Overseas operation
Question
I'm desperate to have an operation to pin back my ears. The problem is, I'm worried about the cost of having the procedure performed in this country. I know that certain parts of Europe offer the operation at a lower cost, but what about going further away? Would cosmetic surgery be cheaper in America?
Answer
Firstly, have you spoken to your doctor (GP) or a medical specialist about having ear surgery (ortoplasty/pinnaplasty)? The NHS is able to cover the cost of some surgery, so your GP should be your first port of call.
If this isn't an option, the costs of ortoplasty/pinnaplasty vary widely regardless of the country you are in. To get a better idea of the cost of the operation, you can speak to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS), or the British Association of Plastic Surgeons (BAPS).
If you'd like to explore the possibility of having surgery in the United States, it may be an idea to contact the American Society of Plastic Surgeons to discuss the potential cost. Bear in mind that you will also have to factor in the cost of travelling to America.
BUPA advises people to avoid having surgery abroad because "the standards of care can be very different to the UK and you could have problems if something goes wrong". However, if you decide to go ahead and have the operation, make sure your consultant is qualified and registered with the relevant regulatory body, no matter where you are.
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