Having plastic surgery abroad is becoming increasingly popular – not only does it tend to be cheaper than in the home country but also allows the patient to recuperate in the sun and away from their friends and family.

However according to the British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons, surgical holidays are causing the UK’s National Health Service dear with hundreds said to have had their botched overseas cosmetic surgery fixed free of charge on the NHS.

The problems with surgery overseas varied – from complications such as blood poisoning, through to poor surgery resulting in an aysmmetric look. There is no clear policy in place within the NHS stating whether British patients should be allowed to have free treatment or not after elective cosmetic surgery procedures. There is strong debate on both sides – some believe that if complications occur after elective surgery, the NHS should not have to pick up the pieces unless the patient pays for their care; however others say it would be wrong to withhold treatment, even if the cause was surgery abroad.

The total money spent by the NHS on patching up problem foreign surgeries is not known, however with cosmetic tourism becoming more and more popular, it is thought that the bill runs into the millions.

The research shows that the most common surgery abroad needing further surgery at home were breast augmentations, closely followed by tummy tucks, and then breast reductions.

From the research, it is clear that before undergoing cosmetic surgery abroad, patients need to think carefully about the consequences and ensure that they pick the surgeon and clinic carefully. Whilst the price of surgery abroad may be attractive, it is important to ensure that there is adequate aftercare in case of complications or problems.