In recent years, cosmetic surgery has become an increasingly popular option for people aiming to enhance or restore their appearance. Whether it's a Rhinoplasty, Vaser Liposuction, or Breast Enlargement, the prospect of achieving your desired look can be life-changing. However, where you choose to have your cosmetic surgery is just as important as the procedure itself. While some may be tempted to seek options abroad, drawn in by the promise of lower prices in destinations such as Turkey, staying in the UK for your cosmetic surgery can offer significant advantages in terms of safety, regulation, and aftercare. Here’s why you should always consider staying close to home when planning your next procedure.
Safety and regulation
Safety should always be the top priority in any surgery. The UK is known for its’ rigorous healthcare regulations in the world, ensuring that medical professionals adhere to strict standards. Clinics and hospitals are regularly inspected by regulatory bodies such as the Care Quality Commission (CQC), which provides patients with peace of mind knowing they are in safe hands. At Pall Mall, all of our clinics and our private hospital are CQC-registered, meaning our facilities meet the highest standards of care and safety. This commitment to regulation and quality means you can confidently place your trust in our experienced team and state-of-the-art facilities.
The UK healthcare system ensures that all surgeons performing cosmetic procedures are qualified, trained, and registered. This level of oversight simply cannot be guaranteed in every overseas clinic, especially in popular "medical tourism" destinations where regulations may not be as stringent.
Mr Hussain, Consultant Breast Oncoplastic and Aesthetic Surgeon, warns “Travelling abroad for surgery can be risky because, while places like Turkey offer affordable cosmetic procedures, the quality of care varies. The heat in these locations can cause excessive sweating, which interferes with healing and increases the risk of infection. Additionally, follow-up appointments are critical for monitoring recovery, but if your procedure was done overseas, returning to your surgeon can be challenging. This lack of accessible aftercare can lead to complications like infections or delayed healing, ultimately affecting your satisfaction with the results.”
Comprehensive aftercare
Cosmetic surgery is not just a one-off procedure – the aftercare is equally crucial. Post-surgery complications can arise, and having access to quality aftercare is essential to ensure a smooth recovery and the best possible results. This is where staying in the UK offers a distinct advantage.
At Pall Mall, we offer a two-year aftercare package to ensure that you receive the best post-operative care possible. This extended aftercare period means that any concerns and follow-up appointments can be addressed without additional cost or hassle. You won’t have to worry about flying back overseas if something goes wrong, and you’ll have consistent access to your surgeon, who will know the specifics of your surgery and your recovery.
When you travel abroad for cosmetic surgery, aftercare is often either minimal or comes with additional costs. If complications arise, you may find yourself in the unfortunate position of needing to book additional flights and accommodations, which quickly diminishes any savings you thought you were getting. Furthermore, some overseas clinics may lack adequate aftercare support, leaving patients without assistance if complications arise upon their return home.
Free, no obligation consultations
Choosing the right surgeon and provider is a big decision, and that’s why at Pall Mall we offer free, no obligation consultations. This initial meeting is an opportunity to ask all of your questions, discuss your desired outcome, and understand the procedure in detail. It also allows you to assess whether you feel comfortable with the surgeon and the clinic, making the decision-making process less stressful.
In contrast, when booking cosmetic surgery abroad, the consultation process can be rushed, or worse, conducted remotely via video call or email, offering little opportunity to build a relationship with your surgeon. Without the chance to meet face-to-face and thoroughly discuss your expectations, the risk of miscommunication or misunderstanding increases, which can affect the outcome of your surgery.
A UK-based consultation gives you the chance to visit the clinic, meet the staff, and evaluate the facility before committing to surgery. This personal touch and the opportunity to make an informed decision should not be underestimated.
Privately owned hospital: A more personalised experience
At Pall Mall, we’re owned and led by doctors. We have our own private hospital in Newton-le-Willows where all cosmetic surgery procedures take place. This means we can offer a more personalised and tailored approach to your care, from your initial consultation right through to your recovery.
You’ll benefit from shorter waiting times and more attentive care overall.
Furthermore, being privately owned allows us to maintain higher standards of care and ensure that each patient receives a bespoke treatment plan tailored to their unique needs and preferences.
Avoid the stress of travelling abroad
Undergoing surgery is already a stressful experience, and adding international travel into the mix can only make it more challenging. Travelling abroad for surgery involves navigating different languages, unfamiliar cultures, and healthcare systems that you might not fully understand. Jet lag, long flights, and unfamiliar surroundings can take a toll on your body, potentially complicating your recovery.
By choosing to stay in the UK, you avoid these additional risks, allowing for a more controlled and comfortable surgical experience. You can have your surgery close to home, where you’re comfortable and have access to your support system. This can greatly improve both your pre-operative experience and your recovery, as you’ll be in familiar surroundings, with family and friends nearby to assist you. Additionally, there’s no need to worry about travel logistics or potential flight cancellations affecting your surgery plans.
The benefits of staying in the UK for cosmetic surgery
While the allure of cheaper procedures abroad can be tempting, the risks and potential complications often outweigh the cost savings. Staying in the UK for your cosmetic surgery offers unparalleled advantages in terms of safety, regulation, aftercare, and peace of mind. You’ll have the opportunity to meet your surgeon face-to-face, receive comprehensive aftercare, and avoid the stress of international travel.
At Pall Mall, we pride ourselves on offering the highest standards of care at our privately owned hospital, with free, no obligation consultations, a two-year aftercare package, and flexible payments plans for all cosmetic procedures. We believe that when it comes to your health and appearance, you should never compromise on quality.
