My Premier “MedEscape”…

Where do I begin? I feel it is important for you to understand that I have learned a lot about the often-used term “Medical Tourism”. Every day, I learn something new that I believe is important in the entire process.

I guess I should begin with my first experience with cosmetic surgery in 2005. I had my work done in Coral Gables, FL by a doctor that had been recommended to me by my sister-in law. I must admit that I was quite naïve to the whole process. I familiarized myself with his credentials and had received some glowing feedback from people that had used him. For me, that was enough to make my decision.

I was pleased with the results, but two things bothered me about the experience, the cost and the little accessibility (before and after) I had with the doctor.

About a year later, I watched a program on TV about Medical Tourism. The concept was intriguing and I wanted to learn more about it. Then, I was at a family function and was shown an article in the newspaper about the same topic. About the same time, I was considering some additional cosmetic surgery so I wanted to check out what all of the “hype” was about.

When I first started researching, I said to myself, “Am I nuts?” Why would I want to leave my safe and  familiar surroundings to have a medical procedure done outside the US? I can certainly find a doctor with great credentials right down the road.

But those 2 nagging things that bothered me from my first experience made me keep researching.

I started evaluating the doctors and I learned that there are many with comparable credentials outside of the US. I started contacting them and was surprised at how accessible they were in corresponding and speaking to me directly.

I decided that in order to allay my fears about traveling outside the US, I had to meet them. In fact, I decided to meet quite a few. While I was there, I also wanted to examine the facilities (hospitals and clinics) where they do their work. I met many, some were what I would have expected to find at home, and some weren’t. But once I realized that my concerns about safety and quality of care were unfounded, the decision to have cosmetic surgery abroad became an easy one. Obviously, the cost savings is what everyone hears about, but for me, I needed to do my homework first.

Needless to say, I am very pleased with having traveled abroad for my surgery. There is so much more about creating a great experience and I believe there is a story to be told that I'd like to share with you. Looking forward to it!

Lourdes Gasparoni
President, International Operations  

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

I met with one of Houston’s “Super Dentists” for a cosmetic dentistry consultation. He provided me with a quote for a complete dental makeover which included six veneers and 22 crowns. I then contacted Premier MedEscape and provided them with the written quote from the “Super Dentist”. Within short order, their efficient staff provided me with a quote to do the exact dental work..only at nearly 1/3 the cost of the Houston “Super Dentist”.

For the same amount of money I would have spent to have my cosmetic dentistry done in Houston, I had the exact dental work done by a Baylor-trained cosmetic dentist in San Jose, Costa Rica. Plus, my wife and I paid for a wonderful one week vacation, including airfare and accommodations at a 5-star hotel.

PLUS I had enough money left over to buy a sports car!

George C. Turek
CEO, MES Solutions
The Woodlands, TX
georgecturek@mesgroup.com

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

I had spent the past year considering having cosmetic surgery. I had done quite a bit of research and consideration in having the work done in the Miami area. I had seen an article on traveling outside the US and decided to contact Premier MedEscape. I was very impressed with the knowledge their staff had and that they were able to answer all of my questions.They were very precise in providing me a clear picture of the details that were involved and coordinated the entire trip. I decided to travel to Buenos Aires, Argentina where I had dental and cosmetic work. I liked the fact that Premier MedEscape was able to provide me all of their credentials and experience. I was also pleased to know that the Plastic Surgeon had completed some of his training with very reputable surgeons in the US. It was a great experience with fantastic results.  I would recommend Buenos Aires to anyone considering Plastic Surgery, it s such a beautiful city!

Teresita Padilla
Coral Gables, FL
terpadilla@yahoo.com

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

I am very grateful to Premier MedEscape for transforming me into a new woman and making me feel beautiful.

I traveled to Bogota Colombia and the excellent treatment, lodging and especially the personalized attention that the doctors provided me, for me was very important and appreciated. I went by myself and was a bit anxious, but once I arrived I was treated like family. I did miss my family at first but after a few days I felt at home.

The doctors were very thorough in their explanation of my treatment, eliminating my doubts,and above all gave me much support. Most importantly, thanks to Premier MedEscape, I feel like a new person. I love my new smile and figure and getting "made up" more. My family has even commented on how happy I am. My Medescape was well worth it, I assure you, as I can assure you that my great new found friend, "Ms. Lourdes", who organized the entire trip for me, would be the person I call if I needed any "touch ups" or additional work.

Post surgery I returned home weighing 26 lbs. less with a movie star smile and a nose more beautiful than Angelina Jolie's. In addition, I made some new friends who I am very grateful to for everything they've done for me.

Thank you from the bottom of my heart,

Maria Belen Coca
Madrid, Spain

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

I have only good things to say about Premier MedEscape and Lourdes who organized my surgical trip to Bogota, Colombia. I received excellent service and my trip was tailored to my specific needs. I didn't have to worry about a thing since Premier MedEscape coordinated the trip and surgery from start to finish.

My surgeon was very professional with the type of precision that left me very pleased with my results. Additionally, he is a very caring person. He performed a full liposculpture and extended tummy tuck on me, from which I lost 23 lbs. and gained 100% confidence. I must also mention the great care and personalized attention I received from Mayerly, my nurse throughout the recuperation process.

 The truth is I have felt in very good hands at all times before, during and after my surgery and am very pleased with my results.

Lourdes and Premier MedEscape have shown an outstanding commitment to me throughout my entire journey. I had the opportunity to meet her while I was in Bogota and she has continued to follow-up with me after my return home. She and the doctor have ensured that my post-operative care has gone well and they have made me feel very secure and supported.

All there is left to say is Thank You for everything!!

-Lidia Vidal
Barcelona, Spain

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

Hello. My name is Christine McGuire. I am a 35 year old house wife.

When I got married 15 years ago I was a spokesmodel!!!

Six months ago I was 200 pounds. I looked in the mirror and had two chins.
I had some money in the bank, and I asked myself, should I get a new car or a new body?

I contacted Premier MedEscape and found the answer (finally I was able to use use my passport too!).

I went to Costa Rica and had full body liposuction. I took all the time I need to rest (and not on the couch). I was pampered, they took care of EVERYTHING. Lourdes was a great friend through the whole process and still is to this day.

I’m down to a size 10. It has changed my life. My family is active like never before.

Only you can change your life (and thank god for the blessings we get)!

Christine McGuire
North Palm Beach, FL

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

My experience in Bogota, Colombia with Premier MedEscape was a good one. This was my second rhinoplasty surgery and I was very nervous. I had previously had a rhinoplasty in the Dominican Republic. From the minute I arrived in Colombia to my departure, I was well fed and taken care of. Their nurse is very helpful and is always around when you need her. I received check up calls to make sure everything went well. I chose to go with Dr. Amaya and after meeting with the doctor, I was put at ease.

So far my recovery is going smoothly and my outcome turned out better than expected. Lourdes is always good with answering emails and phone calls. You will not feel forgotten after your surgery. You will always have a person to call and talk to whether its the doctor, nurse or Premier MedEscape. Overall, I am very happy with everything and I have not one complaint.

Virginia Pepe
Jersey City, NJ

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

Well we made it! We had a wonderful time. It was probably the best vacation we have had. I know you're interested in the surgery though.. I guess I will start at the
beginning. As you know, I had Bariatric Surgery in Costa Rica. The surgery was a complete success. It did take about 2 hours more than usual because of my prior surgery. We arrived on Wednesday and went straight to the hotel. It was raining when we arrived. They were on the heels of a tropical depression which was causing all day rain as opposed to the half day of sun, half day of rain they usually experience in the rainy season. The hotel and pool area was lovely.

Thursday morning tests began at Clinica Biblica. Starlene, w/the Hospital's International Dept grew up a missionary kid there in Costa Rica, and it was her job to work us through the hospital, speaking for us, getting us where we need to be, etc. Very sweet. She did an excellent job. I had blood work, electrocardiogram, and an endoscopy. I was told my heart was as healthy as a teenager's. My blood pressure was 100/80. I saw the photos taken during the endoscopy. The lining of my stomach had completely grown over the metal staples from the prior surgery. Anyway, I then saw the nutritionist, who was nice. He had a coffee table w/rubber replicas of food spread all over it. They were able to work in all of my testing on Thursday. We had a lovely steak dinner at the hotel restaurant that night (we called it the Last Supper).

Friday we had free, we went to a water volcano and then to the waterfall gardens. That was pretty amazing. There we went into an aviary and a butterfly garden. The snake thing was closed (no problem).

Carlos picked us up Saturday morning and we arrived at the hospital at 7:00. Surgery began a little late, it began around 10:00ish. The first thing I remember is being back in my room, I do not remember recovery. Stan laughed because he said I was so swollen I looked like a cabbage doll, one eye was so puffy it was closed. Dr. Zafrani was great. . Very nice, genuine, etc. He said the surgery came off w/out a hitch. It usually takes 45 minutes, mine took almost 3 hrs. He performed the vertical sleeve gastrectomy. I now have a banana shaped stomach.

Monday, a home health nurse came to the hotel to change my dressing and check on my progress. She was wonderful. But she "no habla English" so our communications looked a lot like the pepto bismal commercial. I felt like I was at about 90% that day. We went to the central market in downtown San Jose. Basically a huge warehouse setup w/1,000 vendors, darkish inside, very tight. Something you might imagine in the Far East. I did not enjoy this much because of the overlapping smells. There were flowers next to fish next to herbs next to spices. Stan tried an empanada, bought a cane, then we escaped for air.

Tuesday I felt back to my old self. The nurse came, we played charades, she changed my dressing and left. We spent that morning by the pool and went to the "big" mall, called Multiplaza. I watched Stan eat some really great food that week. I had bullion, jello, juice, and broth, sipping my way through Costa Rica.

Wednesday we arrived at the hospital around 11:00. Dr. Zafrani yanked my hose. I didn't even feel it. I told him how things have come a long way. 20 years ago I had a row of stainless steal staples and they sent me home w/a puller of my very own to remove them myself. He released me from his care. He said I would have 2 or 3 days of more drainage and it would heal over itself. I had a little drainage on the bandage he applied and no more after that. I am from a family of quick healers.

After that we went back to the resort, packed an overnight bag and headed w/Carlos to Jaco Bay Beach. What a ride that was. 3 hours of winding roads, up and down and up again. This resort was very modest, no TV or telephone, but our room opened up right onto the beach. I was given instructions by the Dr. "no sun, no water" so Stan played in the surf and I was the old lady reading a book under the palm tree. We explored the tiny village of Jaco, which completely exists on tourism. One shop after another, where you could buy wood fashioned into anything with a bird painted on it. Good restaurants. Stan had Thai food one night and mahi mahi the next day.

We did a canopy tour that day. Don't worry! It was no strain for my stomach at all - well you know that if you sit back in your harnice and pull your legs up close to you, your stomach muscles are not used at all. FUN!! It was the highlight of the trip. We met the funniest family from CA on this tour. Thoroughly enjoyed them. After all that Stan enjoyed the water a little while more, and then we headed back to San Jose. When we told Carlos about the canopy tour he asked "what did your doctor say?" I replied, "he said no sun-no water - not a word about tree tops."

We had to leave for the airport at 6:00 am Friday. We arrived at the airport at 4:00 pm. My children met us there.

We could not have asked for a better trip. Everything went off without a hitch. The weather cooperated w/us. Having the concierge on our trips really made it nice. The hospital was immaculate and well organized. I would definitely go there again. It was great... We had a big time.

I want to especially thank you Lourdes, you did a wonderful job. I am definitely going to call you for our next “Medescape”. Stan said we should get his and hers face lifts. :)

Terri Ingram
Edwards, MS

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

I traveled to Bogota, Colombia for Plastic Surgery through Premier MedEscape. I can only say positive things about my surgical experience. I was provided with excellent service and great medical care. The nurse was one of the best and her company was truly great. I left with a friend. I love my results and could not ask for more. I am overall, very happy and would refer anyone.

Aimee Marte
Jersey City, NJ

Premier MedEscape Testimonial

I just got back from Colombia, getting a procedure done with the help of Premier MedEscape. It was my first invasive surgical procedure, and done overseas at that!

Premier MedEscape went out of their way to make sure my first experience was a good and comfortable one. Lourdes and her entire team is amazing. She is extremely professional, yet down to earth. She and her staff are there whenever I would call or email. They are very quick to respond to any questions or concerns you may have, pre, during or post-operatively.

They graciously “hold your hand” throughout the entire process which turned a possibly frightening experience into a wonderfully smooth one, They literally took care of everything!

So far, I am recuperating nicely as planned after my rhinoplasty procedure and although the doctor’s work is done and I am back in the states, I know I can contact the doctor by phone at any time.

Also, I had some dental work done and my smile has never looked better!

Overall, Im very satisfied with the service, and I plan to tell my story to anyone considering cosmetic work. If I ever plan on getting any more cosmetic surgery in the future, I will certainly contact Premier MedEscape. The level of courtesy, hospitality and professionalism exceeded my expectations. I would HIGHLY recommend them.

Thanks again!

Patti Romain
New Jersey