Rhinoplasty and Botox Most Sought-After Procedures in India

Typical Western traits such as a pointed nose, flat abs and large breasts are among the most-coveted characteristics in countries like India, and plastic surgeons overseas are finding that the demand for rhinoplasty and Botox is especially high in the urban cities of Mumbai, Chennai, Delhi and Kolkata. More men and women from the upper middle class group are turning to plastic surgery to improve their chances of a good marriage, increasing self-confidence and securing a steady job.

There are currently no registries or organizations that track the number of cosmetic and non-surgical procedures performed in India, and but consultants and medical professionals at the major hospitals are able to track the number of procedures performed at their clinic.

According to a recent press release from New Delhi, Dr. Rakesh Khazanchi, a senior consultant in the Department of Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery at the Sir Gangaram Hospital has found that demand for rhinoplasty, liposuction and abdominoplasty has increased approximately 150 percent in the last 5 years in India.

In addition to the surgical procedures, Dr. Khazanchi has found that many men and women in India are also turning to non-surgical procedures such as Botox and microdermabrasion to appear younger. Botox helps to eliminate deeper wrinkles and lines on the forehead and around the eyes, while microdermabrasion helps eliminate or reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth, nose and jaw areas. Microdermabrasion also helps the skin look healthier by removing the dry, dead layer of skin cells and increasing collagen production deep under the skin’s surface.

India is among several countries in the Far East that are growing in the fields of plastic and cosmetic surgery, and many citizens are opting for procedures that give them a more ‘Westernized’ appearance. According to Dr. Rajeev B. Ahuja, Chairman of IPRAS 2009 (15^th World Congress of International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), “Peer pressure and advertisements promising ‘picture perfect’ looks post –surgery, drive most men and women to undergo cosmetic surgeries.” (Source: IndiaPRWire.com)

Plastic Surgery in Argentina Booming During Economic Crunch

While plastic and cosmetic surgeons in the United States and the UK are feeling the pinch of the recession, some countries around the world are faring better during these rough economic times.

According to a recent article on CNN.com World News, Buenos Aires and other cities in Argentina are accommodating for the budget-conscious patient and enjoying an economic boom as a result.

CNN reports that many Americans are realizing they can get their coveted surgery and procedures at a very affordable price if they fly to cities such as Buenos Aires for treatment. In most cases, cosmetic surgery in South America costs a fraction of the price of the same surgery performed in the United States, the UK, or Canada.

Medical tourism companies around the globe use this important fact as the basis for their marketing promotions, emphasizing that getting surgery abroad can cost about 75% less than it would in the United States or the UK.

But what about safety? The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has published the report, “Medical  Tourism: Is it Safe?”to highlight many of the disadvantages of having cosmetic procedures abroad. The ASPS encourages patients considering medical procedures overseas to make sure that the physician is qualified and to thoroughly research the facility.  It’s also important to find out what the post-operative care plan is, and how the physician plans to handle any complications that may arise. For many patients, dealing with complications overseas can be stressful and risky, and they may not be able to find the treatment they need if they are carrying certain types of insurance, or do not have the funds to pay for doctor’s visits.

Still, many Americans are hopping aboard a plane to get their procedures from Argentinean doctors that they have researched thoroughly and read testimonials about. According to Dr. Williams Bukret, a surgeon in Buenos Aires who performs nearly 200 plastic surgery procedures per year in Argentina, “You can get excellent plastic surgery here at two or three times less than the cost in the United States or Europe.” (Source: CNN.com)

UK Experiencing Surge in Cosmetic Surgery Despite Economy

The American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery recently released statistics for surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures in 2008, and results show a 12% decrease in total demand in the United States.

However, similar trends are not appearing overseas; the United Kingdom is reporting a significant increase in demand for cosmetic procedures, despite the sagging economy.

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reports that the number of surgical procedures in 2008 tripled since 2003, and that some of the most sought-after procedures were breast augmentation, tummy tucks and male breast reduction.

Overall, demand for surgical procedures increased 5% from 2007, with a total of 34,187 surgical procedures performed by BAAPS members. Breast augmentation procedures increased by 30%, tummy tucks also increased by 30%, and male breast reduction increased by an impressive 44% from the previous year. Other top procedures included otoplasty (ear correction surgery) and male brow lift procedures. (Source: Baaps.org.uk)

Many Americans have been heading to U.K. territory to save money on the costs of procedures without compromising safety. However, it looks like Britons are still some of the top candidates for these procedures; many are also turning to non-invasive procedures such as Botox and other dermal fillers to improve their appearance.

Other countries that have been shielded from the economic downturn include Thailand, Bangkok and Malaysia. Cosmetic surgery centers and plastic surgery clinics here are enjoying a boost in business as patients turn to medical tourism to save money.

These medical tourism destinations offer attractive packages and discounts for Americans and Europeans looking for some of today’s most sought after procedures including breast augmentation, liposuction and facelift surgery at prices of up to 75% off standard rates. Many doctors at these facilities have been trained in the U.S. or the U.K.; however, still, people are cautioned to learn about the many risks involved with having cosmetic surgery overseas.

Cosmetic Surgery Prices Hit New Lows in Colombia and Shanghai

While many Americans forgo cosmetic and plastic surgery this year in hopes of saving money, some are capitalizing on attractive exchange rates abroad, and turning into medical tourists to enjoy a cosmetic procedure overseas.

Recently published statistics show that Colombia and Shanghai are among the top destinations where cosmetic surgery rates are dropping dramatically. Surgery centers in these countries are boasting complete cosmetic surgery packages for a fraction of the cost of the procedure in the U.S.; in some cases, the discount is as much as 70 percent off.

According to a recent press release from Cosmetic Harmony, a medical tourism company specializing in complete cosmetic surgery packages and headquartered in Colombia, “The Dollar, Euro and Pound have recently gained significant strength to the Colombian Peso…this is driving down the prices of cosmetic surgery in Colombia and making procedures even more affordable than they were.”

In Shanghai, demand for cosmetic surgery is soaring for both locals and visitors alike. According to Dr. Liao Yuhua, president of the Shanghai Time Plastic Surgery Hospital, there has been a 45 percent increase in demand for surgeries at this center, and many procedures were performed on foreigners. Advances in medicine, well-trained and qualified doctors, and comfortable surgery centers are driving many people to China where they can enjoy plastic surgery and cosmetic procedures priced well below the U.S. market price. Dr. Liao also explains that cosmetic surgeries in Shanghai are not as expensive as those in Korea or Japan; Shanghai still offers quality services and procedures are performed by highly-trained doctors, but the prices are much more affordable because of exchange rates and the acceptable market price of the region. (Source: ChannelNewsASisa.com)

Medical tourism offers several benefits for Americans who are anxious to get their procedure but don’t want to pay a high price; however, getting cosmetic surgery overseas does present a number of disadvantages and drawbacks. Learn more about the pros and cons of medical tourism here.

India Could Become Top Medical Tourism Destination in 2009

As the western world adjusts to the impact of the economic recession and curtails extra expenditures, countries in the Middle East and Far East are finding new opportunities to promote products and services.

According to Dr. KM Kappor, the Head of Department of Cosmetic Surgery at Fortis Hospital in Mohali, India;

“Recession and economic slowdown is less likely to hit the Indian cosmetic surgery market as this market is still in very early phase of growth and will take at least a decade to reach the saturation level considering huge Indian population. Unlike markets of developed economies, India will continue to have more cosmetic surgeries and non surgical cosmetic procedures in 2009.” (Source: PRLog.com)

People who had once considered medical tourism, or cosmetic surgery overseas have been putting their ‘makeover vacation’ on hold until the economy shapes up.  However, destinations in India, Thailand and other locations in the East are offering very attractively-priced packages for those who still want to get their procedure in 2009. Anti aging procedures such as neck lifts and facelifts, and liposuction procedures are some of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in India, especially since they offer many a chance to achieve the ‘Bollywood’ ideal.  However, westerners can head overseas to many professional doctors’ offices to get their treatment at a fraction of U.S. or U.K. prices – often as much as 25 percent of the average.

Interested patients still need to conduct extensive research about their doctor and the location they will be getting surgery, and are cautioned to steer clear of offers that simply sound ‘too good to be true.’  However, there are still dozens of accredited facilities in India that offer surgery from plastic surgeons who have been certified in the United States.  The low prices and high quality procedures available may make India one of the top medical tourism destinations in 2009.

Malaysia Poised to Be Next Medical Tourism Destination of Choice

As more Americans look for alternatives to costly cosmetic procedures during the economic recession, many medical tourism companies and overseas cosmetic surgery providers are dropping their rates and fees to capture the market.

Medical tourism has taken a hit during the economic slump as fewer Americans jump onto the plane for a cosmetic surgery retreat.  However, medical tourism still offers some of the most affordable treatment packages for otherwise costly procedures; tummy tucks, facelifts and liposuction procedures that can cost upwards of $10,000 in the United States are priced under $2,000 in some countries in Asia and South America.  Now, the tourism board of Malaysia is working hard to tap into the medical tourism market to position Malaysia as a top medical tourism destination.

The medical tourism agency Perfect Enhancement Sdn Bhd (PESB) points out that Malaysia is one of the most affordable countries to have cosmetic surgery from licensed and experienced surgeons.  The Asian market continues to attract many medical tourists, and extensive surgery such as breast implants and tummy tucks are priced at a fraction of prices in the United States, United Kingdom and Canada.

In Malaysia, the medical tourism trend is going strong but competing for travelers who are heading to Thailand, the Philippines or India for their cosmetic surgery procedure.

While demand for medical tourism packages is expected to decline significantly in 2009 as more patients delay their surgery, it is expected to pick up shortly after the economy picks up in early 2010. According to a recent press release published in pbtimes.com, the PESB is hoping to capture 10 per cent of the cosmetic surgery market in the next five years, and will be looking for new ways to promote several of the leading plastic surgery and medical facilities in Malaysia in order to achieve its long-term goals.

Medical Tourism Declines During Weak Economy

During a turbulent economy, many Americans are giving up their travel plans to save on costs and expenses for the year, and the medical tourism industry is is taking a hit.  Medical tourism was once considered the ‘ultimate’ vacation for many, an all-inclusive package that allowed you to head off to an exotic locale for an extended stay while undergoing your plastic or cosmetic procedure.

Venues including Brazil, Argentina, Thailand and India were on the top of the list for many avid travelers, but tighter budgets this year have resulted in a significant drop in demand for otherwise low-cost procedures. Increasing flight and hotel prices may even outpace the cost of the procedure, leaving travelers with few options for saving money on their ‘makeover vacation.’

Add the financial crisis in several parts of Asia, and the medical tourism is experiencing its own ‘crash’.

Business Week recently reported on the issue, stating that:

“You might think tough economic times would make more people interested in saving money by having their operations in low-cost hospitals in Asia. But with the U.S. unemployment rate at 6.5% and rising, more Americans cannot afford to be jetting off to Asia for health care right now, says Toral. While the price of an Asian operation might save uninsured American patients tens of thousands of dollars, the out-of-pocket expenses might still amount to $10,000.”

As many Americans refuse to travel to get the procedures they need, some are turning to U.S. doctors and surgeons for surgery alternatives.  Instead of pursuing facial plastic surgery that can cost upward of $8,000, many men and women are settling for facelift alternatives such as Botox or the ‘liquid facelift’ that offer temporary, but instant results.  Liposuction and breast augmentation are other popular procedures that many Americans once traveled the far corners of the world for; alternative, low-cost options now include treatments such as VelaShape for body contouring and fat injections in lieu of breast implants.

Medical Tourism Guide Offers Education for Cosmetic Surgery Overseas

Managing the costs of cosmetic surgery can be challenging for many people paying for procedures out-of-pocket, but international companies are offering affordable prices and packages for some of today’s popular treatments.

From liposuction to breast augmentation, it’s now possible to get a procedure that costs a fraction of the U.S. average. Companies such as GorgeousGetaways.com offer 14-day packages with flight, hotel and surgery for under $10K; patients can book a getaway that includes a facelift and breast augmentation, all transfers between the hotel and hospital, and two weeks of accomodations in a one-bedroom apartment for only $9,099. Other overseas packages include procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction and eyelid lifts – all from an accredited hospital in Malaysia.

Still, heading overseas for cosmetic surgery poses several risks, especially for travelers who are planning extended stays in a foreign country.  Since the procedures are not covered by insurance, any problems with the treatment will need to be addressed back home – and at a high cost.

The Medical Tourism Corporation, a facilitator of medical treatments at internationally renown hopsitals has recently published “Choosing the Right International Hospital – A Medical Tourism Company Perspective“, an 8-page booklet that offers tips on finding a board-certified doctor, ways to gauge the reputation of a hospital, and how to assess the total costs of a procedure.

The Top Ten Things You Need to Know About Medical Tourism also offers helpful tips and insights about the growing trends for cosmetic surgery overseas.

(Photo courtesy of GorgeousGetaways.com)

Officials Shut Down Plastic Surgery Clinics in Dubai

With the rise of medical tourism and increasing demand for cosmetic surgery overseas, more people are venturing to new plastic surgery centers in South America, the Middle East and other parts of the world where procedures are a fraction of the cost in the U.S.

All costs aside, medical ‘vacations’ present several risks for the uninformed traveler, and the recent shutdown of noteworthy plastic surgery clinics in Dubai sheds some light on the dangers associated with this trend.

ArabianBusiness.com reports on the recent closing of several plastic surgery clinics under the radar of the Department of Health and Medical Services in Dubai.  The organization is responsible for monitoring and tracking patient results of treatments at hundreds of clinics that have recently been opened in the United Arab Emirates, and are actively closing down any centers that may be operating with untrained or unsupervised surgeons, unlicensed medical professionals, or those showing a track record of unsuccessful procedures.

Potential risks for undergoing cosmetic surgery procedures overseas include:

• Insurance may not cover complications from surgery
• Few options for reconstructive surgery or ‘fixing’ bad plastic surgery immediately
• Vacation activities may be compromised due to downtime from the procedure
• Side effects may not be disclosed by unlicensed professionals or practitioners
• Facility or equipment may be deemed unsafe by U.S. standards

Cosmetic Surgery Overseas – Does it Really Pay Off?

Medical tourism continues to be a popular trend for the decade, giving us an opportunity to jet off to an exotic locale to enjoy some fun in the sun – and get a cosmetic treatment or two while we’re there.

Since many cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures in the U.S. cost over $5,000 per treatment, many people are turning to surgeons located in India, Thailand, Brazil and other foreign countries to get their dream treatment at a fraction of the national average cost.

Plenitas, a medical services company in Argentina promotes its low-cost cosmetic surgery ‘packages’ to U.S. patients.  It features several Combined Procedures packages at special rates, promoting specials such as “Tummy Tucks + Liposuction in 3 areas only $4,000!” and “Rhinoplasty + Mid face lift + neck lift only $4,600!”.  To get an idea of what type of savings this is, the typical cost of a tummy tuck in the U.S. is $8,250. Roll in the cost of roundtrip airfare to Argentina and a hotel stay, and you have an all-inclusive, low-cost cosmetic surgery vacation.

Surgical Services International is another company that specializes in low rates for cosmetic surgery overseas. The company recently published a comparison chart of prices for the costs of some of the most coveted procedures. A few examples include:

• Tummy Tuck + Breast Augmentation – $6,175 vs. U.S. average of $12,150
• Breast Reduction – $4,750 vs. U.S. average of $8,720
• Eyelid Surgery – $1,870 vs. U.S. average of $5,025
• Liposuction (one area) - $2,150 vs. U.S. average of $4,000
• Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty): $2,950 vs. U.S. average of $6,250

In most cases, the cost of an overseas treatment is 40-60% lower than the average U.S. cost.

Despite the monetary benefits of medical tourism and cosmetic surgery overseas, there are still several risks involved.  Not having appropriate medical care in case of an emergency is one downside of going to a foreign country for extensive surgery, and if there is a problem with your procedure, you may not have the means to have reconstructive or repair treatments immediately.

Choosing a U.S. based doctor gives you the opportunity to review credentials and learn about their board certification and experience, meet with the doctor face-to-face for your consultation, and even obtain patient financing from a trusted source if you need it.