India sees rise in demand for plastic surgery through medical tourism driven by cost and technology adoption

Bengaluru, July 15, 2022 :

India sees a visible rise in demand for plastic surgery through medical tourism. This is driven by the qualified pool of medical expertise in plastic, cosmetic and reconstructive surgery. Another key factor is the adoption of advanced technology on par with the best in the world.

On the occasion of the World Plastic Surgery observed on July 15, experts have pointed out that there is a growing demand for the procedure.

Plastic surgery covers aesthetic or cosmetic surgery, cancer reconstruction, trauma reconstruction, burns surgery, hand surgery, microvascular surgery, gender reassignment and maxillo facial reconstructions. Minimal scars, day care option, faster recovery and use of advanced technologies are the visible trends.

According to Dr Karthik Vishwanath, consultant, plastic, Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery, Fortis Hospital, Cunningham Road, Bengaluru, demand through medical tourism is ever increasing. The highest number of patients are from Middle East, Africa, Egypt, Iran, and South East Asia. Patients see affordability compared to high costs and long waiting lists in the West.

Although Brazil and USA have a far higher number of plastic surgery procedures, India has found its place in the top 5 recently which is laudable. A number of expatriates too flock here because of the high quality procedure factor, noted Dr Thomas Joe, Consultant - Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery, KMC Hospital, Mangaluru.

National plastic surgery day in India plays quite a vital role in spreading awareness to the public. In fact plastic surgery in India has evolved tremendously from the times of Sushruta, the father of ancient plastic surgery who performed rhinoplasty in 600 BC. Now India is much-sought after globally for all types of cosmetic surgery. Each procedure has its own variable success rates, said Dr Vishwanath.

“Plastic surgery which was for the elite, now has a pan gender, age and socioeconomic coverage in India.  Various cosmetic and reconstructive procedures are available to treat a plethora of conditions and diseases,” said Dr Joe.

According to Dr Vishwanath, plastic surgeries in India have come a long way with latest high-definition microscopes for microvascular and other fine surgeries, newer technique machines for liposuction like VASER and power assisted machines, nano fat transfers for body contouring, longer lasting filler technologies, precise location of perforators with MR angio/CT angio assistance, modern skin substitutes for burns patients etc.

Skin banks too are an absolute boon to higher body percentage acute burns. Hence, skin from the bank acts as a temporary coverage and dressing till patient’s general condition improves, stabilizes, thereby increasing the chances of survival and preventing infections. But unfortunately, awareness for skin donation is low as people are uncomfortable to donate skin from the cadaver, stated the Fortis Consultant.

According to Dr Joe, “Safe surgical practices and technologies have evolved. Most of the latest technologies available globally are available here. India has progressed significantly on the world plastic surgery map. Even the presence of skin banks are critical to manage severe burn injuries and is a life-support for these patients. We source the same from our affiliate hospital at Manipal as per patient requirements.”  Pharmabiz