A step-by-step preparation guide for American patients seeking corrective or elective plastic surgery at the International Department of Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital.
Published by the International Patient Services Office — Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital
For many American patients, the decision to seek plastic or reconstructive surgery abroad — particularly in China — arises not from cost considerations alone, but from a recognition that certain expertise and surgical volumes simply do not exist domestically. The International Department of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital has established itself as a global referral centre for complex corrective procedures, including ptosis repair, hypertrophic scar management, and revision blepharoplasty.
This guide is designed to help U.S.-based patients approach the process with the same rigour they would apply to any significant medical undertaking.
Important: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All treatment decisions should be made in consultation with qualified medical professionals.
Before any travel arrangements are made, prospective patients should submit a formal pre-consultation request to the hospital's International Department. This process requires:
The International Department will conduct a preliminary review and advise whether the case falls within their scope. Proceeding without this step risks travelling for a consultation that may not result in a treatable plan.
Most U.S. health insurance plans — including employer-sponsored PPO and HMO plans — do not cover elective cosmetic surgery abroad. However, certain circumstances may apply:
If your intended procedure is reconstructive in nature (correction of functional impairment, post-traumatic revision, or repair of a prior procedure that caused documented functional harm), it may qualify for partial reimbursement under your policy. Request a formal letter of medical necessity from your U.S. treating physician and retain all documentation.
Specialist medical travel insurance policies — offered by providers such as Seven Corners, GeoBlue, or Cigna Global — can provide coverage for hospitalisation, emergency medical care, and medical evacuation during your stay in China. These policies do not cover elective procedures but are strongly recommended for any medical travel.
Qualified medical expenses incurred abroad, including surgery and anaesthesia, are generally eligible for HSA and FSA reimbursement under IRS guidelines, provided you retain all itemised invoices and receipts in a currency-converted format.
U.S. citizens currently require a visa to enter mainland China. The appropriate visa category depends on the duration and nature of your stay:
Submit your visa application through the Chinese Consulate or Embassy in your jurisdiction (New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, or Houston) a minimum of four to six weeks before your intended departure date.
Chinese medical institutions operate with different documentation conventions. To ensure your records are usable by the surgical team:
Adequate recovery planning is essential and frequently underestimated by patients travelling for revision procedures:
Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital is located in Huangpu District, central Shanghai. A range of international-standard hotels are located within 2–5 kilometres. The International Department can provide recommendations for accommodation services familiar with post-operative patient requirements, including dietary support and in-room nursing check-ins.
Before departure, identify a U.S.-based physician — ideally a board-certified plastic surgeon — who is willing to provide post-operative follow-up care upon your return. The International Department will provide a comprehensive discharge summary in English, including wound care protocols, medication instructions, and recommended follow-up milestones. This documentation should be shared with your domestic physician in advance of your return where possible.
Final note: The International Patient Services team at Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital is available to answer specific logistical questions prior to your consultation. All initial enquiries may be submitted via the contact form on the main website.