Fly to a dream location, relax in the sun or explore for a few days, and come home with fuller breasts, a slimmer tummy, or a more youthful face, all for less than you’d pay for just the cosmetic procedure alone at home – what could possibly go wrong?
The truth is that whilst more and more people are choosing to travel abroad for cosmetic surgery, there’s a lot of risk involved if you’re not careful. Medical tourism is gaining more popularity, but it’s important to never take for granted that you’re going to be afforded the same level of safety and expertise everywhere that you go. That’s why it’s so important to do your homework. We’ve put together some of the key things to keep in mind when you travel abroad for a cosmetic procedure.
#1. Do Your Research Beforehand:
Whilst the majority of patients who travel abroad for cosmetic surgery are happy with their final results, you’ve probably heard some horror stories where things don’t quite go to plan. Although that could happen anywhere, it’s often harder to verify a surgeon’s qualifications and experience when they are in a different country to yourself. Because of this, it’s important to do extensive research into your clinic or surgeon of choice before making a decision. If possible, go off recommendations from others as this tends to be safer than simply going with the top results on Google.
#2. Understand the Risks:
Every surgery has some degree of risk, whether you are planning to stay at home or travel abroad. Don’t just go by the fat transfer to breast Thailand price when choosing a clinic or surgery; make sure that you weigh up all the factors to get a better understanding of the risks involved. Bear in mind that operating room safety and sanitation standards vary worldwide, so ensure that the country you plan to travel to holds surgeons to the same high standards that you are used to. You should also consider the environment that you will be in during the recovery process – will you be in a country where infectious diseases that you are not immune to will be present? If so, you will need to ensure that you have all necessary immunizations months before your trip.
#3. Traveling too Soon After Surgery:
Another issue that you’ll need to consider is the risk of traveling too soon after surgery. Whilst you may be able to start going about your regular day not long after the procedure, bear in mind that air travel may not be recommended for weeks or even months afterwards, depending on the specific procedure that you will undergo. Speak to your doctor beforehand to ensure that you don’t book your return flight too soon. Many cosmetic surgeons and clinics abroad will also offer all-inclusive packages designed for medical tourism; they will be able to better advise you on how long it’s recommended you stay before you’re safe to return.
Getting cosmetic surgery abroad can often be a much cheaper experience, with several highly-qualified surgeons to choose from all around the world. But, make sure that you are aware of all the risks before taking the plunge.