According to ISAPS, over 13 million women and men worldwide undergo plastic surgery procedures each year.
Breast augmentation, breast lift, liposuction, eyelid surgery, abdominoplasty (or tummy tuck), and rhinoplasty are the most common procedures. Year after year, the market for these services grows.
However, two factors sometimes cause people to put off making the changes they desire.
The high price of surgeries, especially plastic surgeries, is one of the most important barriers that encourage people to travel abroad to receive medical services.
The costs of plastic surgery and other surgical treatments are not covered by health insurance.
However, you can find cheaper alternatives abroad; for example, breast augmentation in the United States costs $7,000-$8,000, while it costs only $3,000 in Turkey. Additionally there aren’t enough board-certified physicians in certain countries.
You will see the countries and clinics foreign patients choose most for plastic surgery in the section below.
Iran
In May 2019, it was reported that the number of tourists traveling to Iran for advanced medical care had grown by 40 percent in the past five years.
It is not only because Iran is one of the top 5 cheapest countries for plastic surgery, but also the quality of plastic surgery in Iran services and medical equipment plays a crucial role in choosing Iran for medical tourism.
Hospitals, medical centers, and specialized laboratories in Iran are equipped with modern technologies and provide diagnostic and treatment services, including outpatient and inpatient services.
Many patients from other countries travel to Iran every year to benefit from various medical services in Iran.
The medical tourism industry in Iran covers all medical services including various types of :
- facial and body plastic surgery
- cosmetic and therapeutic dentistry
- infertility
- weight loss surgeries
- orthopedics
- cardiology
- ophthalmology
- cancer diagnosis and treatment
- tissues and organ transplantation
- neurosurgery
- and many other medical services.
Patients can also consult with Iranian doctors from around the world about available options and the best choice for them.
Medical tourism agencies in Iran will be with patients from the moment they enter Iran until their definitive recovery, even after they return home.
Patients can benefit from the following services:
- Flight reservation and transfers.
- Coordination of accommodation and recreational tourism activities.
- Obtaining a visa in the shortest possible time.
- 24-hour support during the trip.
- Help you connect with the best doctors.
- Coordinating the patient’s follow-up process even after returning home.
Thailand
With more than 25 million foreigners traveling to Thailand each year, tourism is an important factor in the Thai economy.
Thailand is one of the top 5 cheapest countries for plastic surgery
that usually has patients from countries such as the United States, Canada, the Middle East, Europe, Vietnam, and Laos.
In addition to plastic surgery, the country also offers advanced medical services in orthopedics, oncology, dentistry, ophthalmology, HIV treatment, and childbirth.
- Affordable medical services that cost 50 to 80 percent lower than in the United States, Canada, or Europe, are one of the reasons to choose Thailand.
- The next factor is the advanced medical services and the modern medical centers in Thailand.
- Short waiting time for treatment is also important. Thai hospitals accept patients in a short period of time.
Another advantage of Thailand is that in addition to receiving medical services, you can also enjoy the great weather and its amazing tourism attractions.
Turkey
Over the past decade, Turkish healthcare has become global due to billions of dollars invested.
More than 300 Turkish hospitals have linked the world’s leading medical centers, including John Hopkins, Mayo Clinic, and Sloan Kettering Memorial Cancer Center in the United States.
Such collaborations will enable Turkish medical centers and doctors to offer their services internationally and become one of the top medical tourism destinations in the world.
Patients often choose Turkey for neurosurgery, ophthalmology, oncology, heart, and orthopedic treatments. It is also one of the best medical tourist destinations for plastic surgery.
Organ transplantation (kidney, liver, and pancreas) is also in great demand.
Turkey is considered one of the top 5 cheapest countries for plastic surgery and other medical services due to lower costs by two to four times.
It hosts patients from the Middle East, North Africa, North America, Europe, Russia, and other countries every year.
Also, providing services such as transportation, accommodation, and access to translators makes tourists feel more comfortable and safe. In addition, in most Turkish hospitals, patients do not wait for treatment and are admitted within one to two days.
Malaysia
With more than half a million medical tourists each year, Malaysia is also a popular destination for those seeking treatment abroad.
Malaysia’s health tourism industry has expanded to the point where it has kept its economy afloat during the recent Asian financial crisis.
One of the most popular services in the Malaysian medical tourism industry is infertility treatment, which is about 20% less expensive than in Western countries.
Malaysian hospitals are also known for their professional services to burn victims.
The primary concern of any patient who is referred to another country for treatment is contacting the treating physician.
Malaysia is less likely to have this problem, as many of its doctors and staff are fluent in English, and in some cases, they are also fluent in Indian and Indonesian (Malaysia’s two neighboring countries).
India
India is also a key player in the medical tourism industry, which strives to provide advanced healthcare services.
Comparing India with the U.S., patients can enjoy savings of 65-90% on health care services in India.
So, India is one of the top 5 cheapest countries for plastic surgery.
Patients choose India not only for the quality and cost-effectiveness of medical services but also for the beautiful scenery and architectural landscapes of India.
Currently, some private hospitals in India offer health care packages for foreign patients, ranging from airports to hospitals, to free internet services and private chefs.
In addition, in India, the waiting time for a patient to receive medical care is close to zero, which is another benefit of traveling to India.
Which country should I choose for plastic surgery?
In this article, you got acquainted with 5 of the most well-known countries in the field of medical tourism.
Which country to choose depends on a number of factors, including which plastic surgery you plan to undergo, how much you want to spend, whether you want to combine your medical trip with visiting unique tourist attractions, etc.
For a better choice, you can contact medical tourism agencies in each of these countries.
