As an alternative to having surgery at home, some New Zealanders are choosing to combine cosmetic surgery with an overseas holiday.
"Medical tourism" agencies arrange the entire holiday - air travel, surgery, and hotel and hospital bookings.
If everything goes to plan, surgery overseas can save you money. In New Zealand a full facelift costs $25,000 to $32,000; in Malaysia a similar procedure will set you back about NZ$10,000 (including all treatment and accommodation but not airfares). That's if it all goes to plan - any complications which see you return to hospital will add to your bill.
Agency websites show impressive "before" and "after" photos, along with convincing testimonials. What they don't show you is the ugly in-between stage. Any operation will result in pain, bruising and swelling - which may prevent you from enjoying your holiday. In fact, many typical holiday activities - swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a drink or two - are ruled out while recovering from surgery.
Before you go
If you're thinking about having surgery overseas, consult a cosmetic surgeon in New Zealand before you go. You need to make sure the operation you choose is appropriate for you and your body, and that your expectations are realistic and achievable.
Colin Calcinai, President of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons, advises anyone contemplating surgery overseas to check out their surgeon's credentials rather than taking an agent's word.
It's also a good idea to look into the quality of the hospital and its safety record. Choose a hospital that's independently accredited by a healthcare accreditation group such as Joint Commission International (JCI). You can search the JCI website for accredited international hospitals. It provides you with assurance that a hospital meets safety and quality standards.
Surgery usually takes place a day or two after you arrive. This means you may only have a day between meeting your doctor and having surgery. In New Zealand, a cosmetic surgeon should allow at least seven days between the initial consultation and the operation. This allows time to reflect and consider your decision.
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