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Complications Associated with Medical Tourism for Facial Rejuvenation: A Systematic Review
Blake S Raggio1, Sabrina A Brody-Camp2, Basit A Jawad2
1Department of Otolaryngology, Tulane University Medical Center, 1430 Tulane Ave, #8659, New Orleans, LA, 70112, USA. braggio@tulane.edu.
Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
|February 11, 2020
Summary
Medical tourism for facial rejuvenation is rising, but complications like abscesses and nerve palsy are poorly understood. More research is needed to inform patients about risks associated with cosmetic procedures abroad.
Area of Science:
- Medical Aesthetics
- Plastic Surgery Outcomes
- Global Health
Background:
- Medical tourism for cosmetic surgery is a growing trend.
- Complications from general cosmetic tourism are known, but those specific to facial rejuvenation are not well-documented.
- This study aims to define the risk profile for medical tourism focused on facial rejuvenation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and delineate the risks associated with medical tourism for facial rejuvenation procedures.
- To identify common complications and patient demographics involved in international cosmetic facial surgery.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of PubMed, MEDLINE, and Embase databases was conducted up to January 2019.
- PRISMA guidelines were followed, using keywords related to medical tourism and plastic surgery.
- Included studies were in English and focused on facial rejuvenation tourism and its complications.
Main Results:
- Six retrospective studies with 31 patients undergoing facial rejuvenation abroad were identified.
- Most patients (96%) were female, aged 33-62, from various departure and destination countries.
- Reported complications included abscess, poor cosmetic results, facial nerve palsy, and even death.
Conclusions:
- This is the first systematic review of complications from medical tourism for facial rejuvenation.
- Limited data, heterogeneity, and small sample sizes prevent definitive conclusions.
- Further research is essential to guide patients and understand health system impacts.
