Turkey, the beauty surgical procedure capital of the world. The identify alone makes cosmetic surgery lovers gentle up like freshly botoxed foreheads. It’s inexpensive, well-known and for South Africans, visa free. However what if you would like one thing totally different? Whether or not you’re in search of a less expensive value, effectivity or simply trying to stand out from the herd, there are many international locations that concentrate on medical tourism with expert surgeons, top quality procedures and fashionable services. There are such a lot of different international locations for cosmetic surgery moreover Turkey.

Why is Turkey well-known/recognized for cosmetic surgery

Turkey is known for cosmetic surgery attributable to inexpensive costs, top-tier expert surgeons and luxurious restoration packages, having recorded over 553,000 aesthetic/cosmetic surgeries in 2023 alone. Many clinics supply a “medical trip” expertise, combining procedures with VIP stays and sightseeing. So mainly a metamorphosis and a vacation? No marvel South African celebs like Khanyi Mbau can’t cease raving about it.

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Listed below are the high 10 international locations for cosmetic surgery which are simply pretty much as good as (if not higher than) Turkey. 

International locations for Plastic Surgical procedure in South East Asia

10. Malaysia

Malaysia is a rising star in medical tourism, providing fashionable services, extremely educated surgeons and a extra relaxed restoration expertise. Kuala Lumpur is house to internationally accredited facilities that the majority concentrate on breast augmentations (boob jobs), rhinoplasty (nostril jobs) and liposuctions.

• Why select Malaysia? Reasonably priced, wonderful medical infrastructure and low ready occasions. Not many individuals contemplate it, making it a candy spot for offers. 
• Is Visa-free for South Africans? Sure, 90 days for South Africans.
• The right way to get there? Fly into Kuala Lumpur International Airport. Most of the hospitals are only a brief drive away from the airport.

International locations for Plastic Surgical procedure within the Caribbean

9. Colombia

Colombia has constructed a powerful fame for extra than simply snow.  Excessive-quality procedures at aggressive costs. Medellín and Bogotá are hotspots for BBLs, tummy tucks and liposuction.

• Why select Colombia? Reasonably priced, high-end clinics and among the greatest physique sculpting outcomes.
• Visa-free? No, South Africans want a visa.

The right way to get there?Fly to Bogotá, the place many clinics supply packages together with lodging.

8. Dominican Republic

The Dominican Republic is a hotspot for inexpensive, high-quality BBLs, liposuction and breast augmentations. It’s significantly well-liked with Individuals however South Africans are catching on (can’t preserve us away from a great deal).

• Why select the Dominican Republic? Aggressive costs, skilled surgeons and well-equipped clinics.
• Is the Dominican Visa-free for South Africans? No, South Africans want a visa.
• The right way to get there? Ebook a flight to the Dominican Republic

International locations for Plastic Surgical procedure within the Americas

7. Brazil

Brazil has a powerful cultural emphasis on magnificence and that reveals within the Brazilian aesthetic (have you ever seen these jawlines?). However nonetheless lovely the faces are, Brazilians are additionally recognized for his or her plump rear views, sure their butts. So it’s no marvel that everybody’s go to gluteal augmentation surgical procedure (guess you didn’t know the medical time period for a BBL) was named after Brazil. It stays one of many high well-liked locations for medical tourism. São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro have among the greatest expert surgeons on the planet. 

Why is Brazil recognized for cosmetic surgery? 

Plastic Surgical procedure in Brazil was largely influenced by famend surgeon Ivo Pitanguy who championed the “proper to magnificence” motion believing that beauty surgical procedure is a way of enhancing your self picture and esteem. And with that Brazilian Butt lifts (BBL) have lifted the spirits of many individuals the world over and even on house soil as native celebrities like Cyan Boujee be part of the frenzy. 

• Is Brazil Visa-free for South Africans? Sure, South Africans don’t want a visa.
• The right way to get there? Fly to São Paulo or Rio de Janeiro

6. Mexico

Mexico isn’t only for tacos and tequila, it’s quietly changing into a worldwide hotspot for nips and tucks too. Tijuana, Cancun, and Mexico Metropolis are house to top-tier surgeons working their magic on every part from nostril jobs to breast augmentations.

Why is Mexico recognized for cosmetic surgery?

Easy: world-class outcomes with out the jaw-dropping price ticket. Mexico’s fashionable hospitals and extremely educated docs make it a go-to for medical tourism, particularly for North Individuals. However the secret’s out, and the remainder of the world is catching on, once more, South Africans.

• Visa-free? No, South Africans want a visa.
• The right way to get there? Fly into Mexico City. Enjoyable reality, many clinics there organize transportation for his or her sufferers.

International locations for Plastic Surgical procedure in Europe

5. Spain

Spain is a best choice for cosmetic surgery due to its inexpensive costs, world-class surgeons, and dreamy restoration spots. With fashionable clinics, brief wait occasions, and a sun-soaked backdrop, you will get a glow-up and a getaway in a single, as a result of why not heal in model?

• Why select Spain? Excessive security requirements, well-regulated clinics, and knowledgeable surgeons.
• Visa-free? No, South Africans want a Schengen visa.

The right way to get there? Fly to Madrid or Barcelona and luxuriate in a little bit tapas earlier than surgical procedure.

International locations for Plastic Surgical procedure within the Center East

4. United Arab Emirates

The UAE is a rising hotspot for cosmetic surgery, providing world-class clinics, knowledgeable surgeons and luxurious restoration choices. With cutting-edge tech, minimal wait occasions and a contact of five-star hospitality, you’ll be able to improve your look and unwind in final model.

• Why select UAE? Excessive-end clinics, personalised service, and nil ready lists.
• Is the UAE Visa-free for South Africans? No, South Africans want a visa.
• The right way to get there? Fly into Dubai and head straight to a premium clinic.

International locations for Plastic Surgical procedure in Asia

3. India

India has change into a preferred vacation spot for medical tourism, with many worldwide sufferers (together with South Africans) looking for remedies like cosmetic surgery (amongst different issues) as a result of mixture of affordability and high quality. Plus who doesn’t need to get better whereas a view of the Taj Mahal with a mouthful of butter rooster curry? 

• Why select India? Reasonably priced, extremely expert surgeons, and among the greatest rhinoplasty outcomes globally.
• Is India Visa-free for South Africans? No, however South Africans can apply for an e-visa.
• The right way to get there? Direct flights to Mumbai or Delhi.

 2. Thailand 

Thailand is a medical tourism hotspot, providing aggressive costs and state-of-the-art hospitals. Bangkok and Phuket are the principle hubs, with 1000’s of sufferers flying in for every part from facelifts to full-body makeovers.

• Why select Thailand? Reasonably priced, internationally educated docs, and wonderful restoration resorts.
• Visa-free? Sure, 30 days for South Africans.
• The right way to get there? Fly to Bangkok or Phuket, the place many clinics supply airport pick-up companies.

Now for the nation you’ve been ready for! Drum roll please…

#1 Nation for Plastic Surgical procedure

1. South Korea

No nation does beauty surgical procedure like South Korea. Seoul is filled with expert surgeons, cutting-edge strategies, and a society that views beauty tweaks as completely regular. In the event you’re after precision and a natural-looking transformation, that is the place.

• Why select South Korea? Superior strategies, excessive success charges, and one of the best facial surgical procedures within the sport.
• Visa-free? No, South Africans want a visa.
• The right way to get there? Fly into Seoul and head straight to the world-famous Gangnam district.

BONUS –  Finest Sudden Nation for Plastic Surgical procedure

Moreover the worldwide beauty surgical procedure international locations like Turkey and South Korea, there’s one other underrated nation that appears to be rising within the ranks of medical tourism, South Africa. 

Yep, not solely is native lekker, however native makes lovely! From the excessive finish clinics in Sandton to those in Cape City’s Atlantic seaboard, South Africa can also be nipping and tucking throughout.