Cosmetic surgery is a big and very personal choice, often coming with a high price tag in the UK. The main thing is that it needs to be carried out by a surgeon with real skill and knowledge, giving you the best chance of a safe and satisfactory result. Yet more and more people are tempted by the lower costs of travelling abroad for the same procedures. The question is, do those savings outweigh the possible risks? That’s what we will look at in this article, along with the steps you might be able to take if something doesn’t go to plan.
What is cosmetic tourism?
The idea has a certain shine to it – mixing a getaway with plastic surgery. Some people see it as a way to cut the cost compared to having treatment in the UK. Others like the idea of recovering in the sunshine, maybe by a pool where the swelling and bruises are out of sight from friends and family. Then there are the all-in packages – flights, hotel and surgery bundled together – making the whole thing feel less like a medical procedure and more like booking a week away.
But what the glossy brochures don’t say is that surgery always carries risk, no matter how appealing the setting. Complications can arise; follow-up care may not be as straightforward when you’re far from home and the standards of medical practice vary from country to country. What looks like a holiday deal on paper can quickly turn into a far more stressful experience if something doesn’t go to plan.
What are the risks of cosmetic surgery abroad?
Standards for surgeons can differ from those in the UK, which means precautions such as using the right surgical methods or checking for early signs of infection may not always be followed. If something goes wrong, you might not receive the same level of care or have the same rights as you would at home. Without proper monitoring or clear access to medical services, more serious problems like systemic infection can develop and place your health at risk.
What can you do if your surgery had complications?
From a legal perspective, your options may depend on where the procedure took place and in some countries there may be little or no opportunity to claim compensation for a lapse in duty of care. The first step is to seek medical attention and if possible, follow up with the surgeon who carried out your procedure.
Once you return to the UK, it’s often advisable to get further medical advice to check your recovery and address any ongoing issues. Keep a record of everything, from prescribed medications and the guidance given by your surgeon to a timeline and photographs of your healing. These details can be useful if you need to consult another surgeon in the UK. When doing so, always make sure they are registered with a recognised organisation such as the General Medical Council or the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS).
Can you claim compensation if you have surgery in the UK?
If you have surgery in the UK and your surgeon does not take the necessary steps to minimise risks and safeguard your wellbeing and this results in avoidable complications, you may have grounds to make a claim with cosmetic surgery solicitors. This could include situations where proper procedures were not followed, warning signs were ignored, or aftercare was not provided to the standard expected.
Compensation is designed to reflect the full impact that negligent surgery has on your life. This can include the direct financial costs you have faced, such as further medical treatment, corrective surgery, medication or loss of earnings if you were unable to work. It also extends to the less tangible effects, recognising the physical pain, psychological distress and long-term disruption that can follow. The process of claiming can provide a route to recover some of what you have lost, while also holding those responsible to account for the consequences of their actions.
What are the time limits for claiming compensation?
If your surgery took place in the UK, you usually have three years to make a claim. That could be three years from the date of the surgery itself or from the point you realised something had gone wrong. It’s a clear timeframe, easy to understand but missing it can mean losing the chance to bring a claim at all.
If you’re considering having cosmetic surgery abroad, take this information into consideration before taking the plunge.
Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
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