Deciding to have plastic surgery abroad is a significant decision — and the difference between a safe, successful experience and a dangerous one often comes down to how thoroughly you research before you book.
Dr. Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba, board-certified plastic surgeon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, gives you the complete checklist of questions every international patient should ask before committing to any surgeon or procedure abroad.
1. Is the Surgeon Board-Certified in Plastic Surgery?
This is the most important question you will ask. Board certification in plastic surgery requires years of specialized residency training — it is not the same as a general surgery certification or a cosmetic medicine course.
In the Dominican Republic, look for surgeons who are members of SODOCIPRE (Dominican Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery). Internationally, ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) and FILACP (Ibero-Latin American Federation of Plastic Surgery) memberships confirm that your surgeon meets the highest global standards.
Never assume a surgeon is board-certified — verify it directly.
2. Where Will My Surgery Be Performed?
This question eliminates one of the biggest risks in medical tourism. Your procedure must be performed in a fully accredited hospital — not a private clinic, office suite, or unlicensed facility.
Accredited hospitals have certified anesthesiologists, emergency protocols, intensive care capabilities, and infection control standards that private clinics often cannot match. Always confirm the name of the hospital where your surgery will take place — and verify that it is a real, accredited medical institution.
3. Who Will Be Administering My Anesthesia?
A certified anesthesiologist must be present for any major plastic surgery procedure. This is non-negotiable. Complications during anesthesia are one of the most serious risks in surgery — and they require a trained specialist to manage safely.
Ask specifically: will a certified anesthesiologist be present for my entire procedure? Some lower-cost facilities use nurse anesthetists or technicians instead — this is a serious red flag.
4. Can I See Before and After Photos of Real Patients?
Authentic before and after photos are one of the most reliable ways to evaluate a surgeon's aesthetic style, technical skill, and consistency of results. Ask to see multiple cases — not just the best one.
Look for:
- Natural, proportionate results that match your aesthetic goals
- Consistency across multiple patients and body types
- Clean, well-healed incisions and scars
- Real patient photos — not stock images or digitally altered results
5. What Is Included in the Price?
A quote that seems too good to be true often is. Before committing, ask for a complete, itemized breakdown of costs including:
- Surgeon's fee
- Anesthesia fee
- Hospital or facility fee
- Pre-operative lab work and medical clearance
- Post-operative garments and supplies
- Follow-up appointments during your stay
- Any potential revision or complication costs
Comparing only the base surgery price without accounting for these additional costs leads to unexpected expenses and financial stress during recovery.
6. What Happens If I Have a Complication?
This question separates trustworthy surgeons from those who are not. A responsible surgeon will have a clear, honest answer about their complication management protocol — both during your stay and after you return home.
Ask specifically:
- What is your complication rate for this procedure?
- What happens if I develop a complication during my stay?
- How do I reach you if I have a concern after I return home?
- Will you coordinate with my local doctor if needed?
7. How Much Experience Do You Have With International Patients?
Surgeons who regularly treat international patients understand the unique logistical, communication, and follow-up needs of patients traveling from abroad. They have established protocols for virtual consultations, remote follow-up, travel clearance, and post-operative coordination across time zones.
A surgeon with limited experience treating international patients may not be equipped to support you through the full journey — from pre-operative preparation to your safe return home.
8. Will I Have a Virtual Consultation Before Traveling?
A thorough virtual consultation before you travel is essential. It allows your surgeon to evaluate your goals, review your medical history, confirm your candidacy for the procedure, and establish a relationship before you arrive.
Any surgeon who is willing to book your surgery without a proper consultation — virtual or in-person — is a red flag. Surgery should never be booked based on price alone or without proper medical evaluation.
9. What Does My Post-Operative Care Look Like?
Post-operative care is one of the most critical — and most overlooked — aspects of plastic surgery abroad. Ask your surgeon:
- How many follow-up appointments will I have during my stay?
- When will drains be removed and who will remove them?
- How long do I need to stay before I can fly home safely?
- What remote follow-up support will I have after I return home?
- Who do I contact in an emergency after I leave the Dominican Republic?
Dr. Giudicelli provides structured post-operative follow-up during your stay in Santo Domingo and remote support via WhatsApp after you return home — ensuring you have direct access to your surgeon throughout your entire recovery.
10. What Are the Realistic Results for My Specific Case?
A trustworthy surgeon will give you honest, realistic expectations based on your specific anatomy — not just show you the best possible outcomes. They will tell you what is achievable for your body, what the limitations are, and what factors could affect your final result.
Be cautious of any surgeon who promises perfect results without thoroughly evaluating your case, or who agrees to perform procedures that are not appropriate for your anatomy or health status.
Why Dr. Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba Answers All 10
Dr. Giudicelli is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, member of ASPS, SODOCIPRE, and FILACP. He completed his residency at Hospital Salvador B. Gautier through the RENACIP program and has extensive experience treating international patients from the USA and Canada.
- All procedures performed in fully accredited surgical hospitals ✅
- Certified anesthesiologist present for every procedure ✅
- Real patient before and after results available ✅
- Complete, transparent pricing provided during consultation ✅
- Clear complication protocol and remote follow-up via WhatsApp ✅
- Free virtual consultation before any commitment ✅
- 4.8-star Google rating with 66+ verified international patient reviews ✅
Frequently Asked Questions
Is plastic surgery in the Dominican Republic safe?
Yes — when performed by a board-certified surgeon in an accredited hospital with proper protocols. The Dominican Republic has a long history of experienced plastic surgeons treating international patients safely and successfully. As with any country, the key is choosing the right surgeon and the right facility.
How do I verify a surgeon's credentials in the Dominican Republic?
Ask for proof of board certification and professional membership in SODOCIPRE, ASPS, or FILACP. These organizations maintain membership directories that can be verified independently. Never rely solely on a surgeon's own claims — verify through the organization directly.
What should I avoid when booking plastic surgery abroad?
Avoid booking based on price alone, choosing surgeons without verifiable credentials, agreeing to surgery in non-hospital settings, skipping a pre-operative consultation, and booking a return flight too soon after surgery.
How far in advance should I plan my surgery trip?
Most international patients plan 4-8 weeks in advance — allowing time for a virtual consultation, pre-operative preparation, travel planning, and arranging time off for recovery. Dr. Giudicelli's team will guide you through the full timeline during your consultation.
Ready to Ask the Right Questions?
Schedule your free virtual consultation with Dr. Jean Paul Giudicelli Saba today. We welcome every question — because an informed patient is a safe patient.
Contact us via WhatsApp or visit drgiudicelli.com.
