Many are now turning to cosmetic surgery abroad in a bid to save money on procedures such as breast augmentation and lap band surgery, but is there a hidden extra price to pay?
It seems that the NHS is having to spend millions of pounds fixing botched plastic surgery performed on patients abroad. Each year, many thousands of people travel to destinations in Eastern Europe and Africa as part of cosmetic surgery holiday packages.
In a survey carried out by BAPRAS (The British association of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeons) it was revealed that a quarter of its members had treated patients to put right an array of complications relating to surgical procedures carried out abroad.
Worryingly, complications ranged from poorly carried out breast augmentation operations which left patients with asymmetrical breasts, to patients being left with swabs inside operation sites. In serious cases a number of patients suffered from blood poisoning, blood clots and wound infections.
People then expect the NHS to pick up the pieces and as there is no clear policy with regards to whether they should or shouldn’t provide treatment to these patients even though the choice to go abroad for cut price and high risk surgery was theirs.
Some argue that these patients should be made to pay for corrective surgery as it is causing an unnecessary drain on the NHS’s resources at a time when obesity and smoking related illnesses are on a rapid increase. If the problems are of course life threatening then any professional in this area would agree that treatment should be given without hesitation.
In light of this evidence the moral of the story it seems is to be very careful before making any decision on travelling abroad for procedures of this nature. When it comes to cosmetic surgery it seems the old adage is true â?? you really do get what you pay for.
If you are considering cosmetic surgery procedures in the UK such as breast augmentation you should seek an accredited surgeon who is registered with BAPRAS or BAAPS to ensure this plastic surgery runs smoothly.
James Wilkinson is a Uk based author with experience within the cosmetics industry.