Like it or not, we live in a ‘globalised’ world in which travel is easier and cheaper than ever before, few countries are ‘out of bounds’ and patients who can afford cosmetic surgery can afford to travel.

Consumer demand for cosmetic procedures has increased dramatically over the last 20 years, slowing only as the economic collapse started to bite in 2007.  

As a consequence of the economic slow down, patients have increasingly considered the cost of treatment, yet there is the increasing expectation on the patient’s part of a perfect result every time, that there is no risk and that outcomes are guaranteed. This could not be further from the truth. All cosmetic procedures (including Botulisim toxin and fillers) are medical interventions and, as such, have a complication and failure rate.

In this investigation, I talk to patients and surgeons alike who are able to provide insight into this new world of sun, sea and silicone.