You’ve heard about medical tourism, and chances are that you’ve embarked on a trip primarily to take care of a medical situation: either to birth a baby, for an annual check-up, or to even treat an illness. But, these days, more and more people are travelling for not-so-medical reasons, in what is now considered as ‘beauty tourism.’

The rise of beauty tourism

Like many other things, it may be difficult to determine when exactly beauty tourism became a thing. Go deep enough, however, and you’ll see that it most likely has its origins in medical tourism, since some of the procedures, like dental work, fall under this category.

In 2019, medical tourism consulting group, Patients Beyond Borders estimated that medical tourism, which includes beauty procedures that range from rhinoplastly to abdominoplasty, breast surgery and injectables like Botox — was worth anywhere from $74 to $92 billion. By 2022, estimated figures had gone up to $115.6billion. Growth is expected to continue in this sector as more people go beyond their home countries to seek quality treatment not available back home, or to undergo procedures that are cheaper than what obtains in their country.

5 things to consider before mapping out your beauty tourism calendar

If you’re looking to join thousands of people travelling each year in search of a physical transformation, you’re not alone. But, before you book your tickets and head on the next flight out to Turkey or other countries rumoured to be the best in cosmetic surgeries, where are some factors to consider

Your Destination

Mystery trips may be a rising trend, but in the world of beauty tourism, this isn’t something you should be considering at all.

While exploring the local culture and scenery may be on your to-do, remember, your primary goal is whatever cosmetic procedure you’re looking to get. Wherever you choose to go must offer you the best of both worlds: a vacation to remember and the best cosmetic procedure for you.

Looking for ideas? Per the experts, Mexico, Costa Rica and Thailand are great options for cosmetic surgery, while Greece is better for botox injections and even dental procedures. You may choose Turkey if it’s a hair transplant you want, or go to South Korea for laser skin treatments.

Today, beauty tourists are spoiled for choice as more and more countries boast of quality services at competitive prices. And while some of these procedures are non-invasive, they are not without risks, which is why it is important to go with the best

Medical practitioners and facility

Bad doctors and sub-standard hospitals abound globally, so it is not enough to visit a country for your procedure simply because everyone says it is the go-to place for it.

Luckily, due to increased demand, more hospitals and specialists have gotten international accreditation to stand above the crowd. As of 2019, more than 950 hospitals and clinical departments were JCI (Joint Commission International) accredited and more have joined since then.

Before settling for a destination or doctor, make sure to do your research properly. Review credentials, read up on unbiased reviews, and ask questions until you are satisfied.

As you do this, ensure you’re adhering to your

Your Budget

Of course, you cannot up and travel without money, and how much you’re willing to spend on your beauty vacation is just as important as other factors to consider before embarking on one.

Your budget must cover the treatment and everything involved including doctor’s fees, hospital stay if necessary, drugs, and aftercare. You should also consider accommodation and feeding, as well as touristy activities you can indulge in while you’re there. After all, it is still a vacation, right?

And speaking of vacation, you should also factor into your decision, a

Recovery plan

Beauty tourism is exactly that: going on a vacation to get a beauty procedure done. The keyword here is ‘vacation.’

In your search for where to go for the best treatment, it is so easy to forget that you’re also going to be on vacation, leading you to be hyper-focused on one and quite lax with the other, until it is too late and you are already there.

As you make your plans, explore relaxing activities you can do in the country of your choice. Alternating between periods of rest and periods of fun would not only boost your overall mood but may also help you heal faster and better. You may even realise that one country is not enough for your dream beauty vacation, and a multi-destination trip might be necessary.

In which case, it is best to

Work with an expert

Even if one country seems to have everything you need, it is always easier, safer and less stressful to work with consultants who are experts in planning beauty vacations.

Not only would they have a list of trusted hospitals and doctors, but they also have the experience in delivering exciting themed vacations that tick all the boxes for their clients. This may even include discounts on procedures and accommodation, and access to places and activities you would never know on your own.

A beauty vacation sounds like a fascinating activity to pursue, but, like everything in life, making the right decisions is the only way you can get the best out of it. By taking into consideration these recommendations outlined above, it is almost certain that you will be getting the best experience that is exactly right for you.