Medical
Tourism and the Cosmetic Surgery Scene in the Philippines
More
and more people from all over the world are traveling
to other countries not only as tourists who come for sightseeing and
shopping but also to get medical, dental, and surgical services from
hospitals and other health destinations. Medical tourism is a rapidly
growing industry with countries like Cuba, Costa Rica, Hungary, India,
Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand actively
promoting it. The Philippines is also fast becoming a favored destination
for patients seeking quality medical care at very affordable prices.
The
high costs of healthcare in industrialized countries, the improved standards
in foreign countries and the lower costs of air travel have made medical
tourism a popular trend. In the Philippines, both local and foreign
patients who otherwise couldn't afford medical procedures such as plastic
surgery benefit from the highly favorable exchange rate. The cost savings
are significant. For example, if the average surgeon's fee for eyelid
surgery in the U.S. is $2,500, in the Philippines, a qualified surgeon
will charge only $600 to $1,500. For liposuction, surgeon's fees in
the U.S. average $2,000 per area. In the Philippines, it is around $800
for the first area and $500 for succeeding areas. Anesthesiologist's
fees and facility costs are also much lower.
Lower
overhead costs and professional fees makes it possible for surgeons
to perform these surgeries at a fraction of the cost of the same procedures
in the United States, U.K. and other countries, without sacrificing
quality of care. The Philippines' medical services can rival the best
in the world and a significant number of foreigners are choosing to
undergo their cosmetic plastic surgery procedures such as liposuction,
breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, face lift, tummy tuck and blepharoplasty
at local hospitals and out-patient surgeries.
Patients
also usually appreciate the added benefit that they are away from their
surroundings during the recuperation period, with no friends and family
to see them when looking less than their best after the operation.
Whether
patients are having cosmetic surgery abroad or in their home country,
choosing the right surgeon is the single most important decision they
will make.
In the Philippines, there are many qualified and well-trained doctors
who have had formal training in plastic and reconstructive surgery,
have acquired their postgraduate or fellowship training from well-known
institutions in the U.S.A. and have been mentored by leading plastic
surgeons. To enhance their expertise, they regularly attend various
seminars worldwide, where new techniques in plastic and cosmetic surgery
are introduced.
The
greater acceptance and growth of cosmetic surgery among the general
public has encouraged many Filipino doctors to perform cosmetic plastic
surgery. However, not all of them have trained as plastic surgeons.
Once doctors get their medical degrees, they may practice any specialty,
even if they have not completed advanced training in the field they
have chosen. And so, a doctor who performs cosmetic plastic surgery
is not necessarily trained as a plastic surgeon. To ensure best results,
patients should choose an authentic plastic surgeon with the training
and experience that is essential for the success of their surgery. When
foreign patients choose to have their elective cosmetic surgeries done
by qualified plastic surgeons in Philippines, they get exceptional value
for the latest techniques in cosmetic plastic surgery. They combine
having a vacation in a beautiful tropical country with affordable, quality
elective plastic surgery.
More
and more people from all over the world are traveling
to other countries not only as tourists who come for sightseeing and
shopping but also to get medical, dental, and surgical services from
hospitals and other health destinations. Medical tourism is a rapidly
growing industry with countries like Cuba, Costa Rica, Hungary, India,
Israel, Jordan, Lithuania, Malaysia, South Africa and Thailand actively
promoting it. The Philippines is also fast becoming a favored destination
for patients seeking quality medical care at very affordable prices.
