Affordable aesthetic tourism for plastic surgeries abroad drive a surge in medical tourism. Experts and medical societies warn about a sharp rise in serious complications. Turkey, Colombia, and Argentina are hotspots for such budget procedures. The consequences burden public health systems in Europe and the United States.
The global medical tourism market will reach $97.9 billion by 2030. Plastic surgeries make up about 25% of this total, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). This growth causes problems. BAAPS reported a 94% increase in corrective surgeries in the UK over the past three years for botched overseas procedures.
High-Risk Procedures and Common Complications
Nearly 90% of complications come from body contouring surgeries. Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) leads with 64% of cases. Liposuction and buttock augmentation, such as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), follow.
Common issues are wound dehiscence (open wounds, 33%) and seroma (fluid buildup, 29.1%). Infections are also frequent. These problems require long hospital stays, multiple revisions, or emergency interventions like implant removal in patients' home countries.
Experts blame inadequate preoperative assessments, short hospital stays, and minimal postoperative care. Safety protocols are often weak. Patients also face exposure to multidrug-resistant bacteria. Flying home too soon on long-haul flights increases risks after major surgery.
Warnings from Health Authorities
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises travelers interested in aesthetic tourism to consult a primary doctor and travel medicine specialist weeks in advance. Patients must verify health status and medication supplies. They should discuss complication management with the providers abroad. Reviewing insurance for medical evacuation and obtaining English-language medical records is critical.
Legal protections and care quality vary by country. Infection control is often poor. The CDC states that patients must disclose their full travel and treatment history to future doctors.
In the UK, BAAPS, the National Health Service (NHS), and the Royal College of Surgeons recommend verifying credentials and accreditation. Patients should avoid "vacation packages." They should delay flights 5 to 7 days after liposuction or breast surgery. Abdominoplasty or facial procedures require a wait of 9 to 10 days.
Patient Regret and Regional Issues
BAAPS data show stark regret. Sixty-six percent of patients who had cosmetic surgery abroad would not do it again. Nearly half express absolute remorse. Eighty-eight percent of UK professionals have treated dissatisfied patients. These patients came mostly from Turkey (42%), Colombia (38%), and Argentina (18%).
In Argentina, non-specialists like pediatricians or psychiatrists sometimes perform injections or surgeries in unauthorized settings. Clinics often rush patients from airports to immediate procedures. This causes high rates of infections and dissatisfaction.
Specialists stress the need for thorough prior consultations, careful destination choice, and adequate recovery time. Low-cost aesthetic tourism continues to grow. The message is clear. Saving money up front can lead to expensive or life-threatening consequences later.
