Cosmetic surgery is becoming "acceptable" in the UK. The plethora of personal makeover and cosmetic surgery programmes on UK television has helped to fuel a boom in cosmetic surgery. Whereas, five years ago, major UK healthcare providers such as BUPA and BMI Healthcare only dabbled in the cosmetic surgery market, they are now taking the business very seriously and have seen year on year growth of around 25% to 30%.
Sainsbury's Bank estimates that every day, around £1.8 million is spent on cosmetic surgery. It estimates that this year, in the UK, over £5 million will have been taken out in personal loans for cosmetic surgery, and around a fifth of this will be in loans for men. The average size of loan for cosmetic surgery is around £6,500. Mintel estimates a 240% growth during the period 2001 - 2006, and predicts that by 2009 British adults will be making a trip to the cosmetic surgeon at least a million times a year
This is good news for medical tourism providers. The low cost of cosmetic surgery abroad will expand the market by providing a solution for those who could not otherwise afford treatment.
Cosmetic surgery currently represents around 50% of the enquiries that we receive at Treatment Abroad.
Date published: 1 Dec 2006
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