As the Dominican Republic continues to grow as a major destination for health tourism, a leading plastic surgeon has warned patients to thoroughly research doctors and clinics before undergoing cosmetic procedures.
The Caribbean nation has become increasingly popular for people travelling from around the world to improve their appearance, drawn by the availability of trained specialists.
Manuel Torreira, a specialist in the field, advised that anyone deciding to undergo a procedure should verify their chosen doctor has the necessary skills to operate without putting their physical or emotional health at risk.
Torreira specified that patients should ensure their surgeon is a member of the Dominican Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, known as Sodocipre.
He added that medical professionals must demonstrate professional ethics and hygiene, and must be willing to refuse surgery if a patient's condition makes them unfit for a procedure.
Financial gain should never take priority over patient welfare, Torreira warned, noting that patients who fail to meet health requirements should not enter an operating room under any circumstances.
He said pre-surgery evaluations must be rigorous and supported by qualified professionals and competent laboratories.
Verifying clinic standards
Beyond choosing a certified doctor, Torreira highlighted the importance of checking the safety and hygiene standards of the medical centre where the surgery will take place.
He said that while selecting a certified doctor usually means choosing a clinic that meets surgical protocols, patients should still make an effort to learn about the facility beforehand.
The Dominican Republic has many specialised medical centres equipped with high quality technology that comply with safety, hygiene and licensing regulations, Torreira noted. He is also certified by the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
He concluded that the responsibility ultimately lies with patients to research and choose their medical providers carefully.
Word of mouth warnings
Torreira cautioned against relying solely on personal recommendations when selecting a surgeon.
A positive outcome does not always indicate safe medical practices, he explained. Even if a friend or acquaintance had a successful surgery, individuals should still conduct independent research into the doctor and the clinic.
This independent verification helps patients avoid inexperienced practitioners and increases the chances of achieving safe, positive results, he said.
Following the procedure, patients must strictly follow all post-operative recommendations from their doctor.
Torreira stated that if patients choose their doctor carefully, avoid relying completely on hearsay, and maintain discipline during recovery, there is no reason to be afraid.
He reaffirmed that the Dominican Republic remains one of the best destinations for plastic surgery in the region.
