People who go abroad for medical operations are taking a “significant risk”, a leading plastic surgeon has warned. 

With the cost of surgery so high in Ireland, many people desperate for life changing procedures - such as bariatric surgery - seek out alternatives overseas that come with a lower price tag. 

Despite the risk involved, on The Pat Kenny Show, Dr John Curran said he could understand why anyone would be tempted abroad. 

“We probably don’t hear much about the success stories,” he said. 

“We only hear about the horror stories but to be fair there are horror stories and when they’re bad, they’re really potentially quite bad. 

“Obviously, price is a huge consideration and I wouldn’t take away from that, I absolutely appreciate why people are sensitive on price - it makes sense.” 

A patient on a hospital in hospital. Image: Federico Neri / Alamy Stock Photo

One clear advantage to having an operation in Ireland, Dr Curran continued, was that it reduces the risk. 

“Complications happen after surgery, that doesn’t mean somebody’s done something wrong or there’s been a bad surgery,” he said. 

“Complications, both major and minor, are just part of the consent process and what can happen. 

“You’re many hours flight away from the surgeon who has given the procedure, that’s a real problem. 

“Because you’re going to struggle to find anyone who is happy, willing, enthusiastic to take you on.” 

Demand for plastic surgery is currently high and Dr Curran said he turns away those who he believes are not suitable candidates. 

“I would definitely have people attend to whom I would not offer a procedure,” he said. 

“Or I definitely have people attend who might ask for one thing and we end up agreeing to do a different version of that or a less adventurous ambitious version of that, for example. 

“So again, it’s about counselling the patient; it’s about assessing them and figuring out what’s actually possible and what’s appropriate and coming to a conclusion.” 

Worldwide, the cosmetic surgery industry is expected to be worth $59.45 billion (€55.25 billion) to the global economy by the end of the decade.

Main image: An operation taking place.