 percent. However, the percentage of men traveling to Brazil for plastic surgery is around 20-25%.

What are the most popular procedures?

A. Surgical procedures:
1. Breast Augmentation (348,000)
2. Liposuction (302,000)
3. Nose reshaping (285,000)
4 Eyelid surgery (241,000)
5. Tummy tuck (148,000)
Minimally-invasive procedures:
1. Botox® (4.6 million)
2. Hyaluronic acid fillers (1.1 million)
3. Chemical peel (1 million)
4 Laser hair removal (906,000)
5. Microdermabrasion (897,000)

Why the "Plastic" in Plastic Surgery?

The word “plastic” originally comes from the Greek plastikos, which means “to mold or shape”. The first plastic surgeries were done reshaping or molding defects caused by injury or cancer, trying to make it look like the original shape.

At what age do most people have Cosmetic Surgery?

Most people that receive Cosmetic Surgery are between 40 and 54 years. In 2007, they were nearly 5,4 million. They represent 46 percent of all cosmetic surgeries performed last year. Treatments such as Breast Augmentation, Liposuction, Rhinoplasty and Dermabrasion are common among younger patients while procedures including Blepharoplasty, Breast Lift, Facelift and Botox are more commonly sought after by older patients.

What is the current medical consensus regarding the safety of silicone Breast Implants?

The National Academy of Science´s Institute of Medicine concluded that there is no evidence suggesting that silicone used for breast implants are toxic to humans. Women with breast implants are no more likely to develop serious illnesses. Breast cancer mortality is not higher in women who have implants.
Saline implants were approved by FDA (Food and Drug Administration) in 2000 and silicone gel breast implants in 2006. FDA determined they're safe and effective. The manufacturers Allergan and Mentor Corporation were required by FDA to follow about 40,000 women for 10 years after receiving breast implants.

You can find scientific information about the safety of silicone breast implants at www.breastimplantsafety.org.

Is Botox dangerous?

Even though Botox is a formulation of botulinum toxin type A, it is sterilized and purified for medical applications. Since Botox treatments are a non-surgical procedure, the risks and possible complications are infrequent, minimal and temporary. The most common reported side-effects are headaches, respiratory infection, flu syndrome, temporary eye-lid droop, and nausea.

Is there a right age to undergo Plastic Surgery?

This depends on the procedure and is determined on a case-by-case basis. Certain reconstructive surgery procedures have been performed on patients of all ages, while certain procedures are recommended for more mature patients. Consult with your Plastic surgeon to determine if you are a qualified candidate for the procedure you are considering.

Is Plastic Surgery dangerous?

There is always the risk of complications occurring during the operation and even after the operation. Each individual procedure has its share of risks. Complications can be reduced significantly by choosing the right doctor. If you have any questions or concerns about the procedure you are considering, please share these feelings with your surgeon.

Do you need Anesthesia for Plastic Surgery?

Almost all Plastic Surgery procedures require some form of anesthesia. Check with your Plastic Surgeon as to which anesthesia he or she will use during your operation.

How many procedures can I have at the same time?

Multiple procedures are done at the surgeon's discretion. Having multiple procedures performed at the same time is less expensive than having them performed individually. The benefit of doing multiple areas at one time is that you take advantage of the operating room. You have already paid for the anesthesia and hospital fees. Having the procedure performed separately means you have to pay for these expenses again. Also, doing all the procedures at one time can allow you to only have to take one vacation from work for recovery. However, there is increased risk of complications. For example, by having multiple procedures performed, the patient risks having a prolonged exposure to general anesthesia. Consult with your surgeon if you are considering having multiple procedures

What kind of procedures are offered in cosmetic dentistry?

Brazilian dentists are known to be top professionals, experienced, with a solid training and are very kind and sensible with their patients. CosmeticVacations offers dental procedures like crowns-implants, bone grafting, dental bleaching and orthognathic surgery.

Are dental implants always painful?

A special technique used here in Rio de Janeiro is close to be painless. It works with no bistouries or suture points. This revolutionary treatment is 90% less traumatic than a dental extraction. In most of cases, the complete treatment is done within 10 to 15 days (implant plus porcelain crown), instead of 6 to 12 months with regular known implants.

What is LASIK Eye Surgery?

The name LASIK is short for “laser-assisted in situ keratomileusis.” It´s a surgery procedure that uses laser to correct vision. Good vision is usually achieved almost immediately or the next day. Most of people can live without contact lenses or glasses after the surgery.

What is bariatric surgery?

All the weight loss procedures are called bariatric surgery. Bariatric surgery procedures are known to be the most effective and long lasting treatment for cases of morbid obesity. Most Bariatric surgery patients quickly lose weight and it goes on up to 24 months after the procedure.

They are gastrointestinal operations that reduce the stomach size and some of them rearrange the small intestine to reduce the calories absorbed. To do the Bariatric surgery, your BMI (Body Mass Index) must be 40 or more, which features morbid obesity. In case of obesity-related disease(tipe 2 diabetes, heart diseases or sleep apnea), the BMI can be 35 or more.

The most common Bariatric surgery procedures are Gastric Bypass, Gastric Banding, Biliopancreatic Bypass and Duodenal Switch. It is important to talk to your surgeon and discuss about the best procedure for your case. (links)

You can find more specific information about Bariatric surgery at www.asmbs.org (American Society for Metabolic & Bariatric Surgery - ASMBS)

What causes hair loss?

The most common cause of hair loss is inheritance. Men and women inherit the gene for hair loss from either or both parents. Men are most commonly affected by the inherited gene as the hormone, testosterone, activates the genetic program causing loss of hair follicles. Currently there is no known method of stopping this type of hair loss. The age of onset, extent, and rate of hair loss varies from person to person.

Do hair transplants really work?

Yes. The transplanted hair is removed from one area of the body (donor site) and transferred to another (recipient site). The transferred tissue is not "rejected" as it is not foreign tissue. The transplanted hair maintains it's own characteristics; color, texture, growth rate, and curl, after transplantation and regrowth. The vitality of the grafted follicle is maintained by the rich blood supply to the scalp. Originally, large circular grafts containing 15-20 hairs were transplanted resulting in noticeable and unnatural results. Over years, instruments and techniques have been developed that allow us to achieve truly natural results by transplanting small grafts very close together. We have found that hair grows from the scalp in groups of one, two, and three hair follicles. We transfer these groups of follicles after eliminating the excess surrounding fatty tissue. This allows the grafts to be placed closer together resulting in a denser and more natural result.

What can be expected after hair restoration surgery?

The post-operative course will depend on adherence to the instructions given after surgery. Small scabs will form on the scalp at the graft sites. Generally speaking, these scabs disappear in 4-7days. Shampooing can be resumed 24 hours after surgery. The suture (stitch) used in the donor area is undetectable as it is completely covered by your existing hair. An appointment will be made for the suture to be removed one week after surgery. It is advisable to take at least two days off work after surgery. A baseball type cap can be worn at anytime after surgery. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity for at least five days after surgery. Typically the grafted hair will shed in 2-4 weeks. New growth will begin in 3-4 months and length will increase approximately 1/2 inch per month.

What will it look like after the procedure?

The grafts form small scabs in the days after the procedure. If one has enough surrounding hair, these scabs can be camouflaged with creative styling. If not, the small scabs may be visible but do not attract much attention. By keeping the scalp moist, the scabs usually come off in about a week or so.

Are hair transplants expensive?

Hair transplantation is more expensive than a hair piece or some alternative treatments. However considering that the results are permanent, most people consider it a good investment in their future happiness.