Surgical holiday souvenirs can include tucked tummies, new breasts, wrinkle reduction and less fat - all at a deeply discounted rate. While having your chosen procedure done in a vacation paradise far from nosey neighbors and curious co-workers does have its appeal, it also has some drawbacks well worth consideration. Before you book that flight, read on to find out more.
The cosmetic surgery tourism phenomenon is largely driven by the desire for more affordable cosmetic surgery. Americans, Canadians and Brits have been heading south of the border and across the globe to take advantage of prices up to 80% lower than those in the U.S or the U.K. Special plastic surgery vacation packages include travel, accommodation, and surgical fees, all at a cost that is lower than a single procedure on home turf.
Some of the hot cosmetic surgery destinations include Costa Rica, Columbia, the Dominican Republic, Argentina, Brazil, South Africa, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines and Thailand. A number of these destinations offer everything from “safari and surgery†to “tango and a tune up†holiday packages. Many overseas clinics offer “extreme†and extremely cheap complete vacation makeovers including combination tummy tuck, liposuction and breast augmentation procedures.
While cosmetic surgery in a holiday atmosphere may sound like a dream come true, doctors at home warn that undergoing any medical procedure abroad increases the possibility for medical complications immensely. Though these “lipotourism†package deals boast “qualified, experienced and highly trained†medical staff, there is no proper way for prospective travelers and patients to verify credentials and licensing. “Standards and practices vary from country to country, and third world countries like Costa Rica and the Dominican Republic cannot be counted on to uphold the highest principles of medicine,†says one concerned physician. Unlicensed physicians, surgeons and staff in unsafe environments without the sophistication of North American medicine and technology can cause serious problems.
Not only are the surgeries themselves considered riskier in these conditions, many physicians question the good sense of planning to recover from surgery in a holiday atmosphere. Vacation activity and recovery from major surgery simply don’t mix. Surgeons advise strongly against sunbathing, drinking alcohol, swimming, and taking part in any activity such as Jet Skiing, hiking, snorkeling or, in some cases, taking a return flight for a minimum of ten days after any plastic surgery procedure. Moreover, there is limited option for after-care once you have left the clinic and the country.
Those seeking privacy in paradise for their plastic surgery should know that opting for a cosmetic surgery holiday abroad can increase the risk of complications during surgery, raise the risk of infection, and ultimately, may possibly deliver poor cosmetic results. Be aware that your choice to go for cosmetic surgery abroad may cancel out any legal recourse against the surgeon or the clinic you attended.
If you’ve been considering going overseas to go under the knife in the name of beauty, make every effort to research the facility, the surgeon and the procedure. Ensure that the surgical facility and instruments have the same standards for safety as you would find in North America and that your surgeon has the right education, qualifications and experience to perform your surgery.
