Medical Tourism and Cosmetic Surgery Overseas

Over the last few years medical tourism has been growing in popularity.  Lets face it, why come back from your holiday with just a tan and a couple of bottles of local plonk when the potential is there to come back with a new body as well?!

The medical tourism market currently has an annual value of £13 billion and this is expected to double by 2010.  Many people elect to have cosmetic surgery overseas in order to take advantage of state of the art equipment, better quality healthcare, to avoid long waiting lists, but there is also costing to consider.  In many cases plastic surgery can be carried out overseas at a fraction of the cost for the same procedures in the UK, Europe or the US.

If you are thinking about having cosmetic surgery overseas you do need to research your market.  It is not going to be in your best interest to travel overseas for a £10 boob job and find they’ve been put in by a local veterinarian.  There is plenty of information on the internet and any research should start with talking to people who’ve already had surgery performed overseas, find out how their experience went. 

Also, we would advise you to read the papers, find out which countries are getting good reviews for their health sector and medical expertise.  India, for example, has undergone a boom in it’s medical sector and has become a major destination for people looking to have cosmetic surgery abroad, and it offers some of the best levels of healthcare in the world.  Also read up on the different procedures on offer for the type of treatment you require and be familiar with the surgery you want performed.

Once you’ve decided on your treatment you need to check up on the surgeon and hospital where you want your operation carried out.  There are a lot of UK trained and qualified doctors carrying out cosmetic surgery overseas, and these doctors will be registered with the General Medical Council’s list of practitioners so can be easily verified.  Failing that, research the licensing requirements in the country where you’re having your surgery and ensure the hospital and surgeon are licensed to carry out plastic surgery within that country. 

There are also a number of international memberships for plastic surgeons such as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery or the European Association of Plastic Surgeons which can assist in verifying surgeons’ credentials.  You’ll need to find out who regulates the hospital or clinic as well, usually it will be the health department of the country´s government along with a medical council or similar body, check their website and find out.

Another thing to consider if you’re planning to have cosmetic surgery abroad is the follow up care you will receive.  Ask your provider how follow ups will be carried out in your home country.  It is likely that you’ll be dealing with a UK medical specialist post op for a number of months, and it’s important that you’re aware of all possible complications and how the healing process should go.  Also, if you’re having surgery abroad let your GP know.  If there are any complications when you get back he may be the first port of call.  After that it will just be a case of sit back and listen to all of the comments about how the sun’s made you so much more beautiful during your last holiday to India!