Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery) Abroad

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It has become increasingly fashionable to pursue cosmetic surgical procedures abroad.  It’s not difficult to see the appeal: often vastly discounted rates for the surgery itself, along with the opportunity to recover away from the gaze of friends, colleagues and neighbours, often in sunny climes, giving you the chance to return not only reinvented but refreshed.

However, as media coverage over the last few years has been quick to point out, there are ample opportunities for disaster in such ventures.  Horror stories of unsanitary and old-fashioned practices, coupled with tales of insurance scams and the resulting emotional, physical and financial trauma experienced by unlucky individuals can, understandably, put a lot of potential clients off this route.  As with any cosmetic surgery, it is important to be as well informed as possible, and carry out extensive research before embarking on your course of action.

Research and Preparation

Firstly, the most essential criteria for any surgeon, either abroad or in the UK, is meeting strict regulations and standards.  A qualified surgeon needs to be ‘board certified’, to ensure he or she meets the high standards of reputable British organisations such as BAAPS or BAPRAS.  Your potential surgeon should not take offence at being asked to prove their credentials.  UK trained surgeons may be listed on the GMC’s Specialist Register of Plastic Surgery.  It is always worth checking the details of such organisations to ensure that you know what to expect of your surgeon. 

Secondly, make sure that your financial considerations are realistic and that you are not blind to any hidden costs.  For example, it may seem advantageous to travel abroad for a heavily discounted rate on the procedure itself, but if travel, bed and board (not to mention the vital consideration of post-operative after-care) are totalled up, it may be worth spending more on a UK based procedure for potentially greater peace of mind.

Thirdly, although it’s unpalatable, be realistic about more severe side effects and risks.  Should these occur, you need to be in a position where you will receive absolutely the best and most informed treatment.  Even if you surgeon abroad is outstanding, if you cannot necessarily afford to revisit them for either standard or emergency follow-up consultations, you may be faced with painful and protracted complications.

This is not to say that surgery abroad is necessarily ill-advised or unduly risky.  However, it does require greater forethought, research and preparation, for practical reasons of money and distance if nothing else.  If you are seriously considering it, try to make an informed decision based on other client’s testimonials, and impartial advice from reputable medical practitioners in the UK. 

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