Published on
January 5, 2026
In recent years, aesthetic tourism has grown in popularity among people looking for low-cost plastic surgery abroad. Turkey, Colombia, and Argentina have emerged as hotspots for low-cost cosmetic procedures, attracting medical tourists with promises of lower costs than those found in Europe and the United States. This increase in demand for plastic surgery procedures abroad has been fuelled by social media, where patients’ before-and-after photos are frequently shared, resulting in increased interest in procedures such as tummy tucks, liposuction, and buttock augmentations.
The low cost of these surgeries, combined with the allure of a vacation, has made them particularly appealing. However, despite the economic benefits, experts have raised concerns about the increasing number of complications associated with such surgeries. Medical societies around the world have expressed deep concern about the quality of care and the long-term consequences of opting for these low-cost surgeries in other countries.
A Surge in Medical Tourism: Risks and Realities
The global medical tourism market is projected to reach a staggering $97.9 billion by 2030, with plastic surgery procedures accounting for approximately 25% of this total, according to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS). While the affordability of plastic surgery abroad may appear appealing, this growth has resulted in significant issues for patients. A notable increase in corrective surgeries, particularly in the UK, highlights the severity of the problem. In fact, BAAPS has reported a 94% rise in the number of corrective surgeries performed in the UK over the past three years, with many of these procedures related to botched surgeries performed overseas.
A significant proportion of these complications stem from body contouring surgeries, such as tummy tucks, liposuction, and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL). Reports indicate that these procedures account for nearly 90% of complications, with tummy tucks (abdominoplasty) being the most common, leading to 64% of the reported cases. Other complications frequently arise from buttock augmentations, particularly BBL, and liposuction, both of which involve high-risk surgeries with potentially life-threatening consequences.
Common Complications in Plastic Surgery Abroad
A range of complications can arise from these procedures, especially when they are performed in facilities lacking proper standards of care. Wound dehiscence, where surgical wounds open up, is one of the most common complications, occurring in approximately 33% of cases. Seroma, which involves the buildup of fluid under the skin, is another frequent issue, affecting 29.1% of patients. Infections are also widespread, sometimes leading to severe consequences that necessitate long hospital stays, emergency surgeries, or even implant removal.
Experts have pointed out that the lack of adequate preoperative assessments, brief hospital stays, and insufficient postoperative care are primary contributors to these complications. Many patients are also exposed to multidrug-resistant bacteria, increasing the risk of infection. The situation is exacerbated by the practice of flying home too soon after surgery, as long-haul flights increase the chances of complications like blood clots and infections.
Health Authorities Warn Against Medical Tourism
Health authorities across the globe, including the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the UK’s National Health Service (NHS), have issued strong warnings to individuals considering aesthetic tourism. According to the CDC, travelers looking to undergo cosmetic procedures abroad should consult with a primary care physician and travel medicine specialist several weeks before their departure. This consultation should include a review of their health status and medication supplies, as well as an in-depth discussion of potential complications and how they would be managed abroad.
It is also critical for patients to verify the credentials and certifications of the clinics and practitioners abroad, as legal protections and standards of care can vary significantly from country to country. In some cases, particularly in Argentina, non-specialists may perform injections and surgeries in unregulated settings, contributing to high infection rates and patient dissatisfaction.
In the UK, the BAAPS and the Royal College of Surgeons recommend that patients avoid packages that combine surgery and vacations. It is also advised to delay flights for a period of 5 to 7 days after liposuction or breast surgery and for up to 10 days following more invasive procedures like tummy tucks or facelifts.
The Regret Factor: Patient Experiences and Regional Issues
Data from the BAAPS indicates that a significant number of patients regret their decision to undergo plastic surgery abroad. Around 66% of individuals who sought cosmetic procedures in foreign countries expressed that they would not repeat the experience. Nearly half of them cited absolute remorse. The majority of these patients came from countries like Turkey, Colombia, and Argentina, with 42% of dissatisfied patients originating from Turkey, 38% from Colombia, and 18% from Argentina.
In Argentina, reports have surfaced of medical practitioners, including non-specialists such as paediatricians or psychiatrists, performing procedures in unregulated and unsanitary environments. Patients are often rushed from airports directly to clinics, where surgeries are conducted with little regard for safety or postoperative care. This lack of caution has led to high rates of infections and patient dissatisfaction, as patients feel they were not fully informed of the risks or provided with adequate care.
Is the Cost Savings Worth It?
While the prospect of saving money by having aesthetic procedures performed abroad is appealing, the risks involved should not be overlooked. Complications from poorly performed surgeries can result in not only financial strain from corrective procedures but also life-threatening health issues. As the medical tourism market grows, more emphasis should be placed on ensuring that patients make informed healthcare decisions. Thorough consultations, careful research into destination clinics, and a commitment to adequate recovery time are all critical steps towards lowering the risks associated with medical tourism.
As the medical tourism industry grows, it is critical that patients prioritise their safety and well-being over cost savings. The consequences of choosing budget surgeries abroad can be severe, so travellers must understand the risks before embarking on this growing trend.
