‘Cosmetic surgeries account for great percentage of medical tourism’

Globally, plastic surgery has become one of the most sought after surgical specialities with a wide variety of procedures to enhance, reconstruct and beautify the body. Cosmetic surgeries account for a great percentage of medical tourism and health-related travel.

Dr Chidinma Akpa says in the past, the elites who could afford care travelled to the developed countries to receive treatments or have procedures.

She stated that nowadays, medical tourism to developing countries such as Nigeria is becoming popular.

“This is because of the expertise, affordability and impressive results of our local plastic surgeons.

“In 2017, the Nigerian cosmetic surgery industry witnessed a significant boom in activity, recognition and revenue generation. The most common procedures: liposuction and fat transfer, became hot topics amongst female celebrities, business women and influencers. Having a tiny waist with wide hips and projecting derrière became the rave.

“At the time, Nigeria had a little over 150 fully trained and certified plastic surgeons. Over the next three years, however, the aesthetic surgery community grew exponentially providing business and employment opportunities for people that are interested in the field, as well as an avenue for individuals to modify their bodies without having to break the bank,” she stated

Dr Chidinma Akpa continues: “From the boutiques of compression garment vendors, through the rooms of wood therapists/sculptors to the medical concierge services of private nurses, doctors and surgical consultants, everyone has their role to play and is earning their pay.

“In Africa, Nigeria’s plastic surgeons have started to attract patients from different countries including Ghana, Tanzania, Uganda, Kenya, Cameroon, Lesotho, Togo and South Africa. Nigerians in the diaspora also return home to experience the Nigerian buttlift, which boldly competes with results from the US, Colombia and the Dominican Republic. International plastic surgery influencers and blogs have now begun to post people with beautiful figures owing to successful aesthetic surgeries whilst giving credit to Nigerian surgeons.

“However, as with every good thing, the downsides include the increased number of unqualified practitioners and the consequent clandestine surgeries. Also, the proliferation of clinics providing sculpting with unresearched techniques, substances and injectables. Nevertheless, the Nigerian Association of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery has swung into action to create verifiable profiles for certified plastic surgeons and warn the public about getting any procedures with persons of questionable qualifications.

“Plastic surgery tourism in Nigeria has put the nation on the medical tourism map. It has in turn led to significant revenue generation, creation of more employment opportunities and an overall boost in our economy. In addition, competing to meet world standards of health has held Nigerian surgeons to a high level of accountability. Other surgical specialities such as Dentistry, Cardiology and Obstetrics now experience increased patronage from patients outside the country. Now that Nigeria has become the hub of aesthetic procedures in Africa, we look forward to seeing more ground-breaking achievements in the nation’s surgical sphere in general, in the near future.