More Americans are jetting across state lines for cosmetic surgery, and the numbers are surprising. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, over 30 percent of cosmetic patients now travel outside their home metro area for procedures, a figure that has jumped dramatically in recent years as patients prioritize expertise over convenience.
At the center of this trend is Dr. David Pincus of Pincus Plastic Surgery, one of the most sought-after cosmetic surgeons for patients flying between New York and Florida. With offices in Smithtown, NY and Boca Raton, FL, Dr. Pincus has become a destination choice for high-impact procedures like Brazilian butt lifts, breast augmentation, tummy tucks, and facial rejuvenation.
“Patients tell me all the time they would rather fly for results than stay local for risks, ” says Dr. Pincus.
“They want a surgeon they trust, not just the closest one. ”
A 2023 patient behavior analysis cited by UT Southwestern Medical Center notes that the majority of cosmetic patients value surgeon expertise and safety more than price, especially for procedures with permanent results. The same institution reports that over 80 percent of U.S. plastic surgeons have treated patients who previously traveled for cosmetic surgery, highlighting how common medical travel has become. Patients frequently cite fear of revision surgery as a reason for traveling. Studies published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal show that revision rates increase when procedures are performed by less experienced providers, reinforcing why patients are willing to fly for surgeons with consistent results.
As cosmetic surgery becomes increasingly research-driven, patients are using search engines to vet surgeons based on credentials, before-and-after results, and long-term outcomes. Search interest for terms such as “best plastic surgeon New York Florida” and “board-certified plastic surgeon” has grown steadily, reflecting this shift in patient behavior. For many patients, the decision is simple. A short flight is temporary. Surgical results are not.
As cosmetic surgery continues to evolve into a results-driven, research-
first decision, the rise of domestic medical travel reflects a broader shift in patient mindset. Convenience is no longer the deciding factor, confidence is. Patients are choosing surgeons the same way they choose top legal, financial, or medical specialists, by reputation, outcomes, and trust. For those flying between New York and Florida, the journey is not about distance, it is about certainty. And in a landscape where results matter for a lifetime, surgeons like Dr. David Pincus of Pincus Plastic Surgery are becoming destinations, not just doctors.