Will economic uncertainty drive more patients overseas for plastic surgery? What to consider and how to stretch your dollar back home
Plastic surgery tourism is nothing new. There have always been individuals who love to shop around for the best "deal," even when it comes to surgical procedures. However, with growing economic uncertainty, things feel different in 2025.
Social media feeds are flooded with suggestions for stretching a buck in other countries to meet your aesthetic goals for less. A perfect storm of social, political and economic factors is making it increasingly difficult for people to make ends meet, leading them to feel like they have to give up self-care luxuries.
Traveling to another country for plastic surgery carries risks, even if done right. There can be several unexpected expenses that might blow your carefully planned budget. More than ever, people want to figure out how they can make their money go further during a chaotic economy so that they don't always have to choose between groceries and treating themselves to something special that makes them feel refreshed and confident.
Economic pressure means more people are exploring plastic surgery travel options
You aren't alone if you have whiplash from the "tariff tango." Every other day, there is a new story about raising tariffs. Wait, there's a hold on tariffs. No, there's not. Now, the court has to weigh in. If investors in the stock market can't figure it out, how can regular Americans keep up?
However, stories about the potential rising cost of importing medical devices, pharmaceuticals and medical supplies are missing a significant piece of the puzzle. Whether or not tariffs eventually increase the price of plastic surgery and medical care matters little when many patients already feel they can't afford the costs of necessities.
The costs of groceries, gas, childcare and rent are all things that have seen significant price increases due to inflation, tariff talks and other economic factors. Massive government layoffs also drive financial uncertainty, leaving thousands of people unemployed. These job losses trickle down because these laid-off government workers stop frequenting local restaurants and retailers, causing them to suffer financially and leading to more layoffs. It's a phenomenon Troy Pittman, MD, FACS, has recently seen in Washington, D.C., where one of his practices is located.
Risks of traveling abroad for plastic surgery
Sometimes, when the going gets tough, the tough leave the country. However, there are several challenges with traveling to a foreign country for plastic surgery.
"So, there is no real quality control in these medical tourism spots," said Dr. Pittman. "That's problem number one. Problem number two is that it is oftentimes a misnomer that you're going to go for less expensive surgery because you're paying for airfare."
Follow-up care is something patients often overlook as well, but what happens if you run into a complication or need revisions and have to travel abroad again?
"You're taking a little bit of a chance, because you can kind of add up everything – travel, hotel, cost of surgery – and then maybe it edges it out because you get somewhat of a little vacation or international trip out of it," said Kristy Hamilton, MD. "But then, what if you have to go back? What if you have to go back multiple times? Then, all of a sudden, the time and expense of what would be just like a two-hour window out of your day to visit your surgeon versus having to travel internationally to go back if something needs to be done. That can get extremely expensive really quickly."
Other hidden costs may be associated with traveling to a country that lacks stringent regulations and undergoing surgery from a surgeon without proper credentials. If there are complications, expect a sizable emergency room bill at home, especially if you cannot immediately find a private physician to tackle the difficulties of managing surgical complications or infections.
"If you develop a complication from one of these out-of-town places, and you come back to the States, you may end up paying five times as much to have your complication treated," said Dr. Pittman.
Revision and reconstructive surgeries are significantly more complex, making them more time-consuming and expensive. An individual also faces the ultimate risk – death. It may sound dramatic, but plastic surgery fatalities do occur.
Statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicated that at least 93 United States citizens died in the Dominican Republic between 2009 and 2022 following cosmetic surgery. Additionally, four U.S. citizens died from a fungal meningitis outbreak linked to cosmetic procedures in Mexico in 2023. U.S. citizens seeking affordable plastic surgery have also died abroad in incidents involving Mexican drug cartels.
That's not to say all plastic surgery overseas is potentially dangerous. Several highly qualified plastic surgeons in heavily regulated countries can perform beautiful work. However, you can expect prices in those locations to be comparable to prices in the U.S. If the price sounds too good to be true, it probably is.
How to stretch your dollar here at home
Staying in the U.S. provides access to facilities and highly regulated medical professionals, ensuring patient safety. It also means you can take your time to research board-certified plastic surgeons who can provide you with the highest level of care during your plastic surgery journey, before, during and after surgery.
If you are determined to follow through with your plastic surgery goals, there are ways to make your dollar go a little further. That way, you can invest in your appearance and give yourself a little self-care during uncertain times when you may need it the most.
First, consider going minimally invasive. These small and generally more affordable treatment options can boost your confidence without breaking the bank. Additionally, you might be able to start with one surgery and add more over time.
"If what you're needing is a facelift, then you have to do a facelift to get the result; doing a bunch of Botox and filler is not going to get you there if that is the underlying cause is tissue laxity," said Dr. Hamilton. "But maybe we're not doing the facelift with the brow lift, with the lip lift, with the CO2 laser. Maybe we're doing one of those and working it into a plan that's going to be executed over years."
Think about breaking up larger plastic surgery procedures into smaller ones. Ask which procedures can help deliver results closer to your ideal and which can be done later. Not interested in a full facelift? Ask if you are a candidate for a mini facelift.
Although money can be a thorny issue that people may be uncomfortable talking about, share your thoughts and concerns with your plastic surgeon or their office staff. Plastic surgery can be a significant investment, and talking about money shouldn't be taboo.
Dr. Pittman said many offices offer financing options and work with companies that can extend credit or financing for plastic surgery procedures.
"Most plastic surgeons offer some type of financing package," said Dr. Pittman. "There are patient financing companies where, depending on the package, you could end up not paying interest for six or 12 months."
It's important to always read and understand the terms of any financing package or product you are considering.
He also notes that some practices offer a prepay system, where a patient can put money down towards their surgery every month, similar to layaway. Over the course of a year or two, they can effectively prepay for their surgery.
Is regional travel the cost-saving option you've been looking for?
Foreign travel can present numerous unique and dangerous challenges, but what about regional travel? Individuals may consider saving money on plastic surgery by comparing regional rates and traveling domestically. If you live in a high-cost-of-living area, it may be wise to research your plastic surgery options in other areas of the country. For example, a breast augmentation in New York is going to cost more than a breast augmentation surgery in Texas, generally.
"I think you want to think about it commensurate with the cost of living because that's really what's getting passed along," said Dr. Hamilton. "For example, a facelift in New York or San Francisco is going to be more expensive than one in Houston, and for the same reason, space in New York City and San Francisco is more expensive than it is in Houston. Getting a nurse on the East and West Coast is more expensive than one in Houston, so if you can see what the cost of a coffee is in Manhattan compared to the cost of a coffee in Houston, you can kind of expect similarly that a surgical procedure in the Midwest or the South will be less expensive than on the coast."
The advantage of considering regional travel as opposed to international travel for plastic surgery is that you get the benefit of regional pricing but still have the assurance that you're getting a board-certified plastic surgeon.
Remember to factor in the costs associated with travel, recovery and how often you'll need to return for follow-up appointments before booking your ticket. Dr. Hamilton said she sees numerous patients from across the country and around the globe. Be sure to work with your doctor to strategize a personalized plan that addresses the issues you, as a non-local patient, may have.
Regional travel may help you budget better, but you must still do your homework. There is a price to pay for opting for "cheap" plastic surgery, and sometimes that price is your life. If you are worried that a deal may be too good to be true, don't worry. We have you covered on that front, too.
To find a qualified plastic surgeon for any cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, consult a member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. All ASPS members are board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, have completed an accredited plastic surgery training program, practice in accredited facilities and follow strict standards of safety and ethics. Find an ASPS member in your area.
