Philippines Healthcare EXPOSED What You Need to Know

Summary

In this personal video, the narrator shares their journey with eye surgeries—cataract removal and festoon removal (severe eye bags). They detail the difficulties they faced with their condition, the surgical process, unexpected challenges, and the costs involved. The narrator also shares insights into the expertise of the surgeons and the recovery process, making this a helpful resource for anyone considering similar procedures. With humor and candidness, they offer valuable information about the experience, including travel, medical care, and the emotional side of the recovery.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker shares a personal story about undergoing cataract surgery and eye bag (festoons) removal.
• 😀 The cataract surgery was performed in two stages: right eye first, followed by the left eye, which had some complications.
• 😀 The speaker explains that festoons are large, swollen eye bags primarily affecting Caucasians, which caused chronic dry eye.
• 😀 The removal of festoons was necessary to improve the lower eyelid and relieve dry eye symptoms.
• 😀 The eye bag removal surgery took longer than expected, lasting about 5 hours due to prior complications with the speaker's eyelid surgery from 2003 or 2004.
• 😀 The speaker had cataract surgery with mono lenses (basic lenses) and is expecting to wear bifocal, transitional glasses afterward.
• 😀 The total cost for both cataract surgeries and the festoon removal surgery was $2,300 USD for the cataract removal and $1,000 USD for the eye bag removal.
• 😀 Travel expenses (round-trip flights and accommodation) for the surgery trip totaled around $350 USD.
• 😀 The speaker praises the skill of the surgeons, particularly a father-son team, and highlights the thoroughness of the procedure.
• 😀 The recovery process involves ice packs, gel, and a follow-up visit, with some post-surgery bleeding due to physical strain from opening a heavy door.
• 😀 The speaker humorously mentions avoiding public appearances due to the visible post-surgery swelling, comparing it to a Roy Orbison imitation.

Q & A

What is the main reason for the video being created?

The video was created to explain the creator's experience with cataract surgery and eye bag removal, including the procedure, costs, and recovery process.

What were the issues with the creator's eyes before the surgeries?

The creator had cataracts in both eyes and a condition called 'festoons,' which are large, balloon-like eye bags that caused chronic dry eye and affected the lower eyelids.

What is a festoon, and how does it differ from regular eye bags?

A festoon is an unusually large and heavy type of eye bag, typically affecting only Caucasians. It is more severe than regular dark circles or bags under the eyes and can cause skin to drag down the lower eyelids.

How did the creator's cataract surgery go?

The cataract surgery for both eyes was successful. The surgery on the right eye went smoothly, while the left eye required more care due to some irritation that cleared up after a few weeks.

Why did the creator's eye bag removal take longer than expected?

The procedure took longer because the creator had undergone a previous surgery on his upper eyelids, which left stitches that the doctor had to work around during the eye bag removal.

What was the cost of the cataract surgery and the eye bag removal?

The cataract surgery for both eyes cost $2,300, while the eye bag (festoons) removal cost approximately $1,000, bringing the total to about $3,300 for both procedures.

Where did the creator have the surgeries done?

The creator had the surgeries performed at a medical center in Cebu, Philippines, and stayed at a nearby hotel for the duration of the recovery process.

What is the expected recovery process after the eye bag removal surgery?

The recovery process involves applying ice packs, using gel, and attending follow-up visits to monitor progress. The recovery period may take a few weeks.

How did the creator describe the anesthesia used during the surgery?

The creator was awake during the surgery, and the doctor used a local anesthetic to numb the face, similar to how a dentist numbs the area before a procedure. The discomfort during the injection was minimal.

What lessons or takeaways does the creator share about the procedures?

The creator recommends finding a skilled surgeon and emphasizes the importance of thoroughness during the procedure. He also highlights the affordability of medical care in the Philippines compared to the U.S.