Plastic surgery has seen an extreme growth in popularity over the last couple of years. As the popularity of procedures grows and people flock to quality clinics like Cosmos Clinic, people continue to search for less expensive options to get their cosmetic fix. In the search for cheap plastic surgery, patients discovered that having a procedure done overseas could cut your bill by a significant amount. Is the price cut worth it, though?
Saving Money with Plastic Surgery Abroad
Perhaps the most prominent benefit of getting plastic surgery abroad is the drop in price. This is often the main reason why many people seek out medical treatments around the world. It is possible to cut your bill in half, even with the cost of travel included, compared to what you might pay in your home country. Considering many insurance companies might not cover cosmetic surgery or require substantial out-of-pocket costs even if the procedure is covered, spending less money overseas may be a rather appealing option.
The Risks of Overseas Plastic Surgery
With that said, this form of medical tourism can also be extremely risky. Several patients have been hospitalized due to botched procedures performed overseas. There was one model whose skin literally rotted and formed holes in her thighs after having a botched injection performed abroad. Another woman died after having liposuction done in the Dominican Republic.
It is extremely important that you make sure the doctor you find is accredited or certified. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is a good organization to check accreditation with. Accreditation with the ISAPS guarantees that the doctor has been trained, certified, and properly educated. It can be hard to determine the qualifications of doctors abroad, but a society membership can make your decision much easier.
Best Places to Get Plastic Surgery Abroad
Brazil is perhaps the best option for getting plastic surgery abroad. The country is second in the world after the United States as home to the most cosmetic procedures performed each year. In fact, Rio de Janeiro has been named the “World Capital of Plastic Surgery”. In Brazil, you’re almost guaranteed to have a safe procedure performed by a well-trained doctor at an accredited hospital for significantly less than what you would pay in a Western nation.
Malaysia is another recognized location for quality plastic surgery.
In 2016, the country won the award for “International Cosmetic Surgery Clinic of the Year”. Malaysia is widely English-speaking compared to other Asian countries, with a more modern infrastructure, as well. The country performs cosmetic procedures on more than half a million people from abroad each year.
Thailand is an option continuously gaining more attention, and the number of international patients treated increases each year. Many doctors who work in Thailand were trained in a Western country and, therefore, speak English well. Bangkok has been recommended by experts as one of the best places in the world to find quality care.
Take Care When Choosing a Doctor Abroad
When looking to have any medical procedure performed abroad, you should always take great care in the search. There are many risks involved, as proven by the women who have suffered from a variety of side effects, including death, after receiving botched treatments abroad.
The most important thing to look for is an accredited or certified doctor with a history of positive results. By taking the time to put in a little extra effort while looking for your doctor, you could save yourself a whole lot of trouble while recovering. In fact, choosing the right doctor could even mean saving your life.