With over 9.5 million cosmetic surgical procedures occurring each year, plastic surgery continues to annually increase in popularity. Many countries around the globe have embraced the concept of medical tourism and are promoting themselves as elective healthcare destinations. Taking the number of annual procedures, quality of care and overall appeal into consideration, these are the top 5 locations to go under the knife.

United States

It may come as no surprise that the home of the Barbie doll is responsible for the largest percentage of breast augmentations and abdominoplasty – “tummy tuck” – procedures performed throughout the world. Liposuction is also extremely popular in the USA, closely following Brazil by a few thousand procedures. While cosmetic operations in the United States tend to be a bit more expensive than the other destinations on this list, the country offers unparalleled standards in hygiene.

Brazil

Beautiful, enchanting Brazil: Known for it’s luscious natural landscapes and captivating people, Brazil is the global leader in the most popular cosmetic surgical procedures. With more than 4000 plastic surgeons in practice, this country performs the highest number of lipoplasty procedures in the world. Brazil is also responsible for the greatest number of eyelid reconstructions. Perhaps explaining part of why Brazilian women are notoriously well-suited to don skimpy beachwear, the number of procedures performed on buttocks is approximately seven times greater than the global average.

South Korea

South Korea is an ideal destination for anyone seeking professional elective medical care, especially for the eyes and ears. Perhaps no one knows this better than the South Koreans themselves: Approximately 20% of the women in Seoul have undergone at least one plastic surgery procedure. With the high demand for “Western”-looking eyes, blepharoplasty is one of the most common procedures in the country, while travellers tend to seek the South Korean touch in the field of rhinoplasty.

Thailand

While this tropical paradise has long been a popular tourist destination, the “Land of Smiles” has quickly developed a sparking reputation for excellent medical care. Thailand has one of the most efficient medical systems in the world and excels in the realm of aesthetic surgery. As if top-rate care wasn’t attractive enough, the average rates for plastic surgery in this country are significantly less than those in the West. Warm sands, perfect beaches, friendly people and affordable plastic surgery — what more could you ask for?

India

Exotic India is where quality of care and affordability come together in perfect harmony. Promoting the notion that beauty is a philosophical and deeply personal concept, this country proudly promotes a variety of options to align the physical appearance with the beauty of the spirit. A rising star in medical tourism, India is increasing in popularity as a destination for people to go visit a plastic surgeon for a price that can rarely be beat.
 
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Written by Sonya Kelsy