Impact of aesthetic surgery performed abroad on the Irish healthcare system

Aesthetic surgery tourism is a flourishing trend, and challenges often arise when patients return home with post-operative complications, necessitating follow-up care.

Between July 2021 and June 2023, we conducted a retrospective analysis of patients who presented with complications from aesthetic surgery tourism in two major teaching hospitals in Ireland.

Thirty-three patients with a mean age of 41 years were identified. Procedures were predominantly performed in Turkey (67%), followed by Lithuania (24%). Complications included wound dehiscence (n = 22), infections (n = 9), seroma (n = 9), haematoma (n = 2) and skin necrosis (n = 1). A total of 27 operations were performed, with an average hospital stay of four days and a per-patient cost of €5 486.

Complications from aesthetic surgery abroad not only have a psychological and financial impact on the individuals involved but also strain our public healthcare system. Therefore, it is important for us, as medical professionals to advocate for our patients in order for them to make informed and safe decisions before seeking healthcare abroad.