ArticleAesthetic surgery journal. Open forum2024
Unveiling the True Price: Assessing the Economic Impact of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism on a Single Tertiary Center in Bahrain.
Article in Aesthetic surgery journal. Open forum, 2024. The graph could read no effect estimate from its abstract, so it casts no vote on the map. Cited by 2 papers.
What it found
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The abstract states no effect estimate the extractor could read, or names no intervention and outcome on the map, so this paper lights no cell and moves no belief. It is still indexed, cited and linked below.
The trial behind it
Trials whose registry record cites this paper, or whose number appears in the abstract. A trial that started after this paper was published is citing it as background, not reporting it.
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Who cites it
2 citing papers in PubMed.
- Cosmetic Surgery in the Gulf Cooperation Council: Societal Shifts, Psychological Implications, and Policy Challenges: A Narrative Review.Iranian journal of medical sciences · 2026Review
- Gaps in public health surveillance of elective surgery: a national analysis of inpatient data, COVID-19 impact, and coding validity in Germany (2006-2023).Frontiers in public health · 2026Article
Corrections and comments
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Authors and funding
3 authors.
Funding
No grant is acknowledged in the PubMed record.
Abstract
Background: In light of the escalating cost of cosmetic surgery in Bahrain, the burgeoning "Cosmetic Surgery Tourism" sector has captured the attention of many Bahrainis. Neighboring countries aggressively promote affordable packages on numerous social media platforms, luring individuals with the allure of a vacation experience. However, insufficient postoperative care abroad has far-reaching implications that jeopardize both patient well-being and the integrity of the healthcare system. Objectives: This study aims to assess the present patterns of complications related to cosmetic surgery tourism and the resulting financial burden on the Bahraini healthcare system. Methods: A retrospective cost analysis and chart review were performed for all patients who presented with complaints associated with cosmetic surgeries between January 2018 and September 2023. After identifying patient demographics, procedure characteristics, admission data, length of stay, and intervention needs, a comprehensive cost analysis was conducted. Results: A total of 30 patients manifested complications. The complications associated with abdominoplasty were the most prevalent. Iran emerged as the most frequented destination, with Egypt and Turkey following in order of prevalence. Surgical-site infections constituted the most common complications. Required interventions included admission for intravenous antibiotics, hyperbaric wound care, implant removal, and critical care admission. The projected expense to the hospital was 65,970 BHD (175,000 USD), equating to an average expenditure of 2200 BHD (5852 USD) per patient. Conclusions: The allure of cost-effective cosmetic treatments often leads to complications that impose substantial economic burdens. The study concludes with policy recommendations to balance individuals' freedom to seek healthcare abroad with long-term sustainability and equitable access to Bahrain's healthcare system. Level of Evidence 5 Risk:
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Registered trials
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