FACELIFT HOLIDAYS

Sand, sea and surgery - for a new look

Inside Out takes a look at the world of cosmetic surgery and the cut-price 'facelift holidays' offering hope to those wanting to change their looks.

Plastic Surgery has often been thought of as the preserve of the rich and famous, who are prepared to pay through the nose for, well, often a new nose.

Now more and more people from all walks of life are turning to "facelift holidays" to increase their body beauty.

Too big? Too small?

Plastic surgery has always had a mixed press, variously admired for shamelessly defying the process of ageing, and despised for pandering to vanity and ego.

For those that see surgery as the answer to their concerns over their body-image, a new option is becoming available that cuts the cost of going under the knife.

Facelift holidays are becoming the ticket to cheaper cosmetic surgery.

Countries with lower cost healthcare are attracting a new type of tourist - one that wants to go home with more than just happy memories of a relaxing time in the sun.

High costs

Roughly 65,000 cosmetic surgery operations were carried out last year in the UK

Last year in the UK, roughly 65,000 cosmetic surgery operations were carried out.

The most popular request, bigger breasts through implants, is closely followed by fat reduction through liposuction.

Such surgery is expensive with breast implants running at £3,000 to £4,000 (fully fitted of course).

But the appeal of cosmetic surgery means that some people are prepared to go for the cheaper option, if they can't afford those prices.

Jetting off

Eastern Europe is fast becoming that cheaper option, with companies now offering "facelift holidays".

Cosmetic surgery abroad can work out half the price of similar surgery in this country.

Prior to a facelift holiday, you visit a UK consultant who arranges your surgery, flight and "holiday accommodation".

In addition to reducing the cost, these holidays also appeal because they offer privacy. With plastic surgery still carrying a degree of stigma the thought of "having it done on the quiet" can be reassuring to some.

Dangers

However, cheap is not always best. UK surgeons often warn of the dangers of such cut-price surgery.

They say there are not the same health care regulations in place, and in some cases, patients don't even get to meet their surgeon before the operation.

Wendy Lewis, an American plastic surgeon says, "Why would you go to a country where you can't check out the credentials of the surgeon or even speak the language?

"If you want your surgery to be successful, why use a cheap surgeon?"

And as one UK plastic surgeon notes, "Cosmetic surgery needs excellent aftercare. How can you get good aftercare when your surgeon is thousands of miles away?"

Risk assessment

Many of these vacations are advertised in women's health magazines. Before embarking on any plastic surgery you are advised to visit your doctor who can inform you of the risks of surgery.

Your doctor can also advise if your expectations of surgery are likely to be met - going on a facelift holiday isn't necessarily a passport to a better life.