Home » Beauty Tourism in London and the Best Countries for Cosmetic Surgery

Beauty Tourism in London and the Best Countries for Cosmetic Surgery

Published: 31 May 2024
Updated: 11 Feb 2025

People worldwide often travel to the UK to visit a cosmetic clinic in London. As one of the top providers of aesthetic treatments, we’ve had visitors from all parts of the globe. But why London? We have excellent facilities and some of the leading practitioners offering the latest treatments, products and aftercare.

Of course, beyond that, we have some of the greatest sites, restaurants, museums and historic places right on our doorstep. London is not the only place for what’s becoming known as beauty or medical tourism. Several other countries have earned recognition for offering top-notch cosmetic procedures at competitive prices. This blog explores the allure of beauty tourism in London and highlights some of the best countries for cosmetic surgery worldwide.

Beauty Tourism in London: Why Choose London for Cosmetic Surgery?

Harley Street Medical Doctors is found on the road between Buckingham Palace and Regent’s Park — Harley Street. It is a picturesque location filled with history and stunning architecture. As Bazaar has noted on our corner of the city:

“While Harley Street has long been considered the foremost destination for such injectable tweakments… An elite group of super clinics is revolutionising the way in which aesthetic treatments are approached.”

Harley Street is globally recognised for its medical excellence, particularly in cosmetic procedures. Our clinic is amongst expert beauty practitioners offering world-class cosmetic procedures. As a hub for some of the most renowned surgeons and aesthetic treatments in the field, we attract patients from all corners of the world.

Many people choose London as a place for treatment because it offers:

Highly Skilled Practitioners: London’s aesthetic specialists are known for their precision and expertise, often pioneering new techniques and procedures in cosmetic surgery. Patients trust these professionals for their technical skills and their ability to provide natural-looking results tailored to each individual’s needs.
Innovative Treatments and Technology: Clinics in London, particularly in areas like Harley Street, offer access to the latest innovations in the cosmetic industry. Whether it’s advanced injectables, laser treatments, or non-invasive procedures, patients are assured of receiving the best care at the most well-equipped facilities.
Personalised Care: Clinics like ours offer bespoke treatment plans. From the initial consultation to aftercare, patients are treated with a high level of attention to detail, ensuring their experience is as comfortable and tailored to their unique needs as possible.
Reputation for Excellence: London’s reputation as a medical hub attracts patients seeking the best aesthetic treatments. Clinics here are held to the highest standards in terms of safety, hygiene, and overall patient care. Many top doctors and clinics are accredited by leading medical organisations, ensuring patients are in safe hands.

For many patients travelling to London, beauty tourism isn’t just about the procedure — it’s about the experience. London is a vibrant city, brimming with cultural attractions, world-class dining, and unparalleled shopping. After a procedure, patients can enjoy relaxing and exploring the city while recuperating in one of the world’s most exciting destinations.

Popular Countries for Beauty Tourism

Beauty tourism is a growing and global industry, with many people leaving their home countries for procedures. The reasons for choosing another country for cosmetic treatments can vary depending on what you want, where you go and what you’re paying. Let’s look at some of the most popular destinations.

Turkey

Turkey has rapidly become one of the leading destinations for cosmetic surgery, particularly for patients from Europe, the Middle East, and the UK. The country is known for offering high-quality treatments at significantly lower costs than countries like the US or the UK. The city of Istanbul, in particular, has gained international recognition as a hub for medical tourism.

Popular Procedures: Hair transplants, rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, and liposuction.
Why It’s Popular:
- Affordable Prices: Patients can expect to pay up to 70% less for many procedures compared to the UK and US.
- Highly Skilled Surgeons: Many Turkish surgeons are internationally trained and have a wealth of experience performing high-demand procedures.
- Quality of Care: Turkey offers state-of-the-art medical facilities and often offers package deals that include accommodation, travel, and aftercare.

Thailand

Thailand is one of the leading destinations for medical tourism, attracting patients from across the world for a wide range of cosmetic procedures. With its reputation for high standards of healthcare and affordable prices, Thailand has become a popular choice for surgery and less invasive aesthetic treatments.

Popular Procedures: Facelifts, dental procedures, rhinoplasty, and liposuction.
Why It’s Popular:
- Cost-Effective: Thailand offers affordable options for cosmetic treatments, with some procedures costing a fraction of what they would in the US or Europe.
- World-Class Facilities: Thailand’s medical facilities are internationally accredited, with modern equipment and highly skilled surgeons.
- Tourist-Friendly: Beyond medical care, Thailand is an incredibly beautiful country, with pristine beaches and luxury resorts where patients can recuperate after surgery.

South Korea

Known as the epicentre of aesthetic surgery in Asia, South Korea has earned a reputation for its advanced cosmetic surgery techniques. With its signature style of “K-Beauty”, characterised by perfect skin and minimalist make-up, South Korea is uniquely popular for those seeking facial surgeries and beauty treatments.

Popular Procedures: Double eyelid surgery, rhinoplasty, jaw surgery, and facial contouring.
Why It’s Popular:
- Expert Surgeons: South Korea is home to some of the world’s leading cosmetic surgeons, particularly for facial procedures. The country has a long-standing tradition of cosmetic surgery that is deeply integrated into its culture.
- Innovative Treatments: South Korean surgeons often pioneer new techniques and technologies in the cosmetic field, offering cutting-edge solutions.
- Cosmetic Surgery Culture: Cosmetic surgery in South Korea is widely accepted, and many clinics cater specifically to international patients seeking high-quality, aesthetic results.

Mexico

Mexico is another popular destination for those seeking affordable cosmetic procedures without sacrificing quality. Its proximity to the United States has made it a go-to spot for many American patients. Cities like Tijuana, Monterrey, and Mexico City are known for offering world-class medical care at lower costs.

Popular Procedures: Liposuction, breast implants, tummy tucks, and facelifts.
Why It’s Popular:
- Proximity to the US: Many Americans choose Mexico for their cosmetic surgery due to its proximity and lower healthcare costs.
- Affordable Options: Mexico’s lower cost of living allows clinics to offer significantly lower prices for procedures, including travel packages.
- Accredited Clinics: Many clinics in Mexico are internationally accredited, and the country is known for its high standards of medical care, making it a reliable option for cosmetic procedures.

Brazil

Brazil is one of the world’s most renowned destinations for body aesthetics. Known for its expertise in body shaping and breast surgeries, Brazil’s cosmetic surgeons are highly skilled, making it a preferred destination for local and international patients.

Popular Procedures: Liposuction, tummy tucks, breast augmentation, and facelifts.
Why It’s Popular:
- Specialised Body Contouring: Brazil is particularly famous for its innovative body contouring techniques, including liposuction and Brazilian butt lifts (BBL), which have gained international popularity.
- Experienced Surgeons: Brazil has a long history of excellence in cosmetic surgery, and Brazilian surgeons are known for their expertise in body aesthetics.
- Competitive Prices: While prices in Brazil may be higher than in some other countries, they remain significantly more affordable than in the US or Europe.

No matter where you travel for aesthetic treatments, check that facilities are licensed and accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI) to ensure facilities meet international standards.

Membership of organisations such as the European Society of Plastic Surgery (EURAPS) or the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) indicates adherence to rigorous international standards.

The Risks of Beauty Tourism

While many international aesthetic clinics offer world-class treatments, there are risks involved for Brits travelling abroad. Primarily, the alluring price difference means some might pick a less reputable or even unlicensed clinic because it offers the lowest price. This increases the chance of sanitary procedures not being followed, accidents occurring, and, ultimately, health complications for the patient.

A lot of cosmetic procedures also require recuperation and post-treatment checkups. When tourists book a short trip for cosmetic procedures, usually taking time off work, they can leave without the proper recovery time. This will cause serious complications down the line.

For instance, the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) reported in 2023 that the number of people requiring hospital treatment after cosmetic surgery abroad rose by 94% in three years. Another recent NHS Scotland case review looked at 81 patients over five years with complications due to cosmetic surgery tourism. The most common issues were wound dehiscence (49.4%) or wound infection (24.7%).

How to Stay Safe with Beauty Tourism

Harley Street MD combines medical expertise, personalised care, and advanced treatments in a world-renowned location. Our skilled practitioners deliver natural-looking results using the latest technology, all within a clinic that prioritises safety and comfort. Every step of the process is tailored to your needs, ensuring a personalised experience.

If you are looking for beauty treatments outside the UK, always be sure to check the following:

Accreditation and Licensing: Ensure the clinic is fully licensed and accredited by reputable medical organisations. It should also be registered and rated as “Good” by the Care Quality Commission (CQC).
Experienced Professionals: Verify the credentials and experience of the practitioners performing your procedure. Ensure the practitioner is registered with the following:
Patient Reviews: Research feedback from previous patients to gauge the quality of care and results.
Advanced Facilities: Look for clinics equipped with the latest technology and strict adherence to hygiene protocols.
Clear Communication: Choose a clinic that provides detailed explanations about the procedure, risks, and expected outcomes.
Post-Treatment Care: Ensure the clinic offers a thorough aftercare plan to support your recovery.

When choosing a clinic, look for accreditations, experienced professionals, and quality aftercare. Harley Street MD embodies these qualities, making us a trusted destination for patients travelling to London for beauty treatments.

Choose the Right Aesthetic Clinic in London

Whether you’re a Londoner or planning to visit the UK, Harley Street offers world-class cosmetic treatments. Founded by Dr. Chia Tan, Harley Street MD in London is rated as Good by the CQC. Dr. Tan is an experienced aesthetic doctor and has authored multiple papers published in academic and medical journals and holds memberships with:

• The Royal College of Surgeons (RCS)
• The British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM)
• Royal College of General Practitioners (MRCGP)

Our leading clinic is renowned for its safe practice and effective results, making it the perfect stop for a beauty holiday.

Call 020 8127 8840 for more information, or book an appointment today.

References

• British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. BAAPS Cosmetic Tourism Update. 2023. From: BAAPS
• NHS Scotland: The cost of cosmetic surgery tourism complications to the NHS: A retrospective analysis. 2024. From: NIH

About
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Dr. Chia Tan

Founder at Harley Street MD

Dr. Chia Tan is a UK-trained and GMC-registered doctor and a respected member of the Royal College of Surgeons (MRCS) and the British College of Aesthetic Medicine (BCAM). As a former Clinical Education Fellow at the University of Warwick, Dr. Tan has published numerous articles in leading scientific and medical journals, highlighting his expertise.

His extensive qualifications and memberships reflect his profound medical knowledge and dedication to providing exceptional patient care in aesthetic weight loss, and men’s health treatments.