The cost of cosmetic surgery has been dropping in the U.S. over the last two decades, making cosmetic surgery a serious option for a wide range of people who had previously been priced out of the market. Cheaper still are medical procedures performed overseas. Not only are more and more Americans seeking cosmetic surgery abroad, but more and more countries are capitalizing on an industry aptly dubbed as ‘medical tourism.’
Known as medical tourism, countries around the world are promoting first-rate medical facilities and procedures and exotic vacations at prices far less than the procedure alone in the U.S. A few of the countries that cater to medical tourists are: Mexico, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Turkey and South Africa.
At one time foreign medical facilities had a reputation of being substandard, but in today’s global marketplace, nothing could be further from the truth. Because of the tremendous profits from medical tourism, tourist destinations have state-of-the-art facilities. Many of their surgeons and professional staff received their medical education in the U.S. or Europe.
One of the benefits of medical tourism for the consumer, in addition to the substantial savings, is the ability to easily schedule a procedure. Usually procedures can be scheduled within a few days of the first contact. In the U.S., procedures are scheduled months in advance and in most instances the patient must adjust his or her schedule to the surgeon’s schedule. In the medical tourism industry, the patient’s needs are primary. Another advantage of having cosmetic surgery performed abroad is that, the patient can recuperate on the beach, in the mountains, or in the lap of luxury.
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.
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.
