The pursuit of the perfect silhouette now crosses oceans and borders. Medical tourism is one of the fastest-growing trends in healthcare, and cosmetic surgery vacations, including breast augmentation abroad, are a big part of that growth. Women are traveling overseas and navigating language barriers to land the best deal on facelifts, breast augmentation, and other popular procedures.
For some, it sounds like the best of both worlds: a new figure through inexpensive surgery, followed by recovery in an exotic locale. For others, it becomes a nightmare, as several well-publicized horror stories show.
Plastic surgery is available in most countries, but to attract outsiders, some surgeons partner with specialized travel agencies to bundle procedures with tours, resort stays, and spa pampering during recovery. Popular destinations include Costa Rica, Mexico, South Africa, Brazil, Bolivia, Colombia, Thailand, and India. Notably, these packages tend to sell the beaches and resorts rather than the safety, reputation, or qualifications behind the surgery, as if the operation were a side attraction of the vacation.
The reality is quite different. You might squeeze in some sightseeing before your procedure, but cosmetic surgery demands a painful, extensive recovery during which physical activity is off the table. After breast augmentation, for example, you can't engage in any strenuous activity for several weeks.
How Exotic Should You Get?
Some countries are renowned for cosmetic surgery overall, such as Brazil, Colombia, and Venezuela, while others specialize in particular procedures. The Dominican Republic, for instance, offers quality dental work at roughly two-thirds less than U.S. prices. Thailand is known for rock-bottom pricing across the board, with many procedures costing around 75% less than in the U.S. For inexpensive breast augmentation, Argentina and the Philippines are among the most popular destinations. While implant costs are relatively fixed between countries, surgeon and anesthesiologist fees vary widely.
As tempting as a cosmetic surgery vacation may sound, hunting for the cheapest or most luxurious destination is the wrong way to choose a surgeon. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) has certified roughly 1,500 surgeons across 73 countries who meet U.S. standards. Even so, John Canady, the incoming president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), cautions that even listed surgeons may have credentials, training, and disciplinary records that are hard to verify. Some may be con artists after your money, and some, particularly in breast augmentation, may use low-grade implants. And in many countries, if malpractice occurs with a non-certified surgeon, you have little recourse.
Do Your Research First
If you're considering going abroad for breast augmentation surgery, thorough research is essential. Look for a skilled surgeon you feel comfortable with, someone who will work within your budget without compromising your safety. Confirm a strong track record and ISAPS certification, and above all, choose someone you can trust. Make sure they use the latest implant and surgical technologies rather than outdated implant technologies that can rupture or lead to infection or bleeding. Surgery is surgery, not a vacation.
Prefer to Enjoy Your Trip?
Before spending your money on a breast augmentation vacation, why not try natural breast enhancement first? There are several breast enhancement creams and pills that are non-invasive, safe, and marketed as effective. They work with your body's own mechanisms, without painful recovery or worries about implant failure, and the money you save could fund a real vacation you can actually enjoy. For your convenience, we've reviewed and ranked the top natural breast enhancement pills and creams here.
