Plastic Surgery Vacations: A Global Experience

Want a vacation that sheds years off your looks? If so, you may want to try a plastic surgery vacation. Each year, an increasing number of Americans venture far from home to combine plastic surgery and vacation. The experience combines cost-saving incentives with the relaxation of first-class resorts.

Plastic Surgery Vacations: Mexico

Plastic surgery clinics abound in vacation hotspots worldwide, from Mexico's second largest city, Guadalajara to the rain forests of Costa Rica to the cobblestone streets of Cape Town, South Africa.
 
Known as the Beverly Hills of Mexico, Guadalajara boasts record numbers of certified plastic surgeons, offering a host of plastic surgery procedures at discounted prices. In Guadalajara, you can receive the following procedures, among others:
  • breast implants
  • eye lifts
  • facelifts
  • liposuction
  • tummy tucks.
Tourists often flock here for surgery in the city, followed by rest and recuperation at nearby resort towns Puerto Vallarta or Lake Chapala.

Plastic Surgery Vacations: South Africa

Among the most popular plastic surgery trips, especially for adventure seekers, is Surgeon and Safari in South Africa. In addition to your chosen plastic surgery procedure, the package includes:
  • aromatherapy
  • luxury accommodations
  • massage
  • safari.
Safaris come in a variety of forms: Patients can witness the wilds of the African bush, sample robust flavors at local wineries, view mountain vistas from a luxury train or enjoy the old-world charm of Johannesburg and Cape Town. Whatever the case, Surgeon and Safari takes the hassle out of vacationing by handling all the details, from the flight to the hotel to the meals and everything in between.

Other Plastic Surgery Vacation Destinations

If Mexico and South Africa aren't enticing, you might consider taking a plastic surgery vacation in another part of Latin America or in Southeast Asia. Popular spots include:
  • Argentina
  • Brazil
  • Dominican Republic
  • Malaysia
  • Philippines
  • Thailand.

Clinics in these locations offer everything from pristine beaches and sightseeing to bilingual interpreters, world-class dining and luxury recuperation. Some even offer to provide you with surgeon consultations prior to your trip.

Planning Your Plastic Surgery Vacation
If you're considering a plastic surgery vacation but don't know where you'd like to go, start your search online or contact any number of medical tourism service agencies to help you narrow the field.

Plastic Surgery Vacations: The Benefits

Proponents of plastic surgery vacations list several reasons for pursuing treatment far from home. First and foremost is privacy. Plastic surgery is personal, many say, and few people want to advertise a decision to go under the knife.
 
But a perfect alibi isn't the only incentive for traveling abroad. Plastic surgery vacations can also save people a lot of money. While a facelift in the United States averages $9,000, a facelift at Surgeon and Safari costs less than half: $4,400. Plus, it comes with the added bonus of once-in-a-lifetime travel experience.
 
Likewise, plastic surgery in Mexico is far cheaper than in the United States. The same tummy tuck that costs $15,000 in the United States rings in at $4,000 in Mexico. With rising medical and health insurance costs, these far-off destinations make plastic surgery, which was once a luxury only for the rich and famous, more affordable for the middle class.
 
Plastic Surgery Vacation Considerations
If you do go on a plastic surgery vacation, the American Society of Plastic Surgeons recommends that you ask the following before booking a deal:
  • Are travel and vacation activities compatible with my surgery?
  • How will my post-operative care and any complications be handled?
  • Is the medical facility and equipment safe?
  • Is the physician qualified?

Plastic Surgery Vacations: The Risks

Despite the perks and savings, many American doctors caution against traveling abroad for surgery. They urge patients to weigh the risks, which include:
  • Flying after surgery increases the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis, a potentially life-threatening condition.
  • Health care in a third-world country might fall short of care in the United States.
  • Post-surgery infections often require special treatment or an extended stay.
  • Qualifications of doctors can vary, leading to inadequate care or even a botched surgery.
  • Sun exposure can cause complications after major surgeries.
In spite of these risks, many people can't turn down an opportunity to save big on surgery and enjoy a vacation to boot.
 
Resources
 
ABC News (2007). Is It Wise to Hunt for Cut-Rate Plastic Surgery? Retrieved August 15, 2007, from the ABC News Web site: http://abcnews.go.com/2020/story?id=879765.
 
Llana, S. (2007). Americans Head to Mexico for Plastic Surgery. Retrieved August 15, 2007, from the ABC News Web site: http://abcnews.go.com/International/CSM/story?id=3438073.
 
MedicineNet.com (2005). Cosmetic Surgery in Paradise. Retrieved August 15, 2007, from the MedicineNet.com Web site: http://www.medicinenet.com/script/main/art.asp?articlekey=51306.
 
Plastic Surgery 101 (2007). ASPS Launches Campaign on Hazards of Medical Tourism and Cosmetic Plastic Surgery. Retrieved August 15, 2007, from the Plastic Surgery 101 Web site: http://plasticsurgery101.blogspot.com/2007/06/asps-launches-campaign-on-hazzards-of.html.
 
Surgeon and Safari (2007).Privacy in Paradise. Retrieved August 15, 2007, from the Surgeon and Safari Web site: http://www.surgeon-and-safari.co.za/.
 
Valhouli, C. (2007). Sun, Fun & Plastic Surgery? Retrieved August 15, 2007, from the Forbes.com Web site: http://www.forbes.com/2002/10/17/1017feat.html.