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In the USA, the number of tummy tuck surgeries (medical name ‘abdominoplasty’) increased by 137% from 2000 to 2007. The American Academy of Plastic Surgeons put the number  performed in 2001 at around 58,567, with women making up 97% of the patients. In the UK, the interestingly named British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported a 31% increase, with 3,526 carried out in 2007, up from 2701 the year before.

One UK company, the Harley Medical group reported carrying out 2,000 post-natal tummy tuck operations  in 2008, reflecting a large group of patients looking to reduce and redefine tummy size following birth. The media seized on issues such as celebrity mothers regaining their figures with amazing speed, possibly influencing the trend in more women opting to have a tummy tuck after having had children.

Similarly, patient’s stories  often reflect lingering tummy fat and loose skin that would not go away with dieting and exercise. Although there will always be a minority of patients who have not tried either before paying for surgery, for many, conventional weight loss techniques did not give the results they sought. For some, the excess fat and skin became a very personal issue, restricting their choice of clothing and activities and presenting an obstacle to good self-esteem.

Financial implications

For patients in the USA and UK, the tummy tuck cost can be high compared to average earnings. A tummy tuck can cost from £4,500 in the UK, or $5,000- $10,000 or more in the USA. Healthcare insurance policies may not cover the cost of a tummy tuck, as it is not a physical medical necessity, or because the cause of the wanting the surgery is related to childbirth, a traditional exclusion on such policies.

Medical clinics around the world now offer ‘medical tourism’ or ‘medical retreat’ packages, offering cosemtic surgery including abdominoplasty at cheaper rates than their customers home countries.

Whilst for some patients, this can present a more cost-effective way to get the surgery done, the UK Dept of Health points out standards vary internationally and cautions against choosing plastic surgeons based solely on cost.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:

Whilst every effort is made to give an accurate representation here, these pages CANNOT be a substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment under any circumstances. Prices will vary from location to location and are intended here for illustrative purposes only – these figures CANNOT be taken as actual costs or as a recommendation of a reasonable or advisable price to pay.

Posted by: Media Whirl

Photo Credit

1. http://www.sxc.hu/profile/Blinc

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There have been some media reports recently concerning cosmetic surgery outside the UK or USA resulting in complications and/or poor results. The British Association of Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgeons told Sky News in 2008 they had seen 208 cases of complications from overseas cosmetic surgery, three quarters of which required treatment. Tummy tuck patients were included in those 208 cases. The new trend of plastic surgery abroad is often referred to as medical tourism. The UK Department of Health cautions patients against choosing plastic surgeons abroad solely based on cost considerations, highlighting the need to choose qualified, specialised, experienced and ethical surgical teams.

Media reports in August 2009 refered to surgeries in India and Pakistan which have been blamed for the introduction of a strain of ‘superbug’, New Delhi Metallo-1 to the UK. However, of 22 known cases by summer 2009, ten were not from overseas surgeries. The bug is of concern as it is resistant to antibiotics.

The safest advice is to repeat the need to find a qualified, experienced surgical team and be fully informed as to potential risks before committing. There may be risks of blood clotting in some cases which air travel could exacerbate.  The British Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons states patients should wait a minimum of 7 to 10 days after tummy tuck surgery before flying and be aware that tummy tuck surgery is quite a major procedure incompatible with normal holiday activities such as sunbathing on beaches, swimming, drinking alcohol, etc (1). Their advice for patients considering surgery abroad, whether they are UK, European or USA citizens provides some excellent guidelines (1).

Some more considerations

Is it possible to meet with the surgeon in the patient’s home country to discuss the procedures before committing? It could feel more pressurised and difficult to decline an operation if the patient is unhappy with the clinic abroad once they have paid for travel, time off work and any contracts have been signed.

Are the surgeon and their team specialised and experienced in this type of surgery? What professional bodies do they belong to? How many years have the team been practicing? How many procedures of this nature have they previous undertaken?

What aftercare arrangements are in place?

Given that any surgery carries potential risks, the question arises of treatment and advice should complications unfortunately occur – will the clinic cover this within the agreed price? Are there facilities on site, including doctors available 24 hrs, to deal with any acute emergencies?

Will the patients travel insurers cover any costs if any complications or error occur and does such insurance cover this type of trip per se?

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER:

Whilst every effort is made to give an accurate representation here, these pages cannot be a substitute for professional medical advice and/or treatment under any circumstances. Nor should any inference be taken as to whether patients should or should not choose any particular surgeon or surgical procedure.  Thank you.

Posted by: Health Watcher

References:

1. British Association of Plastic Reproductive and Aesthetic Surgeons. 2008. Cosmetic surgery abroad- what you need to know. [online] London: British Association of Plastic Reproductive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Available at:

http://www.bapras.org.uk/UploadFiles/Cosmetic%20Surgery%20Abroad%20Patient%20Info.pdf

Photo Credits

`1. http://www.sxc.hu/profile/a51media