T he ancient Greek philosopher Prometheus once said, “Nothing good and beautiful can be achieved without sacrifice.” A wise and noble observation, right? Well, almost. If Prometheus were alive today he might change his tune — especially if he was in the market for an affordable nip’n tuck or some photorejuvenation. Yes, when it comes to cosmetic surgery these days, people don’t like to sacrifice. That’s especially true of the 1 million-plus American Baby Boomers who say they want some type of cosmetic surgery done in the short-term future. And, as you’re probably aware, they want surgery that’s affordable, private, and with a recovery period that ideally hides them from their friends, co-workers and neighbors until the bandages come off and the wounds have healed. Oh, and if there’s a way to do all that and include a trip to an exotic locale for the same price (the better to anonymously undergo a procedure and rehab in with nobody the wiser) — well, where can a Boomer sign up for that? Quite possibly, overseas. Commonly known as “surgery safaris” or “vanity vacations,” offshore cosmetic surgery is big business these days, especially with image-conscious, cost-conscious American Baby Boomers. Offshore cosmetic surgery tour packagers say that Americans can get the cosmetic surgery, the plane fare, and the stay at the four-star resort all for the same price they’d pay (or less) for the surgery alone at a cosmetic clinic in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York or Dallas. “We call it First-World treatment at Third-World prices,” says Lorraine Melvill, owner of South Africa-based Surgeons & Safari, one of the more successful offshore cosmetic surgery spas. “We tell people to come for the surgery and stay for the scenery.” Advocates like Ms. Melvill maintain that overseas cosmetic surgery alternatives can often be up to 75% less expensive than similar procedures in the United States. Along with cut-rate cosmetic procedures, recipients can also recover in a comfortable resort hideaway far from the prying eyes of family and friends. A Burgeoning Marketplace for Boomers Why the rise in offshore cosmetic surgery? Americans — especially the Baby Boomers — are disillusioned with the cost of cosmetic healthcare services at home, where a facelift alone may cost three times the price it would abroad at patient-friendly bourses like Costa Rica, South Africa or Thailand. Hence the growing trend of Yanks heading to offshore spas for cosmetic work, attracted by (hopefully) world-class surgeons, spectacular tourist destinations and favorable exchange rates. Then there’s the scenery, too. But U.S. cosmetic surgeons can look in the mirror to find some additional blame. Offshore cosmetic surgery has taken off in the early years of the twenty-first century because some American cosmetic surgeons have failed to address two of the most important components of plastic surgery: price and privacy. That’s a big mistake given aggressive consumer attitudes to get the best deal possible on the part of Americans, especially the Baby Boomers. Seventy eight million strong, the older wave of Baby Boomers has passed the half-century mark, and the youngest baby boomers have already reached 37. With the average life expectancy inching ever higher, Americans have an extra incentive to stay healthy and active as they grow older, and look better at the same time. And as you know, the Boomers want it done on their terms — i.e., reliably, affordably and privately. In other words, the exact blueprint of offshore cosmetic surgery. As usual, Boomer consumers usually get what they want. In the case of cosmetic surgery, the price for rhinoplasty in Dallas is around $6,000. Yet, the price for the same procedure in Johannesburg or Bangkok is around $600, and the Boomers sit up and take notice. Guess where many decide to go, especially given the fact that they may perceive the quality of health care abroad to be the same as it is in the United States? “I believe the quality of the service we offer is among the very best in the world,” says Surgeons & Safari’s Ms. Melvill. “The fact that our pricing is so competitive is the cherry on top. But even so, service and professionalism always come first.” Safety an Issue Spurred by rising interest for such trips from American Baby Boomers (and some of their mothers and fathers, too) a cottage industry has sprung up among travel services agencies from Costa Rica to Kuala Lumpur offering “surgery safaris” or “vanity vacations.” Theoretically, cosmetic surgery candidates can combine a little liposuction with a luau on a sugary white beach at some exotic port of call. Sounds appealing for the hundreds of thousands of image conscious (and growing) Americans who want to rid themselves of wrinkles and get their groove back, right? “It does sound appealing,” says Robert W. Bernard, a White Plains, NY, plastic surgeon and the president-elect of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAP). “But there are several issues you need to know about before traveling overseas for cosmetic surgery. First, you need to look at the credentials of the guy who is doing your plastic surgery. That’s easy to do in the United States, where a surgeon has to accredited. But it’s not so easy to do outside the country, where many doctors don’t (have to be accredited). The way credentials are issued varies from country to country.” Dr. Bernard adds that it’s not just the doctor who should be accredited — the facility where the procedure takes place should be accredited, too. “You have to ask if the surgery is done in an accredited facility,” he says. “Again, that process is very strict in the United States, so you know safety isn’t a concern.” Financially, a patient opting for the overseas route may make out on the front end — but only if there’s no follow-up or a need to revisit the procedure if something went awry. “No matter where you are going outside the United States, that’s not cheap,” adds Dr. Bernard. Plus, lengthy air travel may be deadly for post-cosmetic surgery patients. Blood clots and embolisms are another potential hazard of flying anywhere for cosmetic surgery. The longer the flight, Dr. Bernard says, the higher the chances. The ASAP lists some other reasons why Americans should carefully consider whether or not to go overseas for cosmetic surgery — all good reasons that should discourage someone seeking a “vacation” combined with cosmetic surgery. • Patients shouldn’t count on golf or water skiing: Most cosmetic surgeries involve restrictions on normal activities, and particularly exercise, for several days to weeks. So, while family members might enjoy the benefits of a resort destination while the patient undergoes surgery, the patient will need to remember that most vacation-type activities will be off limits. • Patients must stay in the shade: If the patient’s idea is to recover from surgery by lounging by the pool, he or she will need to remember that many types of cosmetic surgery will require him or her to stay out of the sun until healing is completed. Even then, the patient will likely be advised to protect himself or herself with sun block, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. • The patient’s doctor’s credentials may not be what they appear to be: Although there are excellent surgeons in many countries, it’s often difficult to evaluate the training and credentials of surgeons outside the United States. Training and credentials vary, and there is no single international standard for quality. • After-care may not be available: Cosmetic surgery patients need to be seen by their surgeon at various intervals following the operation. When the surgeon is hundreds or thousands of miles away, there’s obviously no such continuing relationship. The Doctor Is Out Still, some U.S. cosmetic surgeons are bullish on overseas cosmetic surgery — as long as they’re invited to the party. New York City-based plastic surgeon Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc travels to Jamaica’s famous Half Moon Bay resort on periodic weekends to perform cosmetic surgery on vacationers — most of them from the United States, as well. “I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t safe,” he says. “We work with an accredited hospital (Half Moon Bay’s Mo Bay Hope Hospital), a facility affiliated with South Miami (FL) Hospital, which makes sure that the hospital follows U.S. standards. In fact, the qualifications at Half Moon Bay are exactly the same I have to meet in New York City.” For would-be patients, it’s easy to see the issue in black-and-white. A face-lift and a tummy tuck can set one back $15,000 or so. Time-wise, it can take up to 3 weeks for the swelling to abate. Then there are the nosy neighbors and annoying co-workers pestering about bandages, blisters and the Botox bill. Despite the attractions, combining a vacation with cosmetic surgery isn’t a simple choice for everyone. “I think the jury is still out,” says Dr. Bernard. “If someone decides to go, he or she better know what he or she is getting into.”
Vanity Vacations
T he ancient Greek philosopher Prometheus once said, “Nothing good and beautiful can be achieved without sacrifice.” A wise and noble observation, right? Well, almost. If Prometheus were alive today he might change his tune — especially if he was in the market for an affordable nip’n tuck or some photorejuvenation. Yes, when it comes to cosmetic surgery these days, people don’t like to sacrifice. That’s especially true of the 1 million-plus American Baby Boomers who say they want some type of cosmetic surgery done in the short-term future. And, as you’re probably aware, they want surgery that’s affordable, private, and with a recovery period that ideally hides them from their friends, co-workers and neighbors until the bandages come off and the wounds have healed. Oh, and if there’s a way to do all that and include a trip to an exotic locale for the same price (the better to anonymously undergo a procedure and rehab in with nobody the wiser) — well, where can a Boomer sign up for that? Quite possibly, overseas. Commonly known as “surgery safaris” or “vanity vacations,” offshore cosmetic surgery is big business these days, especially with image-conscious, cost-conscious American Baby Boomers. Offshore cosmetic surgery tour packagers say that Americans can get the cosmetic surgery, the plane fare, and the stay at the four-star resort all for the same price they’d pay (or less) for the surgery alone at a cosmetic clinic in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York or Dallas. “We call it First-World treatment at Third-World prices,” says Lorraine Melvill, owner of South Africa-based Surgeons & Safari, one of the more successful offshore cosmetic surgery spas. “We tell people to come for the surgery and stay for the scenery.” Advocates like Ms. Melvill maintain that overseas cosmetic surgery alternatives can often be up to 75% less expensive than similar procedures in the United States. Along with cut-rate cosmetic procedures, recipients can also recover in a comfortable resort hideaway far from the prying eyes of family and friends. A Burgeoning Marketplace for Boomers Why the rise in offshore cosmetic surgery? Americans — especially the Baby Boomers — are disillusioned with the cost of cosmetic healthcare services at home, where a facelift alone may cost three times the price it would abroad at patient-friendly bourses like Costa Rica, South Africa or Thailand. Hence the growing trend of Yanks heading to offshore spas for cosmetic work, attracted by (hopefully) world-class surgeons, spectacular tourist destinations and favorable exchange rates. Then there’s the scenery, too. But U.S. cosmetic surgeons can look in the mirror to find some additional blame. Offshore cosmetic surgery has taken off in the early years of the twenty-first century because some American cosmetic surgeons have failed to address two of the most important components of plastic surgery: price and privacy. That’s a big mistake given aggressive consumer attitudes to get the best deal possible on the part of Americans, especially the Baby Boomers. Seventy eight million strong, the older wave of Baby Boomers has passed the half-century mark, and the youngest baby boomers have already reached 37. With the average life expectancy inching ever higher, Americans have an extra incentive to stay healthy and active as they grow older, and look better at the same time. And as you know, the Boomers want it done on their terms — i.e., reliably, affordably and privately. In other words, the exact blueprint of offshore cosmetic surgery. As usual, Boomer consumers usually get what they want. In the case of cosmetic surgery, the price for rhinoplasty in Dallas is around $6,000. Yet, the price for the same procedure in Johannesburg or Bangkok is around $600, and the Boomers sit up and take notice. Guess where many decide to go, especially given the fact that they may perceive the quality of health care abroad to be the same as it is in the United States? “I believe the quality of the service we offer is among the very best in the world,” says Surgeons & Safari’s Ms. Melvill. “The fact that our pricing is so competitive is the cherry on top. But even so, service and professionalism always come first.” Safety an Issue Spurred by rising interest for such trips from American Baby Boomers (and some of their mothers and fathers, too) a cottage industry has sprung up among travel services agencies from Costa Rica to Kuala Lumpur offering “surgery safaris” or “vanity vacations.” Theoretically, cosmetic surgery candidates can combine a little liposuction with a luau on a sugary white beach at some exotic port of call. Sounds appealing for the hundreds of thousands of image conscious (and growing) Americans who want to rid themselves of wrinkles and get their groove back, right? “It does sound appealing,” says Robert W. Bernard, a White Plains, NY, plastic surgeon and the president-elect of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAP). “But there are several issues you need to know about before traveling overseas for cosmetic surgery. First, you need to look at the credentials of the guy who is doing your plastic surgery. That’s easy to do in the United States, where a surgeon has to accredited. But it’s not so easy to do outside the country, where many doctors don’t (have to be accredited). The way credentials are issued varies from country to country.” Dr. Bernard adds that it’s not just the doctor who should be accredited — the facility where the procedure takes place should be accredited, too. “You have to ask if the surgery is done in an accredited facility,” he says. “Again, that process is very strict in the United States, so you know safety isn’t a concern.” Financially, a patient opting for the overseas route may make out on the front end — but only if there’s no follow-up or a need to revisit the procedure if something went awry. “No matter where you are going outside the United States, that’s not cheap,” adds Dr. Bernard. Plus, lengthy air travel may be deadly for post-cosmetic surgery patients. Blood clots and embolisms are another potential hazard of flying anywhere for cosmetic surgery. The longer the flight, Dr. Bernard says, the higher the chances. The ASAP lists some other reasons why Americans should carefully consider whether or not to go overseas for cosmetic surgery — all good reasons that should discourage someone seeking a “vacation” combined with cosmetic surgery. • Patients shouldn’t count on golf or water skiing: Most cosmetic surgeries involve restrictions on normal activities, and particularly exercise, for several days to weeks. So, while family members might enjoy the benefits of a resort destination while the patient undergoes surgery, the patient will need to remember that most vacation-type activities will be off limits. • Patients must stay in the shade: If the patient’s idea is to recover from surgery by lounging by the pool, he or she will need to remember that many types of cosmetic surgery will require him or her to stay out of the sun until healing is completed. Even then, the patient will likely be advised to protect himself or herself with sun block, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. • The patient’s doctor’s credentials may not be what they appear to be: Although there are excellent surgeons in many countries, it’s often difficult to evaluate the training and credentials of surgeons outside the United States. Training and credentials vary, and there is no single international standard for quality. • After-care may not be available: Cosmetic surgery patients need to be seen by their surgeon at various intervals following the operation. When the surgeon is hundreds or thousands of miles away, there’s obviously no such continuing relationship. The Doctor Is Out Still, some U.S. cosmetic surgeons are bullish on overseas cosmetic surgery — as long as they’re invited to the party. New York City-based plastic surgeon Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc travels to Jamaica’s famous Half Moon Bay resort on periodic weekends to perform cosmetic surgery on vacationers — most of them from the United States, as well. “I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t safe,” he says. “We work with an accredited hospital (Half Moon Bay’s Mo Bay Hope Hospital), a facility affiliated with South Miami (FL) Hospital, which makes sure that the hospital follows U.S. standards. In fact, the qualifications at Half Moon Bay are exactly the same I have to meet in New York City.” For would-be patients, it’s easy to see the issue in black-and-white. A face-lift and a tummy tuck can set one back $15,000 or so. Time-wise, it can take up to 3 weeks for the swelling to abate. Then there are the nosy neighbors and annoying co-workers pestering about bandages, blisters and the Botox bill. Despite the attractions, combining a vacation with cosmetic surgery isn’t a simple choice for everyone. “I think the jury is still out,” says Dr. Bernard. “If someone decides to go, he or she better know what he or she is getting into.”
T he ancient Greek philosopher Prometheus once said, “Nothing good and beautiful can be achieved without sacrifice.” A wise and noble observation, right? Well, almost. If Prometheus were alive today he might change his tune — especially if he was in the market for an affordable nip’n tuck or some photorejuvenation. Yes, when it comes to cosmetic surgery these days, people don’t like to sacrifice. That’s especially true of the 1 million-plus American Baby Boomers who say they want some type of cosmetic surgery done in the short-term future. And, as you’re probably aware, they want surgery that’s affordable, private, and with a recovery period that ideally hides them from their friends, co-workers and neighbors until the bandages come off and the wounds have healed. Oh, and if there’s a way to do all that and include a trip to an exotic locale for the same price (the better to anonymously undergo a procedure and rehab in with nobody the wiser) — well, where can a Boomer sign up for that? Quite possibly, overseas. Commonly known as “surgery safaris” or “vanity vacations,” offshore cosmetic surgery is big business these days, especially with image-conscious, cost-conscious American Baby Boomers. Offshore cosmetic surgery tour packagers say that Americans can get the cosmetic surgery, the plane fare, and the stay at the four-star resort all for the same price they’d pay (or less) for the surgery alone at a cosmetic clinic in Philadelphia, Los Angeles, New York or Dallas. “We call it First-World treatment at Third-World prices,” says Lorraine Melvill, owner of South Africa-based Surgeons & Safari, one of the more successful offshore cosmetic surgery spas. “We tell people to come for the surgery and stay for the scenery.” Advocates like Ms. Melvill maintain that overseas cosmetic surgery alternatives can often be up to 75% less expensive than similar procedures in the United States. Along with cut-rate cosmetic procedures, recipients can also recover in a comfortable resort hideaway far from the prying eyes of family and friends. A Burgeoning Marketplace for Boomers Why the rise in offshore cosmetic surgery? Americans — especially the Baby Boomers — are disillusioned with the cost of cosmetic healthcare services at home, where a facelift alone may cost three times the price it would abroad at patient-friendly bourses like Costa Rica, South Africa or Thailand. Hence the growing trend of Yanks heading to offshore spas for cosmetic work, attracted by (hopefully) world-class surgeons, spectacular tourist destinations and favorable exchange rates. Then there’s the scenery, too. But U.S. cosmetic surgeons can look in the mirror to find some additional blame. Offshore cosmetic surgery has taken off in the early years of the twenty-first century because some American cosmetic surgeons have failed to address two of the most important components of plastic surgery: price and privacy. That’s a big mistake given aggressive consumer attitudes to get the best deal possible on the part of Americans, especially the Baby Boomers. Seventy eight million strong, the older wave of Baby Boomers has passed the half-century mark, and the youngest baby boomers have already reached 37. With the average life expectancy inching ever higher, Americans have an extra incentive to stay healthy and active as they grow older, and look better at the same time. And as you know, the Boomers want it done on their terms — i.e., reliably, affordably and privately. In other words, the exact blueprint of offshore cosmetic surgery. As usual, Boomer consumers usually get what they want. In the case of cosmetic surgery, the price for rhinoplasty in Dallas is around $6,000. Yet, the price for the same procedure in Johannesburg or Bangkok is around $600, and the Boomers sit up and take notice. Guess where many decide to go, especially given the fact that they may perceive the quality of health care abroad to be the same as it is in the United States? “I believe the quality of the service we offer is among the very best in the world,” says Surgeons & Safari’s Ms. Melvill. “The fact that our pricing is so competitive is the cherry on top. But even so, service and professionalism always come first.” Safety an Issue Spurred by rising interest for such trips from American Baby Boomers (and some of their mothers and fathers, too) a cottage industry has sprung up among travel services agencies from Costa Rica to Kuala Lumpur offering “surgery safaris” or “vanity vacations.” Theoretically, cosmetic surgery candidates can combine a little liposuction with a luau on a sugary white beach at some exotic port of call. Sounds appealing for the hundreds of thousands of image conscious (and growing) Americans who want to rid themselves of wrinkles and get their groove back, right? “It does sound appealing,” says Robert W. Bernard, a White Plains, NY, plastic surgeon and the president-elect of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAP). “But there are several issues you need to know about before traveling overseas for cosmetic surgery. First, you need to look at the credentials of the guy who is doing your plastic surgery. That’s easy to do in the United States, where a surgeon has to accredited. But it’s not so easy to do outside the country, where many doctors don’t (have to be accredited). The way credentials are issued varies from country to country.” Dr. Bernard adds that it’s not just the doctor who should be accredited — the facility where the procedure takes place should be accredited, too. “You have to ask if the surgery is done in an accredited facility,” he says. “Again, that process is very strict in the United States, so you know safety isn’t a concern.” Financially, a patient opting for the overseas route may make out on the front end — but only if there’s no follow-up or a need to revisit the procedure if something went awry. “No matter where you are going outside the United States, that’s not cheap,” adds Dr. Bernard. Plus, lengthy air travel may be deadly for post-cosmetic surgery patients. Blood clots and embolisms are another potential hazard of flying anywhere for cosmetic surgery. The longer the flight, Dr. Bernard says, the higher the chances. The ASAP lists some other reasons why Americans should carefully consider whether or not to go overseas for cosmetic surgery — all good reasons that should discourage someone seeking a “vacation” combined with cosmetic surgery. • Patients shouldn’t count on golf or water skiing: Most cosmetic surgeries involve restrictions on normal activities, and particularly exercise, for several days to weeks. So, while family members might enjoy the benefits of a resort destination while the patient undergoes surgery, the patient will need to remember that most vacation-type activities will be off limits. • Patients must stay in the shade: If the patient’s idea is to recover from surgery by lounging by the pool, he or she will need to remember that many types of cosmetic surgery will require him or her to stay out of the sun until healing is completed. Even then, the patient will likely be advised to protect himself or herself with sun block, sunglasses and a broad-brimmed hat. • The patient’s doctor’s credentials may not be what they appear to be: Although there are excellent surgeons in many countries, it’s often difficult to evaluate the training and credentials of surgeons outside the United States. Training and credentials vary, and there is no single international standard for quality. • After-care may not be available: Cosmetic surgery patients need to be seen by their surgeon at various intervals following the operation. When the surgeon is hundreds or thousands of miles away, there’s obviously no such continuing relationship. The Doctor Is Out Still, some U.S. cosmetic surgeons are bullish on overseas cosmetic surgery — as long as they’re invited to the party. New York City-based plastic surgeon Dr. Z. Paul Lorenc travels to Jamaica’s famous Half Moon Bay resort on periodic weekends to perform cosmetic surgery on vacationers — most of them from the United States, as well. “I wouldn’t be doing it if it wasn’t safe,” he says. “We work with an accredited hospital (Half Moon Bay’s Mo Bay Hope Hospital), a facility affiliated with South Miami (FL) Hospital, which makes sure that the hospital follows U.S. standards. In fact, the qualifications at Half Moon Bay are exactly the same I have to meet in New York City.” For would-be patients, it’s easy to see the issue in black-and-white. A face-lift and a tummy tuck can set one back $15,000 or so. Time-wise, it can take up to 3 weeks for the swelling to abate. Then there are the nosy neighbors and annoying co-workers pestering about bandages, blisters and the Botox bill. Despite the attractions, combining a vacation with cosmetic surgery isn’t a simple choice for everyone. “I think the jury is still out,” says Dr. Bernard. “If someone decides to go, he or she better know what he or she is getting into.”
