Cosmetic tourism has been plagued with horror stories over the years, but does it really deserve the bad rap it has received? We spoke to some of our highly accredited Etre Vous Experts to weigh up the pros and cons of seeking treatments overseas.

What are the benefits to cosmetic tourism?

There may be lots of talk about cosmetic tourism being risky or negative overall, but there are some appealing aspects to going abroad for certain aesthetic or cosmetic procedures.

“One of the primary benefits of cosmetic tourism is cost savings. Many countries offer aesthetic treatments and surgeries at a fraction of the cost compared to the UK,” says Dr Raquel Amado, Director and Medical Practitioner at Dr Raquel Skin and Medical Cosmetics. “Additionally, some patients find the opportunity to combine surgery with a holiday appealing, making the experience more enjoyable and less stressful.”

Dr Ahmed El Muntasar, GP and Aesthetics Doctor, adds that many choose to take this option because often, “there are quicker appointments and quicker treatment plans [than in the UK].”

Are there any risks or dangers?

The benefits to cosmetic tourism should always be weighed up with any potential dangers of choosing to receive treatment this way. Etre Vous Experts all agree that there are some risks connected to cosmetic tourism.

Dr Amado summarises: “These potential dangers include lack of regulation, language barriers, and the difficulty of assessing a surgeon's qualifications from afar, as well as the quality of the products used. In some cases, the standards of hygiene and safety may not be as stringent as in the UK, leading to a higher risk of infections or other complications.”

Dr Amado adds that there can also be risks associated with follow-up care, as complications might arise once the patient has returned home, something that Cosmetic Physician Dr Emmaline Ashley echos: “A complication abroad can be distressing and logistically difficult to manage. But beyond the financial burden, there's the emotional toll of dealing with complications far from home without any support system. A potential language barrier can also be a major obstacle.”

Dr Ashley continues: “Additionally, in many cases medical tourists may be discharged immediately post-procedure with no follow-up planned or offered, with the expectation that they will be returning home. If a procedure goes wrong overseas, you may be faced with the cost of flights, accommodation, and corrective surgery if you return to the original clinician.” Alternatively, she says, you would need to seek care back in the UK, which comes with the “ethical issue of burdening the NHS,” thus meaning paying extra for private care.

So, is cosmetic tourism safe?

All three Experts agree that there are times when it can be safe and effective. “There are skilled, ethical medical clinicians and reputable clinics worldwide,” says Dr Ashley, with Dr Amado adding: “many international destinations have highly skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities.”

However, they say, this is highly dependent on a number of things. “There is always an increased risk in going abroad for a treatment,” notes Dr Ashley. “Aftercare is crucial for any procedure. It's not just about the initial surgery or treatment—complications can arise weeks later, and having easy and immediate access to your clinician is vital.”

“The success of these procedures often depends on careful planning, clear communication, and post-operative care,” adds Dr Amado.

They both agree that it is usually safer to opt for minimally invasive procedures such as injectables, rather than major surgeries, for the aforementioned reasons.

Making a safe, responsible decision 

With that said, there are ways to make the experience safe and more positive overall. Dr Amado explains:

“Before deciding on cosmetic tourism, it's crucial to research the qualifications and experience of the surgeons, the clinic's accreditation, and the standards of medical care in the country. It's also important to look at patient reviews, ensure clear communication with the medical team, and understand the post-operative care plan. Verifying that the clinic follows international standards for hygiene and patient safety is also essential. I also would recommend having several phone calls and video calls before making a final decision.”

Remember, however, that the UK has some of the most experienced and qualified doctors around, and follows some of the most stringent standards of hygiene. “Seeking a practitioner in the UK offers several advantages including regulated standards, easier verification of a surgeon's credentials, legal recourse in case of malpractice, verifying insurance.”