Cosmetic surgery has become a popular option for people who wish to enhance their physical appearance. Getting these procedures done abroad is also a popular choice for many as many deem getting their surgery done abroad a less expensive option. However, it is crucial to always research to make sure that the safety standards are up to the correct standards.
There is always a chance of risk involved with any surgery, whether it is in the UK or abroad. Whether you are considering cosmetic surgery in the UK or in another country, it is always important to do your research and find a reputable surgeon that has all of the necessary accreditations and medical qualifications.
The British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) have stated that “while ‘cosmetic surgery tourism’ is a success for some people, there are a number of things that need to be considered when deciding if it is the right thing for you.”
While many people have had positive experiences getting their private surgery done abroad, it is important to be aware of the fact that in some cases, things can go wrong. However, if you plan in advance and do thorough research, you can reduce the risks associated with getting cosmetic surgery abroad.
Why Do People Travel Abroad For Their Cosmetic Surgery Procedures?
There are several reasons why people choose to get their cosmetic surgery procedures done abroad. One of the main reasons is because of cost. In some countries, cosmetic surgery can be very expensive and so, travelling abroad to a country that offers a less expensive option is appealing to some.
Another reason why many people choose to have cosmetic surgery done abroad is if they have heard positive reviews from friends, family or influencers online who have had similar procedures done abroad.
Reducing the Risks of Cosmetic Surgery Abroad
If you are considering travelling abroad to get cosmetic surgery, there are several things you can do to try to reduce the risks and ensure your safety:
1. Do Your Research
Different countries have varying standards of medical care and certain countries may have lower standards in comparison to the UK. During the research phase, you should aim to find out the medical rules and regulations surrounding cosmetic surgery in the country that you will be going to.
BAPRAS also recommends that you should aim to find out about the regulation of the clinic e.g., infection rates, available back-up services if something were to go wrong.
2. Don’t Prioritise Cost Over Quality
Whilst it could be tempting to choose a clinic based on a lower cost, you should prioritise quality of the medical care and safety measures in place over anything else. Inexpensive surgery could end up costing you more in the long term if you suffer complications that could have been avoided. The NHS advises that you should “weigh up potential savings against the potential risks.”
3. Book In A Consultation Beforehand
The NHS advises that you should book in a consultation with the surgeon beforehand and that you should avoid meetings only with sales representatives, particularly if you’re looking at holiday packages.
4. Consider Aftercare
You should consider how the aftercare will be carried out and what the implications of this could be on your health and safety if the aftercare is below standard. During the research phase, you should discuss plans for follow-up care with your chosen clinic or surgeon prior to surgery.
Any type of surgery comes with some kind of risk and complications can occur whether you’re in the UK or abroad. It is important to know what the duty of care is if things do go wrong or what you will need to do if you notice complications following surgery once you have flown home. What will happen if you need an additional follow-up surgery? These are all important things to consider prior to getting cosmetic surgery done abroad.
In this post, we have outlined how to reduce the risks associated with getting cosmetic surgery done abroad and key things that should be considered beforehand.
If you have been affected by cosmetic surgery negligence in the UK, you could be entitled to compensation for your suffering. Unfortunately, if the negligence that you experienced was abroad, it is not possible for our UK solicitors to bring claims against providers based abroad.