Medical Tourism Includes Cosmetic Surgery in the Philippines

Cosmetic Surgery Generates Medical Tourism in the Philippines

We often hear the phrase, "beauty is only skin deep.”  The phrase generally refers to the more superficial views on beauty and how people tend not to look beyond the surface of another person to find his or her inner beauty.  These days, the phrase “skin deep” can be taken literally, with a few incisions and skillful placements during cosmetic surgery in places like the Philippines where medical tourism is booming.    

An added benefit to medical tourism is that people seeking plastic surgery can do so with minimal financing.  In the Philippines for example, plastic surgery financing is but a fraction of the cost in the United States. If the idea of becoming beautiful or more beautiful isn’t enough for glamour seekers, the dramatic reduction in plastic surgery financing costs should seal the deal.   

Cosmetic Surgery Helps Redefine Beauty in the Philippines

Cosmetic surgery in the Philippines allows people to have their beauty enhanced or even fabricated.  Florencio Lucero, president of the Philippine Association of Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeons is more affectionately known as “the dean of plastic [or cosmetic] surgery in the Philippines.”  He defines beauty as “generally good physical appearance.”  He continues with, “good proportion and symmetry will greatly affect one’s appreciation of a beautiful person….Youthful appearance therefore is an important determination of beauty.”  Lucero is revered for his work on politicians, celebrities, and various members of the Filipino business community.  

Top Cosmetic Surgeon Endorses Medical Tourism

Lucero is also an advocate for medical tourism.  According to Lucero, the medical tourism phenomenon began with plastic surgery in the Philippines.  He says, “I want people in other countries to recognize that the Filipino surgeon is world class.”  As the lure of a deeper-skinned beauty attracts more seekers of cosmetic surgery to the Philippines, Lucero’s dream may come true.  Until then, he plans to “continue to offer training programs to plastic surgeons [in the Philippines] and abroad.”  Through cosmetic surgery in the Philippines or other countries that foster medical tourism, beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder…of the blade. 

Source:  Dinna Chan Vasquez, “The Kindest Cut of All,” Manila Standard Today, January 15, 2007