Why is surgery so much cheaper in Prague and Istanbul?

This is a very common question we receive from patients researching aesthetic surgery options. The price differences between Western countries and cities like Prague or Istanbul don’t necessarily reflect lower quality. In fact, these cities have become major hubs for medical tourism. Here are the key reasons:
1. Lower Cost of Living and Operational ExpensesCompared to Western Europe or the U.S., operating a medical clinic in Prague or Istanbul is significantly less expensive. Rent, staff salaries, utilities, and other operational costs are lower, which directly impacts surgery prices.
2. Competitive and Private Healthcare MarketAesthetic procedures in these cities are mostly provided by the private sector, which fosters healthy competition. Clinics often keep their prices competitive without compromising quality.
3. Foreign Currency AdvantageEspecially in Istanbul, the exchange rate provides a strong financial advantage for international patients. With the value of the dollar, euro, or pound, patients can access high-quality procedures at a fraction of the price they would pay at home.
4. High Patient Volume and Surgeon ExperienceBoth cities receive a large number of patients each year for aesthetic procedures. This high volume allows surgeons to gain extensive hands-on experience, while also enabling clinics to offer lower prices due to economies of scale. More affordable does not mean less experienced.
5. Government Support for Medical TourismIn some countries (like Turkey), the government actively supports and promotes medical tourism. This support helps some clinics reduce overhead and maintain competitive pricing.
In summary, the affordability of facelift surgery in Prague and Istanbul is not due to lower quality but is instead driven by local economic factors, currency exchange benefits, and the structure of the healthcare system. These cities are home to highly trained, internationally experienced surgeons. Still, as always, we recommend thoroughly researching your surgeon, reviewing before-after cases, and ensuring post-operative care is clearly planned.

As a surgeon with a busy private practice but who also works in a National Health Service practice (government hospital)  I see problems from cosmetic surgery carried out abroad ending up in the NHS on a WEEKLY  basis. All of these patients have gone abroad to save money and all of them have returned unable to go back, expecting the NHS to pick up and correct the problems. If you have surgery abroad the standards may not be the same and you will have no aftercare and support. Some problems can be corrected but you MUST realise that some problems CANNOT be corrected if things drastically go wrong.  I have seen this on a regular basis.  I hope this answers your question

Hi there, and thanks for asking this question, as it’s an important one. While cost is obviously a factor for most people when considering plastic surgery, it shouldn’t be the deciding factor as to which plastic surgeon you choose. As the saying goes, you really do get what you pay for, and skimping on your surgery isn’t where you want to find the cheapest deal. Another thing to keep in mind is that traveling far away from home for your plastic surgery isn’t the best idea, as that means that you’ll have a long trip ahead of you afterwards, which can create complications. My best advice would be to schedule a few consultations with plastic surgeons in your area, and weigh an affordable price with the quality and experience of each practice. Best of luck to you!
 

Dr. E

Dear RoxyliciousThank you for your question. I do not know of any reputable surgeons in Istanbul or Prague so cannot comment in regards to positive outcomes of surgery  in these countries. However surgery is generally cheaper abroad mainly due low overhead costs but also, in some areas, because the surgeon is not highly trained. This can lead to negative outcomes and no way of getting them rectified.  I would research the surgeon/clinic you are looking to go to extensively before committing. At our clinic in the UK, all of the aftercare is included in the initial price for surgery and we would never charge for follow up appointments or antibiotics.I would like to wish you all the best and hope you get the outcome you are looking for.

Unfortunately, patients do go abroad in search of cheaper surgery, but if all the costs of travel etc are added up, it may not seem as cheap as it initially appears to be. It is not advisable to board a long haul flight about four weeks "before" or after a major procedure as it can increase the risk of clots in your legs or lungs that can potentially be life threatening. There are lots of other things that you need to consider... Although, you may get a good deal in going some where far from home, there are quite a few problems with medical tourism. At the end of the day, although it is a cosmetic procedure, it is still is an operation and it needs to be respected as such. Quality, Safety and Risks:
The standards of the clinic you go to or the surgeon operating on you may not be regulated. There are significant risks with travelling long distances immediately before of after your surgery. Patients may not tolerate travel very well, or may not have inherent resistance to some of the diseases in the host countries Patient satisfaction:
The overall experience may leave you dissatisfied and once you return home, you cannot pop down the road to consult with your surgeon again. Clinical outcomes:
Clinical outcomes can be variable, but it is not uncommon for us in the NHS to be picking us the pieces of patients who have been abroad for cosmetic surgery. A survey of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) has shown that 37% of us have seen a patient in the National Health Service with complications arising from overseas cosmetic surgery. In another survey in the UK, 60% of complications were of emergency nature requiring inpatient admission Continuity of care - before and after your surgery:
Unfortunately, this vital part of your treatment is non existent. Medical tourism involves travelling to another country and your body may take time to acclimatise to that country's ecosystem. A detailed physical examination is not possible prior to your procedure and the contemplated surgery is at its best a good guess as to what you may need. You may contact disease that it completely irrelevant to your surgery in the country you are travelling to. Long haul travel immediately before or after your surgery increases your risk of clots in your legs or lungs which can be potentially life threatening. Should you be unfortunate enough to have a complication once you return home, your surgeon (who should be your principal carer after your surgery), will not be around. Privacy and confidentiality:

This is very variable and difficult to regulate outside your own country. Data protection may not have the same confidentiality when you are travelling and your photographs could potentially end up on the internet. Infection and cross-border spread of antimicrobial resistance and dangerous pathogens:
This is a serious problem and not only does it lead to spread of rare infections from country to country, but it can result in a patient returning from a country and being sick with symptoms that the local physicians may not be familiar with. This can delay diagnosis and treatment and can have serious implications on the health of the patient. External Quality Assessment and accreditation:
Medical tourism services remain largely unregulated and a huge issue that needs to be faced up to is whether or not the quality and safety standards on offer through medical tourism are to be trusted. One of the major concerns related to medical tourism is the ethical aspects of treatment and if treatments offered are justified or simply offered to run a business. Accreditation:
It is very difficult to verify the qualifications of your so called plastic surgeon when travelling abroad. In the UK, a fully trained and qualified Plastic Surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery (FRCS Plast), is on the Specialist register for plastic surgery with the General Medical Council (GMC) and is usually a member of the British Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (BAPRAS) and British Association of Aesthetic Surgeons (BAAPS).