Cosmetic Tourism Complications and Patient Safety | Dr. Daniel Gould

Dr. Daniel Gould co-authored this research published in Aesthetic Surgery Journal Open Forum, examining the complications experienced by patients who travel internationally for cosmetic surgery and later require additional medical care after returning to the United States.

The study surveyed members of the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery to better understand the types of complications surgeons were encountering, the procedures most commonly associated with them, and the resources required to manage these patients.

Among responding surgeons, more than half had treated between two and five patients with complications from cosmetic tourism during the previous year. Abdominoplasty was the most commonly reported procedure performed abroad, while infection was the most frequently encountered complication. 

The research also considered the financial impact of these complications. Treatment frequently required multiple follow-up visits, with reported out-of-pocket costs most commonly falling between $1,001 and $5,000. Despite these challenges, the majority of complications were successfully resolved with appropriate specialist care. 

The findings reinforce the importance of patient safety, appropriate surgical standards, and reliable postoperative care when considering cosmetic procedures abroad. The authors also highlight the value of greater domestic and international collaboration to improve safety for patients participating in cosmetic tourism.