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24 January 2023

5 Risks of Going Abroad for Surgery

You may be considering going abroad for surgery. Perhaps because the surgery is not available on the NHS or you are put off by the prices charged by private clinics.

Are cheaper prices worth going abroad for surgery? Surgery abroad poses risks and complications such as travel risks and liability issues. Let’s take a look at 5 risks of going abroad for surgery.

1. Aftercare Concerns With Surgery Abroad

It’s not just the surgery itself that is important, but the aftercare as well. This will play a huge part in your recovery. A major risk of having surgery abroad is the difficulty in receiving proper follow-up care once you return home. It can be challenging to access quality support when your surgeon is in another country and post-operative care abroad may not be to the same standards as the UK.

After breast surgery, it’s important to rest and allow your body time to heal. However, complications such as infections or implant ruptures can happen even months after the procedure. If your surgery was done abroad, getting prompt medical attention for these issues can be difficult and time-consuming, especially if you need to travel back to the clinic.

2. Cost vs Quality

Your health is a luxury money can’t always buy. As tempting as the low prices may seem, it doesn’t guarantee quality. Don’t rush into a decision without understanding the risks. Saving money is not worth it if it compromises your safety, health or peace of mind.

Lower costs abroad can be partly due to exchange rates, many budget deals cut corners to offer cheaper prices. This could mean weaker regulations, rushed procedures or surgeons with less experience.

If your surgery is complex or uses a newer technique, you could be putting your health at greater risk if the surgeon or clinic isn’t up to the highest standards. Always research thoroughly and prioritise your safety over cost savings.

3. Insurance and Liability issues

Complications of surgery in foreign countries can make seeking compensation difficult. Different countries have different laws for medical negligence claims and the time limits to file a claim might be much shorter than the three-year limit in the UK.

One of the risks of surgery abroad is that regulations for medical procedures can vary. Countries known for medical tourism may not have as strict standards as the UK. It can be hard to verify a surgeon’s qualifications or check if the clinic meets high safety standards.

While the UK has strict oversight from organizations such as BAAPS and the GMC to ensure the safety and qualifications of surgeons and clinics, countries popular for medical tourism may not have such strong protections.

4. Travel and Recovery Risks

Traveling soon after surgery can be a health risk and is one of the dangers of overseas surgery. Air travel and recent surgery both increase the risk of dangerous blood clots, which can be life-threatening. It’s best to avoid flying for at least 5-10 days after surgery to minimize these risks.

International travel can be stressful and physically demanding too, especially while you’re still healing. While some medical procedures are marketed as a “holiday package,” you should think carefully about how much rest and relaxation you’ll realistically get while traveling. Flying, dealing with airport crowds and moving between locations can be tiring and hinder your recovery.

5. Lack of Research

Language barriers in medical tourism can make communication challenging, especially when it comes to understanding a surgeon’s qualifications. With any surgery you want your expectations to be clear. Translating your wants and needs into another language can lead to miscommunication if you don’t speak the language of that country.

Even if the surgeon is skilled, being in a different country and time zone adds more complications. If you only meet your surgeon once before the procedure, it can be hard to get a thorough consultation and feel confident that you’ll receive exactly what you want.

Different countries also have varying standards of care and the relationship between patient and doctor might be different from what you’re used to in the UK.

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad Gone Wrong

Madison Goodwin, a 19-year-old British woman, is an example of a cosmetic surgery abroad gone wrong. She experienced severe complications after choosing a cheaper breast surgery in Turkey. Despite a lower price, her procedure led to her nipple turning black and falling off due to necrosis. Madison now warns others about the risks of inadequate aftercare and potential complications from surgeries abroad.

Experiences such as Madisons’ only reinforce the importance of seeking surgery from qualified and credible surgeons and clinics and why it is best if they are at home in the UK. make this better and more simple

The Benefits of UK Surgery

No operation is risk-free, however, the benefits of UK surgery far outweigh the drawbacks. If you are considering going abroad for surgery, you must take into account the medical and financial implications, should the surgery go wrong. That is why we advocate having surgery at home, in a UK hospital or clinic with surgeons who are qualified and recognised by the General Medical Council.

In the UK, you have access to the NHS should your surgery result in a serious complication. However, if you are having surgery abroad, you risk leaving yourself to the mercy of a foreign health system.

Private surgery in the UK can be costly compared to the cost abroad, depending on the clinic and the operation. The service and benefits you receive for that cost, however, can protect you from complications.

Surgery at Suffolk Breast

As a patient-centred clinic, we understand the needs of people seeking surgery. With Suffolk Breast Practice, the cost you pay ensures that you are treated as an individual with quality aftercare and follow-up services from surgeons who are regulated and qualified.

Our surgeons have a combined experience of over 25 years on breast procedures, working privately and within the NHS and always adhere to an ethical code of professional conduct. Indeed, patient safety is our first priority. Our trusted surgeon, Dr Hussein Tuffaha has been awarded the following:

If you have any queries about breast augmentation services, don’t hesitate to contact us today. Find out more about what is included in your breast surgery aftercare.

Written by

Dr Hussein Tuffaha