Cosmetic Surgery Abroad Dangerous, Say British Docs

Cosmetic surgery in foreign countries may be dangerous according to some plastic surgeons in England.

Medical tourism is a rising trend in the world of plastic surgery. But, not all the tourists are coming home satisfied.

A recent internal survey by the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons showed that doctors are seeing an increase in patients who have traveled abroad for low-cost cosmetic surgery, and later needed corrective work back in the United Kingdom.

The top five problem regions are reportedly South Africa, Poland, Belgium, Turkey and Thailand. A related study of medical tourism websites showed that 90 percent of the sites did not mention the possible risks or complications of surgery.

Thirty-nine percent of the sites did not include actual details about the surgery. And, more than half the foreign surgeons only offered consultation online or by telephone before an operation.

We spoke with UK plastic surgeon Dr. Patrick Mallucci about the challenges of medical tourism. The report noted that breast augmentation and tummy tucks are among the most popular procedures for medical tourists.

But the apparent lack of post-operative care leaves many patients from the UK needing extra help back home, placing a burden on Britain’s National Health System – and British taxpayers.