Many Australians are exploring the idea of having cosmetic surgery performed overseas. Lower prices, heavily marketed package deals, and straightforward access to procedures all contribute to this rising trend. While travelling for surgery may appear convenient, there are important safety, medical, and logistical factors to understand before making a decision.
Why people look overseas for cosmetic surgery
1. Lower costs
The appeal of overseas surgery often begins with price. In some countries, wages, workplace standards and operating costs are substantially lower than in Australia. Medical devices may also be cheaper where regulations differ or where replicas are permitted.
By contrast, Australian surgeons are required to use TGA-approved devices and operate within accredited environments that meet strict national standards, all of which influence procedure pricing. Cost of living, staffing requirements, infection-control standards and safety expectations also contribute to the higher cost of healthcare in Australia.
2. Advertising differences
Australia has detailed rules governing how cosmetic surgery can be advertised. These restrictions exist to protect patients from misleading claims or unrealistic expectations.
Overseas advertising, however, may not be subject to similar regulation. Many international providers can promote results, offer incentive-based “holiday” packages and market procedures aggressively, which may make overseas surgery appear simpler and more straightforward than it really is.
3. Ease of access to procedures
Australia is currently unique in having formal safeguards designed to support patient safety in cosmetic surgery. These include GP referrals, mandatory pre-operative consultations, psychological screening for body dysmorphic disorder, financial consent requirements, and a cooling-off period.
In many countries, these safeguards do not exist. Patients can often book surgery immediately, sometimes without meeting the surgeon beforehand. This ease of access may seem convenient but reduces the level of clinical oversight designed to ensure surgery is appropriate and safe.
How common is cosmetic tourism?
Tracking exact numbers is challenging because many countries do not have centralised reporting systems. However, international data suggest that Australians collectively spend hundreds of millions of dollars each year on cosmetic surgery performed overseas, with an estimated 15,000 people travelling annually.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic, overseas cosmetic surgery was increasing. After an initial drop due to travel restrictions, it has since regained popularity. South-East Asia and, more recently, Turkey are common destinations.
Are there advantages to having cosmetic surgery performed overseas?
Some suggest that certain procedures may be performed more frequently in particular regions, such as double-eyelid surgery in parts of Asia.
However, Australian plastic surgery training is extensive, highly regulated and includes exposure to a wide range of surgical techniques, including culturally specific ones. Most Australian plastic surgeons undertake additional fellowship training, often internationally, to refine advanced skills.
Australian training programs are frequently acknowledged by visiting surgeons as among the most comprehensive in the world.
Risks associated with having cosmetic surgery overseas
Cosmetic surgery carries risk regardless of location, but some specific concerns arise when procedures are performed overseas.
Flying soon after surgery
Air travel soon after an operation can significantly increase the risk of blood clots, including deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. In Australia, patients are generally advised to avoid long-haul flights for 6–8 weeks following surgery.
Differences in safety standards
Accreditation, hygiene protocols, and safety requirements vary widely between countries. Australia has one of the world’s strictest healthcare regulatory frameworks.
In other countries, the standards of sterilisation, infection control, devices used, and staff training may differ.
Unverified qualifications
In Australia, the title “specialist plastic surgeon” is protected and requires recognised training, registration and ongoing professional development.
In some countries, similar titles may not be regulated in the same way, meaning patients may not know the extent of a practitioner’s training. The same applies to anaesthetists, whose role is essential to surgical safety.
Infection and disease risk
Different regions may have higher rates of drug-resistant bacteria or blood-borne diseases such as hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV. If emergency transfusions are required, the safety of blood products may vary.
Language and communication challenges
When English is not the first language, miscommunication can affect informed consent, understanding of risks, post-operative instructions and expectation-setting.
Limited access to emergency or ongoing care
Severe complications may require intensive care, specialist intervention or transfer to another hospital. In some countries, these services may not be readily available.
Once patients return home, the overseas surgeon is not available for review. Many complications present weeks later and may require revision surgery or complex management.
“Ghost surgery”
There are reports in some regions of the surgeon performing the consultation being different from the surgeon who performs the procedure. This is extremely uncommon in Australia due to strict medicolegal requirements.
Are the risks significant?
They can be. Complications such as bleeding, infection, clotting, implant issues, and delayed healing may occur with any surgery. However, without regulated systems, accredited facilities and accessible post-operative care, these problems may become more difficult to manage and more costly.
Many risks relate not only to the surgery itself but to the absence of the protective healthcare environment available in Australia.
Financial savings vs long-term outcomes
While the upfront cost of overseas surgery may be lower, managing complications can quickly outweigh any initial savings. Patients may also face additional expenses if revision surgery is required, either overseas or in Australia.
What complications have surgeons seen after overseas procedures?
Surgeons in Australia commonly report:
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Limited or absent medical records, making follow-up difficult
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Late presentation of complications due to lack of local monitoring
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Infections involving unfamiliar or drug-resistant bacteria
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Use of implants or devices not approved in Australia
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Surgical techniques that differ from local standards
In many cases, the focus of treatment becomes stabilising the patient rather than preserving the original cosmetic outcome.
How are these complications treated?
Urgent management may involve removing infected implants, addressing bleeding or wound problems, and treating infection.
Many patients present to the public system because they cannot afford further private surgery. In these cases, the priority is always patient safety, not cosmetic correction.
Impact on patients
Complications after overseas surgery can be physically and emotionally overwhelming.
Patients may experience distress, regret, financial strain, and difficulty trusting a new clinical team. These factors often compound the recovery process.
What should patients consider before choosing surgery?
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Understand your motivations and expectations
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Choose a time that allows for adequate recovery
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Meet your surgeon in person and review their qualifications
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Ensure the facility is accredited and capable of managing emergencies
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Know your post-operative plan, follow-up schedule, and who to contact if concerns arise
What should people check if considering surgery overseas?
The same principles apply overseas as in Australia, but verifying credentials, facility standards and safety processes can be significantly harder. Patients may not have a clear understanding of local healthcare regulations or credentialing systems.
What should patients check if staying in Australia?
Patients should ensure their surgeon:
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Is registered as a specialist plastic surgeon
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Holds appropriate surgical qualifications
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Is engaged in ongoing professional development
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Works in accredited facilities
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Adheres to recognised standards of ethical practice
Final thoughts
Healthcare in Australia is supported by strict regulations, accredited facilities and systems designed to protect patient safety. Cosmetic surgery is no exception.
When travelling overseas, patients may be entering a system without equivalent safeguards, oversight or accountability. The decision to seek surgery abroad should be made with a clear understanding of the potential risks, the limitations of postoperative care, and the reality that managing complications can be far more difficult once home.