A recent trend in Europe, especially Great Britain has been the growth of “health tourism.” Patients seeking plastic surgery are packing their bags and heading off to foreign countries. This is occurring for two major reasons. Number one, oftentimes, the surgeries are much, much cheaper in other countries; and number two, the getaway provides a relaxing recovery time for the patient.
Norway is one such country, where other Europeans are going to get corrective eye surgery, breast augmentations and tummy tucks. This is because of their socialized medical system. Patients can avoid waiting lines and pay less for the operation, their plane ticket, and their accommodations for the recovery period than they would for just the procedure in their home countries.
However, there are several major pitfalls. Patients have long been concerned with health and safety issues. To attempt flying without properly healed incisions can be potentially dangerous. Also, the risk of infection may be higher, because the patient can be exposed to foreign bacteria and viruses. There is also less follow-up care. In the patient’s home country, he or she may be able to return to their surgeon as many times as necessary. This is less feasible and more dangerous if you have to cross national boundaries.
If you or someone you know is considering getting a tummy tuck or other procedure overseas, you may want to first consult a local plastic surgeon. Ask them what they feel the advantages and disadvantages are. You may find that by paying a bit more, you are taking less of a personal safety and well-being risk.
