Look Before You Leap

Created on 02nd March 2009

In 2004, 25,000 Britons sought medical treatment overseas which increased to 100,000 in 2007 and it looks like international travel for health care will continue to accelerate.

However, before embarking on this important decision there are a number of things that you need to consider.

Am I more likely to have a complication if I travel abroad for my cosmetic surgery?

No procedure is free from risk and the surgeon should explain, in detail to you, the risks and potential complications associated with the procedure being considered. However, you should always ask about the level of the aftercare that you will receive after your surgery and should be prepared to stay a minimum of ten days for procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation but longer for more major procedures such an abdominoplasty.

Are there any special risks of travelling for cosmetic surgery abroad?

Air travel and major surgery can slightly increase the risk of developing deep vein thrombosis. While in hospital you should be fitted with thromboembolic deterrent stockings during the postoperative period. You should also be given instructions by your surgeon to try to move the muscles in your legs after the surgery even if you are confined to bed. In certain situations, e.g. lower abdominal operations or where surgery is extensive, you may be fitted with a calf compression pump, which will be used continuously throughout and after your surgery, until you are mobile. Further, the use of anti-clotting medication may be used. Ask how the risks will be minimised.

Is there anything I can do to reduce the risks of getting a blood clot?

I always recommend, before arranging surgery overseas, a full blood count with a clotting profile and, in certain circumstances, a Factor V Leiden test. The tests are aimed at isolating an increased risk for the blood to clot and any patients identified with such a tendency should really be advised not to travel for surgery. These tests can be arranged by the company organising things or through Medichecks a company specialising in such pre-operative screens. While this added risk appears to be low, it can be reduced even further by undertaking measures such as trying to move around as often as possible on the flight, wearing loose-fitting clothes and removing shoes, keeping legs uncrossed, drinking adequate fluids but not alcohol and wearing compression stockings.

How do I know that the surgeon is properly trained?

There are many excellent, highly experienced and well qualified plastic surgeons overseas. Most reputable companies or clinics will always make available to you the full CV of their surgeons. Insist on this. Most countries have their own association or body that will regulate qualifications for plastic surgeons. Only use a locally board certified plastic surgeon. Also, The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is one of the largest international associations and accreditation is shown, by country, on their website. Finally, always ask the surgeon how many procedures he/ she has performed and speak to some past patients of the surgeon for feedback of their experience.

How do I know if the clinic is clean and safe?

Ask if the hospital or clinic has an accreditation for The International Society for Quality in Health Care or an affiliate. ISQua is formally recognized by the World Health Organization and accreditation is the formal process used to ensure delivery of safe, high quality health care. Again, speak to some past patients about their experience.

Why is surgery sometimes cheaper abroad than in the UK?

Cosmetic surgery overseas can be up to 60 per cent cheaper than in the UK even allowing for travel. The saving in cost can be attributed to a number of key factors most notably very low government taxes, favourable exchange rates and far lower costs of living. Having surgery abroad does not mean you will be compromised on expertise.

Is cosmetic surgery always better value abroad?

Cosmetic surgery abroad can be better value if all the necessary and appropriate research has been done. Not only is there the cost saving, there is an element of privacy and relaxation. Infection rates abroad are also often much lower.

How well can cosmetic surgery be combined with a holiday?

The idea of a 'cosmetic surgery holiday' is to provide a mix of leisure, fun and relaxation together with wellness and healthcare giving patients the opportunity to get away from their daily routine aiding rest and recuperation. Activities after surgery depend upon the type and extent of surgery and the physical state of the patient. Generally speaking, all patients are able to go about walking and shopping a few days after surgery. However, they can't take part in sports, any strenuous activities and they must avoid the gym. Swimming is discouraged and the operated-on area should be protected from the sun. Alcohol is also to be avoided as it can make the bruising and swelling worse.

Will my trip be covered by my normal holiday insurance?

When travelling abroad for medical treatment or cosmetic surgery, you need to ensure that you are adequately insured against the usual travel perils. Standard travel insurance policies will generally automatically exclude ALL cover if you are travelling to obtain medical treatment. Do not be tempted to purchase a policy with the standard exclusions as this may lead to a claim being rejected. A company called Angelis have created a travel insurance policy specifically for people travelling abroad from the UK for medical, cosmetic or dental treatment which provides up to 12 months cover including a contribution towards revisional costs if the treatment was unsuccessful.

Can I change my mind if I do not like the look of the place when I get to the clinic?

You really must establish this quite early on and this should be a material consideration in deciding whether to have cosmetic surgery abroad and where. With any reputable company or clinic, there should be no financial penalty for deciding not to proceed.

If something goes wrong, can I go to the NHS?

The NHS will always look after you in the event of a life threatening emergency. However, rather than thinking about the NHS, you should always ask the company what 'back-up' they have in place in the UK. For example, do they have a network of private consultants and GPs that you can be referred to? What is their policy in dealing with complications? Do they offer a guarantee if things go wrong? Further, for peace of mind, I always tell patients to obtain travel cover that protects them abroad before, during and for 12 months after surgery in order to negate the potential of any unexpected medical bills.