Paying the Price for Beauty Abroad: Khoula Hospital's experience with complications following aesthetic procedures performed overseas, 2013-2023.

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the types and outcomes of complications arising from aesthetic surgeries performed abroad and subsequently managed at Khoula Hospital, Muscat, Oman.

Methods: This retrospective study included patients who presented with post-aesthetic surgical complications after undergoing procedures outside Oman from January 2013 to December 2023. Data were extracted from Khoula Hospital's electronic health records, focusing on demographics, procedures performed, types of complications and outcomes, including admissions and surgical interventions.

Results: A total of 191 patients with 488 recorded encounters were included. The most common procedures done overseas were abdominoplasty (50.8%), lipectomy (29.3%) and breast surgeries (17.8%); Iran was the most frequent destination (60.7%). The predominant complications included wound infections with gapping (36.1%), seromas (20.4%), cellulitis (11.0%) and abscesses (5.8%). Severe cases required intensive care unit admission, reconstructive surgeries or prolonged length hospital stay. Nearly half of the admitted patients required surgical intervention with 20.0% necessitating critical care.

Conclusion: Aesthetic tourism poses substantial risks, with infections and wound complications being the most common postoperative issue. These findings highlight the need for public education, improved regulation and stronger follow-up systems to minimise adverse outcomes and reduce the hidden burden on the local healthcare system.