Recently, there has been a burgeoning industry within the 'medical tourism sector'. Clinics abroad may offer lower priced surgical procedures, with accommodation and even a 'holiday' or 'medical retreat' package within one seemingly all inclusive price.
Relevant media interest
In 2008, The British Association of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeons featured on Sky News regarding this phenomenon. Their association members had been consulted in 208 cases of complications from overseas cosmetic surgery, Volkswagen squareback including tummy tuck patients. Three quarters of cases required corrective treatment. The UK's Department of Health has also picked up on the issue, warning patients against choosing lower priced surgeons abroad without considering whether they are the best qualified, specialized, experienced and ethical surgical teams.
A confusing item surfaced in the media in August 2009. Surgeries (including cosmetic surgery) performed in India and Pakistan were been blamed for the introduction of a strain of 'superbug', New Delhi Metallo-1 to the UK. However, of 22 known cases reported, 10 were not linked at all to overseas surgeries. New Delhi Metallo-1 caused the alarm as it is reportedly resistant to routine antibiotics.
Professional associations of cosmetic surgeons and government health departments may offer sound advice on traveling from the home country for cosmetic surgery. Cosmetic surgery is not general medicine - competent practice requires surgeons to undertake further specialized training. Expert advice and instruction from the surgical team is vital, as illustrated by the example of the risk of blood clotting. The British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons states patients should wait an absolute minimum of 7 to 10 days after tummy tuck surgery before flying to avoid increasing risks. They also caution tummy tuck surgery is a major operation and totally incompatible with normal holiday activities such as sunbathing on beaches, swimming, drinking alcohol, etc. Their guidelines for any patient considering surgery away from their home country provide some excellent advice (1).
Some considerations
Patients may find it very difficult to cancel surgery if their first visit to the clinic is for the operation itself. If patients are not satisfied with any aspect of the facilities or care, canceling could involve the loss of substantial amounts of hard earned money and time negotiated away from their occupation.
The expertise of the surgeon and their team must be fully investigated, including their training, qualifications, specialism and experience in abdominoplasty (tummy tuck surgery). Enquires should be made as to their professional memberships, the number of years have the team been practicing and statistics for previous tummy tuck surgeries.
Clear agreement on aftercare, including what is and isn't included in pricing is vital. In case any complications arise, investigate emergency facilities on site and the full aftercare package on offer.
Travel insurers should also be contacted to investigate if their holiday cover extends to this type of trip and any complication or medical error.
Reference:
1. British Association of Plastic Reproductive and Aesthetic Surgeons. 2008. Cosmetic surgery abroad- what you need to know. [online] London: British Association of Plastic Reproductive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
DISCLAIMER: NONE of this article is a substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment under any circumstances.It should NOT be used to decide on using any particular surgical team, please only consult suitably qualified professionals. Many thanks.
RS Brown writes articles about tummy tucks as part of a series about plastic surgery.
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