The cost of cosmetic surgery is becoming increasing affordable. Over the past two decades prices in the U.S. for routine cosmetic surgery procedures such as: rhinoplasty, liposuction, tummy-tucks, and breast augmentation and reduction, have dropped dramatically. In addition a huge marketplace for cosmetic surgery has opened up abroad, further reducing the cost to the consumer.
Medical tourism combines dental and cosmetic surgeries with exotic vacations, usually at a total price far less than a procedure in the U.S. Some of the destinations that specialize in medical tourism are: Mexico, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa and Turkey.
Consumer’s who once had misgivings about getting any kind of medical treatment abroad, are finding the hospitals, clinics, and operating theaters in nations offering cosmetic surgery are every bit as up-to-date as those in the U.S.
The huge cost savings is usually what draws consumers to consider having a cosmetic surgery performed abroad. However once they begin to look into it, they discover many other bonuses. Next to cost savings, scheduling flexibility rates high. Most cosmetic surgeries can be scheduled within a few days. It is always possible to schedule a procedure around the patient’s time frames. Whereas, in the U.S. elective surgeries often take back seats to more emergent surgeries and the wait to have a procedure done can take months. When it is scheduled in the U.S. it is more likely to be scheduled around the surgeon’s needs and not the patient’s. The big bonus that no one really thinks about when planning cosmetic surgery, is that by having the surgery performed overseas, the consumer gets a low cost procedure and a nice vacation in an exotic location.
Cosmetic surgery is never without risk. This is also true when performed in facilities abroad. If something does go wrong, there is little legal recourse in foreign countries. Certification and professional licensing may not be as closely regulated in other countries as they are in the U.S.
And finally, there are some risks inherent in the travel itself. Flying too soon after surgery can result in complications. The combination of high altitude and long periods of sitting can result in life threatening blood clots and pulmonary embolisms.
Consumers can find good quality cosmetic surgery procedures at a very low cost in a number of attractive locations. With adequate preparation and research, consumers can reduce the risks and have a good outcome. Lastly, there are risks involved with traveling too soon after surgery. The most serious risk is that of pulmonary embolisms and blood clots. These conditions often arise from high altitudes and long periods of sitting. Low cost cosmetic surgery is available abroad at ridiculously low prices. With some research and preparation, it is not only possible, but likely that a consumer can get the procedure they desire in an exotic location for pennies on the dollar.
Entries (RSS)