10 Best and Cheapest Countries for Facelift Surgery

If you’re looking for the best and cheapest facelift surgery country in the world, analysis reveals Turkey to be the 1 country for facelift surgery. Finding the best country for plastic surgery in the world is a balancing act between cost, safety, and success of surgery outcomes. Turkey is the only country that scores consistently high on the three medical tourism indices applicable to all countries. In Turkey, an environment has been created where elite aesthetic surgery is priced competitively and performed at the same high international standards as in the western world. Therefore, it is undoubtedly the top choice for those interested in facial rejuvenation.

Turkey

An overview of the world of aesthetic facial surgery indicates that one country has successfully carved out a leading position: Turkey. It has created an environment where world-class medical technologies and affordability are the norms not the exceptions. Turkey is the clear leader for a facelift surgery, thanks to its unique combination. The country has become a global hub for plastic surgery, attracting a discerning international clientele from various regions for sophisticated procedures. This sterling reputation in the medical tourism industry is because of the strong network of health care facilities, very skilful and competitive surgeons and modern hospitals.

The value proposition provided in Turkey is sensational. Patients can get premium cosmetic procedures such as a full facelift for far less than what it would cost in the UK or US. This considerable cost advantage is a direct result of the country’s lower operational expenses and favorable economic conditions, not due to any compromise on quality. Through a strongly competitive domestic market, along with robust support from the government for medical tourism, a unique economic equilibrium has been created in which the standards of care are constantly improving whilst the costs remain accessible.

In addition to the surgery, the patient journey is our focus. Clinics in major cities such as Istanbul, Izmir and Antalya offer all-inclusive packages. By taking care of airport transfers, hotel accommodations and meals, our all-inclusive travel packages ensure that you do not have to worry about hidden costs. Plastic surgeons from Turkey are among the most trained and internationally accredited doctors you will come across. Their expertise is at par with the best in the business which ensures safety and surgery protocol as per international standards. Becoming a plastic surgeon in Turkey is a tough undertaking that starts with six years of medical school and is followed by five years of training. The postgrad training is for the specialized field of training in Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery.

A lot of Turkey’s top surgeons take it upon themselves to obtain international board certifications, including assessments by the European Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS) and the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS). Such certifications assure the surgeon’s skills, adherence to ethical practices, and knowledge of procedures which meet the most stringent global standards. Additionally, there is a high number of JCI accredited hospitals in Turkey. JCI stands for Joint Commission International and it is a worldwide standard. This creates a multi-layered system of oversight that is rare, providing patients with an unparalleled assurance of quality and safety.

Clinics in Turkey offer the complete range of facelift techniques for the natural, long-lasting results you’ve always desired in facial rejuvenation. The surgeons there can tailor their methods to suit the specific facial architecture and ageing of the patient. The SMAS (Superficial Musculo-Aponeurotic System) Face Lift is a key procedure of their practice, a technique with results that could re-position the deep underlying muscle layer of the face to restore youthful contours and produces results that are notably long-lasting and natural looking. When it comes to more advanced signs of aging, Turkish surgeons perform the Deep Plane Facelift. This complex technique involves lifting the skin and muscle layer as one. This results in a significant lift with less bruising and natural-looking results. Mini facelifts are available for younger patients needing little ‘pick me up’ with little downtime. Incisions in all procedures are strategically hidden so that any scarring can barely be detected once healed.

Mexico

The fact that Mexico is close to the United States and has cheaper procedures is certainly a plus. Some people are tempted to get facelift surgery because it is only a short journey away. They can fly for a short distance or even take a drive. For many people, getting it done in border city Tijuana is pretty synonymous and easy. The possibility of great savings compared to US prices is a huge attraction.

However, convenience can often be a double-edged sword. In Mexico, a major concern is the presence of unqualified or unregulated practitioners. Using the wrong methods leads to bad results, dangerous infections and in some situations, lasting harm. Due to the complexity of the laws, foreign patients may find themselves in trouble. If there is a complication or malpractice, it can be extremely complicated and often unsuccessful to sue and get damage compensation. A deal that seems profitable can turn into a nightmare if any complications arise requiring extensive and expensive corrective treatment to be undertaken back home.

South Korea

The high-tech country of South Korea has managed to brand itself as one of the biggest capitals for plastic surgery, especially those which involve the face. In our nation, the number of cosmetic surgeries performed showcases the interest level of people in aesthetic improvement.

Underneath the shine, however, lies a concerning and unethical practice known as ghost surgery. Also called “bait-and-switch,” this illegal act is when a patient consents to a procedure with a well-known surgeon, and is subsequently substituted by an unlicensed or unqualified pretender under sedation. People have died because of this fraudulent practice. After undergoing surgery, many patients come back complaining of asymmetry and scarring issues. The stringent defamation laws in the country make it a challenge for patients to share their negative experiences online. This hinders the ability of others to conduct proper and accurate research.

Brazil

Brazil is known for its cosmetic surgery and boasts of plastic surgeons who are acknowledged and respected internationally. The culture of the country loves physical beauty, and the surgeons here are renowned for their body sculpting expertise.

Nonetheless, Brazil’s reputation heavily rests on the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), a procedure that can have fatal complications. Just because someone is a high-risk specialist does not necessarily mean that person will do your facelift safely. Non-regulated practitioners are also a serious problem. Many dangerous procedures are being done in not quite clinical settings by people who do not have the medical training to perform such surgeries. Brazil might have some world-class surgeons, but their fees can be comparable to those in the United States, ultimately negating the medical tourism financial incentive. Choosing to go for a bargain basement local clinic since it is cheaper means you are going for an unregulated, unsafe option.

Thailand

Affordable healthcare in Thailand comes with a beautiful and tourist-friendly environment. International hospitals are typically modern and possess the necessary accreditations. Additionally, Thailand is known to be very hospitable and a relaxing environment to recuperate in.

However, the successful medical tourism industry has placed a systematic strain on the health sector of Thailand. The under-resourced public sector is experiencing a significant “brain drain”, with skilled doctors and nurses leaving for better-paying jobs in private hospitals that treat foreigners. It raises concerns whether the quality of the care offered is the same across the board. There lies the possibility of ending up with lower qualified service providers that compete on price by cutting corners risking patient safety. Patients have suffered from serious complications due to dirty instruments, amongst other issues. Also, many tropical destinations are perfect for a holiday. But many places also have high levels of air pollution and insect-borne diseases. So, you may not recover as safely and smoothly from your cosmetic surgery procedure here.

Colombia

Colombia has become a hot spot for medical tourists seeking cheap cosmetic surgery. The country has a growing reputation for skilled surgeons and offers significant cost savings.

Colombia has a worrying safety record for cosmetic surgery. The rate of people dying during cosmetic surgery in Colombia is far above average and exposes a systemic failure in patient safety. The cosmetic surgery sector in the country has been characterized as a private-sector activity undertaken with little regulation. This could give birth to shoddy medical practices, weak infection control, and old-fashioned equipment use. There have been many reports of death or other severe adverse events, and investigations have uncovered sham credentialing. The complete absence of oversight makes it unsafe for international patients.

India

India is known to offer very inexpensive plastic surgeries in comparison to the rest of the world. It also has advanced facilities and trained doctors. Quite a number of people are attracted to the cost-effective procedures like facelift surgery.

The most significant risk for a patient choosing India is the country’s legal framework concerning medical malpractice, which can be notoriously difficult for plaintiffs to navigate. The process can be exceedingly challenging for plaintiffs to utilize. When it come to medical negligence cases, the damages awarded are generally not big. Moreover, the claim process can take years. In other words, patients are limited in their ability to sue for negligence or receive appropriate damages. While they may be world class, not everything outside the top corporate hospitals in India is very organized. Patients should also be wary of unregulated health care facilitators and language barriers that could result in critical miscommunications about their care.

Czech Republic

The Czech Republic is an EU member nation, which makes it an enticing destination for patients seeking EU-approved cosmetic surgery services at a bargain compared to Western Europe. The appeal of receiving care that meets quality standards but at a lower price point is strong.

A major drawback is that the country has outdated laws about aesthetic medicine. The gap in legislation has created a dangerous loophole through which people, often not fully trained, and sometimes not medical professionals at all, can launch clinics for ‘aesthetic medicine’ offering invasive procedures. Because of the absence of regulation, there are more and more complaints from patients who have suffered from disastrous procedures that have caused serious and often irreversible health problems. The marketing of “EU Standard” could give you a false sense of security. The private clinic market, where many tourist patients go for treatment, may operate in a regulatory grey area while jeopardizing patient safety.

Poland

With many European clinics in Poland operating under the EU medical standard, they are greatly recognized for their affordable and reliable cosmetic surgery. They have received positive patient reviews for the clinic, compassionate care and outcomes.

There is a lack of plastic surgeons who specialize in Poland’s core issues. Due to scarcity of qualified cosmetic surgeon, aesthetic procedures are sometimes performed by surgeons from other specialties who do not have specific training in plastic surgery. Even more worryingly, a loophole in the law allows non-medics to do invasive procedures. Individuals who do not carry malpractice insurance or maintain medical records leave patients with no option if something goes wrong. Furthermore, Polish law can make it more difficult for patients to win malpractice claims based purely on dissatisfaction with the aesthetic result.

Spain

Spain is a popular European country for plastic surgery. The country has good doctors and clinics, which are stringent and as regulated as the rest of the EU. One of the biggest advantages is the opportunity to have a procedure in a beautiful location.

The fundamental flaw in Spain’s value proposition for a medical tourist is that it is not a genuinely low-cost destination. The cost of a facelift in Spain is comparable to the UK and slightly less than the US. However, it is significantly more expensive than true value destinations like Turkey. Essentially, a patient is paying more than what they ought to. At the same time, they are taking on the same medical tourism risks. Doing this might expose them to complications from air travel after surgery. Moreover, there can be trouble arranging proper follow-up care. Even with high standards, it doesn’t mean that nothing can go wrong; the odd fatal flaw will happen.

Top 15 Facelift Plastic Surgeons in the World

Dr. Erman Ak

Op. Dr. Erman Ak graduated from Ankara Hacettepe Tıp in 2014 and completed his specialization at Istanbul University Çapa Medical Faculty. He received advanced microsurgery training in Taiwan and, as an ISAPS fellow in Italy, training in facial and breast aesthetics. Dr. Ak holds the European Union Aesthetic Plastic Surgery qualification certificate from EBOPRAS and contributed to the establishment of the Plastic Surgery Department at Başakşehir Çam and Sakura Hospital. He currently accepts patients from Turkey and various other countries at his clinic in Nişantaşı.