subject: Cosmetic Surgery Tourism—When Is It Worth It to Travel Abroad? [print this page] Cosmetic Surgery TourismWhen Is It Worth It to Travel Abroad?
The growing trend of cosmetic surgery tourism has brought many questions about the advantages and disadvantages of this practice. Though some patients who travel abroad for their cosmetic surgery needs have successful experiences, others are not as satisfied. In some cases, the practice of leaving the country for surgery can even prove dangerous.
What Is Cosmetic Surgery Tourism?
The growing demand for cosmetic procedures means that many companies and organizations have arisen specifically to provide additional options for those seeking this type of surgery. One of these options is cosmetic surgery tourism.
A typical cosmetic surgery tourism package includes a trip overseas, often to an attractive vacation locale, combined with a set of procedures performed by doctors local to the area. Because the cost of surgery outside the United States is often less than the cost domestically, the combined price of surgery and vacation can be comparable or even less than the price of the surgery alone if performed locally.
The combination of overseas travel and lower-cost cosmetic surgery appeals to many people, making cosmetic surgery tourism increasingly popular. However, there are many potentially dangerous issues associated with overseas surgery that must be considered before making the decision to pursue this type of "vacation."
Hazards of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism
Some of the issues associated with overseas cosmetic surgery can be dangerous to your health in the long run. Doctors in other countries are not always subject to the same regulations and scrutiny that doctors in the United States are. This could lead to issues such as:
Unsatisfactory results of surgery
Insufficient hygiene leading to infection
Doctors with less rigorous training
Communications issues due to the language barrier
Even if the surgery goes well, follow-up can be much more difficult if your doctor is not local. Since many complications with cosmetic surgery occur after the procedure is complete, having a surgeon located in another part of the world may prove problematic if you need to address these issues.
Overall, it is vital to weigh the pros and cons of cosmetic surgery tourism before making a final decision about where to have your surgery. In the majority of cases, a local doctor will be much better able to meet your needs and ensure a successful experience.
