The trend of seeking cosmetic surgery abroad has been on the rise. This is largely driven by the potential benefits such as cost savings, access to renowned surgeons, and the opportunity to combine surgery with travel.
In recent years, countries like Turkey, Colombia, Mexico, Egypt, and Thailand have become popular destinations for cosmetic surgery tourism. The lower costs of procedures in these countries, coupled with the expertise of their surgeons, have attracted many individuals from countries where such procedures are more expensive.
There are several reasons why individuals consider getting cosmetic surgery abroad:
Cost-effectiveness: One of the main attractions of seeking cosmetic surgery abroad is the potential for cost savings. Procedures can be up to 50% less expensive than in countries like the UK or Australia. Even when factoring in the costs of travel and accommodation, the overall expenses can still be lower compared to their home countries.
Access to specialized procedures: Traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery can provide access to specialized procedures that may not be available locally. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals seeking innovative or cutting-edge treatments.
Discreet recovery: Undergoing cosmetic surgery in a foreign location offers the opportunity for a discreet recovery. This can be especially appealing for individuals who prefer to keep their procedure private. In addition, the chance to recover in a serene and relaxing environment can also contribute to a more positive recovery experience.
The popularity of cosmetic surgeries has grown exponentially over the last decade¹. The most sought-after cosmetic procedures abroad include:
1. Breast Augmentation: This procedure is the world’s most sought-after, keeping medical surgeons busy with over 1.8 million patients.
2. Liposuction: Follows closely with over 1.7 million operations.
3. Eyelid Surgery: Over 1 million procedures are performed annually.
4. Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck): Has over 888 thousand procedures.
5. Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery): With over 726,000 procedures.
6. Hair Transplant: This procedure generates more than 1.2 million searches for overseas hair surgeries each year.
7. Cosmetic Dentistry: Over 627,900 searches annually.
8. Botox and Filler Treatments: These non-surgical procedures are also in high demand due to their quick results and minimal downtime.
When it comes to choosing your destination for cosmetic surgery overseas, several factors should be considered:
Cost: Prices in Eastern Europe, Mexico, and Turkey will be cheaper than in their Western European counterparts.
Quality of Healthcare: Countries like Brazil, South Korea, and Spain are renowned for their high-quality medical facilities and experienced plastic surgeons.
Accessibility: Ease of travel and proximity to your home country can also be a deciding factors.
Language Barriers: Most clinics in popular destinations will have a very good command of English.
Popular destinations for cosmetic surgery include Brazil, Mexico, Costa Rica, India, Thailand, Egypt, South Korea, Turkey, and Colombia. Each of these countries offers a unique combination of cost-effectiveness, high-quality healthcare, and attractive tourist destinations.
Egypt is emerging as a popular destination for cosmetic surgery, attracting patients from all over the world. Here are some reasons why you might consider Egypt for your cosmetic surgery:
High Standards of Cosmetic Surgery: Egypt is known for its high standards of cosmetic surgery. The country boasts state-of-the-art facilities and highly skilled surgeons, ensuring you receive top-quality care.
Cost-Effectiveness: One of the main attractions of seeking cosmetic surgery in Egypt is the potential for cost savings. Procedures can be significantly less expensive than in countries like the UK or Australia, even when factoring in the costs of travel and accommodation.
Cultural Richness: Egypt is not just a medical destination, but also a cultural one. Patients can enjoy the rich history and culture of Egypt during their recovery period.
Ease of Travel: With its well-connected airports and tourist-friendly policies, travelling to Egypt is relatively hassle-free.
Before choosing Egypt or any other country for cosmetic surgery, it's important to do thorough research and consult with medical professionals. This will ensure that you make an informed decision that's best for your health and well-being.
When considering cosmetic surgery, it's crucial to research the credentials of surgeons and the quality of hospital facilities. Accreditation is viewed as a reputable tool to evaluate and enhance the quality of health. It's important to ensure that the facility is licensed and appropriately accredited by an organization such as The Joint Commission, the Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care (AAAHC), or the American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities (AAAASF).
Choosing accredited facilities is essential as it can significantly impact your overall experience and satisfaction with the outcome. Compliance with accreditation standards has multiple plausible benefits in improving performance in the hospital setting. However, not doing thorough research and choosing non-accredited facilities can lead to potential risks, including safety concerns and substandard care.
Recovering from surgery in a foreign country can be a unique experience. Here are some tips to ensure a smooth recovery:
Follow-up Care: Ensure you have a clear plan for follow-up care before you leave the hospital or clinic. This might include scheduled check-ups with your surgeon, wound care instructions, and a plan for managing any pain or discomfort.
Language Barriers: Be prepared for potential language barriers. Consider learning some basic phrases in the local language or using a translation app to help communicate your needs.
Comfortable Stay: Arrange for a comfortable place to stay during your recovery period. This might be a hotel, a recovery center, or a rented apartment. Ensure it's a quiet, clean space where you can rest and recuperate.
Undergoing surgery abroad comes with its own set of risks and considerations. Here are some common concerns:
Potential Complications: Complications can occur regardless of where in the world you receive treatment. Your risk of developing complications or other problems following medical treatment abroad will vary, depending on the type of treatment you are planning, travel arrangements, and where you have your treatment.
Follow-up Care: Once back home, receiving follow-up care can be challenging. You may have to rely on telephone calls or online methods to contact your overseas healthcare provider.
Unexpected Outcomes: Dealing with unexpected outcomes can be more difficult when you're far from home. It's important to have a contingency plan in place in case things don't go as expected.
Before deciding to undergo surgery abroad, it's crucial to do thorough research and consult with medical professionals. This will ensure that you make an informed decision that's best for your health and well-being.
When planning for cosmetic surgery abroad, it's crucial to consider several factors. These include the quality and safety of the healthcare facilities, the credentials of the surgeons, the cost-effectiveness of the procedures, and the potential for a discreet recovery. It's also important to understand the procedure you're considering, prepare both physically and mentally for the surgery, and have a clear plan for post-surgery recovery. Weighing the pros and cons carefully, conducting extensive research, and consulting with medical professionals are all essential steps in making an informed decision.
Upmedix is a reliable medical travel facilitator that connects patients with accredited healthcare providers globally. With Upmedix, you can ensure a seamless experience from planning to post-surgery recovery. Upmedix is committed to providing high-quality services, including personalized consultations, logistical support, and continuous assistance throughout the treatment process. Choose Upmedix for a smooth, secure, and supportive healthcare experience.
The best country for cosmetic surgery can vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual's personal preferences. However, some of the countries frequently mentioned for their high-quality cosmetic surgery services include Mexico, Turkey, Costa Rica, Colombia, Dominican Republic, Egypt, Croatia, Thailand, India, South Korea, and Spain.
Safety in plastic surgery depends on the qualifications of the surgeon and the quality of the healthcare facilities rather than the country itself. That being said, countries like the United States, Brazil, and South Korea are known for their high standards in healthcare and plastic surgery.
Here are some things you should avoid before cosmetic surgery:
- Don't take Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Advil, Motrin, and any other NSAIDs 10 days prior to plastic surgery.
- Avoid vitamin E, Ginger, Ginkgo Biloba, or Turmeric for 14 days before plastic surgery.
- Don't drink alcohol for 48-72 hours before plastic surgery.
- Don't consume too much caffeine for 7 days before surgery.
- Stop smoking 4 to 6 weeks prior to surgery, and for 3-4 weeks afterward.
- Don't stress before surgery.
- Don't wear makeup, lipstick, or nail polish on the day of your surgery.
Here are some tips to mentally prepare for cosmetic surgery:
- Educate yourself on all aspects of the surgery.
- Set realistic expectations for the results of your surgery.
- Share any anxiety with family or a friend.
- Practice breathing exercises and engage in meditation to calm your mind.
- Start developing simple healthy habits such as going for walks, drinking more water, eating more fruits and vegetables, reducing alcohol consumption, stopping smoking, and getting plenty of sleep.
Sources:
Plastic Surgery Abroad: Is It Worth Considering? - American Cosmetic .... https://www.cosmeticassociation.org/plastic-surgery-abroad-is-it-worth-considering/
Cosmetic surgery abroad - is it right for me? - Treatment Abroad. https://www.treatmentabroad.com/cosmetic-abroad/guide/what-to-consider
Cosmetic surgery abroad - NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/advice/cosmetic-surgery-abroad/
Best International Destinations for Plastic Surgery [2023]. https://medtouragency.com/best-destinations-for-plastic-surgery/
Why do People Seek Cosmetic Surgery Abroad? - Medic Abroad. https://bing.com/search?q=most+sought-after+cosmetic+procedures+abroad
The Most Popular Locations For Cosmetic Surgery Treatments ... - Forbes. https://www.forbes.com/uk/advisor/travel-insurance/cosmetic-procedures-worldwide/
Top Medical Tourism Destinations for Cosmetic Surgery - HealthTrip. https://www.healthtrip.com/blog/top-cosmetic-surgery-destinations.
Cosmetic and Plastic in Egypt | Treatment Abroad. https://www.treatmentabroad.com/cosmetic-abroad/egypt
Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Egypt - MyMediTravel. https://www.mymeditravel.com/plastic-and-cosmetic-surgery-clinics-in-egypt
Top 10+ Plastic Surgery Clinics in Egypt • Check Prices & Reviews. https://www.whatclinic.com/cosmetic-plastic-surgery/egypt
Health care accreditation and quality of care - World Health Organization. https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/363528/9789240055230-eng.pdf?sequence=1
Preparing for Your Surgery - Mayo Clinic Health System. https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/-/media/local-files/menomonie/documents/preparing-for-your-surgery.pdf?la=en&hash=3E22E5CA9CB3C82DD16AE3FE74E99C26
