A study published in CDC’s Emerging Infectious Diseases journal highlighted growing concern around adverse outcomes from travel-associated cosmetic procedures.
The findings “underscore the need for patients considering medical procedures abroad to fully understand the potential health risks and consult their healthcare professionals before traveling.”
The study reviewed reports from 2014-2024 involving “U.S. residents who experienced infections or other complications after traveling, both within and outside the U.S., for cosmetic procedures.” Researchers identified “21 reports involving approximately 145 patients with adverse outcomes, including infections, associated with both domestic and international surgery centers and clinics. Many of the investigations involved patients from multiple states, demonstrating the complexity of detecting and responding to healthcare-associated outbreaks connected to medical tourism.”
Postsurgical infections were reported in “20 consultations, including 12 cases involving suspected or confirmed nontuberculous mycobacteria infections. Most consultations (14) were linked to surgery centers or clinics, and four consultations involved patient deaths.” Infection prevention and control assessments conducted “during one domestic and one international investigation identified significant deficiencies in environmental cleaning, personal protective equipment use, hand hygiene practices, and surgical equipment reprocessing.”
CDC emphasizes the need for “stronger surveillance systems, continued collaboration between healthcare providers and public health agencies, and proactive patient education. These measures are critical to identifying adverse outcomes early and implementing effective prevention strategies.”
