Cosmetic Surgery Abroad - Worth the Risk?
Filed Under: General Advice
Cheap cosmetic surgery holidays are increasing in popularity – not only is the cosmetic surgery procedure often cheaper abroad, but the patient has a chance to recuperate without the having to see their friends and family when they are looking their worst.
However, overseas cosmetic surgery does not always have a happy ending; A survey by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons an a survey earlier this year and found that there are deep concerns over the growing number of people reporting problems with ‘holiday surgeries’.
Around a third of surgeons questioned found that they had seen a significant rise in ‘repair’ work from botched overseas operations than five years ago, with over 50% reporting a small rise in repair work. An astounding 44% of surgeons had seen at least 3-5 cases of patients needing further work after having had surgery abroad.
Most of the concerns centred on aftercare provisions, the language barrier, and the general lower standard of care that some patients receive. Some of the worst cases involved a patient with Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT) flying too soon after surgery, severe infections, and facelift patients who did not have her stitches removed before flying back to the UK.
The survey showed that there is no one country that is the main culprit – patients had their surgery in a raft of countries ranging from Eastern Europe through to Asia.
This does not mean that cosmetic surgery holidays are a bad thing – however it does highlight the importance of doing careful research. It is also not important to feel pressured – just because you have booked your surgery, if you get to the hospital and you are not happy with any aspect of your surgery, do not go ahead with it, even if the surgery was the only reason why you went overseas in the first place. Check out our guide to overseas cosmetic surgery here.
Popularity: 67% [?]
Cosmetic Surgery Abroad
International Hospital at BKK, Thailand
Cosmetic Surgery Information
Cosmetic Surgery
Trish Freeman | Feb 15, 2008 | Reply
Hi, I was just reading the article a”Cosmetic Surgery Abroad - Worth the Risk?”. I recently came back from Argentina. I had Breast implants, tummy tuck and rhinoplasty at The Plastic Surgery Center of Buenos Aires. I am very pleased with the experience and the final results.
I think the important thing for people is to do the the right research and ask the right questions. If possible you must try to speak and meet the with the surgeon prior to making up your mind.
For me it was very important that the doctor was personally accredited by the American Association of Plastic Surgeons, had training in the US, and that the clinic was modern and not run down…
If you are just considering price and al lookingg at a website with pie in the sky promises, you are bound to get into trouble.
Good luck!
Trish Freeman
Paula | Feb 29, 2008 | Reply
My friend Michelle introduced me with UK registered company called Kosmeticplus. They providing cosmetic surgery in Lithuania. Michelle had a facelift performed by surgeon Saulius Viksraitis and she is very happy with the results. It cost her 1/3rd price of the UK price.
I have my genitals/labia damaged during my childbirth 25 years ago. I wanted to repair it for so long, but it was so expensive in the UK. So, my op will be held on the 18th of March. I am scared, but looking forward.
sarah | Mar 5, 2008 | Reply
hi i want to have a tummy tuck done asap ive spoken to a few people that do it but i just dont know could you plz suggest somewhere.
alex simpson | Mar 7, 2008 | Reply
i had my wife”s breast implantation and figure contouring operation in india through essarmed solutions,i think its best she could have,you my contact if wishing arash_med@hotmail.com
Caroline_Vionot | May 16, 2008 | Reply
Hi everybody,
My name is Caroline and I am a 52 years old French citizen living in United States –Miami.
One year ago I performed my 3rd and final rhinoplasty with excellent results.
I came to my surgeon with a deformed nose, as well as nasal obstruction secondary to a deviated septum, following two previous surgeries.
I was despondent because my nose was disfigured and I didn’t have enough money to pay another nose surgery (7000 US$) in USA.
One year ago I was reading a medical magazine and I found out about medical tourism; I didn’t know that people living in the United States went to other countries for medical or plastic surgery procedures!!
During one week I was looking for specialized agencies in medical tourism on Internet and I compared all the packages they offer: cost, quality, and what guarantee should I expect.
I found many agencies that offer plastic surgery packages to Asia (India, Thailand) and others to South America (Colombia, Bolivia, Argentina, Brazil and Costa Rica).
After comparing agencies, countries, read forum and patients’ testimonials I finally decided to go to Bolivia. The agency that arranged my trip was MAKEOVER TRAVEL.
The surgeon who performed my surgery and his staff were absolutely AWESOME!! This being my 3rd rhinoplasty I was very leery about finally getting the last surgeon’s mishaps taken care of. Until I met there a surgeon who immediately put me at ease and listened to my concerns.
The surgeon initially performed a careful assessment and then proposed a corrective plan tailored to my specific needs. He was extremely thorough in his evaluation, requiring all prior medical records. What particularly impressed me was the fact that he took the time to answer my questions and proceeded with caution, thereby minimizing the chance of causing further damage. I am a highly anxious person, and both surgeon and his staff were extremely patient with me. the surgeon was honest, yet kind, making certain that my expectations were realistic.
I am very happy with the results of my rhynoplasty. After years of contemplating my decision I could not be happier. The work that they do is beautiful and very natural.
I paid for my revision rhinoplasty in Bolivia 1700 US$!!!
I posted my testimonial to help all people who are hopeless or have always dreamed to have a plastic surgery or a revision plastic surgery after a surgery went wrong but who can’t afford a plastic surgery in their country because it is too expensive. In my opinion traveling to another country may be the best solution and a new oportunity of life for them.
I unfortunately discovered that existed medical tourism late!
I think that the benefits of plastic surgery abroad are numerous but the mains benefits include the opportunity to travel to an exotic destination and reaping potentially big monetary savings. Many common operations overseas cost a fraction of what they might cost in the United States!!
I chose the agency MAKEOVERTRAVEL in Bolivia but many other agencies in Argentine, Brazil, or Colombia offer you similar plastic surgery packages.
Brooke | May 25, 2008 | Reply
Hi Caroline, I am looking into rhinoplasty with Makeover travel and as expected I have some concerns, like the communication as I feel through talking to Monic that she doesnt have perfect english. The commitment to actually flying there and having it done, its a big step and having to go over without an initail consultation is quite daunting. I feel they are very professional but still cant get over the price of things, its so cheap compared to here in the uk.
What surgeon did you have and what exactly did you have done?
I want a small bump removed and my nostrils made smaller.
The scars also bother me?
Hope you can help in any way
Regards Brooke x
cosmetic surgery abroad | Jun 19, 2008 | Reply
I am pleased to hear that some people are saying good and positive things about cosmetic surgery abroad, the search for a good surgeon must be done whether you are in your own country or abroad. Good for you and enjoy it
alexis | Jun 22, 2008 | Reply
i am also thinking about going to makeover travel to get some work done. i feel real confident about them, but i just wonder why i can’t find anything bad about them i mean you cant pllease everyone all the time can you? haa snyone heard of a bad experience with them