Recurrent Clinical Burden and Cost of Cosmetic Surgery Tourism Complications: A Five-Year Retrospective Study From a UK Tertiary Centre

Introduction Cosmetic surgery tourism can result in postoperative complications requiring management within publicly funded healthcare systems. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical and financial burden of complications following cosmetic surgery performed abroad at a UK tertiary centre, including repeat presentations and comprehensive resource utilisation. Methods A single-centre retrospective observational study was conducted at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Birmingham, between 2020 and 2025. Patients presenting with complications following cosmetic procedures performed abroad within 12 months were identified through electronic patient record screening. Data were collected at the level of individual hospital presentations and included demographics, procedures performed, complications, healthcare utilisation, and cost. Cost analysis was performed using HRG4+ tariff mapping, the National Schedule of the National Health Service (NHS) Costs, and NHS Drug Tariff data. Descriptive statistical analysis was undertaken. Results A total of 749 patients were screened, yielding 29 patients accounting for 58 hospital presentations. Patients were predominantly female (96.6%) with a mean age of 42.3 years. A total of 61 procedures were performed abroad, most commonly in Turkey (82.8%). Common complications included wound infection, seroma, dehiscence, and necrosis, with venous thromboembolism also observed. The mean inpatient length of stay was 9.2 days, with 27 theatre interventions performed. Nearly half of all hospital presentations (48.3%) represented repeat presentations following an earlier complication-related attendance. The total cost across all presentations was £518,058.47, with a mean cost of £17,864 per patient. Cost per presentation ranged from approximately £46 to £57,691. Conclusions Complications following cosmetic surgery performed abroad impose a significant and recurrent burden on NHS services. When broader presentation-level costing and repeat presentations are considered, the financial impact appears greater than previously reported, although differences in costing methodology may partly contribute. These findings highlight the importance of improved patient awareness, informed decision-making, and systems-level measures such as enhanced patient information and more consistent data collection relating to cosmetic tourism complications.