This is a paid for post. I’ve accepted it because I am thinking of having a tummy tuck and figured other people might like to know what needs thinking about…
If you’ve been thinking about going under the knife, you may want to hold off on scheduling an appointment with a UK-based surgeon. Cosmetic surgery is an expensive business in the UK—costing up to 75% more than in other countries—leading many to seek treatment abroad instead. But what do you really need to know about medical surgery tourism, and which are the best destinations for getting work done? Read on to find out.
The Ultimate Holiday Package?
Imagine combining the trip of a lifetime—an African safari, a beach holiday to the Caribbean—with a cosmetic procedure that will help you look and feel better about yourself. This is the sales pitch that foreign clinics and treatment centres use to allure potential patients to distant shores. While it’s possible to do some sightseeing before your operation, don’t be fooled into thinking that you’ll spend your recovery period lying on the beach or wining and dining at exotic foreign restaurants: you’ll be too tired and sore for that.
That being said, there’s no denying that cosmetic procedures are much cheaper on foreign shores. According to the website Treatment Abroad, a breast enlargement procedure in the UK costs an average of £4,350, whereas in South Africa it would cost £2,243 and in Brazil it would cost £1,551—that’s savings of up to 64%! Likewise, a facelift in the UK may cost up to £6,750, while in South Africa it would be about half the price — £3,050 — and in Brazil it could be done for the astonishingly low price of £1,074. Even with airfare, accommodations, and food factored in, you’re likely to see big savings on your surgery.
Minimising Risk
There are a number of reasons why seeking treatment abroad can be risky for patients. The first is that quality care standards may not be the same as it is in the UK, leading to higher instance of medical negligence. If something does go wrong with your treatment, it can be very difficult to receive follow-up care or to take legal action against the surgeon who botched the operation. In order to minimise risk, make sure to thoroughly research the country and clinic where you will receive treatment. How is cosmetic surgery regulated in your intended destination? Is the surgeon registered and fully accredited? Does he speak English? Can you meet with him ahead of time to discuss the surgery? These are all very important questions to be considered carefully.
While cosmetic procedures are now available in literally every part of the world, it’s best to choose a destination with similar medical approaches to that of the UK or one where you can receive a personal recommendation. South Africa, Australia, and the United States are popular choices for these reasons.
Remember that air travel after surgery can increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis or a pulmonary embolism. Make sure you know exactly how much recovery time you’ll need in the destination before it’s safe to travel home.
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