Find a cosmetic surgeon abroad and save money

Health Tourism

Health tourism has risen dramatically in the last few years, with patients opting to combine treatment with a city break or holiday. Record numbers of UK residents are now flying abroad for medical treatment to escape NHS waiting lists and the rising threat of hospital superbugs such as Methicillin Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus (MRSA) and Clostridium difficile (C. difficile). Thousands of "health tourists" are going abroad for major operations – such is their despair over the quality of health services in the UK/Ireland. The first survey of Britons opting for treatment overseas shows that fears of hospital infections and frustration with NHS waiting lists are fuelling the increasing trend.

More than 70,000 Britons will have treatment abroad this year (2007) – a figure that is forecast to rise to almost 200,000 by the end of the decade. Patients needing plastic or cosmetic surgery, major heart surgery, hip operations and cataracts are using the internet to find safe, affordable treatment.

India is the most popular destination for surgery. However an increasing number of UK and Irish patients are now choosing to emulate their Scandinavian and German counterparts and go to Poland for cosmetic surgery. Tempted not only by the more reasonable prices of treatment available - saving up to 66 per cent on UK and Ireland costs for similar treatments - but also by the modern and hygienic clinics and hospitals, the state-of-the-art equipment, modern technologies and premium quality materials on offer in this rapidly changing country, not to mention the high standards of Polish surgery and highly-qualified and skilled doctors, who rank with the best in Europe.

Almost all of those who had received treatment abroad said they would do the same again, with several patients pointing out that many foreign hospitals have screening policies for the superbug MRSA that are yet to be introduced in this country. The fact that people now search the Internet to find safe and affordable medical treatment abroad emphasises how real this problem has become. What everyone wants is inexpensive but safe and guaranteed cosmetic surgery.

Is there a solution? Yes there is! You may have been seeking medical treatment in the UK but have you ever considered the benefits of cosmetic surgery abroad? Compare the costs of treatment in the UK/Ireland with a holiday-included trip to Europe and you will be amazed at what a health tourism visit to Warsaw in Poland can offer. See our Price Guide page for examples of the savings you could make.

Appearance Matters has chosen several of the best Polish hospital and specialist cosmetic surgery clinics in the capital city of Warsaw, each of which provides fully-trained and experienced English speaking staff, comfortable and high-tech clinics and a full range of the most modern procedures and materials.Coupled with what this vibrant city has to offer by way of tourist attractions and nightlife, this makes travelling to Poland for surgery a highly-attractive option. See our Warsaw page for more details.

All of our Chosen Clinics employ staff who have a high level of spoken English and provide written advice to all patients where necessary. They also have considerable experience in treating foreign patients. In addition, travel and accommodation prices are more economical than ever, allowing patients to make day trips for consultations and/or minor treatments and return home the same day.

Some of the best savings to be made are on liposuction, which in Poland can cost as little as one-third of UK or Irish prices. See our Price Guide page for full details of the cost savings you can make with Appearance Matters.

Polish Doctors: Accreditation and Qualifications
Becoming a doctor in Poland is no easy task. It involves arduous study for a period of six years at medical school, of which the final two years are working with real patients under the personal supervision of experienced doctors. This enables young doctors to develop the necessary skills and experience.

After completing their training and in order to practise as a fully-qualified doctor, all new Polish doctors must register with the Polish Chamber of Physicians and Dentists which monitors the professional standards of Polish physicians and dental practitioners. Polish doctors must also obtain a permit which allows them to practise; achieved by appearing in front of a professional commission. This permit must be renewed (revalidated) every five years to ensure that standards are maintained.

To achieve revalidation, all Polish doctors must undertake an ongoing programme of compulsory professional development, with doctors required to gain a certain compulsory number of points each year by attending accredited postgraduate educational courses. Polish doctors wishing to perform cosmetic surgery are required to undertake further extensive specialist surgical training. All our plastic surgeons are members of the Polish Association of Plastic, Reconstruction and Aesthetic Surgery.

Knowing that you are in such safe hands gives you peace of mind and an even better appearance at the end of it.