Aesthetic Surgery Tourism: The Real Cost of Discount Plastic Surgery

Aesthetic surgery tourism has become a popular option for patients due to discounted procedures. This single-center retrospective study recorded outcomes in patients presenting with complications after traveling for aesthetic surgery.

Aesthetic surgery tourism patient demographics and outcomes were retrospectively reviewed between January 2021 and December 2024 at Henry Ford Health (HFH). Data were compiled including surgery type, complications, number of emergency room (ER) visits, interventions, admission length of stay (LOS), hospital and physician charges.

From 2021 to 2024, 44 patients were seen by the plastic surgery team at HFH for complications following aesthetic surgery tourism. Of all patients, 54.5% had abdominoplasty, 40.9% liposuction, 25% Brazilian butt lift (BBL), 15.9% breast, 2.3% jaw surgery, and 2.3% buttock implant. Complications were infection (52.3%), pulmonary embolism (6.8%), seroma/fluid collection (52.3%), abscess (18.2%), wound dehiscence (20.5%), and foreign body/retained suture/retained drain (6.8%). Average number of ER visits was 1.75. Average admission LOS was 5 days. Patients requiring operating room or bedside intervention were 25% and 61.4%, respectively. Total hospital charges were $1,424,869.38; average per patient was $34,752.91. Total physician charges were $193,773.25; average per patient was $4726.18.

Aesthetic surgery tourism is more affordable for patients short term, but the potential complications can jeopardize patient safety and place an increasing financial burden on our healthcare system. It is crucial to educate patients on the risks of traveling for aesthetic surgery. Potential interventions include education at pre-operative clearance appointments, providing options to consult a US board-certified plastic surgeon before traveling, and increasing domestic regulations.

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