Ever thought of having cosmetic surgery abroad? You’re not alone! Tens of thousands of people visit foreign countries every year for cosmetic surgery procedures. A nip here, a tuck there, a nose job here, a breast lift there. And let’s not forget hair transplants and dental surgeries, two increasingly popular procedures that people are choosing to have overseas. Like with most things, there are pros and cons of cosmetic surgery abroad. So, what are they? Let’s take a look…
What are the benefits of having cosmetic surgery abroad?
Cosmetic surgery overseas is cheaper
Undertaking cosmetic surgery in another country, like Turkey, can be up to 50% less than having the same procedure in the UK or Australia. Reputable medical tourism providers offer packages including surgery, consults, aftercare, flights, accommodation and transport. Even then, with all this included, it still presents a significant cost-saving when compared to UK or Australian prices. It is now possible to arrive home with an enhanced appearance, after a luxurious holiday abroad and with half the money you would’ve spent in your own country still sitting in your bank account.
Highly qualified cosmetic surgeons with extensive experience
You should be discerning when choosing to have cosmetic surgery abroad. You’ll want to choose a country known for its exceptional quality of surgeons and medical staff with a proven track record of satisfied clients. Take Turkey for example. To become a doctor in Turkey, students must graduate after six years of studying general medicine. Then to become a Certified Plastic Surgeon, MD, stringent exams need to be passed before starting a 6-year specialist residence program. Surgeons must also be permanent members of professional organisations, such as the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. With such strict requirements, it’s not surprising that Turkey is now in the top 10 countries for medical tourism. The Turkish government had the foresight to see this booming trend and regulate the industry to align with international standards. So, if the country requires governmental medical compliance and accountability like this, you should be assured of a high standard of treatment and care.
Different cosmetic procedures can be carried out simultaneously
In many cases, there’s no need for separate trips for different procedures. Due to the wide range of procedures and treatments offered abroad, it is standard for clinics to offer packages for added savings. For example, you could have liposuction with a rhinoplasty (nose job), and perhaps a brachioplasty (arm lift). Or you could have eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) and a breast lift under one anaesthetic. You won’t have to keep travelling for operations and repeatedly have to recover from the effects of anesthesia. Again, another big tick for the cost-effectiveness of cosmetic surgery abroad.
Combine cosmetic procedures with a holiday package
One of the big pros of having cosmetic surgery abroad is that everything can be packaged so you can enjoy a luxury holiday prior to your procedure. Having a cosmetic procedure overseas allows you to rest and recover properly without the hassles of home. Reputable overseas medical providers, like Asthetica, go out of their way to make sure you are comfortable and looked after throughout your entire experience. Instead of dodging your neighbour or your manager’s phone calls, you’ll experience an undisturbed, uninterrupted recovery and enjoyable holiday abroad.
If you’ve been thinking of joining the millions of others who have had a procedure overseas, you now know the pros of having cosmetic surgery abroad. But what about the cons? Fortunately, it’s mostly good – you can save your money, improve your appearance and enjoy an overseas escape. But that’s assuming you have an experienced, reputable and ethical medical provider. So let’s take a look at some of the risks of cosmetic surgery overseas.
What are the risks of having cosmetic surgery abroad?
Language barriers can make it hard to communicate
It’s common for there to be a language barrier when you venture overseas. You might be worried that you may not be able to communicate with your cosmetic specialist properly about your procedure or recovery time. Experienced and reputable medical tourism companies provide translators to ensure clear communication between you and your medical team so that nothing is ‘lost in translation’, literally. Premium medical tourism operators deal with long-established surgeons and professionals overseas who have a good understanding and can comfortably converse in English. But for extra reassurance, an interpreter should be included in your package to ensure clear and complete communication.
Risks of flying home after cosmetic surgery abroad
One of the drawbacks or cons of having cosmetic surgery abroad is flying home after surgery. This is because you could be at higher risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT), especially if you have a pre-existing condition. DVT is when blood clots, usually in the limbs, block the vein which can have serious results. If you are at high risk of DVT, you should consult your GP before venturing abroad for cosmetic surgery. With this in mind, you may want or need a longer recovery period before you fly home on a plane.
Aftercare after your cosmetic surgery
What happens when you get home? You might be worried that once you fly home your treatment has ended and that there will be no one to consult with if you have any complications. This can be concerning for some people, but experienced medical tourism operators should have this covered. For example, Asthetica provides phone access to Australian and UK registered nurses for any questions you may have once you return home. You can call them any time that you experience any difficulty or have questions about your aftercare. With any medical tourism provider, you should also always be able to contact your surgical team for any follow-up questions.
Now you know the pros and cons of having cosmetic surgery abroad. Perhaps this helps you make a decision about whether or not you’d like to explore the possibility of having cosmetic treatment overseas. Either way, make sure you do your research and choose a reputable medical tourism operator with experience.
If you’re thinking about having cosmetic surgery abroad, why not book a free consultation with our friendly team to discuss the possibilities, pricing and packages.