Going abroad for cosmetic surgery is becoming increasingly popular. Tens of thousands of people fly off to have breast implants in Thailand or nose jobs in Thailand. The benefits are obvious – in virtually every case, you can save a fortune and enjoy a cut-price vacation at the same time. However, it is not all plain sailing, so here is a quick guide to the do’s and don’ts of booking a cosmetic surgery procedure abroad.
Always Do Your Research
Cosmetic surgery has been normalised in recent years, to the extent that it is perfectly acceptable to have Botox in your lunch hour or lip enhancement injections before a big night out. Celebrities are open about what procedures they have had done, so the rest of us think it’s OK too. However, just because your neighbour went to Bulgaria for a tummy tuck and looks fabulous, it doesn’t mean the procedure is right for you.
Do your research and check out what the clinic is offering before you commit to having anything done.
Ask Lots of Questions
Ask lots of questions before you hand over any money. You need to know the clinic where you have the procedure done is going to provide the right level of care. Will you get to meet the surgeon prior to the procedure? Do the staff speak English? What happens after you have had the procedure done?
Find out as much as you can before you make a decision and ask for all information to be forwarded to you in writing.
Use a Reputable Surgeon
It goes without saying that you should always use a reputable surgeon to carry out your procedure. Ideally, go with a personal recommendation from a trusted friend or relative. If someone you know has had a procedure done at a particular clinic and was very happy with the results, this is a good indication you are in good hands. However, it is sensible to check your surgeon’s qualifications to make sure they are accredited by the appropriate regulatory body.
Avoid Bargain Basement Deals
If a cosmetic surgery deal sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Cut-price surgeons rarely offer good value for money. They are often unqualified and may even be working illegally. Instead of providing a quality service, they pack as many patients into their clinic as they possibly can in order to maximise their earning potential before someone decides to sue them for damages.
Don’t Rush into a Procedure
Never rush into having cosmetic surgery done abroad. If something goes wrong, it is very hard to seek redress with the surgeon who carried out your procedure. Think very carefully about whether you really need a breast augmentation or a nose job. It might be that your perceived flaws are invisible to everyone but you.
If you do decide to have a procedure carried out at a foreign clinic, follow the advice above to avoid the trauma of a botched operation.