Cosmetic and dental tourism is rising globally; patients travel for cost, expertise, and privacy, but risks exist.
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Cosmetic and aesthetic procedures are increasing globally, with worldwide interventions rising to 35 million in 2023. Destinations attracting medical tourists include Turkey, Colombia, Albania, and Lithuania, where plastic surgery services have seen significant growth due to both returning expatriates and international promotion. Lithuanian experts note that while costs have risen, local doctors maintain a reputation for high-quality work, drawing patients from countries like the UK and Ireland. Popular procedures include breast augmentation/reduction, liposuction, facelifts, and rhinoplasty. In Spain, aesthetic surgeries increased significantly in 2021, placing the country tenth globally in total procedures for 2023, though experts suggest most Spanish procedures occur domestically, with growth seen in specific areas like hair transplants and body contouring. Tourists travel internationally from Spain primarily for cost savings, access to specialized surgeons, or privacy. Risks associated with overseas cosmetic tourism include complications during recovery or difficulties accessing healthcare upon return; experts stress the importance of verifying a clinic’s certification and the surgeon’s qualifications. Furthermore, medical tourism extends to dental care, where patients can save substantially by traveling to countries like Albania or Turkey for treatments not covered by their national health insurance.
