Medical tourism has been filled with controversy and continuing interest. Medical tourism is the outsourcing of healthcare services. What typically comes to mind when a medical tourism is mentioned is the cosmetic surgery.

Plastic surgery is an increasingly popular procedure in the states. However, plastic surgery is also a costly procedure. Since most plastic surgery is not covered by insurance, the prices include the surgeon's fee, the anesthesia fee, the operating room fee, and the implant fee (should their be an implant). For example, the average cost of breast augmentation with silicone is $6000-8000. The average cost for the ever popular rhinoplasty (nose job) is $5000-6000.

Many Americans are willing to go overseas for cosmetic surgery. Medical tourism is very popular where the exchange rates are low or where the dollar is stronger. Cosmetic surgery abroad typically takes place in areas, such as Panama or the Philippines. For example, in Costa Rica, the average cost for a rhinoplasty is $1500.

If you're considering medical tourism, please take into account the risks that medical tourism may entail. Make sure that the doctor is even qualified to do the procedure on you. Also find out if the doctor has had success with other patients in the states. You cannot risk a careless doctor. Cosmetic surgery is still surgery, which means you should make sure that the doctor has the proper facilities to help you heal. In any cosmetic surgery, you run the risk of not healing properly, so it's important to take that into account.