Hi, think I can shed some light on this topic. I volunteered for a U.S. plastic surgeon when I was going to a medical assistant vocational school. U.S. surgeons have to charge higher rates due to the high cost of malpractice insurance, among other things. There is a website
www.makemeheal.com where you can compare plastic surgeons all over the world and the surgeons are reviewed by their clients. Many people travel to other countries to save a ton of money. Yes, there are some very dangerous surgeons but the website is very good at tracking and verifying the safe and good surgeons out there.
In my case, I went to my local U.S. surgeon and had him examine me and notate any of the procedures I was interested in. I was able to skype and send the info to my Mexican surgeon (who just happened to be a surgical instructor in California) and he was able to give me what I wanted and for a third of what I paid. My only complaint about my tummy tuck is that my belly button is not quite center but I look much better than I did before I had it done. Putting up with the uncomfortable travel and visiting somewhere outside your comfort zone can save you a ton of money if you do your research and ask a ton of questions.