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Most experts agree that there is a growth market in “ health tourism “ and one of the most popular areas of this sector to benefit is aesthetic surgery.
But just why are people turning their backs on their home country and buying plane tickets to countries promising better looks on the return flight?
There is no doubt that the main driver for this market is cost. Generally speaking, it is much cheaper to have cosmetic surgery in the rest of Europe than in the UK. Quite often the cost can be substantially less even when you take into consideration the cost of the flight and hotel. It’s cheaper in many cases to catch a flight to a European neighbour than a train to London.
So, you have the idea of going abroad for surgery, but what should you look for? How can you be sure that you have made the right decision?
Firstly, wherever possible you must have a consultation in the UK with the surgeon who will carry out your procedure. It’s a fact that some people are rejected at the consultation stage because they are not suitable for the surgery. Don’t be left with a holiday you hadn’t bargained for. A UK consultation gives you a chance to meet the Surgeon who will operate on you. Does he or she explain things clearly? Do you like the surgeon? What’s your gut feeling? Can he or she do what you are asking? What’s the package being offered?
If you have a UK consultation then it’s highly likely that you will get follow up care when you return home. This is also vital. If you develop a post operative problem you don’t want to be at the mercy of the health service, something frowned upon by British surgeons and rightly so. Some clinics and surgeons offer good post operative care and support but sadly some offer none at all. You did to do your home work.
Check out the surgeon’s qualifications. Make sure that he or she has the specialist title in Plastic Surgery if you are having cosmetic surgery. Try to speak to their ex-patients who have had surgery. Check out where the surgery will take place. Get at least a website reference so that you can look the place up. What facilities are available and do they speak English? (If English is not spoken, this can be very frustrating).
It’s never a good idea to travel home too soon after surgery. Most companies will request that you stay in the host country between one and two weeks after surgery depending on what you have had done. If your Surgeon seems keen to discharge you quickly and put you on a plane back home, then don’t choose this company. It can be very helpful to the recovery process to have a relaxing break in nice surroundings and again this is one of the major attractions of having surgery abroad. The emphasis during this break should be on rest and relaxation. Choose your destination with this in mind. Whilst away, you can avoid all the distractions of home live that often prove to delay healing.
A word about costs. There are big savings to be made by going abroad for surgery that’s for sure. However, check out who pays in the event that you need to return for further surgery, often known in the industry as a “touch up”. If you have to pay everything then this may well wipe out any initial savings that you made. Companies offer varying degrees of cover here from no financial help at all, to all costs being met by the company. Check before you book.
If you choose wisely, you should be able to find an excellent surgeon, a fine hospital, a great price and good aftercare. Keep this in mind as a minimum.
If you are considering traveling to far flung corners of the earth, think about the flight. The outbound flight will be fine but the return flight for many hours might not be so attractive, especially if you have had a major procedure such as a tummy tuck or a breast reduction. Costs are very low, but you must be prepared for the trip.
- Make sure that you have a consultation in the UK with the Surgeon before you travel.
- Check out the qualifications of your Surgeon. Make sure that they have the specialist title.
- Try and research the hospital on the internet. Get a feel for where the surgery will take place. Is it a hospital or a clinic? What is the package being offered?
- Ensure that there is aftercare back in the UK.
- Be sure to find out who pays if you need to return for further surgery.
- Speak to ex-patients of the Surgeon or company if you can
- Consider the choice of country very carefully.
- inform your GP
- Get a clear understanding of the costs, are there hidden extras? Be aware of point 5 above
- Trust your gut feeling.
Mills & Mills Medical Group
www.millsmedical.com
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