Kiwis are splashing out hundreds of thousands on overseas beauty and medical treatments, as they look to find not only more affordable options but also more experienced surgeons.
One of New Zealand’s leading companies for cosmetic surgery abroad, Beautiful You Holidays, says the sector is ‘still alive and kicking’. The company’s bdm Paula Vernon says Kiwis are going overseas for cosmetic surgery for a multitude of reasons, including affordability and more experienced surgeons. Patients stay in hospital a lot longer and have a schedule of post-operative appointments, she adds.
Despite common belief, she says the market is not all 20-something year olds getting implants, with significant demand from Kiwis for weight loss surgeries and then body lifts. “We’ve had a lot of people who opt to have bariatric surgery,” says Vernon. Gender reassignment surgeries are also said to be increasingly popular. While Beautiful You Holiday, she adds.
. . . Resorts
A number of resorts are also cashing in on this trend, offering more in-depth treatments at their spas. The Soneva Soul spa at the Soneva Fushi and Jani properties in the Maldives now features a stem cell centre which offers a range of treatments ranging from stem cell injections to stem cell IV infusions, which help reduce inflammation, promote tissue regeneration and improve immune function. Prices range from USD6000 to USD25,000. There’s also properties such as The Hadley Hotel in London and the Canyon Ranch in Tucson where clients will find botox, fillers, microneedling and more. A growing number of cruise lines too are also adding medi-spa treatments to their offering.