Celebrities’ operation openness, including Jamie Lee Curtis, Sally Field, and Jennifer Aniston, and shows like Nip and Tuck have spiked growth in the aesthetic surgery market.
According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery’s most recent survey about 48,000 patients had surgery in Brazil. About 80 percent of the patients are female and 20 percent male. Patients opt for Brazil for considerably lower prices but tropical vacation aspect is also a pull.
Common Plastic Surgery Procedures
The most common procedures are nose reshaping, breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, and face-lifts. Other work includes: LASIK surgery, cosmetic dentistry, gastric bypass, breast reduction and lift, ear surgery, upper arm lift, buttock implants, tummy tucks, and hair implants.
This is not a new concept. Celebrities including Sophia Loren and Gina Lollobrigida have had procedures in Brazil as far back as the 60’s. The notorious surgeon, Dr. Ivo Pitanguy, educated in Cincinnati Ohio, based in Rio de Janeiro, has achieved celebrity status himself, idolized by Brazilians in sambas and personified in Brazilian novellas, or soap operas.
Medical Tourism Services
Companies such as Christi de Moraes, from the US, founded MedNetBrazil after going through reconstructive surgery in Brazil in 2001. Her company offers packages that include airport pickup, accommodation, and transportation between hospital and translator services. They use surgeons out of Santo, San Paulo, a smaller city with less tourist infrastructure, but it’s the capital of plastic surgery.
Cosmetic Vacations is based out of Rio and offers a variety of beachfront accommodation options between Copacabana, Ipanema and Leblon. The benefits of Rio include restaurants, nightlife, sights, and culture. Although it’s best to get sightseeing and beach time in before the operations since most procedures prohibit post-operation sand and booze.
Another option to consider is Estetica Brasil, based out of Fortaleza on the north coast. Fortaleza boasts beaches and dunes, and it’s sunny throughout the year.
Most packages offer airport pickup, accommodation, and transportation between hospital and translator services. They consult with surgeons and provide an online quote and consultation after filling in a health form and providing photos.
Surgeons through these companies are licensed through the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery. When choosing a doctor, it is important to do your research. Visit the organization’s website for a list of reputable clinics. The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery is another valuable resource. For further research, ask to speak to previous patients and do a web search on the doctor.
