• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • About Us
  • Subscribe
  • Appointments
  • Diary
  • Directory
  • Blog
  • Advertise
  • Contact

The Harley Street Journal

Bi-monthly newspaper for the cosmetic and plastic surgery sector

  • News
  • Features
  • Events
  • Product Launches
  • Peer Reviews
  • Innovations

market

Rise of Medical Tourism Shows Impact On Cosmetic Surgery Market

December 19, 2013 by Laura Casewell

8193012_xlA recent paper, by ASPS Member Surgeon Dr. Kevin C. Chung and Lauren E. Franzblau of the University of Michigan, discusses “the rise and transformation of the medical tourism industry, foreign and domestic forces that influence cosmetic surgical tourism, and the pros and cons for all involved parties.”

“The rapid globalisation of the industry also marks a fundamental shift in the world’s perception of elective procedures: patients are becoming consumers and these medical services are being viewed as commodities,” say Chung and Franzblau.

More ‘Medical Tourists’ Are Traveling for Cosmetic Surgery

Travelling for medical care is nothing new — but in the past, people were more likely to travel from poor countries to obtain higher-quality care in wealthier countries. Today, prompted by the ease and relatively low costs of travel, more patients from the United States and other western countries are travelling to the developing world to access less-costly medical and surgical procedures. Because cosmetic plastic surgery procedures aren’t covered by insurance, they make up a major part of the burgeoning medical tourism market.

Figures vary, but there’s a consensus that medical tourism is growing rapidly: India alone may have more than one million medical tourists per year. Other countries with growing medical tourism industries include Mexico, Dubai, South Africa, Thailand and Singapore.

Prices for cosmetic surgery in these countries are typically much lower than at home. For example, a breast augmentation procedure that would cost £4,000 in the U.S. can be done for £1,200 in India. Even after the costs of airfare are factored in, having an operation overseas can be much less expensive.

In many countries, governments are working actively to foster their medical tourism industry. Some destinations even market procedures performed in resort-like settings, encouraging patients to combine a vacation with cosmetic surgery. Travelling abroad also lets patients recuperate privately, without anyone at home knowing that they’ve had plastic surgery.

Raising Potential Concerns Over Safety and Quality

The growth of medical tourism may have a significant impact on the cosmetic surgery market in the U.S., but also raises concerns over physical safety and legal protection. Although destination countries promote the quality and safety of their procedures and facilities, there is often little evidence to support these claims.

“Because the practice of medical travel does not appear to be going away in the foreseeable future, plastic surgeons must understand the international market and learn to compete in it,” Chung and Franzblau write.

Since U.S. surgeons may find it hard to compete on price, effective strategies may include emphasising superior quality and safety of care, or developing “niche markets” of procedures that can be profitably performed at home.

The authors emphasise that medical tourism  “is not purely good or bad” – neither for patients nor the countries involved. Patients may be drawn by lower costs, but must consider the potential risks of undergoing surgery in a foreign country, as well as travelling after surgery.

Filed Under: Blog, Events, News Tagged With: cosmetic, cosmetic surgery, market, medial tourism, news

Cosmetic and aesthetic market to reach £775m this year

October 21, 2013 by Laura Casewell

The market for cosmetic surgery and non-surgical procedures is expected to grow in value by 9% this year to reach £775million. The sector, which includes procedures such as lasers and injectables as well as invasive surgery, will continue to expand, but at a slightly slower pace than in recent years, as the market reaches maturity.

Market analyst, Key Note, forecasts that the cosmetic beauty market will grow 8.4% in value to reach £840m by the end of 2013.

 

The number of cosmetic surgical and non-surgical procedures increased by 15.1% in 2011, while in value terms, the market grew by 10.1% to £711m over the same period.

 

12794953_xxlThe number of non-surgical procedures carried out in the UK increased substantially between 2007 and 2011, and accounted for 32.2% of the total market in terms of value in 2011.  Audit figures from the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) showed that, in 2011, nose surgery experienced the strongest growth in volume terms, with the number of rhinoplasty procedures increasing by 7.4%.

 

Breast augmentation continued to be the largest sector and accounted for 23.3% of all procedures carried out by its members in 2011, despite the well documented French PIP breast implant scandal.

 

Key Note’s Cosmetic Surgery Market Report also included a consumer survey, which found that half of the respondents (50.1%) were against cosmetic surgery or non-surgical procedures in principle and said that they would never consider it, while an additional 14.1% said that they would consider having cosmetic surgery or procedures but felt that the cost was prohibitive.

Filed Under: Blog, Features, News Tagged With: aesthetic, cosmetic, market, news

Primary Sidebar

Recent Posts

plastic surgeon

In the world of modern medicine, the role of a plastic surgeon is as much an art as it is a science. Patients seeking aesthetic enhancements rely on these skilled practitioners to sculpt and rejuvenate, making it essential to understand what makes a good plastic surgeon. The convergence of technical expertise, empathy, and a commitment […]

breast implant cancer

Breast implants are said to cause a range of sicknesses from headaches to breast cancer. Here, we’re going to find answers to common misconceptions about what implants can, and can’t cause. Breast Implant Illness (BII) Although breast implant cancer has eluded official medical status, reports of BII are prevalent across the world and can vary […]

Amir Sadri: The Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon in London

Rhinoplasty or nose job is one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures in London. It is a surgical procedure that involves altering the shape of the nose to enhance a person’s facial features or improve breathing ability. While rhinoplasty is widely available in London, it is crucial to choose the best surgeon to handle the […]

Dr. Aadil Khan and Paul Harris: The Best Breast Surgeons in London

Breast augmentation surgery is the most popular cosmetic surgery in the world. It’s a procedure that helps women to boost their confidence and feel better about themselves. Breast implants are a common choice for women who want to enhance their breasts. However, just like any medical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with breast […]

best plastic surgeon london

Are you planning to undergo plastic surgery for a better appearance? Choosing the right plastic surgeon is one of the most crucial decisions that you must make. London is home to some of the world’s top-class plastic surgeons who specialize in providing an extensive range of cosmetic procedures that are right for you. In this […]

aesthetic products

As an aesthetic clinic owner, you are always on the lookout for products that not only provide results but are also safe for your clients. With so many brands flooding the market, choosing the right one can be overwhelming. However, Dr. Adams Laboratories is a brand that stands out from the rest. This revolutionary brand […]

breast implants breast implant removal

In the realm of cosmetic surgery, breast augmentation has long been celebrated for its ability to enhance physical appearance and boost self-esteem. However, personal preferences and circumstances change over time, leading some individuals to consider a different path. Breast implant removal, a procedure gaining momentum, offers a range of benefits that go beyond the physical, […]

aesthetics products

As the demand for aesthetic treatments and self-care rises, savvy professionals in the beauty industry are turning to wholesale purchases of aesthetics products. Buying wholesale aesthetic products not only provides cost savings but also offers a myriad of benefits that empower businesses to thrive in a competitive market. 1. Cost Savings and Profitability: One of […]

Recent Posts

  • The Future of Aesthetics: Growing Trends and Treatments in 2023
  • The new power duo guiding Sinclair through its next phase of growth
  • How to Recognize and Prevent Common Breast Implant Complications
  • Different types of nose jobs / rhinoplasty
  • A Comprehensive Guide to Different Types of Breast Surgery

View News

Copyright © 2023 · The Harley Street Journal