Cosmetic Surgery Holidays - Would You?

24 August, 2014 - 08:49pm by - First Lady | 39 Comments

Article by BR Tabatha

Who doesn't look forward to a holiday? A week or two of relaxation and you'll come back feeling like a new woman. Of course in today's 'must have now' society, this isn't enough for some people. They want to come back looking like a new woman too. Cue the ever-increasing popularity of the cosmetic surgery holiday.

The cost of cosmetic surgery in New Zealand is expensive to put it mildly. For a tummy tuck you certainly won't be getting change from $25000. The full works (a muscular face lift, eye lift and neck lift) will cost you around $60000. To have a veneer on just one tooth in New Zealand will cost around $1800.

So imagine if you can not only have the plastic surgery of your choice but do it in the luxury of a 5 star holiday resort for a fortnight, for around 70 per cent LESS than you'd pay here. Thailand is a popular destination for cosmetic surgery holidays, where a tummy tuck will only set you back around $4000, the full works will cost $8000 and for $1600 you can have all of your veneers done. With a holiday too.

There are dedicated 'travel agencies' around New Zealand that specialise in cosmetic surgery holidays, ensuring their customers return fresh faced and rejuvanated. Apparently it's becoming increasingly common for couples or besties to go together, each getting something 'done'.

Of course there is concern among the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons, mostly due to the risk of travelling after such surgeries (Deep Vein Thrombosis for example) and the fact that it can be hard to verify and trust in surgeon credentials, standards, quality assurance, short- and long-term follow-up, complications and risks. Hospitals and procedures abroad are held to a completely different standard to here in NZ.

Would you ever consider a cosmetic surgery holiday? Or maybe you have? Do you think you should ever put a cap on price at the risk of quality, particularly with medical procedures?

Get chatting below!

Comments

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MrsLissy

25th August, 2014

I think it's tempting but I think I would worry about too many things that could go wrong so ultimately wouldn't do it. I understand why people do it though going for a holiday and coming back looking amazing.

Chaotic82

24th August, 2014

I've had enough surgery that I've had no choice about, so don't really want to put myself through that by choice! Ask me again in twenty years though hehe

Kellyleanne

24th August, 2014

It did interest me about five years ago and I was researching it, but I don't think I would have gone through with it anyway. It would be too risky if something were to go wrong, I think it's better paying more in New Zealand for it, in the chance you did need medical help afterwards. These days after having my daughter I'm a lot more accepting of my body, it has done amazing things to carry her for 9 months. I don't obsess about my flaws these days.

SandyGedge

24th August, 2014

If you had of asked me this question five years ago, then my answer would have been a definite yes but now it's a no. I've fought & been embarressed about my body for years but suddenly realised that in order to be the best mum/partner/daughter/sister etc.....I had to love myself first to be able to give my full love. On that note, I wouldn't disagree if someone I knew was going to do it, each to their own & as long as they had done their research :-)

kirstyj

24th August, 2014

Not a fan of plastic surgery for myself. But would consider dental care in the future. Not so much for the holiday idea but just for it being that much cheaper. However it does make me wonder what protections are in place if things go wrong.

Mixy

24th August, 2014

I can see why people would do it, far out with just the cost alone it looks hugely appealing but my concern would be cleanliness and recouperation, some people do well with friends and family looking after them and if your a good 12 hr flight away that becomes hard and then also what if something happens once your back here in nz, who becomes responsible for that? I guess all these things get considered when and if you decide to take the plunge.

Lutece

24th August, 2014

If I had the money I would most definitely, what an awesome way to get surgery done and have a mini holiday! I saw Shaaanxo vlog about her surgery and it was great

Whittakers-lover

24th August, 2014

I must admit, this has been on my radar on and off for a while. I haven't been very proactive in finding out more but would be open to the idea. I would not judge anyone wether they chose to have something done in NZ or abroad. We all have our own reasons :-)

Jesse

24th August, 2014

A cosmetic surgery holiday is something I have been considering for a few years now, it's something I would be very interested in. I work in an operating theatre in a public hospital so I've seen a procedure I would consider having done, but wouldn't be able to afford to have done privately here so a cosmetic holiday is an option that makes it more of a possibility. My partner has had dental work done in Thailand and spoke very highly of it, and a former area manager of mine from my retail days had breast augmentation done there too with great results. I see it as something that's becoming more and more mainstream and accessible, You Tube Vlogger Shaaanxo even filmed her own experience with breast augmentation which I think was great in seeing what goes on.