Plastic surgery has often been thought of as the preserve of the rich and famous who are prepared to pay through the nose for, well, often a new nose. Now more and more people from all walks of life are turning to "facelift holidays" to increase their body beauty.
Plastic surgery has always had a mixed press, variously admired for shamelessly defying the process of ageing, and despised for pandering to vanity and ego. For those that see surgery as the answer to their concerns over their body-image, a new option is becoming available that cuts the cost of going under the knife.
Facelift holidays are becoming the ticket to cheaper cosmetic surgery. Countries with lower cost healthcare are attracting a new type of tourist - one that wants to go home with more than just happy memories of a relaxing time in the sun.
Last year in the UK, roughly 65,000 cosmetic surgery operations were carried out. The most popular request, bigger breasts through implants, is closely followed by fat reduction through liposuction.
But the appeal of cosmetic surgery means that some people are prepared to go for the cheaper option, if they can't afford those prices. Eastern Europe is fast becoming that cheaper option, with companies now offering "facelift holidays."
Cosmetic surgery abroad can work out half the price of similar surgery in this country. Prior to a facelift holiday, you visit a UK consultant who arranges your surgery, flight and "holiday accommodation." In addition to reducing the cost, these holidays also appeal because they offer privacy. With plastic surgery still carrying a degree of stigma the thought of "having it done on the quiet" can be reassuring to some.
However, cheap is not always best. UK surgeons often warn of the dangers of such cut-price surgery. They say there are not the same health care regulations in place, and in some cases, patients don't even get to meet their surgeon before the operation. |
