Plastic surgery in India has become a major draw for international patients seeking high-quality care at affordable costs. Whether you’re considering body contouring, breast surgery, rhinoplasty, or facial reconstruction, India offers access to advanced surgical techniques, skilled specialists, and internationally accredited hospitals.
However, traveling across borders for any surgical procedure requires thorough preparation. Here are ten essential things to know before you travel to India for plastic surgery:
1. India Has Globally Trained Plastic Surgeons
Many plastic surgeons in India have trained in the UK, US, Germany, Japan, or Australia. Before you choose a surgeon, verify their qualifications—look for certifications from recognized national boards like the Association of Plastic Surgeons of India (APSI) or the Medical Council of India (MCI), and international fellowships in reconstructive or aesthetic surgery.
2. You Must Schedule an Online Consultation First
Before booking your flight, schedule a video consultation. This helps establish your surgical goals, assess whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure, and clarify logistics such as downtime, required stay, and follow-up care. You should also share your medical history and recent lab reports in advance.
3. Understand the Realistic Recovery Timeline
While flight bookings often focus on surgery dates, recovery needs more attention. For procedures like tummy tuck or gynecomastia surgery, you may need to stay in India for 10–21 days, depending on the extent of the procedure and how you heal. Returning home too soon may put you at risk for complications, especially if follow-up isn’t possible remotely.
4. Surgical Facilities Are on Par With International Standards
Many Indian hospitals and private clinics are NABH or JCI accredited, with advanced operating rooms, infection control protocols, and post-op care. Always ask where the surgery will take place—ensure it’s a licensed surgical facility, not a basic clinic or unregistered center.
5. The Cost Advantage Is Real—but Know What’s Included
India offers a significant cost benefit, with surgeries often priced 50–70% lower than in North America or Europe. However, confirm what’s included: pre-op investigations, anesthesia charges, hospital stay, compression garments, medications, and follow-up visits. Ask for an itemized quote.
6. You Need Medical Travel Insurance or a Contingency Plan
While complications are rare, they can happen. International patients should consider medical travel insurance that covers surgical issues abroad or have emergency funds set aside for unexpected hospital stays or interventions. Clarify what happens if revisions or follow-ups are needed.
7. Pre-Operative Health and Lifestyle Matter
Plastic surgery is elective but still a medical procedure. If you smoke, have uncontrolled diabetes, are overweight (BMI above 30), or are on blood thinners, your risk of complications increases. You may be advised to optimize your health for 4–6 weeks before surgery for better outcomes and faster healing.
8. You’ll Need a Valid Medical Visa
Most patients enter India on a Medical Visa (M Visa), not a tourist visa. It is relatively easy to obtain if you have a formal consultation letter and treatment plan from the surgeon or hospital. Some patients from visa-exempt countries may be eligible for short-term elective treatment on a tourist visa, but this should be confirmed with the Indian consulate.
9. Post-Surgical Follow-Up Can Be Managed Remotely
Once you return home, your surgeon may continue to monitor your progress via video calls, photos, and reports. Ensure you know how to reach them and whether they have a digital system in place for remote follow-up. Ask how wound healing, suture removal, and concerns like fluid collection will be addressed once you’re no longer in India.
10. Plan for Comfort, Not Tourism
This is not a vacation. Your stay should be planned around rest, hygiene, and recovery. Choose a hotel or service apartment close to the hospital with clean facilities, good food, and space for rest. Avoid planning tourist activities or extended travel post-surgery. Your body needs time to heal, and avoiding unnecessary stressors helps prevent infection or complications.
Undergoing plastic surgery in India can be a safe and cost-effective option if you prepare properly. The most successful outcomes happen when patients choose qualified surgeons, follow pre- and post-operative instructions, and allow adequate time for healing before traveling home.
If you’re considering traveling to Bangalore for surgery, we’re happy to guide you through the process from virtual consultation to recovery support.
About Dr. Karan Shetty
Dr. Karan Shetty is a board-certified plastic, aesthetic, and reconstructive surgeon based in Bangalore, with over a decade of surgical experience. Trained in Germany, Japan, and Spain, he specializes in body contouring, mommy makeovers, liposuction, tummy tucks, and aesthetic breast surgery. As Chief Consultant at Tara Healthcare, he is known for delivering natural-looking, safe, and transformative results.
Contact Tara Healthcare
Phone: +91 77607 00133
Email: info@drkaranshetty.com
Location: No. 681, Ground Floor, 10th A Main Road, 4th Block Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560011