A study published in the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal on June 2 highlights an increase in adverse outcomes among individuals undergoing cosmetic procedures related to travel. The report emphasizes the importance of understanding potential health risks and consulting healthcare professionals before seeking medical care abroad.
“More and more people are getting medical procedures outside the United States, but there are risks,” said Kiara McNamara, DNP, BSN, AGPCNP-BC, a CDC nurse epidemiologist and lead author of the study. “It is essential for patients to be informed and prepared before making decisions about seeking cosmetic surgery abroad.”
The research reviewed reports from 2014 to 2024 involving U.S. residents who experienced infections or other complications after traveling within or outside the country for cosmetic surgeries such as liposuction, abdominoplasty, breast augmentation, and gluteal augmentation. Out of 2,162 total CDC consultations reviewed during this period, 34 involved patients who traveled specifically for medical care.
Researchers identified 21 reports involving approximately 145 patients with adverse outcomes connected to both domestic and international surgery centers or clinics. Many investigations included patients from multiple states, illustrating challenges in detecting and responding to outbreaks associated with medical tourism.
Reported adverse events ranged from postsurgical infections—20 consultations reported these complications, including 12 suspected or confirmed nontuberculous mycobacteria infections—to patient deaths in four consultations. Most cases were linked to surgery centers or clinics; infection prevention assessments found significant deficiencies in cleaning practices, personal protective equipment use, hand hygiene practices, and surgical equipment reprocessing at both domestic and international sites.
The CDC recommends stronger surveillance systems, continued collaboration between healthcare providers and public health agencies, and proactive patient education as key measures for early identification of adverse outcomes and effective prevention strategies.