Cosmetic Surgery Tourism: A Tummy Tuck in
Thailand, a Breast Augmentation in Brazil

By Charis Atlas Heelan

September 6, 2005

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[In the spirit of bringing you reports on vacations that can only be described as "alternative," we give you this piece. Please note, we are not medical professionals and can in no way vouch for the doctors reported herein.]

You normally wouldn't pair "surgery" and "vacation" together, but a growing trend marries the two. Although cosmetic surgery travel is increasingly popular for a number of reasons, the overriding issue is cost. In the United States, cosmetic and dental surgery are cost-prohibitive; in a number of other countries, predominantly in South America and Asia, prices are considerably lower. Discretion is also a factor: It's easier to say, "I'm taking a two-week trip to Brazil" than letting everyone know you want implants. Additionally most Americans simply don't have the extra time, so it makes sense to use those available vacation days. . .

Asia represents the cheapest cosmetic surgery solutions and countries such as Thailand have thriving aesthetic industries, dominated by its gender reassignment procedures. Cosmetic Surgery Travel (www.cosmeticsurgerytravel.com) is a travel company dedicated to planning your cosmetic or dental surgery vacation in Thailand and can arrange every aspect of your trip. They also facilitate orthopedic, cardiac and gastric bypass surgery, featuring an extensive menu of possibilities for those considering going under the knife. You make your surgery and travel plans with your own personal assistant, called a medical concierge. They develop a program and an estimated cost for everything plus arrange a pre-departure consultation with your doctor. Upon arrival at the airport in Bangkok you are greeted by a company representative, and your entire stay in Thailand is managed including post-surgery recovery and rejuvenation, based on your doctor's recommendations and your preferences. They feature five "packages," for example the "Tummy Tuck Package" which includes general anesthetic, cosmetic procedure, two to three-day hospital stay, six to12-day hotel or resort recovery and all transfers for $7,300. Or how about the "Eyelids lift with Under Chin Liposuction Package" which includes general anesthetic, cosmetic procedure, one-day hospital stay, three-day hotel or resort recovery and all transfers for $3,800. Airfares to Bangkok are additional.