The cost of cosmetic surgery has been dropping in the U.S. over the last two decades, making cosmetic surgery a serious option for a wide range of people who had previously been priced out of the market. Cheaper still are medical procedures performed overseas. Not only are more and more Americans seeking cosmetic surgery abroad, but more and more countries are capitalizing on an industry aptly dubbed as 'medical tourism.'



Medical tourism combines dental and cosmetic surgeries with exotic vacations, usually at a total price far less than a procedure in the U.S. Some of the destinations that specialize in medical tourism are: Mexico, Costa Rica, India, Malaysia, Thailand, South Africa and Turkey.

A common misconception in regards to medical procedures overseas is that they are in some ways substandard. Medical tourism has become such big business, that countries offering cosmetic and dental procedures have state-of-the-art facilities. Most of the surgeons and physicians are trained in the U.S. and Europe, and the staff to patient ratio is far less than hospitals in the U.S.

One of the benefits of medical tourism for the consumer, in addition to the substantial savings, is the ability to easily schedule a procedure. Usually procedures can be scheduled within a few days of the first contact. In the U.S., procedures are scheduled months in advance and in most instances the patient must adjust his or her schedule to the surgeon's schedule. In the medical tourism industry, the patient's needs are primary. Another advantage of having cosmetic surgery performed abroad is that, the patient can recuperate on the beach, in the mountains, or in the lap of luxury.

Yet despite the advantages of having a cosmetic surgery performed abroad, consumers need to take a hard look at the counter-balancing risks. There are inherent risks involved in any surgery, whether it is performed in the U.S. or abroad. However, the stakes are raised considerably when the procedure is performed abroad. First, consumers have very little legal recourse in a foreign county should something go wrong. In addition the consumer will be exposed to foreign bacteria and virus strains for which they have not built an immunity. This can result in infections.

Lastly, there are risks involved with traveling too soon after surgery. The most serious risk is that of pulmonary embolisms and blood clots. These conditions often arise from high altitudes and long periods of sitting and can be life threatening.

Low cost cosmetic surgery is available abroad at ridiculously low prices. With some research and preparation, it is not only possible, but likely that a consumer can get the procedure they desire in an exotic location for pennies on the dollar.