Number of botched cosmetic surgeries abroad causing concern
The rising number of British patients undergoing botched cosmetic surgery procedures is causing concern, following the release of research carried out by the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS).
A poll conducted on BAPRAS members showed that a quarter of its surgeons had treated patients for complications related to surgery carried out overseas.
It stated that in 2007, at least 208 patients needed emergency surgery to correct problems incurred abroad. 31 per cent had a second operation planned to alter surgery carried out overseas, while another third had to undergo a non-surgical procedure to rectify complications.
When returning from their ‘surgical holidays’, many of the patients suffering from complications are being treated on the NHS, a factor which is causing concern amongst some doctors who believe that these operations are taking valuable resources away from people in need of post-trauma or cancer reconstructive surgery.
According to the Telegraph, Anthony Armstrong – consultant plastic surgeon and chairman of BAPRAS’ clinical effectiveness committee – said: “People go abroad thinking they are getting a better deal but when things go wrong the NHS is expected to pick up the pieces.
The NHS is currently underwriting cut price cosmetic surgery overseas because there is no clear policy in place on when the NHS should and shouldn’t treat patients who have elected to have cosmetic surgery abroad.”
BAPRAS’ research was published yesterday in the Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. It found that most patients needed corrective treatment for breast augmentations carried out abroad.
Additionally, 24 per cent of people undergoing tummy tuck surgery overseas needed emergency help. 15 per cent suffered complications with breast reductions performed in other countries, while another ten per cent needed surgery after botched neck and facelifts.
Tags: BAPRAS, Breast Augmentation, NHS, non-surgical procedures, overseas cosmetic surgery