Nip Tuck - Medical Tourism
Nip Tuck
by Lesley Brown
by Lesley Brown
For years, women - and, more recently, men - have been nipping and tucking all over the place. The price of beauty has always been very high, financially of course, but there was also a high moral price to pay when heavy stigmas were attached to plastic surgery. However, in the past few years the stigmas have been removed. Not only has it become chic to be nipped and tucked, sutured and implanted, it has, to some extent become necessary.
There has been a surge in popularity for cosmetic surgery in England. Men are now seeking out ways to cheat Mother Nature by re-obtaining their youth through cosmetic surgery. Popular procedures include: Botox injections, liposuction and anti-aging collagens. Experts point out that many of the businessmen feel that cosmetic surgeries are necessary in industries where looking young is a high commodity.
In the United States, popular surgeries include: breast augmentation, rhinoplasty, gastric bypass as well as the less-invasive procedures like facial injections. These surgeries are in high demand and their prices certainly reflect that demand. With the cost of surgeries and medical procedures skyrocketing in the US and in Europe, patients are looking for alternatives that will allow them to have the wanted procedures at a price they can afford. The savvy consumer will always try to find the best product for the best price. Asia is offering excellent products at remarkable prices.
Asian countries have stepped up and positioned themselves as top-notch contenders for the medical market. Cosmetic surgery is now booming throughout Asia like never before. In Taiwan, a million procedures were performed last year, doubling the number from five years ago. Thailand has actually initiated plastic surgery tours. In Japan, non-invasive procedures are raking in US$100 million a year.
Last year in Thailand, the award-winning Bumrungrad Hospital in Bangkok, treated an estimated 450,000 foreign patients in 2006, a rise from 400,000 a year earlier. Including domestic patients, the hospital treated more than one million patients in 2006. Most medical tourists sought treatment at Bumrungrad because of their quality reputation but also largely because the price is only a fraction of what similar treatments would cost in Western countries.
One of the factors contributing to low prices in Thailand is the lower cost of living. There are also major differences in how the medical system operates in general. US doctors pay an ultra-premium cost for malpractice insurance, whereas Thailand doctors pay only about USUS$5,000 annually. Another factor is that 75% of foreign patients in Thailand pay in cash, so there is less cost processing insurance claims.
Bumrungrad Hospital offers a Rhinoplasty (nose job) procedure for approximately US$2,500. The same procedure in the UK will cost about US$5,000 while in the United States will cost about US$6,000. Breast Augmentation is an extremely popular procedure in the US and can range from US$5,000 to US$8,000 while the cost in the United Kingdom is about US$6,500. You can have the same procedure done at Bumrungrad Hospital for US$2,250.
Medical tourists are not only coming to Asia for the discounted price, Asia is a top contender because they offer highly qualified physicians who specialize in a variety of medical and cosmetic procedures. In India, Dr. Vijay Sharma is a Board Certified Cosmetic Surgeon and was placed among the top ten Cosmetic Surgeons in the World according to the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery Varna 2003. He was also awarded The Best Aesthetic Surgeon in Asia - awarded in Tokyo, in 2000 by The International Society of Aesthetic Surgery.
Dr Sharma performs saline Breast Augmentations for US$2,490. In the United States, this procedure can cost from US$5,000 to US$8,000 while the cost in the United Kingdom is about US$6,500. If this procedure is performed in the United States or UK by a top ten award winning surgeon, the price will without doubt be substantially higher.
There is yet another reason for medical tourists to be attracted to Asia; Asia is a great holiday destination and the perfect place to recover from an operation. When you return home, you should be recovered and be fully rested. Two of the leading medical tourist destinations in Asia are Thailand and India.
As Bumrungrad Hospital is one of the leading medical facilities in Asia, and Bangkok is one of Asia’s top tourist destination, it is easy to see why medical tourists flock to the bustling and vibrant city that offers such rich culture and history. Since Bangkok is popular, it is advisable to make your reservations in advance.
There are many hotels where you and your family can relax and enjoy mystic Bangkok while you are taking care of your medical needs. This effervescent city offers everything from Las Vegas-type-shows and magnificent shopping markets to museums and stunning temples.
Modern, luxury hotels can be found throughout Bangkok, including Bangkok Marriott Resort and Spa, which is right in the heart of the shopping and tourist centre. This 5-star hotel has all of the amenities and the ambience to ensure an unforgettable stay. The Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok, located on Rajadamri Road, has all of the amenities and luxuries that one expects from The Four Seasons Hotel chain.
The Royal River Hotel is reasonably-priced and convenient. Located on the Bangkok riverside, this hotel offers many amenities and has a stunning view. Zenith Sukhumvit Hotel is a prime boutique hotel, conveniently located on Sukhumvit Soi 3 (Nana Nua). It is 5 minutes walking distance to Bumrungrand Hospital and is near to the Skytrain (5 min walk).
If a lively city isn’t quite what you are craving and you need something more relaxing during your recuperation, you can recover on the exotic island of Phuket. The Pearl of the Andaman sea boasts breathtaking sunsets and wonderfully warm Thai smiles. The island has two excellent international hospitals and some of the top beach retreats in the world.
Imagine relaxing at the elegant Le Meridien Hotel Pune where you can leisurely stroll through the gardens or be pampered with luxurious massages while you are in recovery. You can also go to the Blue Diamond Hotel and play a relaxing round of golf on its magnificent course while you are healing.
The wonderful thing about going to Asia to have cosmetic surgery is going home and telling everyone that you look so good because you were on vacation! It will be your little secret.
Read another report on medical tourism.
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