Surgeons warn over medical tourism
Senior figures within the British plastic surgery community expressed worry at the increasing numbers of people who are falling foul of “cowboy” surgeons abroad.
According to a spokesman for the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (Baaps) along with a rise in the number of people seeking out plastic surgery has come with a rise in the number of people complaining of professional negligence by foreign surgeons. The main complaints are generally centred on a lack of explanation about side-effects and a lack of post-operation care.
Another medical expert warned potential patients that going abroad for surgery may seem like a cheaper option but in the event of a badly performed procedure, the cost to repair the damage may work out costing far more in the long run.
“What we have in this country is a system that is much more regulated than in Europe. Patients have to be able to know what they are getting for their money, and the qualifications of their surgeon,” said Douglas McGeorge from Baaps.
Updated on 18/09/2009