If you’re thinking about traveling for cosmetic surgery, here are 5 valuable tips before you book your transformative getaway.
Medical tourism in high demand and not just in Thailand
In the last couple of years, Cosmos Aesthetics has seen a rise in the number of people travelling for cosmetic procedures such as Liposuction, Breast Augmentation and Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBL). And while the medical tourism industry is known for popular destinations like Thailand, Mexico and Brazil, Cosmos Aesthetics is experiencing a growing trend in people who are opting to have their surgical procedures in well-regarded clinics on Australian soil.
“We’re getting a lot more patients travelling interstate and internationally to see us and we’re very honoured by that”, says Dr Joseph Ajaka. “They don’t call us the land down under for nothing”, he jokes.
Medical tourism has been popular due to various factors, including affordability. It’s important for individuals to carefully consider the standards of care and the qualifications of practitioners when seeking cosmetic surgery, whether at home or abroad.
5 tips for patients travelling for cosmetic surgery
If you are one of the many medical tourists considering travel to Cosmos Aesthetics from interstate or overseas for your cosmetic procedure, we have some valuable tips to help maintain great results and ensure a good recovery.
1. Remain hydrated as you travel
Before you travel from your home country or across state lines, you need to assess your hydration. Make sure you are well hydrated before you make the journey and during your cosmetic surgery procedure. This is equally as important as you make your journey home too.
Drinking water will help flush your system and aid the healing process including reducing swelling and discomfort.
2. Invest in a BBL pillow
If you’re undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift, it’s important you purchase a BBL pillow before your treatment. This will help to take the pressure of your behind, which is especially important if you’re sitting for extended periods of time in a car or plane. During your post-operative care instructions, the team at Cosmos Aesthetics will also advise you on how to sit and for how long to minimise any complications.
Find out more about BBL recovery here.
3. Wear your compression garments
Regardless of whether you are travelling for your cosmetic procedures, wearing your compression garments is essential for your recovery and results.
We know they’re not the most flattering clothing item, but they help control the swelling and minimise the bruising. The compression garments are particularly important for treatments such as Liposuction, BBL, Tummy Tuck and Breast Reduction.
You’ll want to wear them while travelling and for a period after your surgical procedure as advised by your doctor.
4. Purchase compression stockings
If you’re travelling a long distance and particularly by plane, we advise you to purchase compression stockings as part of your cosmetic surgery medical care kit. Compression stockings help reduce swelling and the risk of Deep Vein Thrombosis occurring during your flight.
Compression stockings allow for optimal blood flow which makes it harder for blood clots to form. They will also help alleviate any discomfort you may experience while travelling, making your journey home much more comfortable. Compression stockings can be purchased online or at your local chemist.
5. Make sure you stay for the required period of time
We know recovering in your own home can be more comfortable, but it’s important you stay local to the Cosmos Aesthetics for the advised period of time so you can attend your follow-up appointments such as lymphatic drainage massage.
For those considering a BBL, we suggest you stay for two weeks. You may be required to stay up to three weeks if you need it for optimal recovery.
For those considering travel for Liposuction, it may be recommended to stay in the local area for a certain period post-procedure for optimal care and follow-up.
More invasive surgical procedures such as Tummy Tuck or Breast Augmentation including breast implants may require you to stay longer depending on the extent of the medical treatment and the follow-up care needed.
Other considerations…
There are several other things you may want to consider before you commit to travelling for cosmetic surgery such as:
- Choosing appropriate accommodation
- Arranging adequate support
- Checking your health insurance cover
- Considering travel insurance (particularly relevant for those travelling from different countries)
If you are travelling to Cosmos Aesthetics, whether from interstate or overseas, you’ll be provided in-depth advice on how to improve your recovery, minimise risks and ensure you gain optimal results from our cosmetic surgery team. If you have any questions about our cosmetic procedures and travel logistics, get in touch with us!