Mixing Plastic With Pleasure: World’s Best Destinations for Nips and Tucks
A long walk on a white sand beach, room service in a luxury suite…and a little liposuction? Cosmetic surgery tourism is gaining in popularity as the ultimate look-good, feel-good getaway. Talented surgeons in desirable locations around the world help clients combine unique destinations and activities with the surgical procedures they want. For those already taking time off from work to go under the knife, some want their rest, relaxation, and recovery with a bit of sightseeing. If you’re looking to combine plastic with pleasure, Jetset Extra has the lead on some of the best destinations for nip-and-tuck travel.
Athens, Greece
For gorgeous seascapes and a relaxing escape, think Greece. There you’ll find surgeons like Dr. John Anastasatos, a pioneer in luxury cosmetic tourism. A US Board Certified physician with a practice in Beverly Hills, Dr. Anastasatos is also the chief of plastic surgery at Metropolitan Hospital, one of the largest private hospitals in Athens. He spends 5 months every year in Greece, where his clients recover on-site in swanky private suites, or in luxury hotels and relaxing seaside resorts. Patients can experience VIP limo service, Aegean sea cruises, excursions and spa treatments, and Greek island travel. Stay at The Romanos resort in Costa Navarino, where you’ll find terrace views of the Mediterranean, 121 individual infinity pools, a spa that embraces ancient Greek medicine and philosophy, and a signature golf course designed by former US Masters Champion, Bernhard Langer.
Cali, Colombia
South America has always been ahead of your curves (and wrinkles) when it comes to plastic surgery. Brazil has long been a leader in aesthetic surgeries like breast augmentation and the “Brazilian butt-lift.” Another rising South American destination is Colombia. Surgeons like Dr. Lina Triana in Cali, Colombia see patients fly in from around the world for procedures like facelifts, body contouring, and laser hair transplants. Cali is full of local flavor from sugar cane to salsa dancing. Located in a valley, a Cali stay lets you experience hiking or rock-climbing in the nearby mountains, and quick day trips can include a canopy walk in the trees, white-water rafting and parasailing. Stay downtown at the Intercontinental Cali, where you’ll find easy access to boutique designer shopping, restaurants, and salsa clubs.
South Africa
Perhaps you’re seeking both a new look and a big adventure, but you’re not sure where to start. Businesses like Surgeon and Safari help you create and coordinate an African adventure in addition to your cosmetic surgery. Owner Lorraine Melvill, helps handle your cost estimates, consultations, accommodations, safari bookings, and more. Why not schedule in a stay at The Earth Lodge, a luxury South African safari lodge sculpted into a slope of the earth? On arrival, a hidden corridor leads you to a panorama of uninterrupted bushveld. With only 13 decadent suites you’ll find the peace and privacy you seek in the midst of some amazing scenery. Big sky and African bush not enough? South Africa has the best of Cape Town and Johannesburg to offer along with everything in between, which means you’ll find shopping, wine tours, train and wilderness safaris, and more.
Denver, Colorado, USA
Already known for world-class skiing in the Rocky Mountains, Colorado is making a name for itself as a hot destination for cosmetic surgery vacations thanks to surgeons like Dr. John A. Millard of bod:evolve in Denver, who pioneered the body sculpting procedure VASER® Hi Def in the United States. For a winter retreat, check into the JW Marriott at Cherry Creek and, before you prepare for surgery, spend a few days speeding down the slopes on daytrips to Aspen, Beaver Creek and Vail. In the summer, play a few rounds at Fossil Trace Golf Club and The Broadmoor, or try horseback riding, kayaking, sky diving, mountain biking, or river rafting. After your procedure, recover at The Monarch Retreat, a deluxe aftercare facility based in the Inn at Cherry Creek, where doctors make house calls to check on patient recovery in addition to a trained nursing staff that’s on-hand round the clock. Monarch Retreat’s concierge service offers the works, including airport transportation in a Jaguar, prescription pick-up and personal shoppers.
Thinking of going the distance for your surgery?
The appeal of a discreet, decadent getaway with a new look for your return is a huge draw for cosmetic tourism. But remember to do your homework. When looking at an unfamiliar country, it can be difficult to know how valid a doctor’s credentials are or how safe the clinic is. Any surgery involves a level of risk and may involve aftercare if complications develop. For more on what to know before you go, check out the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery website including these tips on seeking cosmetic surgery abroad.
