Going Under the Knife Abroad - Putting a Price on Beauty

The current recession has hit a number of different industries and affected millions in adverse ways that most never imagined. Now it has reared its ugly head in the world of cosmetic surgery. Citizens of the UK are being enticed into cosmetic procedures by "Plastic Surgery Package Holidays", trips to foreign nations where medical procedures are done for a fraction of the price charged here at home.

It's easy to see their reasoning why not combine their annual holiday with a cheap boob job to boost their cup size? Or magically take a few pounds of fat away through liposuction? The internet has opened up a whole market of potential customers to overseas cosmetic surgeons, and in places where costs are lower they can afford to offer cheaper procedures. But at what risk?

BAAPS, otherwise known as the British Associate of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, have been at the forefront of an awareness campaign aiming to make sure UK men and woman understand the potential risks of going under the knife whilst on holiday. BAAPS highlighted how woman's magazines were a prime marketing channel for these foreign surgeries, and that they often have UK-based representation to reassure and push through the sale.

BAAPS aims to make sure everyone is armed with enough knowledge to make educated decisions on their plastic surgery, and to make sure people understand the function and necessity of a governing body for specific healthcare sectors. Cosmetic surgery, although now much safer than it's ever been, will never be 100% free from the chance of complication, but travelling to countries where it is ungoverned may certainly increase that risk.

At the extreme end of the scale, Brits wanting to save a significant amount on their tummy tuck or breast enlargement surgery may be tempted to venture even further afield, where there is no guarantee of the latest developments in safe technology or procedures.

There was a staggering 650 million pounds spend on cosmetic surgery last year by Britons, and there's little sign of this declining despite the squeeze of the recession. However, the desire to look good and boost confidence levels has the potential to outweigh the risks of the unknown.

When times are tough people often reach outside of themselves to feel better about what's going on inside. Cosmetic surgery can beautify and produce feelings of well-being and self-confidence, but the money saved by doing it in a potentially unsafe environment in a foreign country is not worth the risk. In addition to possible complications, one follow-up appointment will wipe out the amount that was saved in the first place.

In times of financial uncertainty, it's only natural that people should seek ways to feel good. Cosmetic surgery can make people look and feel fantastic, and even change people's lives for some. The question is, is the risk of a potentially unsafe environment abroad really worth risking your health for?