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A Comprehensive Guide to Weight Loss Surgery in Medical Tourism- Types, Destinations and Things to Consider

A Comprehensive Guide to Weight Loss Surgery in Medical Tourism

Global obesity has tripled since 1976. Obesity is like a playground for a number of other ailments. WHO reports, more than 1.9 billion adults in 2016 above 18 years of age are overweight of which 650+ million are obese.Obesity is an excess of fat accumulation in the body; it is considered when a person’s body mass index crosses 30. About 3.4 million Adults die each year due to a secondary illness associated with obesity. While treatment options are largely restricted, medical tourism may find obesity treatment surgeries as a great way to thrive. This would be a big boost to the medical tourism business.

Medical tourists avail at least 2% of global bariatric surgeries according to a NIH report. Prime provider destinations are Mexico, Lebanon and Romania catering to medical tourists from the US, UK, and Germany.

In this medical tourism guide you will read about the link between medical tourism, obesity surgery and weight loss surgery:

A Comprehensive Guide to Weight Loss Surgery in Medical Tourism- Types, Destinations and Things to Consider

What medical tourism has to offer for this condition?

The wealthiest countries are not essentially the most obese; according to a recent survey the top 10 obese countries included many smaller countries. Countries like Naura, Marshall Islands, Kuwait,Palau, etc made it to top 10 and the US ranked 12th in the list with the UK at 27th rank. This indicated no direct relation between economy and obesity. As far as treatment options go, these surgeries are one of the most expensive medical procedures, which is why many continue living with their obesity and gradually progress to their death. Medical tourism can offer affordable obesity surgeries that can benefit people greatly.

Bariatric Surgery for obesity

Bariatric surgery weight loss procedures

Since 1950s Bariatric Surgeries have been used to aid people in a quicker and easier method to weight loss. Such surgeries may cost anywhere between $20,000-30,000 in the US and even require a long wait before the procedure. Medical tourism offers top-quality medical experience by specialized hospitals at a more affordable rate, helped by medical tourism facilitator companies worldwide. The various bariatric surgeries provided by various medical tourism destinations are gastric bypass surgery, mini gastric bypass surgery, gastric sleeve surgery, gastric banding surgery, gastric sleeve plication, duodenal switch etc.

Treatment Time and other issues in bigger countries

Obesity surgeries are becoming very popular because of the rise in this condition. This has led to a wait list in hospitals where patients have to wait for their turn to get the surgery done. Countries like US and UK have strict policies of BMI criteria under which no bariatric surgery is performed. This is one of the many causes that many people with BMI 30 are denied surgery in such countries and opt for medical tourism. Affordability is another key issue, while a treatment in the US will cost you anywhere between $20,000-30,000, the same surgery in a country like India can cost you just a fraction.

Gastric band surgery has a very high relapse rate. It has been noted in many top-notch hospitals that these patients relapsed back to obesity. This in itself is a traumatic experience added to the other fact that most doctors will deny for a second surgery. The few who do accept the challenge and risks associated with a second surgery will charge the complete fee again. This is because many countries continue to believe that obesity is a self-caused condition and hold the patient responsible for relapse, hence denying insurance covers for repeat surgeries.

Advantages of choosing medical tourism 

Overweight woman eats sandwich, bulimic, obesity problem. Unhealthy lifestyle, fat female

Avoiding the problem of waiting for your turn, medical tourism facilitator companies can schedule your medical treatment for the date and doctor that you choose. Additionally, these hospitals offer complete care including frequent recalls after the procedure to keep the weight of the patient in balance. All recalls are completely free and the complete procedure costs a fraction of the price in US/UK. If, even after all precautions, relapses occur, a second weight loss surgery can be scheduled as per your choice and the costs are also managed. Many places accept international insurance covers and are therefore more chosen by medical tourists.

Obesity has struck an alarm in the world. The condition can be managed with surgery. Such medical surgeries are offered by many nations at affordable prices in their medical tourism proposals.

How medical tourism makes weight loss surgery affordable to all

Obesity is the main reason behind many severe and chronic ailments. Dieting and regular exercise usually do not bring positive results to highly obese people. Therefore, they have to undergo the knife to get back in shape and lead a normal life. Medical tourism has made it possible for middle class people to get weight loss surgeries done at half the price they have to pay at their home country. Medical tourism facilitator companies work out affordable packages for treatment and stays to many destinations, including those mentioned in our medical tourism destination guide.

It is now possible to reduce the expenditure on weight loss surgeries by 50% to 60%, simply by traveling to one of the medical tourism destinations. Obesity can rob the many pleasures of life, as obese people cannot move freely and get tired very fast.

In the past decade, obesity has turned into almost an epidemic in the developed and well-to-do countries. The problem is that seeking fat reduction surgeries in these countries is both costly and time consuming. Citizens of America and Canada are traveling out of their country to get a weight loss surgery done at a reduced cost. One of the very effective weight loss surgeries is the bariatric surgery. This surgery has gained popularity in the recent years due to its capacity of reducing severe health risks that obese people have to face in the due course.

To get a bariatric surgery in Canada, the citizens have to wait for at least two years. Canada has an amazing healthcare system run by the provincial governments. Every citizen gets an approximate $6000 every year for medical care facilities. However, due to the dependence of 34 million residents on the government run healthcare system, the process has become overburdened.

The list of patients is so long that one has to wait for months for even simple medical tests. The picture is not any better in the US. The American citizens are under a huge pressure due to the sky rocketing prices of medical facilities. Getting a weight loss surgery done is an absolute luxury that most people cannot afford. Medical tourism is the only ray of hope for the millions of overweight people dwelling in the developed nations.

How Bariatric surgery is spurting global medical tourism business

Doctor using body fat caliper

Obesity has turned out to be another leading killer disease panning across the globe. Weighing 20% more than the normal BMI (Body Mass Index) is termed as being obese that paves way for life-threatening diabetes and cardiovascular ailments. Previously, obesity prevailed in highly developed nations, but this has gradually spread to other developing nations. Indiscipline in lifestyle and faulty food habits have contributed to the proliferation of global obesity that has assumed alarming proportions today.

The rising global malady creating the market for bariatric surgery

As per WHO reports, the number of obese people across the globe has doubled from 1980 to 2014. The death rate of overweight and obese people is more than the underweight people. An estimated 2.8 million deaths from obesity are recorded every year as per the WHO report.

Due to these startling facts, anything related to weight loss catches the attention of global population fast. Another subtle fact is that the middle aged executives and professionals tend to be more obese with the same lifestyle factor contributing to this trend.

Although rising health awareness has compelled people make healthy lifestyle choices but obesity still remains a major concern for many countries. This has ultimately led to the proliferation of the global bariatric surgery market, and medical tourism has opened the best cost and time saving avenue. A medical tourism expert has all the knowhow to guide both providers and patients for the benefit of both.

Global bariatric surgery scenario

Type 2 diabetes doctor a test disease health medica

Weight management through lifestyle and dietary changes is not that effective for extremely obese people. They either suffer from diabetes and hypertension or become vulnerable to these ailments. Therefore, they desperately look for bariatric surgery, an invasive procedure for weight loss to get rid of the accumulated fat fast.

The global bariatric surgery market is valued more than $1300 million as in 2014 and is expected to rise at a CAGR of 10% in the coming seven years. This stupendous growth is contributed by the higher incidence of Type 2 Diabetes and Hypertension owing to obesity.

US spent more than $147 billion on obesity related treatments. This would culminate into much higher spend on medical treatments by 2030.

Bariatric surgery market is the largest in North America as in 2014, but due to the rising medical tourism and increase in obese population, Asia Pacific is showing the highest growth in this sector with a CAGR of more than 10.5%. The rise in obesity is no less alarming in Europe with Ireland topping the list.

Low cost treatment packages offered by the Asia Pacific countries is a big driver for the swelling of this weight loss surgery market inviting loads of medical tourists from the US and affluent European nations. The treatment that costs $25,000 in the US would cost $12,000 in the Asia Pacific countries. US healthcare insurance covers bariatric surgery but for a large percentage of uninsured citizens, which is about 45 million, medical tourism becomes a financially viable choice.

Top destinations for bariatric surgery

Considering the geographical convenience and less flying hours, many opt for European destinations who offer a great deal in bariatric and other weight loss surgeries. Hungary and Czech Republic are hot medical tourism spots in this respect. Latvia and Lithuania also offer excellent treatment service at exceptionally low prices.

Mexico, Costa Rica and Columbia are much favored by the US citizens mainly due to the excellent clinical facilities and proximity of the location.

If you want to combine an exceptionally relaxing holiday package with your treatment that would help you in fast recovery, Spain, Portugal and holiday islands of Cyprus and Malta could be the best pick.

Looking into the savings which you can avail in European countries, it is nothing when compared to the Asian medical tourism destinations. The only thing is you have to take a long arduous flight. Thailand, India, Malaysia and UAE offer attractive packages where you can get your treatment done in JCI accredited and other top graded hospitals and can also spend few days leisurely.

It is important to note that some countries have excelled in this treatment by virtue of expertise and experience gathered due to the inherent health issue prevailing in the land, UAE for example.

Dubai’s medical tourism market is largely driven by the bariatric surgery procedures. Most medical travelers avail this weight loss surgery for which the country has well built reputation.  The country is struggling in managing its obese population where more than 47% of residents fall into the overweight category. 19% of the population is already inflicted with obesity induced diabetes. Naturally, under such circumstances, the rise in popularity of bariatric surgery in UAE is quite obvious.

Benefits of choosing medical tourism for bariatric surgery

bariatric-surgery-treatment-cost

Naturally, the expense factor is the biggest driver. Labor, administrative and other insurance related costs are significantly low in these countries contributing to the low pricing structure of the treatment.

A cost comparison provided below would reflect the fact:

Treatment USA Costa Rica Columbia India Mexico Thailand Malaysia
Gastric Sleeve $16,500 $11,500 $11,200 $6,000 $8,900 $9,900 $8,400
Gastric Bypass $25,000 $12,900 $12,200 $7,000 $11,500 $16,800 $9,900
Lap Band $14,000 $9450 $8,500 $7,300 $6,500 $11,500 $8,150

[Note: Gastric Sleeve, Gastric bypass and Lap Band are different procedures associated with Bariatric surgery applied as per the requirements of the patient.]

Next comes the waiting time. With improved Hospital Information Systems, the waiting time required for a patient is appreciably low whereas back in US and UK, it takes months to get an appointment and finally the job to be done.

The improved safety condition of the hospitals in these destinations is another big draw for the medical tourists from western countries. All JCI and other accredited hospitals follow a standardized safety regulation minimizing the risks of the patient. A good medical tourism expert always advises healthcare facilities to get acredited.

No doubt there are certain risks associated with this treatment especially when you plan to get it done in an alien land. The American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery  warns of certain factors which if taken care of can yield a successful medical venture beyond the border.

How Bariatric surgery facilities in India promote medical tourism

Obesity is perhaps one of the fast spreading health disorders gripping every nation, specially the affluent ones with a menace coming from more than a single quarter. This dreadful disease would turn into one of the chief causes of a rise in human mortality rate in the future which could be avoided. Now, there is a worldwide acknowledgement that India has turned into a hotspot for obesity treatment. Overweight patients from all over the world are booking flights to make a rush for the Indian obesity surgical centers.

Why India?

Pumping out subcutaneous fat in the operating room

It is a fact that in the field of obesity treatment India has been delivering world-class service packages at par with any affluent nation like the US and the rich and modern European countries. The state of the art medical equipments and well supported specialty clinics have enabled Indian doctors to give the best treatment possible with the objective of enabling customers sustain a healthy weight management inspired lifestyle. Besides the Indian obesity surgeons are highly qualified having vast international experience and are backed up by a team of dedicated medical assistants as well.

Popular obesity surgery procedures available in India for medical tourists include:

-Gastric bypass

-Gastric sleeve gastrectomy

-Gastric banding

-Gastric balloon

-Roux en Y gastric bypass

-Duodenal switch

-Gastric sleeve surgery

What makes obesity a real menace?

Depressed lonely fat woman sitting by window at home and covering her face

Obesity is expected to be one of the primary reasons behind a heavy financial drainage encountered by families having obese members. It brings about a host of health disorders ranging from being slightly overweight to being sickly overweight where the fat content of your body far surpasses any manageable limits. Not only that you become a social laughing stock but your day to day living gets hampered with respect to the size of your dresses, space required to accommodate yourself, the quantity of food required to make you full and many other issues that turns truly embarrassing.

Obesity is a condition where your natural energy supply stored inside the fatty tissues is enhanced to a point that could well kill you.

The chief causes of obesity could be summed up as follows:

– Lack of physical activity.

– Unhealthy lifestyle coupled with a permanent laid back attitude.

– Over eating and feeding voraciously on junk food.

– Hormonal disorders like Cushing’s syndrome and PCOS.

– Genetic reasons where becoming excessive obese is in the bloodline.

Obesity treatment

Obesity treatment would include a number of surgical procedures. Excess obesity is controlled by mitigating the volume of your stomach by an implanted medical gear called the gastric banding. It might also require total elimination of the portion of your stomach which is called sleeve gastrectomy.

Another surgical procedure would alter the path of the small intestine and redirect it to a small stomach bag. This procedure is known as gastric bypass surgery. Surveys have revealed that the above surgical (300) procedures have arrested long term obesity, have controlled diabetes and have even improved the cardiovascular health in obese patients. The overall mortality rate due to obesity has come down to 23 % from an alarming 40% owing to these surgeries.

The obesity surgery procedures basically can be categorized into:

Restrictive procedures

decrease in stomach volume

This involves physical decrease in stomach volume. Once the volume reduces your capacity of food intake will fall resulting in a low calorie intake and a consequent weight loss.

Mal-absorptive procedures

The food you eat takes a lengthy procedure to pass down your food pipe, get broken down and finally being absorbed by your body as vital nutrients. This surgical procedure reduces your food absorption capacity altogether so vital elements, fats, carbs and proteins gets inside your system in much reduced quantity bringing about weight loss.

A blend of A+ B

rerouting small intestine

A combination of both would involve reducing the size of your stomach as well as rerouting your small intestine and mitigation of your food absorption capacity. The effect of both will bring a reduction in your overall food intake leading to fat loss.

The treatment and technology – Reliability of treatment

Bariatric surgery is turning to be a very popular and one of the trusted ways of fat reduction.

Every year there has been a swelling number of obese patients coming to India to get rid of excess fat.  The high caliber Indian surgeons specialized in the techniques of Bariatric surgery adopted in Indian clinics have taken the art of this surgery to an entirely different level of achievement. More and more obese patients emerging from Indian clinics post bariatric surgery have turned slim and are not experiencing harmful side effects. Indian clinics have enabled them enjoy a better quality of life.

Risks that come with traveling overseas for Bariatric surgery

Young plus size twins wearing bikini holding boarding pass scared and amazed with open mouth for surprise, disbelief face

The recent years have seen an increase in the number of individuals opting to travel overseas for easy weight loss treatments like bariatric surgery. The chance to opt for an affordable weight loss treatment while enjoying a holiday in an exotic locale would sound like a lucrative option for many. However, a recent report indicating how medical tourism can in fact, become potentially fatal for those wanting to lose weight can force one to reconsider his/her decision.

Complications and Risks associated with Medical Tourism and Bariatric Surgery

Here are some of the complications and risks that can arise from traveling overseas for bariatric surgery.

Substandard Treatment: 

weight loss treatments for dirt cheap prices

It is very easy to get duped by online medical tourism agencies that offer weight loss treatments at high end facilities for dirt cheap prices. In many a case, a medical tourist has landed up in a substandard facility and treatment even after researching about the place in detail.

Health-related Complications:

Bariatric surgery does come with its share of side effects. These include post-operative infections, bands leaking or slipping, and difficulty in adjusting the bands. In the case of medical tourism, a medical patient who would have returned home after the surgery would find it hard to get in touch with the medical team that treated him/her. Should an emergency arise, one would want to have his/her medical team nearby rather than thousands of miles away in another country.

In more than one case, medical tourists who opted for bariatric surgery in an overseas destination were not satisfied with the long term results of the surgery. These patients had to redo the surgery after about two years or so, thus being forced to travel to the destination again. If this is not enough, most patients who undergo bariatric surgery are denied a second operation owing to the increased risks of health complications during the procedure.

Essential pointers to note when choosing a medical tourism destination for bariatric surgery

correct healthcare facility and physician

In spite of the inherent risks involved, a lot of medical tourists still opt for bariatric surgery in foreign destinations today. The trick lies in choosing the correct healthcare facility and physician for the procedure in the destination.

In this case, it is advised to do thorough research on the medical facilities that offer the procedure as well as the facilitators who partner with these facilities. Choosing facilities that are accredited by international organizations like the JCI, ISO and IBSRC can reduce the risks associated with substandard treatments. Patients are also advised to take someone with them when opting for bariatric surgery. This would prove to be useful in case of an emergency wherein the patient would need to get back home immediately.

Many individuals have started traveling to foreign destinations to undergo bariatric surgery. Recent reports however, have indicated that the possible complications associated with the surgery would make it a very fatal choice for those opting to get it done in another country.

6 Alternative weight loss surgeries for medical tourists who cannot opt for gastric bypass surgery

Doctor in medical mask putting on blue gloves

Gastric bypass surgery aka bariatric surgery is considered of the most popular weight loss methods chosen by medical tourists around the world. A gastric bypass surgery will reduce the size of the stomach, thus forcing the concerned individual to consume less food.

However, not everyone can opt for the surgery as it requires certain conditions to be met, including a specific weight range and body mass as well as existing health conditions. Fortunately though, there are several other alternative weight loss surgeries that will help these individuals lose weight, including the ones mentioned here.

Gastric Banding

advanced lap band surgery

Also called as advanced lap band surgery, this procedure involves fitting a band around the top of the stomach and creating a small pouch. This small pouch will fill up quickly and prevent the quick passage of food to the small intestine. Done laparoscopically, gastric banding surgery will prevent the individual from eating too much, thus leading to a 50% weight loss.

Stomach Stapling

 healthy body - Slimming before and after

In this procedure, a portion of the stomach is stapled with pins to form a small pouch that is connected with the esophagus. The lower end of the pouch will be connected to the small intestine via a surgically made opening that is just about ¾ inches. This will restrict the amount of food a person can consume at any one time and will lead to at least 40% weight loss.

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Sleeve Gastrectomy

Aka laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy, sleeve gastrectomy will reshape the stomach to form a sleeve which is nearly 75% smaller than the original stomach size. With this procedure, the individual can lose up to 30 -40% of his body weight. The procedure is available at the renowned Chiangmai Ram Hospital in Thailand.

Gastric Balloon

Gastric balloon medical procedure

The gastric balloon procedure involves inserting a soft balloon into the stomach via a tube through the mouth. The balloon is then filled with saline solution and expands, leaving behind less space for food. The balloon will retain its shape for about 6 months after which it will need to be pumped with more saline. This is a non-invasive weight loss method that best suits those who are wary of other surgical weight loss methods.

Duodenal Switch

Biliopancreatic Diversion With a Duodenal Siwtch (BPD-DS)

This is a complicated weight loss surgery that is usually performed if other alternatives do not work. The surgery combines two different aspects for drastic weight loss. These include the restrictive aspect where the size of the stomach and small intestine are reduced to intake less food, and the malabsorptive aspect where the size of the digestive system is shrunk to absorb fewer calories from the consumed food. The duodenal switch surgery is available in India and Mexico for highly affordable prices.

Stomach Implants

Stomach Implants

Newer developments in the field have led to the creation of stomach implants that will help individuals lose weight effectively without having the need to opt for risky surgeries and their side effects.

These stomach implants are implantable devices that will be placed inside the stomach via endoscopy. These implants will do several things from sending signals to the brain to stop eating when the stomach is full, to even stimulating nerve impulses that generate the impression of being full even when the stomach has not reached its capacity. The implants remain in the stomach for a desired period of time, and are removed after the patient has lost the necessary amount of weight.

There are a number of alternative weight loss options for individuals who cannot opt for gastric bypass surgery. These weight loss methods are known to have their benefits, but come with their share of risks and prerequisites that the patient has to adhere to in order to lose weight successfully.

Gastric Band Surgery – Common Medical Tourism Procedures

Gastric Band surgery is a commonly performed surgery to treat obesity. The surgery involves placing an adjustable silicon band around the upper portion of the stomach through laparoscope to reduce the volume of the stomach. This limits the amount of food that can be consumed at one time by the patient and makes a person feel full faster.

The FDA has approved two types of adjustable gastric bands:

  • Realize Band
  • Lap Band

Why it is needed:

Electrocardiogram, ECG in hand. Cardiogram printout on male patient background

The bariatric surgery gastric band is advised for patients who are very obese and unable to lose weight through diet and exercise. A prime candidate for this type of surgery are patients who have:

  • A body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more.
  • A BMI of 35 or more and are suffering from certain medical conditions that can be improved with weight loss such as sleep apnea, diabetes, osteoarthritis, heart disease etc.
  • Patients aged between 18 to 55 years, willing to follow the dietary restriction.

Facts and Figures:

  • Surgeons Wilkinson and Peloso first placed the non adjustable band around the upper part of the stomach in an open procedure in 1978.
  • The innovation of the modern adjustable band is a result of the collective efforts of early pioneers like Dr. Lubomyr Kuzmak and other bio-engineers, surgeons and scientists.
  • Cadiere was the first surgeon to apply an adjustable band through laparoscope in 1992.
  • Some celebrities who have selected gastric band surgery for the treatment of obesity include: Khaliah Ali (daughter of Muhammad Ali), Fern Britton, Brian Dennehy, Anne Diamond, John Daly – U.S. golfer

Advantages and Disadvantages:

Advantages:

Laparoscopic surgery

  • No large incision required as the band is placed laproscopically, this reduces the chance of gastrointestinal tract infection.
  • The band is adjustable and can be customized to the patient’s requirements.
  • The surgery is reversible and the band can be removed if required.
  • Good tolerance by most persons of all ages.
  • Short hospital stay

Disadvantages:

  • Insufficient weight loss
  • Vomiting after eating
  • Chances of developing malnutrition

Risks and Complications:

Bowel obstruction

  • Reaction to anesthesia or medication
  • Pulmonary embolism
  • Blood clots
  • Infection
  • Injury to abdominal organs
  • Gastric band slippage
  • Bowel obstruction
  • Stomach ulcer or gastritis

Pre-operative and Post-operative care:

Pre-operative preparation:

  • A complete physical examination
  • Blood and urinalysis
  • Ultrasound of abdomen and chest X-ray.
  • Visit a physician and obtain a list of prescribed medication as well as instructions on any medicines to be discontinued before surgery.
  • Inform surgeon related to any habits of smoking or alcohol.
  • Nutritional counseling
  • Arrangements for leave from work, help at home, help with driving, and for post operative
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before surgery.
  • Medical tourists are advised to select a comfortable, accessible hotel room equipped with handicapped facilities for post surgery recovery.

Post-operative care:

Woman legs walking

  • After the surgery, patients may suffer from constipation for a few days. This will subside within a few days.
  • Patients must start walking gradually after returning home.

Do’s, Don’ts and Precautions

  • Take the medicine regularly as prescribed by surgeon.
  • Keep the incision site clean and dry.
  • Avoid getting pregnant for at least 18 months after surgery.
  • Avoid the use of straws and drinking carbonated drinks.
  • Keep a diary of food intake and weight loss after surgery.
  • Do strictly follow the diet regime prescribed by the doctor.
  • Do not drive until the doctor has given you the go ahead to do so.

Weight loss surgery could result in memory loss

Handsome black man with pencil on chin thinking

With obesity in rise, people are looking at weight loss surgeries as quick-fix solutions. All weight loss surgeries have risks and complications associated with them. Gastric bypass surgery, a popular and safe weight loss surgery is no different. The complications associated with this surgery are bleeding, gall stones, adhesions and fistulas.

According to US researchers, it can also lead to a vitamin deficiency that can cause memory loss and confusion, inability to coordinate movement. Known as thiamine, vitamin B1 is essential for carbohydrate metabolism and normal functioning of the nervous system.

People who were affected most were those who frequently vomited after the surgery as vomiting prevents the vitamins from being absorbed into the system. If untreated, vitamin B1 deficiency can lead to Wernicke encephalopathy, a severe neurological condition.

Of the 32, only 13 patients who were given vitamin b1 after the surgery recovered from memory loss while the others continued to have problems associated with vitamin b1 deficiency.

When people who have had weight-loss surgery start experiencing any of these symptoms, they need to see a doctor right away. says study author Sonal Singh.You should consider gastric bypass surgery as the last option, but if you think it’s for you, don’t forget to take your vitamin supplements. (Via BBC)

7 Fat reduction techniques popular with medical tourists

Medical tourism has grown far beyond the concept of traveling for medical purposes alone. A lot of individuals today opt to travel to foreign destinations for cosmetic procedures. And one such area in which nearly every other medical tourist is interested in these days is fat reduction. Accordingly, here are 7 of the most preferred fat reduction treatments for medical tourists around the world.

Liposuction

Hardware cosmetology

Liposuction relates to the process of removing fat from the body using suction technology. The procedure involves inserting a small, blunt tipped tube into the area where the fat needs to be reduced. The doctor would maneuver the tube to target fat deposits which would then be sucked out of the body via the tube.

Usually done as an outpatient procedure, liposuction is done with local anesthesia. Following treatment, you may experience swelling, bruising and fluid leakage in the area for a couple of weeks.

You would also need to wear a special girdle or compression garment for the duration of the recovery in order to bring down the swelling and bruising. It is recommended that you refrain from doing strenuous activities for at least a couple of weeks after liposuction.

Smart Lipo Triplex

This body sculpting process uses laser lipolysis to melt away fat deposits from the body. The Smart Lipo Triplex assisted liposuction procedure would also stimulate collagen development in these areas to retain the skin’s firmness and smoothness.

The procedure involves inserting a small canula tube into the body. A laser fiber attached to the tip of the tube will liquefy the fat and suction it out. The laser will also stimulate enough heat to activate collagen production in the area.

Since it’s a noninvasive procedure, minimal discomfort is experienced after Smart Lipo Triplex. Hence, it is considered as one of the most preferred fat reduction procedures for stubborn fat deposits.

Vaser (Vibration Amplification of Sound Energy at Resonance) Liposuction

Woman's body before and after a diet

This is also a minimally –invasive fat reduction procedure that not only helps you reduce body fat, but also contours your body according to your preferences. The procedure utilizes a high end ultrasound technology that would break down the fat cells in the body effectively. A suction process removes these fat cells, thus reducing fat deposits in the body and giving the latter a striking, contoured look.

Suitable for both men and women, Vaser Liposuction does not require too much downtime as well. The side effects are minimal as well; save for some bruising and swelling that will reduce in a few days.

SlimLipo

Slim Lipo is the perfect solution for the side effects caused by traditional liposuction, including bruising and an extended downtime. Slim Lipo makes use of a laser wavelength technology to liquefy the fat deposits in the body. Hence, it can help reduce fat effectively in areas like the thighs, hips, buttocks, arms, flanks, chin and neck. The less invasive method also ensures that you experience minimal side effects as well as a reduced downtime of just a day or so.

Laser Liposuction

Woman receiving slimming lipo laser therapy in spa

Like Vaser Liposuction, laser liposuction can help reduce fat deposits in your body and contour the latter in the process. The procedure is best suited for those areas of the body that don’t respond to traditional forms of weight loss, including diet and exercise.

These would include areas like the stomach, abdomen, arms, ankles, neck, chin, cheeks, buttocks, hips, knees, thigh and upper arms, etc. The non-surgical procedure that it is, laser liposuction requires very little downtime, and produces very few side effects.

CoolSculpting

This is a FDA approved fat reduction treatment that uses a non-surgical method to remove stubborn fat deposits from the body. The procedure involves targeting specific areas of the body under a CoolSculpting machine that would then deliver a steady precisely controlled cooling to these areas.

This would crystallize the fat cells underneath the skin and cause them to die with time. The results are fast and there is neither any downtime nor any side effects at all associated with CoolSculpting.

Cellulaze

woman-visited-for-weight-loss-treatment

This new fat reduction procedure is also FDA approved and is done with a laser fitted microcannula. The laser would disrupt and liquefy the fat cells in specific regions of the body while cutting through fiber groups to prevent the formation of cavities and hollows in places where the fat is removed.

The laser will then stimulate the formation of new collagen in the area to keep the skin firm and smooth. The minimally invasive procedure requires very little recovery time and produces very few side effects as well.

Fat reduction treatments are preferred by medical tourists around the world. These

treatments are also considered as the most preferred fat reduction procedures opted for by medical tourists.

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