Going abroad to get cosmetic surgery has become quite a trend these days. Many people are considering the surgeons and healthcare providers of different countries for giving themselves a beauty makeover. Tempting surgical costs and great travel opportunities are two leading causes behind this rising tendency. But there are many other things, too, which must be mulled over before saying ‘yes’ to cosmetic surgery tourism. Here is a guideline for you.
Factors To Consider Beforehand
It is always better to be a little bit more informed beforehand so that you do not end up harming yourself or wasting your hard-earned money in the name of cosmetic surgery treatments. So, make sure that you keep the following points in mind before even thinking about it:
- No matter which country you visit for cosmetic surgery, the quality of their services and the care they provide for their patients should be of high medical standards.
- All the medical items and equipment should meet strict efficacy and safety standards.
- The surgeons need to be rightly qualified and adequately trained. They should also be members of ISAPS or the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
- It would be best if you were given all the required information in detail beforehand to develop a clear idea about the method.
- There must be sufficient time in your hand before you make a well-informed decision and give your consent.
- When it comes to availing cosmetic surgery packages from different countries, post-operative complications may arise anytime, and you should be prepared for them with a feasible plan.
Cosmetic Surgery Tourism – General Guidelines
Now that you have a brief idea about the factors to take into account at the initial stage let us dig a bit deeper and get familiar with the general guidelines of cosmetic surgery tourism:
Do Your Research
Your desire or need to undergo aesthetic plastic surgery should not make you compromise your health and safety. So, if you plan to travel to a different country for treatment, make a knowledgeable decision by researching and carefully planning accordingly.
Opt For The Right Surgery
There is a whole lot of variety in cosmetic surgery objectives and procedures. You must know what you want to get and choose the surgical method that perfectly meets your requirements. If you do not understand the know-how of the surgical procedure you are looking for, you may end up making risky decisions.
Understand The Complications
Knowing only about the surgery itself is not enough, especially if you are planning to undergo it the aesthetic way. Ensure you have a good idea about the possible complications, scars, recovery time, etc. It will help you gauge the entire procedure more wisely and make your expectations more realistic.
Know About The Surgeon
If not done most efficiently, cosmetic surgery can affect your physical appearance, emotional level, and financial state. Hence, it is of utmost importance to find an expert plastic surgeon with the proper qualifications, necessary training, enough experience executing the procedure, and membership from the ISAPS.
Ask For A Safety Checklist
A surgeon should always provide you with a surgical safety checklist (in most cases, it is developed by WHO) before the procedure. If you are not provided with the checklist, ask for it from your surgeon.
Identify Your Comfort Level
Knowing how comfortable you are and how long you will remain in a new country during the entire surgical procedure is essential before making any plan. Consider everything from the levels of communication to the lodging arrangements to your insurance coverage.
Keep A ‘Plan B’ Ready
Last but not least, be prepared to face complications while traveling to another country for cosmetic surgery and always have a ‘plan B’ ready. Whether you are experiencing complications, worrying about post-operative follow-ups, or requiring a secondary procedure, there must be a stand-by idea for everything.
Concerns You Must Think About
Apart from all considerations and precautions, cosmetic surgery in another country may still be dangerous. The reasons are as follows:
- The risk of developing complications increases rapidly.
- Traveling right after the surgery may hurt your health.
- Getting a pre-surgery consultation is often tricky.
- Revision work becomes a joint exercise.
- Follow-up care and extended follow-up care are not ensured.
- Taking legal steps is extremely tough in cases of surgical negligence or highly unsatisfactory results.
So, if you are all set to undergo your cosmetic surgery internationally, keep the things above in mind and make a well-informed decision.
Summary
Cosmetic surgery tourism, seeking procedures abroad for cost and travel benefits, is rising. Before embarking on this trend, patients should consider essential factors. Ensure high medical standards, safe equipment, and qualified surgeons. Verify procedure details, have adequate decision-making time, and plan for post-operative complications. General guidelines include thorough research, choosing the right surgery, understanding potential complications, verifying the surgeon’s credentials, requesting a safety checklist, assessing comfort levels in the new country, and having a backup plan for complications or follow-ups. However, concerns persist, such as increased complication risks, post-surgery travel impacts, challenges in consultations, revision difficulties, and uncertain legal recourse for unsatisfactory outcomes. Proceed with international cosmetic surgery cautiously, weighing potential drawbacks.
