Do You Need Help Deciding Whether to Get Aesthetic Treatments Overseas?
Aesthetic treatments and cosmetic surgery have never been more popular – in some ways, they are defining the look and fashions of the 21st century. And they have certainly never been more accessible, thanks to the rise of clinics in countries with lower costs and cheap airfares to get there.
Destinations such as Turkey, Croatia, Serbia, Slovakia, Mexico, Thailand, and Indonesia promise levels of medical training, technology, and care that are in line with Western countries but with potentially huge savings. But is that really too good to be true?
Whether you get the best botox Sutton Coldfield has to offer or go to Turkey for tear troughs is no simple or trivial decision. Seeking as much knowledge and insight as possible will minimise any risk and help prevent what should be an affirming and rewarding treatment from becoming something negative.
What are the Benefits of Getting Overseas Aesthetic Treatment?
The primary benefit people are seeking when they go overseas for their aesthetic treatments is lower cost. These can be considerable in countries with much lower costs of living than the UK or other Western countries. Wages, even for skilled clinicians, can be only a third or a quarter of what they are here, and that allows total costs for treatment packages to be reduced to a similar level. This brings them within the financial reach of people who would have to really stretch themselves to afford prices at home or would not even be able to consider getting aesthetic treatment just on the grounds of cost.
Many of those who have sought such treatment overseas say that the overall experience is superior as well. A lot of the countries at the forefront of aesthetic treatments are also popular tourist destinations, so the treatment can be combined with a holiday to make it a real once-in-a-lifetime experience.
The popularity of overseas aesthetic treatment has led to companies offering combined tourist and treatment packages – you can stay in a luxury hotel, have use of a driver and car, and often even bring a family member or friend along and still pay around half what the treatment alone would cost at home.
What are the Risks of Overseas Aesthetic Treatment?
Arranging anything abroad needs to be treated with caution, let alone procedures on your body. While the countries popular with cosmetic tourists can undoubtedly provide good quality care by well-trained professionals – and there are plenty of satisfied customers to say so – it isn’t always so clear cut.
Regulation and certification systems in some of these countries are inconsistent. Be sure you do as much research as you can – only use clinics that are accredited by recognised national (or, better yet, international) organisations like the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Also, be sure of the qualifications and experience of the surgeon or clinician who will be carrying out your procedures; confirm they are accredited by recognised national or international bodies.
While English is widely spoken around the world, there are concerns about language barriers, and cosmetic surgery isn’t an area where you want any misunderstandings. Research and establishing a relationship with the clinic will let you judge if this will be an issue.
There is also the question of post-procedural care. What follow-up care is available, and what might happen if you experience complications? How much will any secondary procedures cost (some clinics charge steeply for these), and can they be covered by insurance?
In the worst case, what legal options are available in the country of your choice if you’re a victim of medical misconduct or negligence? Some cosmetic tourist hotspots, such as Croatia, have the benefit of being in the EU and are covered by clear and consistent legal systems, but that is not the case for others.
Conclusion
The steady stream of Brits heading abroad to seek cosmetic and aesthetic treatments proves that the demand is there, and plenty of people feel that it is the way for them. Whatever you decide, make sure you have weighed up the options and done thorough research.
