Best 10 Countries for Plastic Surgery

With their growing availability and affordability, plastic surgery procedures are no longer a luxury solely within reach of the rich and famous. Nowadays, plastic surgery is a common way for people who are unhappy with their appearance and want to remove imperfections and enhance their natural beauty. The increased interest in both surgical and non-surgical procedures can be observed all over the world, but due to issues such as cultural factors, healthcare standards and costs, some countries can offer patients significantly more affordable plastic surgery options than others.

Luckily, thanks to advancing globalisation, travelling is today much easier and cheaper than ever before, giving those looking to enhance their looks the opportunity to choose whether they want to undergo surgery at home or abroad. But which country is the best choice when it comes to plastic surgery?

What Is Medical Tourism?

Looking for opportunities to undergo surgery in other countries is not limited to cosmetic surgery procedures and is actually common enough to have acquired its own name: medical tourism. There are various reasons why medical tourists choose to go abroad for treatment, ranging from the desire to save money due to the lower costs of surgical and non-surgical procedures to looking for opportunities to undergo treatments and access innovative surgical techniques not available locally. Another reason is long waiting times to see surgical specialists in your home country. Many clinics, such as KCM Clinic in Poland, focus their efforts to international patients as one of the main parts of their services by providing comprehensive healthcare packages, multilingual staff and an easily accessible location, driver and accommodation options among other things.

3 Things to Look For When Looking for Plastic Surgery Abroad

Is It Safe to Undergo Plastic Surgery Procedures Abroad?

All surgical procedures carry a certain risk of complications and possible side effects, thus, the issue of safety should never be underestimated. To ensure your safety, when travelling abroad for a plastic surgery procedure, make sure that the standard of your chosen medical facility complies with international standards and that the clinic itself has the experience, testimonials, competence, equipment and qualifications necessary to carry out effective and safe operations.

Is Your Health Insurance Valid in Other Countries?

A good insurance policy can protect you from additional expenses arising from post-surgery complications or other health issues experienced while out of the country. Making sure that your health insurance offers coverage within the country you’re travelling to, and covers undergoing treatment there, is essential to ensure your safety as a medical tourist.

What Is Included in Your Plastic Surgery Package?

Pre-surgery consultation and post-surgery care are just as important for a speedy recovery and satisfactory results as the surgery itself. That’s why it’s essential to check what exactly is included in the package offered by a particular clinic. While there are cosmetic procedures that do not require a hospital stay for longer than a day such as eyelid surgery or an eyebrow lift, long travel directly after more invasive surgical interventions can affect your recovery. Therefore, it’s always important to learn as much as possible not only about the procedure, but also about the extent of care and support you can count on, including post-operative care and follow-up appointments. Normally, your medical coordinator in the clinic will inform about the optimal length of stay in the chosen country.

Top Destinations for Plastic Surgeries in the World

To qualify as a good destination for plastic surgery a country has to not only offer affordable prices but also meet all the requirements mentioned above. When it comes to cosmetic procedures, the popularity of a certain location or clinic is often based primarily on feedback from previous patients – good reviews are usually considered more reliable than extensive marketing campaigns and more important than low prices as far as the safety and quality of cosmetic surgery are concerned. While it’s possible to find good clinics and excellent plastic surgeons all around the world, e.g. countries such as South Korea, Poland, Israel and the United States are well-known for high-quality healthcare, there are places where finding innovative, high-quality and affordable plastic surgery options is easier than elsewhere.

The Top 10 Country for Plastic Surgery 

A comprehensive study has identified several countries that excel in the field of plastic surgery. These nations have gained recognition for their expertise and proficiency in various cosmetic procedures, making them preferred destinations for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements.

Leading the pack is South Korea, which boasts the highest percentage of plastic surgeries performed worldwide. The country’s most sought-after procedures include rhinoplasty, liposuction, and blepharoplasty, commonly known as eyelid surgery.

Brazil has also earned a well-deserved reputation for its exceptional skills in implants and liposuction. The country’s surgeons are renowned for their expertise in these areas, attracting patients from around the globe.

Mexico, on the other hand, has emerged as a prominent player in the field of medical tourism. The country offers a wide range of cosmetic procedures, making it an increasingly popular choice for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements.

Greece has carved out a niche for itself in the realm of implant surgeries. The country’s surgeons are highly regarded for their proficiency in this specialized area, attracting patients seeking top-notch implant procedures.

Italy stands out for its proficiency in Botox treatments and liposuction. The country’s medical professionals have honed their skills in these areas, providing exceptional results to patients seeking these specific procedures.

Thailand has become a favored destination for medical tourism, thanks to its diverse range of cosmetic procedures. The country’s reputation for offering high-quality treatments and surgeries has made it a go-to choice for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements.

India, globally renowned for its plastic surgery expertise, has become a popular choice for medical tourism. The country’s skilled surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities have attracted patients from all corners of the world, seeking top-tier plastic surgery procedures.

Turkey has also made a name for itself in the field of plastic surgery, thanks to its advanced techniques and cutting-edge procedures. The country’s commitment to innovation and excellence has positioned it as a preferred destination for individuals seeking aesthetic enhancements.

Germany, known for its high standards of healthcare, offers a Germany, known for its high standards of healthcare, offers a wide range of plastic surgery procedures that are performed by highly skilled and experienced surgeons. The country’s emphasis on patient safety and quality outcomes has made it a popular choice for individuals looking for reliable and effective aesthetic treatments. In addition to its renowned surgeons and state-of-the-art facilities.

Where to Go for Cosmetic Procedures in Europe?

While countries such as Thailand and Mexico are already well established as plastic surgery destinations, there are also mature destinations such as Poland, that over the years turned out as an attractive location for medical tourists, offering innovative and high quality dental and bariatric treatments, as well as specialising in aesthetic medicine.

How to Gauge the Best Country for Plastic Surgery 

If individuals are considering plastic surgery abroad, there are several factors they should take into account when selecting the most suitable country for their procedure. The following steps can assist them in assessing the ideal country for plastic surgery:

• They should examine the qualifications of the doctors and medical staff in the country under consideration. It is crucial to ensure that these professionals are certified and possess experience in performing the specific procedure individuals desire.
• The cost of the procedure in the chosen country should be taken into consideration. While certain countries may offer lower prices for plastic surgery, individuals should not compromise on quality in pursuit of affordability.
• It is advisable to seek out reviews and testimonials from other patients who have undergone plastic surgery in the country of interest. This can provide individuals with insights into the quality of care and the expected results.
• The expenses associated with travel and accommodation for the surgery abroad need to be considered. Comparing prices should involve factoring in the costs of flights, hotels, and transportation.
• Seeking guidance from a medical travel agency or a medical tourism facilitator can be beneficial in planning the trip and identifying the best plastic surgery options in the chosen country. These professionals can assist individuals in navigating the process and ensure that they receive high-quality care.

By following these steps, individuals can assess the most suitable country for their plastic surgery and make an informed decision regarding where to undergo their procedure.

Why are Cosmetic and Plastic Surgery Procedures So Popular? 

Cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures have witnessed a rise in popularity in recent years due to various motivating factors. Here are some of the factors that drive individuals to undergo these procedures:

Improvement in appearance

Many individuals opt for cosmetic surgery to enhance their physical appearance. This may involve procedures aimed at achieving a more youthful or slimmer look, as well as correcting physical imperfections like birthmarks, scars, or deformities.

Boost in confidence

Cosmetic surgery has the potential to improve individuals’ self-esteem by enhancing their health and appearance. Achieving a more symmetrical face, for example, can significantly boost their confidence.

Technological advancements

Advances in cosmetic surgery technology have made procedures safer, less invasive, and associated with faster recovery times. Additionally, these advancements have contributed to a reduction in the cost of procedures, making them more accessible to a wider population.

Increased social acceptance

Plastic surgery has experienced greater social acceptance, which has resulted in a higher demand for such procedures. This acceptance has normalized the idea of enhancing one’s appearance through surgery.

Influence of digital culture

The prevalence of cell phones, selfies, and social media platforms has fueled the desire for plastic surgery. The constant exposure to digital platforms has made individuals more conscious of their appearance and motivated them to seek surgical interventions.

Correction of birth defects or accident-related damage

Some individuals choose plastic surgery to address birth defects or repair damage caused by accidents. These procedures can help improve functionality and enhance overall well-being.

These are some factors that collectively play a significant role in the growing interest and demand for cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures in recent times.

4 Reasons to Choose Cosmetic Surgery Procedures in Poland

• As a member state of the EU, Poland offers medical care that meets international standards, providing patients with safe and effective operations using the latest available equipment and least invasive methods.
• Poland offers lower prices for medical care than Western European countries.
• Many plastic surgery clinics in Poland focus on providing their services not only to local but also international patients, delivering quality healthcare, comfortable accommodation and easy communication thanks to the multilingual staff, with KCM Clinic being one of the leaders.
• The availability of various transport methods and numerous air connections to other European countries make travelling to and from Poland quick, easy and affordable.

https://www.isaps.org/medical-professionals/isaps-global-statistics/

• ISAPS Global Survey Results 2020
• Global Survey Press Release (English) – Dec 28, 2021

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Medical_tourism
https://wwwnc.cdc.gov/travel/page/medical-tourism
https://www.isaps.org/medical-travel-guide/plastic-surgery-tourists/
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cosmetic-procedures/cosmetic-surgery-abroad/