Doctors warn against going abroad for cosmetic surgery

Jun 22 2008 Exclusive by Gayle Ritchie

TOP plastic surgeons have warned that Scots women going abroad for operations are putting their health and looks at risk.

The overseas cosmetic surgery industry is booming as holidaymakers combine nip and tucks with a sunny break to recuperate.

But Ken Stewart, consultant plastic surgeon at St John's Hospital in Livingston, West Lothian, said: "I would strongly advise against going abroad for surgery.

"The risks are far greater and, if there are complications, there's often no comeback."

Plastic surgery is more popular than ever - a survey revealed more than 73 per cent of Brits have considered going under the knife - with people travelling to Spain, France and the US.

Some even go as far as South Africa - and combine their surgery with safari.

But Mr Stewart, a member of the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), has seen many cases where patients need costly treatment after botched foreign operations.

He said: "A woman recently came back from LA on an economy flight after she'd had surgery on her buttocks and an abscess formed.

I've also seen patients lose nipples following surgery abroad.

"The NHS will treat emergencies like abscesses and wounds but it won't treat the cosmetic outcome.

Patients often end up paying to rectify the situation.

"If people stick to the UK, it's easier to find out which surgeons are reputable."

Mr Stewart added: "Ultimately, you get what you pay for with plastic surgery and what might seem like a cheap deal can end up costing a fortune. People buy cars in this country because they know they'll get a guarantee and insurance. Surely a body is more important than a car?"

By the end of the year, Brits will have spent £659million on tummy tucks, having their wrinkles ironed out, breast enlargements and other procedures, according to market research experts Mintel.

Douglas McGeorge, a consultant plastic surgeon and the president of BAAPS, also warned of the dangers of going abroad for cosmetic surgery.

He said: "My experience with patients has shown counselling is inadequate overseas.

"Individuals have no idea of the standards of care in the country they are visiting and no knowledge of the abilities or experience of the surgeon.

"Complications occur and are usually left to the British system to pick up."

The boss of a medical tourism firm last night defended foreign surgery.

Bill Munro, who launched Imagine Healthcare last year, insists his customers get only the very best treatment while abroad.

He said: "Our packages allow clients to spend up to 70 per cent less on surgery while receiving the best service under great surgeons in hospitals and clinics abroad."

Mr Munro criticised the NHS in Scotland, where breast implants, nose jobs and tummy tucks are the most common cosmetic operations.

He said: "My clients can avoid lengthy NHS queues and remove concerns about infections such as MRSA and C. difficile which dog hospitals in the UK."

No plastic surgery is 100 per cent safe. Six years ago Denise Hendry - wife of former Scotland football captain Colin - suffered complications during liposuction.

During the operation her bowel and colon were punctured and she ended up in intensive care for two months.

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