Experts warn Aussies may pay the price for seeking out cheaper surgeries abroad
- Replies 3
As we all know, it's a great feeling to save a few bucks here and there, especially nowadays when prices on mundane necessities seem to be continually going up and up. But even in a world where it's always nice to save a few bucks, there are some lines you shouldn't cross when it comes to your health and well-being.
Unfortunately, with COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, Australians are taking advantage of the opportunity to jet overseas for cheap medical and cosmetic surgery – with potentially devastating consequences.
It seems that the risks aren’t stopping Australians from travelling overseas for cheap plastic surgery, being drawn to destinations like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand for dental surgery, face lifts, Botox and other treatments – all for prices that are significantly lower than what they'd pay at home.
Experts are warning that the risks of these procedures far outweigh the benefits. In fact, a survey conducted by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) showed that there is a 38 per cent increase in the number of Australian patients who require corrective treatment due to complications from overseas plastic surgery over the past year.
Associate Professor and President of ASPS Nicola Dean attributes this to the fact that these surgeries are often marketed as 'holiday' trips as well, with some making arrangements to combine the surgery with other forms of holiday activities, such as island escapes.
And while there may be some who enjoy the combination of a medical procedure and a luxurious holiday, there are others who may be far less prepared to deal with the consequences.
Dean said: 'The trouble is people try to combine it with some kind of holiday.'
'But, if you’ve just had surgery you really need to be resting, and there is no one to keep an eye on you that really knows you overseas.'
She added that, despite what many people think, there are not nearly as many risks associated with cosmetic surgeries as there are with other operations.
'But, cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and all surgeries carry their own risks,' the surgeon explained.
Dean also advised people to think twice before travelling after having a surgery overseas, as she claimed that it is quite 'risky'.
'When flying at any time, there is a small risk of blood clots,' she said.
'But if you fly right after surgery, that risk goes up a huge amount.'
However, not all cosmetic surgeries done abroad are faulty. Just take a look at Bobbie, who did not wish to reveal his full name, who chose to get dental surgery Done in Da Nang, Vietnam.
He said that he and his wife had a positive experience after getting the procedures done overseas as they were able to combine leisure with their health appointments.
Bobbie shared: 'As I’ve been a few times now, I trusted the same procedure and staff.'
'I have also gotten free flights and accommodation included, so I’m treating it like a holiday as well.'
But before going ahead, Bobbie ensured that the hospital had free flights and accommodation and had done thorough research by getting feedback from other Australians who had gone through the same procedure from the same clinic.
He shared: 'I would check with others who have had the same procedures and whether they recommend it.'
'I would go directly to the person, rather than looking at feedback online as they could have fake reviews.'
Dean agreed with this recommendation, saying Australians ought to approach cosmetic surgery the same way they would any other type of treatment.
He remarked: 'For example, you could ask yourself if you had a C-section or a gallbladder removed here would you be comfortable?'
'In my opinion it is always better getting work done closer to home where you have support.'
'But if you do want to go, then my main message would be to remember that cosmetic surgery is real surgery and, however carefully it’s done, it always carries risks.'
'You have to think about the worst-case scenario and what you would do in that situation.'
Members, if you are thinking of travelling and getting surgery done overseas, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved and do your research thoroughly before making any decisions. Here are some key tips to consider prior to booking:
1. Make sure you find a reliable and qualified practitioner.
2. Don’t rush into any decisions.
3. Discuss all the potential risks and complications with your doctor before the procedure.
4. Always read online reviews from reliable sources before getting a procedure and contact the practitioner via the phone to ensure they are legitimate.
5. Don't fly directly after having surgery.
6. Give yourself plenty of time to recover.
Have you ever travelled overseas for medical or cosmetic surgery? What tips do you have for others considering this? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
Unfortunately, with COVID-19 restrictions being lifted, Australians are taking advantage of the opportunity to jet overseas for cheap medical and cosmetic surgery – with potentially devastating consequences.
It seems that the risks aren’t stopping Australians from travelling overseas for cheap plastic surgery, being drawn to destinations like Indonesia, Vietnam and Thailand for dental surgery, face lifts, Botox and other treatments – all for prices that are significantly lower than what they'd pay at home.
Experts are warning that the risks of these procedures far outweigh the benefits. In fact, a survey conducted by the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) showed that there is a 38 per cent increase in the number of Australian patients who require corrective treatment due to complications from overseas plastic surgery over the past year.
Associate Professor and President of ASPS Nicola Dean attributes this to the fact that these surgeries are often marketed as 'holiday' trips as well, with some making arrangements to combine the surgery with other forms of holiday activities, such as island escapes.
Australians are rushing to get cosmetic procedures done overseas as these medical treatments are cheaper compared to the services offered Down Under. Credit: Pexels.
And while there may be some who enjoy the combination of a medical procedure and a luxurious holiday, there are others who may be far less prepared to deal with the consequences.
Dean said: 'The trouble is people try to combine it with some kind of holiday.'
'But, if you’ve just had surgery you really need to be resting, and there is no one to keep an eye on you that really knows you overseas.'
She added that, despite what many people think, there are not nearly as many risks associated with cosmetic surgeries as there are with other operations.
'But, cosmetic surgery is real surgery, and all surgeries carry their own risks,' the surgeon explained.
Dean also advised people to think twice before travelling after having a surgery overseas, as she claimed that it is quite 'risky'.
'When flying at any time, there is a small risk of blood clots,' she said.
'But if you fly right after surgery, that risk goes up a huge amount.'
However, not all cosmetic surgeries done abroad are faulty. Just take a look at Bobbie, who did not wish to reveal his full name, who chose to get dental surgery Done in Da Nang, Vietnam.
He said that he and his wife had a positive experience after getting the procedures done overseas as they were able to combine leisure with their health appointments.
Bobbie shared: 'As I’ve been a few times now, I trusted the same procedure and staff.'
'I have also gotten free flights and accommodation included, so I’m treating it like a holiday as well.'
But before going ahead, Bobbie ensured that the hospital had free flights and accommodation and had done thorough research by getting feedback from other Australians who had gone through the same procedure from the same clinic.
He shared: 'I would check with others who have had the same procedures and whether they recommend it.'
'I would go directly to the person, rather than looking at feedback online as they could have fake reviews.'
Dean agreed with this recommendation, saying Australians ought to approach cosmetic surgery the same way they would any other type of treatment.
He remarked: 'For example, you could ask yourself if you had a C-section or a gallbladder removed here would you be comfortable?'
'In my opinion it is always better getting work done closer to home where you have support.'
'But if you do want to go, then my main message would be to remember that cosmetic surgery is real surgery and, however carefully it’s done, it always carries risks.'
'You have to think about the worst-case scenario and what you would do in that situation.'
Members, if you are thinking of travelling and getting surgery done overseas, it’s important to be aware of the risks involved and do your research thoroughly before making any decisions. Here are some key tips to consider prior to booking:
1. Make sure you find a reliable and qualified practitioner.
2. Don’t rush into any decisions.
3. Discuss all the potential risks and complications with your doctor before the procedure.
4. Always read online reviews from reliable sources before getting a procedure and contact the practitioner via the phone to ensure they are legitimate.
5. Don't fly directly after having surgery.
6. Give yourself plenty of time to recover.
Have you ever travelled overseas for medical or cosmetic surgery? What tips do you have for others considering this? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below.
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