Advisory on Traveling Out of the United States for Cosmetic Treatments
This surge in demand is primarily fueled by the discounted cost of aesthetic services in countries such as Mexico, Costa Rico, Brazil, Turkey, South Korea, and Japan. Consumers are attracted to the affordability of a wide range of aesthetic treatments, from non-surgical options like facial injectables (BOTOX® Cosmetic and fillers), laser and light-based therapies, and hair regeneration, as well as plastic and cosmetic surgeries.
But with these appealing prices comes an important question: is seeking aesthetic care abroad truly advisable?
According to an article by U.S. News, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recently released an advisory stating, “Americans suffered serious complications — including bacterial infections and, in some cases, death — after travelling within the country and abroad for cosmetic procedures.”1
“It is quite unfortunate that consumers are willing to prioritize cost of the desired aesthetic service over safety concerns,” says Dr. Rebecca Baxt, board-certified dermatologist. “In my years of solo practice and prior with my parents, Dr. Sherwood Baxt, plastic surgeon and Dr. Saida Baxt, dermatologist, we have seen many patients with undesirable results and medical problems.”
Dr. Rebecca Baxt has treated many patients dealing with persistent redness after microneedling procedures performed abroad, as well as numerous cases of poorly administered Botox injections. “Thank goodness that is temporary and usually easier to fix,” she says.
She has also seen complications from unknown fillers done outside the country. “Since the patient has no records, I don’t have any idea what was done,” Dr. Baxt explains. “These cases are harder to fix.”
If you’re thinking about traveling outside of the United States for an aesthetic procedure, and the lower price or the appeal of a built-in vacation is tempting, remember that the provider’s training, qualifications, products, safety standards, and certifications may not match the rigorous requirements upheld in the United States!
Choose a Board-Certified Dermatologist for your Non-Surgical Aesthetic Treatments
Buyer beware! When aesthetic procedures go wrong, the consequences can be serious and lifelong.
If you’re considering traveling abroad for an aesthetic treatment, schedule a consultation with Dr. Rebecca Baxt first to get accurate information, understand the risks, and make an informed decision. Call us at (201) 265-1300.
Expert Advice from Dr. Rebecca Baxt
- Weight Loss Drugs and the Effects on Your Skin and Hair
- At What Age Should You Start BOTOX® Or Facial Fillers?
- FDA Safety Warning on Radiofrequency (RF) Microneedling
- Medspa Mistakes
1 Sunny, M. (2026, June 2). US CDC Flags Health Risks Linked to Travel-Related Cosmetic Procedures. U.S. News. https://www.usnews.com/news/us/articles/2026-06-02/us-cdc-flags-health-risks-linked-to-travel-related-cosmetic-procedures
