BAPRAS warns patients of risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery

BAPRAS warns patients of the risks of travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery due to the potential for increased frequency of complications and poorer aftercare.

The warning has been issued following the publication of a report from the University of Leeds, entitled ‘Sun, Sea, Sand and Silicone’; the first international research of its kind into cosmetic surgery tourism.

Key findings from the research highlight that:
-    Cosmetic surgery tourists seek surgery overseas with cost-saving in mind
-    The cosmetic surgery industry abroad  is unevenly regulated and poorly documented
-    Patients find legal redress difficult to access if surgery goes wrong
-    The complication rate for people undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad is high at 16.5% of those surveyed
-    8.7% of patients surveyed required further treatment once at home
 
Mark Henley, a consultant plastic surgeon and member of BAPRAS, says:

“Any publication which informs the public of the pitfalls of cosmetic tourism should be welcomed – for BAPRAS the safety of the patient is paramount. Although only half the patients surveyed in this research came from the UK, the findings are consistent with a growing number of patients experiencing complications as a result of ‘cosmetic tourism’, as highlighted by our own member research in 2009¹.  

“Given the risks, BAPRAS advises patients against travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery unless you are sure of your safety – whilst it can look like a cheap deal, it could lead to serious health and financial consequences if things go wrong. The consultation and follow up process is too easily shortened or ignored during the relative short time the patient is overseas, resulting in higher complication rates, and poor aftercare.

“A consultation with the surgeon that is to perform the surgery is fundamental to a successful outcome, and this must be taken in good time ahead of the procedure. This essential component of care can be denied to patients travelling abroad when the initial consultation is not face-to-face. In addition, travel itself can be harmful to a surgical patient, including increased risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis, and aftercare cannot be delivered to a high standard at a distance.

“If you are considering cosmetic surgery, we recommend you contact a fully qualified surgeon registered as a specialist with the General Medical Council who can provide you with a proper consultation and advice, and allow you adequate time to make an informed decision based on the identified risks and benefit.”

BAPRAS advises that any patients still considering cosmetic surgery overseas need to know:
•  The surgeon’s experience in cosmetic surgery
•  That the hospital and surgeon are regulated to the same standards as in the UK
•  What follow-up arrangements there are with the surgeon
•  The procedure’s complication rates
•  That you will not be covered by regular travel insurance for cosmetic surgery overseas. You will need specialist insurance
•  What medical insurance arrangements are in place if a health problem arises after surgery
•  That any complications arising once you have returned to the UK will probably mean that you have to travel back to the overseas clinic for correction of any problems
•  That treating any complications arising from the surgery may incur a cost – the NHS will only provide emergency treatment and not provide any corrective surgery for poor cosmetic outcomes
•  That private hospitals and surgeons in the UK will require a deposit of the full amount of any corrective surgery because they will be taking over professional responsibility for your care
•  That it is difficult to obtain financial compensation following unsatisfactory cosmetic surgery outcomes from foreign clinics and surgeons

For more information, read our patient information guide on cosmetic surgery tourism

¹BAPRAS Surveyed 208 UK consultant plastic surgeon members to find out if they had seen patients who had problems following cosmetic procedures performed outside the UK