For Cosmetic Surgery, There’s No Place Like Home

When Dorothy left Kansas looking for her heart’s desire, she ultimately realised “There’s no place like home.” That same realisation has come, sometimes too late, to the increasing number of people who are flocking to medical tourism. In this article, we look more closely at the pros and cons of this growing trend in cosmetic enhancement.

Why Medical Tourism is Popular

Twenty years ago few Australians would have thought to travel to Asia, Europe or South America for cosmetic enhancement. Today, choice.com.au reports that

“…Australians spend $300m a year on cosmetic surgery tourism, with an estimated 15,000 Australians heading offshore each year to go under the knife.”

The allure of getting a nip and tuck for less is undeniable. News.com.au reports that the cost of breast implant surgery in Australia is approximately $8,000, compared to $4,000 in Thailand. Cost, however, is not the only consideration. The icing on the cake is recuperating and enjoying a holiday while you heal. Medical tourists enjoy a trip to an exotic destination with a comfy stay in a luxurious suite, and come home looking well rested and refreshed.

Or do they?

5 Reasons to Consider Plastic Surgery in Australia

The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery is speaking out proactively about problems with cosmetic procedures overseas. In a recent press release, they called medical tourism “high-risk with potentially low reward.” Specific problems the organisation points to include:

• It is impossible to verify a doctor’s credentials or a clinic’s safety protocols until you’ve arrived.

• Your doctor may not speak your language. You will have to rely on interpreters to communicate.

• The standard of care may be different than you are used to in Australia.

• Health insurance policies may not cover problems that develop while you are overseas or when you come home.

• Injectables may not contain pure or authentic cosmetic medicine, putting patients at extreme risk.

At our Edgecliff practice, we value a patient’s health above all else, even beauty. Dr Marcells and everyone on our team are highly skilled and experienced. They are also warm and friendly, which gives our patients an extra level of comfort and confidence.

Let Us Show You

Serious concerns are being raised about cosmetic procedures overseas. If you’re thinking about booking a seat on a medical tourism junket, we hope you’ll call us first. You can book a consultation and visit us at our new practice on New South Head Road in Edgecliff. We can tell you more about remarkable surgical and non-surgical solutions that are available closer to home. Please use our online enquiry form or call us on 1300 555 095 to get answers.