Travelling Abroad for Cheap Cosmetic Treatments “Too Risky” Says Clinic

A SCOTTISH cosmetic clinic has warned of the dangers of travelling abroad for surgical procedures after a series of shock botched cases hit the headlines this week.

Edinburgh-based Dermal Clinic became the flagbearer for the Scottish cosmetic industry when it was confirmed last year as the first practice to have successfully ‘registered’ under new legislation with Healthcare Improvement Scotland.

Now, the leading independent clinic has spoken out against foreign cosmetic treatments, after recent breast and buttock augmentation horror stories were revealed – including that of Britain’s youngest Lottery winner Jane Park.

Dermal Clinic founding director Jackie Partridge believes the potentially deadly risks of surgery abroad far outweigh the benefits of cheaper procedures and appealed to anyone considering this option to proceed with extreme caution.

Jackie said: “What we are seeing is more and more people seeking cheaper treatments abroad without considering the possible health implications. We have certainly seen the appalling results of this across the news.

“There are huge disadvantages to travelling overseas for procedures. Firstly, you run the risk that the country you choose may have a less regulated cosmetic industry and therefore practitioners may not have to conform to strict standards or adhere to best practice.

“This in itself is inherently dangerous as it means there may be no governing body to hold them accountable if anything was to go wrong. It’s just too risky.

“Seeing a plastic surgeon abroad also makes it much more difficult to visit them in person for consultation meetings before your surgery, and then check-ups after. The country may also have lower standards of patient care so aftercare would not be of the same quality you would receive at home.

“Another aspect to consider is the price of travel. Yes, non-surgical treatments such as Botox® and fillers may be less costly abroad, but the price is not reduced enough to offset the travel cost.

“And then, of course, you have the potential expense of correcting botched treatments when you return home again.”

In Scotland, the new HIS legislation – which came into effect in April – requires independent clinics where practitioners provide surgical and non-surgical cosmetic procedures such as dermal fillers, Botox®, or laser eye surgery to be registered.

Jackie added: “We believe that patient safety should always be the prime concern. There are many reputable clinics and practitioners but, like any sector or industry, there exist some that do not maintain the highest level of standards and this is especially true overseas, where they are much less closely monitored.

“The HIS regulation regime for independent clinics is vital to ensure the very best care is carried out in the safest environment for every patient, and means that those seeking cosmetic treatment in Scotland can be confident that they are in the most reliable hands.”

In Scotland, when a clinic registers a service with Healthcare Improvement Scotland, it is subject to regular inspections, after which a report of the inspection will be published in which the clinic’s performance will be graded on the quality of care, environment, staffing, management and information.

This holds independent clinics to even stricter health standards allowing patients to be completely confident in the safety of their treatments. It also adds an extra layer of transparency while holding clinics and practitioners accountable to the cosmetic industry in Scotland.

Dermal Clinic, located in Church Hill Place, Morningside, is one of Scotland’s leading cosmetic clinics with a team of high quality professionals dedicated to the provision of expert care for the face and body. It specialises in providing expert advice, solutions and services to help clients feel better and transform themselves – including treatments unique to Scotland.
Treatment statistics sourced: https://Neuropathyreliefguide.com