The Rise of Medical Tourism: Why You Should Choose South Africa for Your Next Facelift

In today’s day and age, when international travel is generally less expensive and more convenient than it has been in over a decade, plus the fact that technological advancements have improved the quality of healthcare all over the world, the medical tourism industry continues to grow.


South African surgeons have excellent global reputations, and cosmetic surgeons are no exception. The vast majority of the cosmetic medical tourism industry includes packaged holidays for tourists. Travel agencies around the globe facilitate this, combining cosmetic procedures with hotel bookings and sightseeing itineraries.

One of the most common cosmetic procedures performed in South Africa is the rhytidectomy, more commonly known as a facelift, this is a term that actually covers several different procedures offered to treat facial imperfections.

Wrinkles, deep creases, loose and sagging skin can are all issues that can be improved with a facelift. The procedure tightens and also removes excess facial skin, resulting in a more rejuvenated and youthful appearance. Below are the top 3 reasons why you should choose South Africa for your next facelift, along with what to expect.

The Cutting-Edge Medical Procedures
For many years, South Africa has been a popular destination for medical tourism. International visitors have been traveling to South Africa, especially Cape Town, to undergo cosmetic surgery for a variety of reasons. This country is at the forefront of cutting-edge medical procedures, making it a serious player in the medical tourism industry.

It’s only natural to equate quality with price, but when it comes to facelifts in South Africa, the advances in medical technology and research have completely leveled the playing field. So much so that the skills of a qualified doctor in the US or UK, match the skills of doctors halfway across the world. Many of the healthcare professionals, surgeons included, need to undergo the same level of training and education. This sometimes takes place in South Africa, but many surgeons have attended medical schools and have experience in hospitals in both the United States and Great Britain.

The Price
Cosmetic surgery tends to be focused around appearances. The face is possibly the most important aspect of someone’s appearance, therefore making facelifts in South Africa a very common procedure. Many people see an issue with some aspect of their face and desire to alter the way their face looks through cosmetic surgery.

These procedures cover the entire range between non-invasive, minimal treatments to extensive and highly complex surgeries. The complexity of the surgery depends on the various characteristics of an individual face, and the patient’s desired results - which also determines the price.

Facelifts, and many other cosmetic procedures, can cost thousands, sometimes tens of thousands, of dollars in many first-world economies. The cost of cosmetic surgery in South Africa tends to be around 60-65% cheaper than in the United States or the UK.

The Packages
As far as post-op recovery goes, being on safari seems like a nice choice. Spending your time recuperating and enjoying the one-of-a-kind beauty South Africa has to offer, has made the numbers of foreigners having cosmetic surgery in South Africa shoot up significantly.

What You Should Know
If you are traveling to South Africa for a facelift or any other cosmetic procedure, there are many things to consider:

• Be sure to liaise with your potential surgeon before you make your booking. It is essential that your suitability to the procedure is carefully discussed upfront.
• Be sure your potential surgeon is completely and fully qualified, and that they are affiliated with the necessary councils and associations. This includes the Association of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Southern Africa, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, and the Health Professionals Council of South Africa.
• Confirm whether or not your potential cosmetic surgeon utilizes a specialist anesthetist. A specialist is a safer option, although the cost of the surgery will increase.
• The kind of anesthetic used also affects the cost. Ask about this prior to your booking.
• Often, payment is required upfront, and in full.
• Plan your trip sensibly, making sure you will be in the country for at least three days prior to your surgery for formal consultations, and to discuss the details of the procedure.

Medical tourism, especially in South Africa, is appealing to anyone interested in cosmetic surgery, whether that be a facelift, or something else. The number of people going abroad for healthcare is growing rapidly every year.

With numerous tourism benefits, improvements in healthcare standards, and advancements in technology, it’s likely the advantages of medical tourism in South Africa will provide a sustainable solution for many healthcare problems, not just facelifts.