Anderson Cooper’s motto is “Be honest about what you see, let the story reveal itself, and get out of the way.”

Recently, a feature on plastic surgery in Mexico was aired on Mr.Cooper’s CNN news magazine.
The question asked was “Would you have plastic surgery in Mexico?”Here are some veiwer comments taken from the show’s blog:

Umm, no. Surgery is risky enough without letting someone who is most likely not even a trained professional do the job. There are things you can get away with buying cheap (like Q-tips) and things that you must splurge on if you want to be sure of what you’re getting (like surgery!). My advice to anyone considering discount plastic surgery over the border: Seek a second opinion - from a psychiatrist.
Posted By Al, Long Island, NY : 4:16 PM ET

Girlygirl’s response: Yes, surgery is risky - noone will disagree with that. However, to describe a plastic surgeon in Mexico as someone “who is most likely not even trained to do the job” is far from the truth. Many of the surgeons discussed on PSJ are known for their artistic talent, have extensive educations, and are even certified with American organizations. The bottom line is patients need to do thier research.

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There are some good doctors who do excellent work and can help with the financial burden, however, it requires much due diligence on your part to find the right ones.
Posted By Matt, Los Angeles : 5:44 PM ET

4 years ago, I traveled to a small town of Acuna, Mexico. I had a lap band done. I research My Dr. for over a year. The care that I received at the small hospital was great and keep in mind I had the language barrior with most of the nurses. My Dr. before I left gave me his cell phone number if I had any problems. He was going on vacation the next. When back in Colorado I had some questions and called him while he was on vacation. He happily told helped me. I could not have been happier. The Mexican Dr.s had been to doing the lap-band surgery 10 years prior to it being approved in the US. They taught many of the American Dr.s the procedure. The sad thing is that it took several years until I found an American Dr. to make adjustments on my band. Do your home work before you make the decision.
Posted By Donna Pueblo, Colorado : 6:28 PM ET

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I had breast enlargement surgery in Mexico back in 1992. The experience was a little un-nerving because I ended up with an infection in one breast and capsules formed around both implants making the breast appear a little harder then normal. The infection was treated with antibiotics and the capsules that formed were torn apart and worked out by my medical doctor who happened to have some experience with this type surgery. When I first went in for a consult to have the breast enlargement surgery I explained to the doctor that I wanted my breast to be a small C (I was a small B) and he tried to talk me into getting a D because he said with my height and bone structure I could handle D cup. I explained that I would not feel comfortable with such large breast and told him I wanted to go with a small C. I wish I would have had trusted that little voice inside that told me to look for another doctor because as it turned out
I not only ended up with an infection, and capsules that surrounded each implant but I also ened up a D Cup.
If I ever choose to go out of the country again for plastic surgery I will be sure to do the research required and I will not doubt the little voice inside.
It is 14 years later and while my implants have held up well, I really have never gotten use to my large chest size.
Posted By W. Owens Mansfield, Ohio : 6:36 PM ET

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One of the main problems with seeking unecessary medical attention outside of your home country is that it is more difficult to check references and get the opinions from previous patients/customers. With that said, why anyone would risk putting themselves in the hands of a stranger thinking their money buys trust and assurance is beyond me. How far would I go? As far as credibility, reliability, experience and good feedback from others would take me. For now I’ll stick with the gym as my health and beauty regimen. That way I only have myself to blame if I look and feel worse instead of better.
Posted By Sarah Anne, Toronto, ON, Canada : 6:45 PM ET

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As with most things, fools who shop on price alone get what they deserve.
Cheap people know the cost of everything but the value of nothing.
No sympathy here.
Posted By Jack,Tampa,FL : 9:08 PM ET

Girlygirl’s Response: I don’t think anyone should decide on PS because of price alone. They should choose it because they trust that they will be safe, have a satisfactory outcome, and enjoy the seclusion of going away for PS a0ong other things. Of coarse, saving a few thousand dollars is an added bonus.

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I’m a bargain hunter, but I don’t think I’d go to Mexico or any other country for plastic surgery. My main reason is that if the patient has complications down the line, he or she might have to board a plane to be examined by the surgeon. Bottom line - there are shady surgeons in every country. Judging cosmetic patients and trying to change society is not the answer. Doing your homework is.
Posted By Michelle G., Land O’Lakes, FL : 10:06 PM ET

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as an American who lived in Mexico for years and had several surgeries there, I can tell you that the facilities are as modern and doctors as trained as they are here. You just have to do your homework as others have stated. Those of you on here who believe that some television report you saw on some exploitative (yes, CNN, ABC, NBC etc are all exploitative) show is representative of the majority of cases are the ones who need to have your head examined. These attitudes are also for the most part based on ignorance and even racism. The average life expectancy in Mexico is very much comparable to the US so where do you think Mexicans are getting their medical work done?? THINK, PEOPLE!
Posted By Jesse, Charlotte, NC : 1:04 AM ET

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I think the story does reveal itself - do your homework and surgery abroad is a viable option.