Health: Share of Foreign Cosmetic Surgery Patients, by country
CountryShare of patients,
in %
ColombiaColombia30.0
TurkeyTurkey23.5
MexicoMexico20.0
ThailandThailand20.0
SpainSpain15.0
ArgentinaArgentina10.0
GreeceGreece10.0
U.S.United States of America7.5
RomaniaRomania5.0
IranIran5.0
IndiaIndia5.0
GermanyGermany5.0
BrazilBrazil5.0
U.K.United Kingdom5.0
JapanJapan4.0
ItalyItaly3.0
  • Region: Worldwide
  • Time period: 2022
  • Published: 2023

Data Analysis and Insights

Updated: Mar 27, 2024 | Published by: Statistico | About Us | Data sources

Colombia leads in attracting foreign cosmetic surgery patients

Colombia stands out with the highest share of foreign cosmetic surgery patients, capturing 30.0% of the international market. This significant figure underscores Colombia's global prominence in cosmetic surgery tourism, suggesting a well-developed medical infrastructure and international trust in its healthcare services.

Turkey and Mexico are key players in cosmetic surgery tourism

Turkey and Mexico hold substantial portions of the cosmetic surgery tourism market, with shares of 23.5% and 20.0%, respectively. Their combined share highlights them as major destinations for patients seeking cosmetic procedures abroad, likely due to a mix of cost, quality, and accessibility.

Thailand shares fourth position with Mexico

Thailand equals Mexico's market share, both countries attracting 20.0% of foreign patients for cosmetic surgery. This tie emphasizes Thailand's strong position in the global cosmetic surgery market, often attributed to its blend of high-quality healthcare services and attractive tourist destinations.

Spain leads European countries in cosmetic surgery tourism

Among European countries, Spain takes the lead with a 15.0% share of foreign cosmetic surgery patients. Spain's higher share compared to its European counterparts reflects its appealing combination of medical expertise and touristic appeal.

Argentina and Greece secure equal shares

Argentina and Greece both capture 10.0% of the market, placing them significantly on the map of cosmetic surgery tourism. Their equal shares indicate a competitive position against more dominant countries, likely driven by their specialized services and geographic appeal.

Lower market shares indicate diverse options for patients

Countries like the United States, Romania, Iran, India, Germany, Brazil, and the United Kingdom, each holding a share of 5.0% to 7.5%, depict a broad spectrum of options for patients. This diversity indicates that factors beyond mere cost, such as specific medical expertise and cultural preferences, play crucial roles in destination choice.

Japan and Italy represent smaller markets

Japan and Italy, with shares of 4.0% and 3.0% respectively, are among the countries with smaller portions of the cosmetic surgery tourism market. Their lower shares reflect a more niche appeal or possibly higher domestic demand reducing their focus on international patients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which country attracts the most foreign cosmetic surgery patients?

Colombia leads in attracting foreign cosmetic surgery patients, holding 30.0% of the international market.

Which countries are leading players in the cosmetic surgery tourism market?

Turkey and Mexico are key players in the cosmetic surgery tourism market, holding shares of 23.5% and 20.0% respectively.

Which countries have lower shares in the cosmetic surgery tourism market?

Countries such as Japan and Italy have smaller market shares, holding just 4.0% and 3.0% respectively.

Terms and Definitions

Cosmetic surgery refers to surgical procedures aimed at improving or altering the appearance of specific parts of the body. These procedures may be invasive or non-invasive, and while not medically necessary, are often undertaken for psychological, aesthetic, or other personal reasons.

Health tourism, also known as medical tourism, is a concept where individuals travel to a foreign country to seek medical care or procedures, including cosmetic surgery. The reasons behind health tourism can range from cost-effectiveness, access to certain procedures unavailable in their home country, or desire for privacy.

Invasive procedures are surgical operations that require incisions or the insertion of medical instruments or other foreign material into the body. These procedures typically carry a risk of infection, require some sort of anesthesia, and have longer recovery times.

Non-invasive procedures involve treatments that do not require an incision or the insertion of instruments into the body. These procedures often have less risk, lower costs, and shorter recovery times compared to invasive procedures.

A medical practitioner, or healthcare professional, is a person who is certified to provide preventive, curative, and rehabilitative healthcare services to patients. They include a range of professionals such as doctors, nurses, and surgeons.

Clinical outcome refers to the result of medical treatment or procedure. This term is often used to evaluate the effectiveness and success of a treatment or procedure and can include factors such as recovery time, patient survival rate, and post-surgery complication rates.

The healthcare system is the organization of people, institutions, and resources that deliver healthcare services to meet the health needs of a population. It includes healthcare providers, insurers, policy-makers and the mechanisms through which these components interact.

Post-operative care involves the management and monitoring of patients after a surgical procedure. It is a critical part of the surgical process and is designed to prevent post-surgery complications, aid in recovery, and ensure the effectiveness of the procedure.
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