Bargain Cosmetic Surgery – Are Online Voucher Deals Really Offering You The Best Option?Published on 12th August 2013
Over the past 12 months, a worrying trend has arisen in UK Cosmetic Surgery, which leading Plastic Surgeons are becoming increasingly concerned about, this being the upturn in patients using online vouchers and deals for their potential surgery.
Although cosmetic surgery in the UK appears to be booming despite difficulties in the current economic climate, the amount of men and women opting for aesthetic wrinkle smoothing injections, dermal fillers along with nip and tuck operations has continued to increase.
As surgical procedures and treatments are costly, certain websites such as Wowcher and Groupon have spotted an opportunity to offer significant discounts on treatments, in return for the potential patient subscribing to their database and receiving their deals. Members then receive enticing offers on a daily basis, ranging from half price hotel rooms, holidays, spa days to laser hair removal. Initially, these beauty deals may appear to be an appealing way to look better at a low cost; but at what cost is this really?
Customers buying a voucher normally have to make an immediate payment to purchase the deal, which can then be redeemed in a clinic or salon later for the procedure. Many health organisations, from both the UK and across Europe, have condemned such offers and sites promoting discounted cosmetic procedures.
Leading Liverpool Cosmetic Surgeons have commented that they are opposed to such promotions due the the fact that from a safety aspect, offering discounted cosmetic surgery is potentially unsafe for the patient. One reason for this is the fact that there is no way of researching the clinic or Cosmetic Surgeon prior to the deal, as most reputable Plastic Surgeons would recommend. In addition to finding information on the surgeon, there is no way to ensure that the staff who work along side the practitioner are trained to the appropriate level. A prime example of this is that Botox and other injectable fillers such as Juvederm, should only be performed by highly experienced and fully trained nurse or doctor, plus the treatment should take place in a registered facility.
One such discount website is reported to have offered Botox treatments for 70% less than the national average. Any such treatment should be taken with extreme caution in terms of the authenticity of the product used at such a discounted price, plus the qualification of the person administering such a low cost treatment. Unfortunately the public appear to be unaware of the risks associated with such treatments in the hands of an inappropriate person.
The British ASA (Advertising Standards Authority) recently ruled against an advert which offered Breast Augmentation (Boob Job) or Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) for £1,999 instead of the average cost of £4500 to £5,000. The stipulation for this deal was that the purchase had to be made by midnight that same day. The ASA decided that this pressure of time was “irresponsible” and forced customers to make a quick decision, without undertaking the necessary recommended research on the surgeon or cosmetic surgery clinic.
The economic downturn seems to have resulted in many clinics resorting to such voucher sites, hoping to boost and enhance business, however contemplating cosmetic surgery should never be taken lightly. Allegedly, clinics which subscribe to such offers are vetted thoroughly to make sure they offer a high quality of service. The cut-price price deal may look fantastic, but the fact of the matter is that you do normally get what you pay for….., and for the sake of your health you should investigate everything thoroughly and make your decision to have treatments based on quality advice, not the price or the allure of attractive offers. If a Breast Augmentation procedure is advertised at a fraction of the average UK price, a potential patient would really need to question the quality of the implants which could be used in respect of the price paid, and also the quality and quaIification of the surgeon involved.
Liverpool Cosmetic Clinic cannot express strongly enough the importance of researching your surgeon, understanding the risks and benefits, along with the after care and location at which any proposed treatment is to be performed.
Call Melissa today for honest and factual advice, or to arrange a consultation: 07793 738456
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