After the recent death of British woman, Leah Cambridge, the dangers of having cosmetic surgery abroad have once again been pushed back into the limelight.

Thousands of women fly to foreign countries each year to undergo cheaper cosmetic procedures. However, many don’t fully realise the dangers they are putting themselves in. The tragic story of 29-year-old Leah Cambridge should, therefore, serve as a serious warning to those considering travelling abroad for surgery.

Here, we’ll look at the dangers of cosmetic surgery abroad and the things you need to consider before going ahead.

Why is cosmetic surgery abroad considered dangerous?

As the cost of cosmetic surgery abroad can save patients anything from 40% to a staggering 80%, it’s easy to see why so many are tempted. However, what you need to realise is that it isn’t just the cost you need to consider when undergoing a cosmetic procedure.

All cosmetic surgery is risky. Each procedure poses its own risks and complications, even when carried out by a highly-qualified surgeon. However, in the UK the industry is highly regulated. This means, practising surgeons are required to have in-depth training and experience. Sadly, you don’t get the same level of regulation in most other European countries. This means, there are a lot of inexperienced surgeons operating abroad.

When you undergo cosmetic surgery with an inexperienced surgeon, the risks and complications are greatly increased. In some cases, like that of Leah Cambridge, the results can even prove to be deadly.

Understanding what could go wrong

What can go wrong will largely depend upon the procedure you’re looking to undergo. In Leah’s case, she underwent the popular Brazilian Butt Lift procedure.

Made famous by celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Jennifer Lopez, the Brazilian Butt Lift is currently considered one of the most dangerous procedures to undergo.  If the injections aren’t done correctly, they can trigger a fat embolism which travels up to the lungs, leading to premature death. It requires an expert surgeon who knows exactly what they’re doing.

Other risks of having cosmetic procedures carried out abroad, include infection and the chance it could go completely wrong. Many patients have had to undergo additional procedures in the UK after having botched procedures carried out abroad.

The importance of choosing an experienced surgeon

Due to the advancements in the cosmetic surgery field, the risks of modern-day procedures should not be life-threatening. If patients take the time to research the clinic and surgeon they are thinking of using, they will clearly be able to see whether or not they are reliable and experienced.

You should always look for a surgeon who is properly trained, experienced and registered. Of course, it’s also recommended patients use the services of a local surgeon, rather than travelling abroad in the first place. You may save money, but the risks certainly aren’t worth the lower cost. Undergoing any procedure is a major deal and there will always be some level of risk involved. However, with a qualified, highly-trained surgeon, these risks are greatly reduced.