Summary
Introduction and aims
Cosmetic tourism, driven by the promise of inexpensive operations abroad, is increasingly
popular despite warnings from professional bodies regarding associated risks. Increasing
numbers of individuals have presented to our department requesting NHS treatment of
complications from such surgery. We set out to characterize these patients and evaluate
costs incurred through their assessment and management.
Material and methods
An observational study was conducted from 2007 to 2009 on patients presenting to a
tertiary referral Plastic Surgery practice with complications of cosmetic tourism
surgery. Demographic characteristics, as well as those related to the operation, were
recorded. Hospital patient flow pathways were constructed, cost analysis performed
using Patient Level Costing, and expenditure and profitability calculated.
Key results
Nineteen patients presented within the study period. Most operations were performed
in Europe or Asia, and were primarily breast augmentation procedures (n=13). The principal complications were wound infection or dehiscence, and poor cosmetic
results. Eleven patients received NHS treatment, at a cost of £120,841. The mean cost
for all patients’ management was £6360 (range: £114–£57,968), rising to £10,878 for
those accepted for treatment. For 8 of the 9 patients (89%) for whom full patient
level costing was available, the hospital incurred a financial loss.
Conclusion
The costs to the NHS of managing complications of cosmetic tourism are substantial,
and underestimated by central funding agencies.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: August 24, 2011
Accepted:
July 22,
2011
Received:
March 6,
2011
Identification
Copyright
© 2011 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
