A new study presented to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reveals that more than 50% of patients who travelled abroad for cosmetic surgery later regretted their choice
Awarded the BAAPS Hackett Memorial Prize 2024, the study reviewed ten years of patient outcomes at a UK tertiary plastic surgery unit, focusing on complications from overseas procedures.
The research involved 103 patients referred for post-surgical complications between 2012 and 2022. A telephone survey indicated that 83% of respondents cited cost as the main reason for going abroad, with 66% expressing regret over their decision.
BAAPS president Ms Nora Nugent stressed the need for public awareness on cosmetic tourism risks, stating, “This research offers crucial insights that must inform future public health campaigns. Potential patients need to understand the risks involved with travelling abroad for cosmetic surgery, beyond just the financial savings.”
