UK Surgeons Say Plastic Surgery Vacations Could Be Fatal

Medical tourism continues to be among the leading travel trends in the United States and other parts of the world, but the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and several consumer organizations have issued warnings about getting plastic surgery overseas. Recently, The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) stated that they have documented several horror stories from Britons who have headed overseas to get discounted plastic surgery, and agreed that many people underestimate the risks involved with procedures performed abroad.

Many people head to countries in South America, the Far East and India to cash in on discounted cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures including liposuction, breast augmentation and tummy tucks.

While some doctors overseas have trained in the United States and the United Kingdom, the standards of the facilities they perform operations in may not be the same as they are in Western countries. In addition, many of the complications that arise from these procedures are not covered by health insurance or services such as the NHS, which means the patient must be prepared to pay for any problems out-of-pocket.

The president of the BAAPS, Nigel Mercer, stated that “it was a common misconception [among British patients] that plastic surgery could be a quick and pain-free experience”. (Source: PressandJournal.co.uk)

The Press and Journal also reports on several cases where patients experienced several side effects and had to undergo emergency surgery in order to ‘fix’ what the foreign plastic surgeon had done. In one case, a British woman who had a facelift overseas went back to Britain but developed blood clots in her lungs, resulting in death as soon as she returned home.

All individuals considering plastic surgery abroad must do extensive research about their doctor and the facility, and be certain that they have access to healthcare and insurance coverage should complications arise. More information about the pros and cons of medical tourism can be found here .

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)

Medical Tourism Company Offers Free Liposuction for 1000th Patient

In an effort to stimulate business for the medical tourism market, Columbia-based medical tourism company Cosmetic Harmony has announced a special offer for its lineup of patients. The 1,000^th patient to sign up for the Brazilian butt augmentation procedure will receive free  liposuction from one of the plastic surgeons at the agency, and can have their procedure in conjunction with the butt augmentation procedure if they choose.

Dr. Nelson Chaves, one of the plastic surgeons at Cosmetic Harmony, states that “I take pride to be a part of Colombia’s leading agencies. Cosmetic Harmony has helped me become the best plastic surgeon that I am now. It is time to give it back to our customers.”

Cosmetic Harmony has been offering medical tourism packages to U.S., U.K. and other consumers for several years, and has enjoyed tremendous growth as demand for specialized procedures such as the Brazilian butt lift have become popular in the past decade. The company offers complete assistance for booking the overseas appointments, scheduling accommodations for the patients, and assigning a bilingual personal assistant to help the patient during their healing process.

Patients that sign up for a procedure with Cosmetic Harmony often pay a fraction of the cost of the procedure in the United States or Europe. One of the key benefits of medical tourism in South America is that procedures can cost up to 70 percent less than those in the United States. This means Americans and Europeans can reduce the cost of their procedure, even if they have to pay a little extra for the flight and accommodations.

Cosmetic Harmony works with several South American-board certified doctors and a qualified staff of physician assistants to ensure the procedures are completed as safely as possible. The free liposuction incentive is the first of its kind offered by a medical tourism company in South America.

(Source: TreatmentAbroad.com)

Lunchtime Laser Liposuction Unveiled in Hawaii

After several years of success in the United States and Europe, laser liposuction has finally made its way to the islands of Hawaii.

Lunchtime lipo is now officially available in Honolulu, and has already attracted hundreds of residents and visitors looking for a quick and simple way to lose a  few pounds of body fat. Lunchtime lipo procedures are performed in under an hour, and are typically performed under local anesthesia.

The procedure can help to get rid of a few pounds or ounces of excess body fat around the hips, thighs, buttocks, waistline or underarms, and is a relatively painless procedure. Patients can return to their regular activities immediately after the procedure, but are advised to refrain from especially strenuous activities, and to keep the incisions out of the sun.

Doctors in Hawaii say that having the laser machine available for patients who aren’t able to get rid of a few ‘vanity’ pounds from diet and exercise alone has allowed many people to enjoy the benefits of the latest technological advances in the industry. Dr. Shim Ching, a board-certified plastic surgeon at The Queen’s Medical Center, is the first surgeon in the state to offer the lunchtime laser liposuction procedure, also known as SlimLipo.

The procedure has been available for just over a month, and patients are already enjoying amazing results. Dr. Ching says he notices that there is very little swelling involved, and little pain. (Source: khnl.com)

People undergoing the SlimLipo procedure can also expect to have fewer cuts and bruises because the procedure involves making a very small incision through the belly button or other areas where the cannula can be inserted. The area is heated to break down the fat cells, and the fat is extracted in one clean sweep. The scar heals very quickly after the procedure, and no injury to the surrounding tissues occurs.

As the state begins to roll out more of these innovative procedures, Hawaii may soon become one of the top destinations for cosmetic surgery vacations and medical retreats.

Miami Cosmetic Surgery Center Now Offering Bikini Body Packages

Bikini season is right around the corner, which means more people are opting for quick-fix cosmetic procedures and liposuction to achieve their beach-ready look. Cosmetic Harmony, a medical tourism company based in Colombia, has recently launched its lineup of ‘Bikini Body Combos’ specifically for beach lovers.

The experts there report that they see a significant increase in demand for specific procedures like liposuction, tummy tucks, breast jobs and thigh toning during March and the rest of spring season as more women look for ways to freshen up their looks before summer.

Cosmetic Harmony has experienced a significant increase in both new and returning clients who want combination procedures, and they’ve made it possible for more people to have them by reducing the prices and offering combo procedures as a package. Individuals interested in liposuction and thigh toning, or breast enhancement and tummy tucks, can now purchase a package and save a few hundred dollars.

Cosmetic Harmony offers a number of attractively priced packages for foreigners. A sampling of some of the combination procedures include:

Eyelid surgery + Nasal labial fold fat injections: Regularly $3,285, promotional price = $2,685

Face Lift + Eyelid Surgery: Regularly $7,825, promotional price = $6,785

Breast Augmentation + Abdominal Liposuction + Etching: Regularly $5,580, promotional price = $4,985

These procedures can cost up to five times more at cosmetic and plastic surgery centers in the United States and Europe, and the surgeons of Cosmetic Harmony have been fully trained and certified by the Colombian Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons.

The American Society of Plastic Surgeons does warn all individuals who are considering cosmetic surgery overseas to do some research about the center they are going to, read all the ‘fine print’ in the contracts and disclosures, and confirm that the surgeon they will be seeing has been certified by the country’s national plastic surgery boards and medical boards.

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.

Plastic Surgery Booming in Asia

While many Americans cut back on luxury expenses such as plastic surgery and cosmetic enhancements during the economic downturn, residents of other parts of the world are jumping into the latest plastic surgery trends at a record rate.

Asia and some parts of Europe have historically been home to low-cost procedures and going to the doctor’s office for the latest cosmetic procedure is becoming a popular trend in consumer culture abroad.  According to a recent story in Time.com Asia, more Asians are turning to cosmetic surgery as the influneces of the West continue to filter into China, Japan and parts of Indonesia.

Some of the most popular Western procedures such as Botox and breast augmentation are becoming highly sought-after procedures in the East as more Asians attempt to change certain features that are not typically found in their genetic makeup.  However, some patients aren’t just doing it for looks; many people who want to show off their wealth are prepared to pay exorbitant prices just to prove that they can afford to pay for the beauty ideal.

However, the dangers of low-cost procedures administered by inexperienced or unlicensed surgeons is one of the biggest risk factors of having surgery in the capital cities of Asia.  Even in cities such as Hong Kong and Tokyo, plastic surgeons are taking advantage of increasing consumer demand by cutting prices to attarct more patients to their facility, but then performing procedures that put the patient at risk.  Time.com reports that over 200,000 lawsuits against cosmetic surgeons have been filed in the past decade in China alone.

The thriving plastic and cosmetic surgery market abroad is also attracting Westerners interested in medical tourism, giving price-conscious Americans a chance to go on vacation and get their procedures at the fraction of the cost of the procedure alone in the U.S. or Canada.