The increasing popularity of'medical tourism' for cosmetic surgeries abroad has led to a rise in the number of people seeking such surgeries, with over three million people globally each year. However, the potential savings comes with risks, such as hair transplants in Turkey that can cost as little as $4,000 to $5,000, compared to $20,000-$30,000 in the US. Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Sheila Nazarian of California highlighted the dangers of this trend, particularly the lack of safety regulations in popular destinations like Mexico and Turkey. She also highlighted reports of non-medically trained staff performing procedures like hair transplant transplants. In the US, medical school graduates can legally perform cosmetic surgeries, even if they didn't receive specialized training for these procedures during residency. Aftercare, post-operative care, which can be difficult or difficult to manage when a doctor is in a different time zone or if clinic disappears shortly after the procedure, is another crucial factor in the success and safety of a cosmetic procedure. Nazarian recommends paying whatever amount necessary to ensure quality treatment. Samuel Golpanian, M.D., a Beverly Hills plastic surgeon, said he has seen an increasing number of patients undergoing cosmetic procedures abroad, sometimes with “devastating consequences” with complications including infections, poor wound healing, significant scarring, and skin death.