Medical tourism in Mexico continues to develop rapidly – as does its reputation – due to the high quality of doctors, facilities, amenities and significantly reduced costs. In 2022, an estimated 1.2 million people traveled to Mexico for elective medical care according to Patients Without Borders, and medical tourism is expected to grow significantly in 2024. The medical process — from diagnosis to recovery — can be of exceptional quality and cost less than 40% of similar treatments in the US
For guidance on choosing a doctor and choosing a laser skin treatment that fits your needs, we spoke with Mexican dermatologist Dr. Daniela Lara Del Valle, its founder and CEO Clínica de la Piel Dermantra in San Miguel de Allende. Her responses have been translated and edited for this article.
Cosmetic treatments in the United States can be expensive: the average cost of a laser skin resurfacing procedure is US$1,489 according to the most recent statistics from American Society of Plastic Surgeons. So it’s perhaps no surprise that a growing number of U.S. residents are crossing the border into Mexico in search of more affordable laser treatments, saving anywhere from 35% to 80% on cosmetic treatment, according to Medical Tourism Mexico.
Paying less does not mean you get a lower quality of service. Doctors in Mexico share the same high quality standards as doctors in the US or any international practice that uses cutting edge healthcare technology.
However, as with anywhere you receive such treatments, you must ensure that your doctor adheres to the highest standards of hygiene and professionalism.
What is laser skin resurfacing?
Laser is a form of light energy, used to treat various skin conditions and for cosmetic procedures through the stimulated emission of radiation that vaporizes the outer layers of the skin to promote the growth of new collagen fibers.
The letters in the word laser represent largeright ONEreinforcement from smallsimulation mmission of Rradiation.
When do I need laser skin resurfacing treatment?
A laser procedure provides a better aesthetic result for people with skin imperfections.
Laser treatments are effective in reducing premature signs of skin aging such as wrinkles and age spots, scarring, rosacea, enlarged pores and melasma. It can also treat spider veins, benign growths such as freckles or moles, and stretch marks, among other conditions.
There are several types of laser rthat comes to the surface, or is it the same for every skin type?
There are two forms of resurfacing lasers: carbon dioxide (CO2) lasers and erbium lasers, which create a uniform injury to the skin in the affected area. The other form is fractionated CO2 laser therapy, which punctures the skin.
CO2 laser reset
CO2 laser resurfacing treats various benign and malignant skin conditions in addition to wrinkles, scars, moles, warts and other problems. A newer generation CO2 laser uses a unique light source to precisely target the affected areas of the skin.
Erbium laser reset
Erbium laser resurfacing removes superficial and moderately deep lines and wrinkles on the face, arms, neck or chest. This laser causes less swelling, bruising and redness than CO2 lasers, making recovery faster.
Fractional laser refacing
This technique opens narrow columns of holes deep into the layers of the skin while leaving the surrounding skin intact. With this treatment, less skin is injured.
What should my doctor in Mexico assess before advising? laser pdoes it surface?
Every patient needs a medical evaluation before being considered a candidate for laser resurfacing.
An ideal candidate will have any of the following requirements:
- Uneven skin pigmentation
- Acne or chicken pox scars
- Skin scars or marks
- Age spots or liver spots
- Sun damaged skin
- Unresponsive skin after a facelift
- Fine lines or wrinkles around or under the eyes, forehead or mouth
- Enlarged pores in the nose.
People with the following conditions are advised not to have laser resurfacing:
- Active acne
- Very dark skin
- Deep wrinkles
- Excessive or loose skin
- Keloid or hypertrophic scars
- Herpes
- Autoimmune disease
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Sun exposure after laser
Patients should always tell their doctor about any medications they are using, as some may pose risks during laser treatment.
What are the possible side effects of laser resurfacing in Mexico?
As with any treatment, the side effects of laser resurfacing are the same in every country. The following are just some of the possible side effects:
- Bacterial, viral or fungal infection.
- Acne due to use of emollients
- Contact dermatitis
- Hyperpigmentation in phototypes IV to VI
- Hypopigmentation one month after laser surgery
- Fibrous scar and hyperpigmentation 12 months after surgery
Your Mexican health care provider must warn you of possible staining or pigmentation, blisters, or burns.
How many laser sessions will I need?
The sessions required for your treatment are those ordered by your dermatologist. In cases of removal — that is, in the treatment of tumors — one session is sufficient.
For treatments such as rejuvenation, spot treatment, tattoos, rosacea, stretch marks and scars – among other cosmetic treatments – your dermatologist will recommend three to six sessions (depending on your skin type), spaced between four and six weeks.
What do I need to know to choose a good dermatologist in Mexico?
Choosing a professional dermatologist is essential when undergoing laser resurfacing treatment in Mexico. Here are some tips:
- Find a specialized dermatology center.
- Make sure the staff is supervised by a board-certified dermatologist.
- Make sure the equipment is approved by the European Union or the USA Food and Drug Administration and by the Mexican Federal Commission for Protection against Health Risks (Cofepris).
It is not advisable to undergo laser resurfacing treatment in beauty centers that do not have a certified dermatologist who can guarantee the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.
Beware of illegal laser devices (generally made in China). These can put the patient at risk of getting skin burns even when handled by an experienced dermatologist.
What should I keep in mind after undergoing the procedure in Mexico?
Consider the recovery time after the procedure and the necessary care to avoid complications.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal or medical advice. The author and Mexico News Daily assume no responsibility or liability for any errors or omissions in the content of this website. Individuals should always consult qualified professionals regarding medical procedures, including plastic and/or cosmetic surgery and medical aesthetic treatments, and consider the applicable laws and regulations of their jurisdiction.
Gabriela Solis is a Mexican lawyer turned full-time writer. Born and raised in Guadalajara, she covers business, culture, lifestyle and travel for Mexico News Daily. You can follow the Dunas y Palmeras lifestyle blog.
