In recent years, more Australians have considered travelling overseas for cosmetic procedures. We understand lower prices, shorter wait times and packaged “surgery holidays” can make international procedures seem appealing.
However, plastic surgery is a significant medical procedure, and it’s important for patients to understand the potential risks involved when surgery is performed outside of Australia. From differences in medical standards to challenges with follow-up care, there are several factors to consider before travelling overseas for surgery.
Differences in training and regulation
While there are talented surgeons across the world, Australia has strict regulations governing plastic surgery, including the training and qualifications required to become a specialist plastic surgeon like Dr Moncrieff.
In Australia, surgeons must complete many years of specialist training before being recognised as a qualified plastic surgeon. Hospitals and surgical facilities must also meet specific accreditation and safety standards. These requirements can vary significantly between countries, which can make it more difficult for patients to verify a surgeon’s qualifications, experience and professional oversight.
In Australia, you can find a qualified plastic surgeon using the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon’s Find a Surgeon tool.
Limited Pre-Operative Consultation
A thorough consultation is an important part of planning any plastic surgery procedure. This appointment allows your surgeon to assess your medical history, examine the area of concern, discuss your goals and explain the potential risks and limitations of surgery.
When procedures are arranged overseas, consultations are sometimes conducted online or shortly before the surgery itself, and are often facilitated by an interpreter. This can limit the opportunity for detailed assessment and discussion, which are both important for safe surgical planning.
More information about the current wait times for a consultation with Dr Moncrieff can be found here.
Challenges with Follow-Up Care
Post-operative care is a critical part of recovery after plastic surgery. Patients who travel overseas for surgery often return home shortly after their procedure. If complications occur once they are back in Australia, their original surgeon may not be available to provide follow-up care. In these situations, patients may need to seek treatment locally, sometimes without guidance or access to detailed information about the original procedure, implants used or surgical techniques performed. This can make ongoing care more complex.
Increased Risk of Complications
All surgical procedures carry some level of risk, including infection, bleeding and delayed healing. When surgery is performed overseas, differences in healthcare systems, infection control practices and hospital standards may increase the risk of complications.
Recovery from plastic surgery requires time, rest and careful monitoring. Travelling long distances shortly after a procedure can place additional stress on the body, and long flights soon after surgery can increase the risk of complications such as deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a type of blood clot that can occur when mobility is limited.
Financial Considerations
While overseas procedures are sometimes advertised at a lower cost, it is important to consider the potential financial impact if complications occur or travel plans are disrupted.
Travel insurance may not cover elective cosmetic surgery, flight delays or cancellations, and treatment required in Australia following overseas procedures may not be eligible for Medicare or private health insurance coverage. This means patients could be responsible for significant additional costs if further treatment or revision surgery is needed, or if travel plans are forced to change at short notice.
Considering Breast or Body Surgery?
If you are thinking about cosmetic surgery, taking the time to research your surgeon, understand the risks, and ensure you have access to proper follow-up care is essential.
A consultation with a qualified specialist plastic surgeon can help you explore your options and make an informed decision about your treatment. For more information, please call one of our friendly team on 4920 7700 or contact us using the form below and we will be in touch!
More blogs you might be interested in:
- How to choose the right surgeon for you
- How long does it take to recover from plastic surgery?
- Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) recovery guide
- Plastic surgery payment plans in Australia
- When can I have a consultation and surgery with Dr Moncrieff?
Blog Author:
Amber Moncrieff, Practice Director
About Amber Moncrieff
Amber is our Practice Director. She and Dr Moncrieff founded Hunter Plastic Surgery together in 2009.
Amber previously held senior roles in business and politics in Sydney and Canberra. She holds a Masters in Business Administration (MBA) and degrees in Law and Commerce.
The focus Amber has on service and continued learning in our practice has been recognised many times at local, national and global awards. These include when she accepted the 2024 Small Business Champions Award for best cosmetic clinic in Sydney, the 2023 Best Small Business Management Team Award at the Stevie Awards for Women in Business (global awards presented in New York) and the 2020 MyFaceMyBody Awards in 4 categories. In total the practice has won 26 awards under Amber's leadership.
Amber is also heavily involved in our industry and 2014 she co-founded the non-profit Plastics Practice Managers group to help provide support, facilitate sharing and helping her counterparts around the country shine. She is a regular speaker and moderator at industry conferences including presenting at the 2023 Australasian Society of Plastic Surgeons' Conference on the Gold Coast.
