Health tourism: cosmetic surgery: The key differences in cosmetic surgery in the UK and overseas, and what to be aware of when considering a procedure abroad.

The article discusses the growing industry of health tourism, specifically focusing on cosmetic surgery. It highlights the significant financial worth of the industry and the popularity of cosmetic surgery procedures abroad. The article emphasizes the reasons why British patients choose to undergo cosmetic surgery overseas, including lower costs, long waiting times in the UK, limited availability of certain procedures, and cultural or familial ties to other countries. It also addresses the risks and complications associated with cosmetic surgery tourism, particularly in relation to the UK, and emphasizes the importance of considering key differences between having surgery in one's home country versus abroad. The article concludes by discussing the efforts of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) to promote patient safety and education in the context of cosmetic surgery tourism. [Extracted from the article]