Wednesday, July 8, 2009

How Much Would You Risk to Look Beautiful?

By Ross Tilley

The current recession has hit a number of different industries and affected millions in adverse ways that most never imagined. Now it has reared its ugly head in the world of cosmetic surgery. Citizens of the UK are being enticed into cosmetic procedures by "Plastic Surgery Package Holidays", trips to foreign nations where medical procedures are done for a fraction of the price charged here at home.

It's easy to see their reasoning why not combine their annual holiday with a cheap boob job to boost their cup size? Or magically take a few pounds of fat away through liposuction? The internet has opened up a whole market of potential customers to overseas cosmetic surgeons, and in places where costs are lower they can afford to offer cheaper procedures. But at what risk?

The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons - BAAPS - issued a press release nearly five years ago warning UK citizens about the dangers of going abroad on cosmetic surgery holidays. They outlined how these holidays are advertised in the back of woman's magazines and given seeming credibility by agents who meet potential patients locally.

BAAPS aims to make sure everyone is armed with enough knowledge to make educated decisions on their plastic surgery, and to make sure people understand the function and necessity of a governing body for specific healthcare sectors. Cosmetic surgery, although now much safer than it's ever been, will never be 100% free from the chance of complication, but travelling to countries where it is ungoverned may certainly increase that risk.

One of the bigger concerns of these plastic surgery holiday packages, is that of countries that offer significantly discounted treatment and the level of expertise, technology and aftercare one can expect to receive.

There was a staggering 650 million pounds spend on cosmetic surgery last year by Britons, and there's little sign of this declining despite the squeeze of the recession. However, the desire to look good and boost confidence levels has the potential to outweigh the risks of the unknown.

BAAPS is a governing body designed to regulate the cosmetic surgeons in Britain, and ensure all practicing members adhere to the same high standards. Many counties will have a similar organization and potential patients would do well to familiarize themselves with those in their chosen country.

In times of financial uncertainty, it's only natural that people should seek ways to feel good. Cosmetic surgery can make people look and feel fantastic, and even change people's lives for some. The question is, is the risk of a potentially unsafe environment abroad really worth risking your health for?

About the Author:

No comments:

Post a Comment