Global Boom: How Cosmetic Surgery Is Driving The Rise Of Medical Tourism

Medical tourism in India has grown over the last few years, and current data suggests that this trend will continue. According to a Ministry of Tourism study, nearly 500,000 medical tourists visited India in 2019, generating more than $3 billion in income. Following a decrease in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic, the figures recovered in 2022 and topped the peak of 2019. An increasing number of patients are travelling abroad for specialized healthcare services, including cosmetic surgery. With its advanced healthcare infrastructure and reputation for cost-effective, high-quality treatments, India has emerged as a leading destination for cosmetic procedures. According to a report, the global medical tourism market was valued at USD 24.14 billion in 2023, and it is expected to grow to USD 29.26 billion in 2024 and USD 137.71 billion by 2032, with a CAGR of 21.4% over the forecast period (2024-2032). This article delves into the factors driving the demand for cosmetic surgery in medical tourism and explores why India has become a preferred destination for international patients seeking aesthetic enhancements.

Cosmetic surgery and why India is a perfect destination?

Cosmetic surgery, often known as aesthetic surgery, is when a person chooses to have an operation or invasive medical procedure to alter their physical appearance for aesthetic reasons. Healthcare providers can perform cosmetic surgery on any portion of your body. There are many cosmetic surgery treatments available, depending on what you want to achieve. You may select cosmetic surgery to reduce wrinkles and restore a more youthful appearance. Alternatively, you may want surgery to raise, reshape, or change the size of a body part. India is a popular destination for cosmetic surgery due to several factors:

Cost-effective

India's cosmetic surgery costs are substantially lower than those in Western countries, which is why many foreigners visit India, for procedures like cosmetic surgery. Facelifts in India normally cost between $3,000 and $10,000, depending on the surgeon's experience and qualifications, the type of treatment, and the length of the hospital stay. This is generally 50-75% cheaper than what you would pay in countries like the United States or the United Kingdom. The cost of a facelift in the US would be $ 12,000 to $20,000. The lower cost does not equate to lower quality; instead, it reflects the overall lower cost of living and operational expenses in India.

Advanced technological integration

Indian hospitals and clinics are equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure. Advanced procedures like laser liposuction, robotic hair transplant, and non-invasive cosmetic treatments are widely available. Many Indian facilities are quick to adopt and integrate the latest global innovations in cosmetic surgery, which attracts patients looking for minimally invasive procedures with faster recovery times. According to a report, India ranks fourth in the world for plastic procedures, accounting for 10-15% of all plastic surgeries performed. According to a global survey in India by the International Society of Aesthetics Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), India ranks 4th with 9,35, 487 cosmetic procedures conducted. The surgeries account for 4.3% of all procedures recorded globally.

Highly qualified surgeons and specialists

India is home to a vast pool of skilled and internationally-trained cosmetic surgeons. Many Indian surgeons have studied, trained, or worked abroad, particularly in countries known for high standards in medical education, such as the USA, UK, Russia, and Germany. Indian cosmetic surgeons are renowned for their expertise in various procedures, including rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast augmentation, hair transplantation, and facial rejuvenation treatments. Their qualifications, combined with the diverse experience of treating patients from around the world, make them trusted specialists in the field.

Budget-friendly accommodation:

Foreigner patients have the choice of staying at a high-end hospital with premium amenities and more basic lodgings to save money. Some doctors even provide economical package deals that include both the treatment and hospital stay.

Medical Tourism-Friendly Policies

The Indian government has been proactive in promoting medical tourism, offering streamlined visa policies and special medical visas for foreign patients. Some initiatives include e-visas for medical purposes and long-stay visas for treatments requiring extended recovery periods. These patient-friendly policies encourage smoother entry and exit processes for medical tourists. According to the Ministry of Tourism, in 2021, a considerable majority of travellers from South Asia, particularly 68.4%, came to India for medical reasons.

This was closely followed by West Asia with 61.1% and Africa with 40.0% of arrivals classified as medical. According to the ministry's research, the number of medical tourists visiting India is expanding at a 22-25% annual rate. This growth can be ascribed to several causes, including low costs, high-quality treatment, the availability of medical facilities, trained doctors and surgeons, and tourist prospects.

World-Class Medical Infrastructure

India boasts an extensive network of hospitals and clinics that cater to a wide range of medical and cosmetic needs. Several healthcare institutions have gained global accreditation, such as those certified by the Joint Commission International (JCI) and the National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH). These accreditations reflect India's commitment to providing care that meets or exceeds international standards.

Popular cosmetic procedures among medical tourists in India

India is a hub for various cosmetic surgeries. Some of the most sought-after procedures include:

• Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping Surgery): Popular for aesthetic reasons and correction of nasal structures. For example, Max Hospital provides the best rhinoplasty in India, and patients from different countries like Myanmar, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Iran, Kenya, etc visit India for rhinoplasty because of the cost-effectiveness.

• Liposuction and Body Contouring: Liposuction in India has numerous advantages, including targeted fat removal, improved body sculpting, more self-confidence, and long-term results. The finest feature is that multiple-area liposuction can be performed simultaneously, resulting in full reshaping in a single surgical session.

• Breast Augmentation and Reduction: Desired by both men and women for aesthetic and reconstructive purposes. PACE Hospital (Hyderabad), Max Healthcare, etc. provide the best breast augmentation surgery hospitals in India.

• Facial Rejuvenation Treatments: Includes Botox, fillers, and facelifts, appealing to patients looking for non-surgical anti-ageing options.

• Hair Transplantation: India is known for high-quality, affordable transplants; it attracts patients seeking solutions for hair loss. India, Thailand, Turkey, and Mexico are among the most economical countries for hair transplant tourism. These countries are all famous tourist destinations, featuring some of the greatest hair transplant facilities.

• Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty): Commonly performed post-pregnancy or after significant weight loss. The cost of tummy tuck surgery in India is far lower than in any other country. Tummy tuck surgery costs significantly less in India than in other wealthy countries. The typical cost of Tummy tuck surgery in India is between Rs. 1,30,000 ($1,600) and Rs. 2,60,000 ($3,200). Fortis Hospital is providing the best hospital experience in India.

Challenges and Prospects

While India has many advantages, it is not without challenges. Some foreign patients may be concerned about cultural differences, potential language problems outside urban regions, and unfamiliarity with recuperation procedures. However, these issues are gradually being addressed by dedicated foreign patient services, improved healthcare facilities, and increased awareness among local clinicians about global patient expectations. Looking ahead, India's status as a leader in medical tourism for cosmetic surgery is expected to rise. India is anticipated to grow even more competitive in this industry as healthcare infrastructure continues to improve, pricing is maintained, and patient satisfaction is prioritized.

Conclusion

The rising demand for cosmetic surgery in medical tourism reflects broader global trends and a growing willingness among patients to travel for procedures that enhance their quality of life. India's unique combination of skilled professionals, state-of-the-art technology, affordability, and holistic recovery options positions it as an appealing destination for those seeking cosmetic enhancement. With the country’s commitment to quality healthcare and patient-centred service, India is poised to remain a top choice for medical tourists worldwide looking for aesthetic transformation.