Due to the immense pressure of looking fresh and young in today’s society, an alarmingly life-threatening surgical trend has emerged namely, cosmetic tourism.
This form of medical treatment is associated with seeking surgery out of your home country for the lower cost involved than one might have to pay in a country like the USA, accessibility to better treatments and the desire for anonymity.
Moreover, each foreign destination offers its own unique cultural experience which patients can immerse in while undergoing recovery.
However attractive it may seem, the implications of getting cosmetic surgery done in a tropical getaway can be serious, or even life-threatening where patients end up shelling out much more money in the long run. Also in some countries, regulatory environments are less stringent than in countries like the United States.
In this article, we will delve into the trends that are driving cosmetic tourism and highlight some important considerations for those individuals contemplating to travel abroad to undergo aesthetic procedures.
Considerations for cosmetic tourism
Complications from cosmetic tourism have been doing the rounds for quite some time with patients reporting severe infections, deformities and even death following a botched procedure. To prevent any issues from your desired procedure, here are some tips to follow.
For instance, you should wait for a minimum of five days from your rhinoplasty before boarding a cruise ship, car, train or plane to allow adequate time for recovery before returning home.
Patients should also priortize quality and safety standards for cosmetic tourism above all else. Make sure to verify that the medical facility you are attending adheres to internationally recognised standards and protocols, with regards to safety and infection control.
Furthermore, as with any medical procedure, cosmetic surgery carries inherent risks like bleeding, infection, scarring and adverse reaction to medications or anaesthesia.
Patients should be aware of the potential complications and discuss them thoroughly with their health care professional before deciding to undergo a procedure.
Trends driving cosmetic tourism
Aesthetic procedures in certain countries can be much cheaper in countries in Southeast Asia, Latin America or Eastern Europe as compared to more developed nations like the United Kingdom or USA.
Cost-effectiveness is the primary reason for individuals to opt for cosmetic surgery overseas for procedures like liposuction, breathtaking augmentation and rhinoplasty.
Additionally, many such countries boast of state-of-the-art technology run by highly skilled professionals adopting the latest techniques that might not be available in their home country. This accessibility to advanced treatments is another driving force promoting cosmetic tourism.
Again, many individuals consider undergoing cosmetic treatment away from their hometown to maintain privacy and anonymity. Cosmetic tourism abroad allows them to get treatment discreetly and return home with desired results.
Footnote
The rise of cosmetic tourism is aptly reflected in the increase in globalisation of health care and the burgeoning demand for aesthetic procedures around the world.
While there is no doubt that undergoing a cosmetic procedure abroad offers cost-effectiveness and access to better facilities, patients must approach cosmetic tourism with care and due diligence.
