Is Plastic Surgery Tourism A Good Idea?

The cosmetic industry is as popular as it’s ever been and expected to be a $43.9 billion industry by 2025. But the quest to look younger comes at a price, one that can be hefty on the wallet especially in North America. Depending on the procedure you want to get, on average cosmetic surgery can cost you upwards of $5,000-10,000+ per procedure. If you’re planning on being a repeat client or combining procedures for the best possible results, the costs can really add up.

But the secret’s out of the bag, and has been for a long time — getting plastic surgery in other countries is much cheaper, especially in places like Mexico, Brazil, Italy and Japan. So much so that it’s convinced many North Americans to pack their bags, book their flights and travel overseas to get their desired cosmetic procedures done. But just how much more affordable is it going abroad?

Surgical cosmetic procedures can cost you anywhere between 40-80% less in other international countries as opposed to Canada and the United States. And with a greater number of people looking to improve their physical imperfections (you can thank social media for that!), it’s no wonder people are opting for cheaper alternatives outside Canada.

But is plastic surgery tourism a good idea?

It depends on who you ask, but before we give you our take, we’ll break down some of the most popular cosmetic procedures happening aboard, what to consider if you’re planning on going overseas and why you should also consider keeping it local.

Popular Cosmetic Procedures Done Abroad

It’s no surprise that some of the most popular procedures done abroad are some of the most expensive at home. Breast augmentation, tummy tucks, nose jobs, and eyelid surgery are some of the most popular amongst women. Men, on the other hand, are also joining in on the fun, opting for procedures like liposuction, male breast reduction, and hair transplants.

Tips If You’re Seeking Cosmetic Treatment Abroad

Do Your Research

The same due diligence you would do at home when picking out a plastic surgeon applies to when you’re searching for options overseas. Make sure the clinic you go with has proper accreditation and training, and ensure it’s up to North American standards. For that extra security, make sure they’re also part of a recognized international plastic surgery society. And finally, don’t be afraid to request to talk with your plastic surgeon via Skype to get to know them better and get a chance to view the clinic in real-time.

Make Sure They Speak Your Language

Communication is key. Whether it’s English or another native language that you speak, make sure you, the surgeon and their team all speak in a language you can all understand. Your surgeon needs to be able to explain the procedure to you and be able to answer all the questions and concerns you may have regarding your treatment. Having a language barrier and impede your quality of service and cause unnecessary frustrations.

Crunch The Numbers

If you’re seeking treatment abroad, you’re probably doing it to save some money off the procedure. If that’s the case, but don’t forget to look at the bigger picture as well. Besides the procedure and costs of aftercare, don’t forget to consider the costs of flights, accommodation, food and other travel expenses. Those who have any sort of surgery aren’t encouraged to travel until they are cleared because of their increased risk of blood clots. Keeping that in mind, make sure you budget enough money for the entirety of your stay. as well as some unexpected surprises.

Is Plastic Surgery Tourism A Good Idea?

At the end of the day, this depends on who you ask. Seeking plastic surgery is a personal decision, so what’s good for one person might not be the best for someone else. If you’re looking to save a couple of thousand dollars, getting treatment abroad may be the best option. So long as you do your research and go to a certified and experienced surgeon, you can see incredible results. Keep in mind that the risk of complications and infection are always there, which can potentially extend your stay for longer than expected. If you’re required to make a hospital visit for whatever reason, there will likely be additional costs associated with that, that may not be covered by your travel medical insurance. But if you do your due diligence and it all goes well, you could walk away as a very happy patient.

On the other hand, many forget that getting plastic surgery is also an emotional experience that can be eased with having the support of family and friends nearby. When getting treatment abroad, going alone or with minimal support may not feel the same as having the comforts of home. On top of that, you need to account for recovery time. Depending on the type of procedure you get, you require weeks of recovery plus follow-ups. Being in a foreign country for that long might feel uncomfortable after a while, which is why being close to home may be more convenient. You can do follow up appointments while resuming your regular routine with ease.

So is it a good idea to travel abroad for plastic surgery? That’s a decision you have to make on your own. Just remember, no matter where you go, whether it’s a plastic surgery clinic in Toronto or overseas, be cautious and do your research! Like in most things in life — if the deal is too good to be true, it probably is. And when it comes to cosmetic procedures, it’s not something you want to risk especially if it impacts your health and the way you look. Whichever route you decide to take, good luck!