Out: ‘Dr. 90210.’ In: Cirugía Plástica en Guadalajara.
Travel Blog • Ben Keene • 08.07.07 | 11:00 AM ET
Thailand and India have already staked their claim to the growing medical tourism market, and according to a recent article in the Christian Science Monitor, Mexico appears to be the next country cashing in. Sara Miller Llana reports that price, proximity and a large number of American retirees in the state of Jalisco have helped make it—and the capital city in particular—the destination of choice for those looking for a nip and a tuck.
“While ISAPS [International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery] could not confirm the ratio, those in Guadalajara like to boast that the city has more certified plastic surgeons per capita [than] anywhere in Latin America outside Rio de Janeiro. Guadalajara also has a public hospital that gives poor people access to plastic surgery at discounted rates, says plastic surgeon Jose Guerrerosantos.
‘We say that no one is unattractive in Guadalajara,’ jokes Martha Venegas, a resident here. ‘There are poor people, but no ugly ones.’”
And although the ISAPS stresses caution for individuals considering a trip to Mexico or elsewhere for less-expensive elective care, they neglect to provide any additional reasons for visiting the “Pearl of the West.” So I’ll offer one: Guadalajara, you see, happens to be less than 50 miles from Tequila, another town with a disproportionately attractive population.
Related on World Hum:
* Voluntourism: Assisting The Flying Doctors in Mexico
* Groan-Inducing Headline of the Week: ‘The InciDENTAL Tourist’
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