Plastic surgery abroad: hi-tech tummy tuck and autologous grafts
While plastic surgery covers general ideas and visions of human beauty, it splits into cosmetic surgery (aesthetic look) and reconstructive plastic surgery (in-depth changes of appearance). Based on figures provided by the American Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the number of aesthetic procedures both surgical and non-surgical has increased by 197% from 2.1 million in 1997 to 9.2 million in 2011. Meanwhile, the second place goes to Brazil with almost 2.5 million procedures in 2011 followed by China where 2.2 million people had an appointment with a plastic surgeon.
Most popular plastic surgery procedures include breast augmentation, liposuction, rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), and anti-age “lifts”. Common reasons of why people around the globe want to undergo plastic surgery are media stereotypes, injury, and self-dissatisfaction.
Overseas patients looking for ways to change their appearance often inquire about rehabilitation, sex reassignment, and immunotherapy.
5 questions to ask your plastic surgeon during your first appointment at an overseas clinic:
- What is your education/experience in plastic surgery?
- What type of anesthesia will you be using: general or local?
- How does the follow-up care look like?
- How long will the treatment last and how much will it cost?
- What are possible side effects of the procedure?