Outbound cosmetic tourism from the United Kingdom: Patient experiences following a decade of complication management at a tertiary plastic surgery unit.

[INTRODUCTION] Cosmetic tourism is a rising global phenomenon whereby patients seeking aesthetic surgical and non-surgical treatments choose to have these performed outside their country of residence. According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, the number of people requiring hospital care in the United Kingdom (UK) after undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad has increased by 94% from 2020 to 2023. Whilst numerous publications have focused on potential safety and financial implications associated with managing the complications of cosmetic tourism, little is known of patient experience associated with this process.

[AIMS] To understand the UK patient-reported experience of outbound cosmetic surgery tourists following a decade of complication management at our tertiary plastic surgery unit.

[METHODS] Retrospective data were collected from 103 patients referred to our tertiary plastic surgery unit with complications following cosmetic surgery performed outside the UK over a ten-year period. A subset of these patients (n=48) completed a telephone survey designed to better understand the patient experience (motivations, perioperative experience and retrospective decision-making). All questions were independently assessed by the Clinical Outcomes and Audit Manager at our hospital, and the study was registered with our hospital's Clinical Audit Department (registration number 15585). Patients were informed of the purpose of the study and that participation was voluntary. Verbal consent was obtained from all respondents.

[RESULTS] Ninety-six patients were women. Among survey respondents, cost was the primary motivator for travel (n=40); 26 regretted their decision to undergo surgery outside the UK, and 32 stated they would not make the same decision again. Twenty-six respondents found their surgeon by word of mouth, 27 paid less than £5000 in total for their surgery, travel and accommodation and 18 rated their overall experience as below average.

[CONCLUSION] This study provides new insight into UK patients who experienced complications after outbound cosmetic surgery. Although the findings reflect only respondents with complications, they highlight the impact on patient satisfaction, regret and willingness to undergo further surgery, offering valuable perspectives for clinicians and prospective patients.