Cosmetic Holidays, QUEENSLAND
Airing Date: Aug 14th, 2006
The Growth of a New Travel Industry. Medical tourism is an emerging trend in the travel industry combining cosmetic procedures with rest and relaxation holidays.
Thailand and Malaysia are offering the cheapest cosmetic holidays but there are local alternatives, as close to home as the Gold Coast. But if the thought of going under the knife is a bit extreme for you, Medispas are offering cosmetic makeovers of the non-surgical kind, in a health spa environment. While Medispa holiday packages aren't common yet, the appeal of having a non-invasive face lift while on holiday may be a trend of the future. In Australia, treatment for cosmetic surgery or dentistry can be costly which has lead to operators like Gorgeous Getaways offering a 'beauty getaway' combining elective surgery with a holiday for a fraction of the price.
Statistics from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare show that women are still the biggest consumers of cosmetic surgery. In the 2002/2003 financial year 7022 women underwent cosmetic surgery while only 757 men went under the knife for the same year (1 man to every 10 women). Gorgeous Getaways is the first company in Australia and the UK to specialise in surgery holidays. The destinations they offer are Queensland, Malaysia and Thailand. Cosmetic holiday packages to Malaysia and Thailand are cheaper than surgery in Australia because of the low cost of living, low taxes, favourable exchange rate and low-cost post-surgery care in these countries.
Cairns and the Gold Coast are the two Australian holiday destinations for Gorgeous Getaways. Destination packages range from 10-14 days, depending on the number of surgical procedures patients are having done at the same time. A single treatment such as a breast augmentation includes a min. 10 night 5-star accommodation package and ground transfers. All procedures have a compulsory 1-night stay in hospital but the patient can be up and walking around after 3 days, depending on the treatment
Geared towards complimentary medicine and alternative health practices, Medispas offer traditional therapies along with new non-surgical cosmetic procedures. All practitioners are professionally trained and are governed and operated under the appropriate licensing or regulating bodies. Medispas exist to support and complement traditional medical practices to deliver ongoing patient care. The concept is very new to Australia and Medispas are growing out of existing beauty salons and traditional relaxation day spas.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Cosmetic Holidays Package from $10 000 a person, price includes taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Includes 10 nights accommodation at Quality Resort Twin Towns, single surgery procedure & surgeon.
www.gorgeousgetaways.com
Prices correct at 14/8/06
Medispa makeover $250 a person, price includes taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply. Save 25%. Valid to 30/9/06. Includes 3 treatments & detox infrared sauna.
Touched By An Angel Nails Beauty and Slimming Spa - PH: 07 5532 3400
Prices correct at 14/8/06
Jetstar one way to Gold Coast from
$59 ex Sydney
$99 ex Melbourne
$109 ex Adelaide
Prices available online and include surcharges, fees & taxes, subject to fluctuation. Conditions apply.
www.jetstar.com
Prices correct at 19/7/06
Queensland Tourism - www.tq.com.au
The Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons - www.plasticsurgery.org.au
The Australasian Society of Cosmetic Medicine - www.cosmeticmedicine.org.au
Quality Resort Twin Towns - www.twintowns.com.au
