CHANDIGARH: The extreme makeover ofa UK national in Fortis hospital at Mohali in India has added new dimension to the medical tourism in India. Of late, the cosmetic surgey is also becoming very popular among the Indians though it is costly.

Dr.M.K.Kapoor a renowned cosmetic surgeon in Fortis hospital told Punjabnewsline.com that there was no denying the continued popularity of cosmetic surgery: people now are very interested in looking the best they can. As technology and surgical procedures improve, elective cosmetic surgery has become a viable option for more and more people.

He added that Often, when people begin to consider cosmetic surgery they become interested in several procedures for complete makeover. Now more people opt to combine procedures, saving costs and healing time periods. Extreme makeover or total body makeover consists of multiple cosmetic surgeries performed, in a short span, by a plastic surgeon to improve appearance and make one look younger.

Recent trends show that multiple cosmetic procedures are not only for the rich and famous.   According to the ASPS (American Society of Plastic Surgeons), the trend to have multiple procedures together in the same operative procedure is on the rise. The statistics from the ASPS found that in 2005, 38% of all patients had multiple procedures at the same time, up from 34% in 2004.  This trend is now catching up in India also.

Leslie B., 56, from UK arrived in India after doing a thorough research about Dr K M Kapoor and Fortis Hospital, Mohali. She had undergone a Face lift and Neck lift in Manchester, UK 2 years ago and was not happy with the results and wanted a revision surgery from an experienced Cosmetic Surgeon in India at affordable price. She had also planned about undergoing Tummy Tuck, liposuction and thigh lift for a complete makeover. She was assisted in her travel arrangements by Surgery Worldwide-Sahara Global.

Accordin to Dr.Kapoor, she arrived in Mohali on 22nd November, 2007 and all necessary tests were done. On 23rd November, she was operated upon for Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) with belly button reshaping and Thigh Lift procedure on both sides by Dr K M Kapoor, Head, Cosmetic surgery at Fortis hospital, Mohali. Her recovery was excellent and she was on her feet within 36 hrs. She was discharged from hospital after 4 days. She was again operated for Face lift and neck lift procedure along with liposuction of back rolls, on 3rd December. Again, she recovered very well from surgery.

She is very pleased with her new body and new look. “My Face lift and Neck lift surgery is simply fantastic this time. A revision surgery is always more difficult than the first time, but Dr Kapoor was exceptional in his work. Dr Kapoor has also done a very neat job in my tummy tuck procedure. I am feeling more confident about myself now”. All surgeries have cost her approx 3.6 lakhs rupees, while this treatment would have cost her more than 14 lakhs in UK.

She is also impressed with Chandigarh city especially the Rock garden and Rose garden. She is also taking this opportunity to visit Amritsar to see the Golden Temple, a perfect example of Medical tourism, where people combine medical treatment with leisure travel.

In order to have multiple plastic surgery procedures, it is imperative that you are in good health and have selected the right doctor. “This combination of procedures should only be done by Plastic Surgeons with proper training and vast experience in cosmetic surgery procedures. The role of skilled Anesthesiologist and good infrastructure is also very important” said Dr Ashok Chordia, COO and MD, Fortis Hospital, Mohali.

In the past, each desired procedure would require a separate operation. This meant that the patient would need multiple periods of time off from work, multiple recovery periods, and multiple surgical costs. "There are many advantages to combining procedures. Less overall recovery period and reduced surgery costs are two major gains, but perhaps the biggest advantage is faster and greater enhancement of their physical form and self image." said Dr K M Kapoor.