Advice & Assistance

The true face of cosmetic tourism: when the illusion comes crashing down

Low-cost procedures, organized trips, instant results... Cosmetic tourism is becoming increasingly attractive. But behind these enticing promises lie far more worrying realities.

In Tunisia, Morocco, Turkey, and elsewhere, “all-inclusive” packages often conceal major risks:

• Standardized operations, without any real examination of the patient's medical history: an industrial model of surgery, far from being tailor-made;
• Rushed post-operative follow-up, often limited to a few days before a hasty return home;
• Hidden costs (poor-quality accommodation, transport, medication, or additional care not included) that quickly inflate the bill;
• An uncomfortable recovery in a foreign and impersonal environment, without the support of loved ones;
• And above all: an almost total lack of follow-up after the return, leaving patients alone to deal with their pain, concerns, or possible complications.

In this type of situation, patients often find themselves without a qualified medical professional who can take over their case and ensure continuity of care. However, no surgical procedure is without consequences, pain, or potential risks.

If a problem arises, who should they consult? Who will be able to respond seriously and competently?

Another reality that is too often overlooked is the lack of human connection. Far from home, in an impersonal system, it is difficult to feel heard, supported, or understood. Everything happens quickly, without a real bond of trust with the medical teams.

Wanting to save money at all costs can end up costing much more, both humanly and medically.
That is why we advocate a different, responsible, and local approach—right here in Dakar.