Travelling overseas for cosmetic surgery can be tempting. Lower prices, packaged accommodation and procedures promoted on social media can make treatment abroad appear straightforward. However, cosmetic surgery is still surgery and when complications occur overseas the consequences can be medically, emotionally and legally difficult to manage.
Recent reports about Australians travelling overseas for cosmetic procedures highlight why it is important to understand the risks before proceeding, particularly where a procedure is new, emerging or promoted heavily online.
One procedure attracting attention is rib contouring, also called rib recontouring or rib remodelling.
What is rib contouring?
Rib contouring is a relatively new cosmetic procedure designed to create a narrower waist. According to a recent Sydney Morning Herald report, some techniques involve weakening and deliberately fracturing the lower ribs before repositioning them.
While some early studies have reported favourable short-term results, experts cited by the Herald have warned that long-term evidence remains limited. Potential complications discussed include collapsed lung, blood around the lung, nerve injury, infection and problems with bone healing.
That uncertainty makes careful research particularly important before considering a new or emerging cosmetic procedure.
The risks of cosmetic tourism
A recent 60 Minutes investigation reported the experiences of several Australian women who travelled to Thailand for cosmetic surgery and said they were left with significant complications, scarring or unexpected outcomes.
One woman reportedly required five further operations after returning from Thailand. Others described undergoing multiple procedures during the same overseas trip and experiencing results they had not expected. The overseas provider featured in the report said patient safety and quality of care were priorities, acknowledged that complications can occur and disputed aspects of the criticism directed at it.
These reports highlight an important issue: when surgery takes place overseas, the regulatory standards, complaints processes, aftercare arrangements and legal remedies available to a patient may be very different from those in Australia.
Before cosmetic surgery: what should you check?
Whether the procedure is being considered in Australia or overseas, patients should not rely only on social media, testimonials, before-and-after photographs or an influencer’s experience.
Before proceeding, consider:
- Who will actually perform the procedure? Research the individual doctor, not just the clinic or company.
- What are their qualifications? Ask about specialist training and experience with the particular procedure.
- What is their track record? Ask about complications, revision surgery and how frequently they perform the procedure.
- What happens if something goes wrong? Understand who will provide aftercare and how complications will be treated once you return to Australia.
- Are you being rushed? Be cautious about pressure to add procedures, make large payments or proceed shortly after arriving.
- Do you understand the risks? Ask about alternatives, recovery, long-term effects and the realistic outcome you can expect.
What protections apply in Australia?
Medical practitioners practising in Australia must be appropriately registered. The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (Ahpra) maintains a public register that allows patients to check a practitioner’s current registration status, qualifications and relevant registration information. Registration confirms that a practitioner is registered to practise, but patients should still make their own enquiries about the practitioner’s experience, qualifications and suitability for the particular procedure.
Australia also has specific Medical Board of Australia guidelines for doctors performing cosmetic surgery. Among other safeguards, patients seeking cosmetic surgery must generally have an independent referral or psychological assessment where required, undergo appropriate consultation and assessment, and have a cooling-off period of at least seven days before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.
These Australian requirements do not automatically apply to a doctor performing surgery overseas.
What if cosmetic surgery goes wrong?
If negligent cosmetic surgery was performed overseas, pursuing compensation from Australia can be difficult. The applicable law, practitioner regulation, evidence requirements and enforcement options will generally depend on the country where the treatment occurred. This is also true of the standards expected of surgeons and surgery – they may well be lower than Australians are entitled to expect in Australia. .
Claims arising from overseas treatment can be complex and would likely need legal advice in the country where the procedure occurred.
However, if you have suffered an injury following cosmetic surgery or other medical treatment performed in Australia, you may have rights to compensation where the treatment fell below an appropriate standard of care and caused you harm.
At The Law Office of Conrad Curry, we assist people who have suffered injuries arising from cosmetic surgery and medical negligence in Australia. We offer No Win, No Fee arrangements for eligible medical negligence claims.
If you are concerned about cosmetic surgery or other medical treatment you received in Australia, contact our team to discuss your circumstances and whether you may have a potential medical negligence claim.