A Five Minute Safety Check In with ASAPS President, Dr Lily Vrtik
Earlier this year at the Ageless Radiance Club in Brisbane, Dr Lily Vrtik delivered one of the most important sessions of our entire program. Clear, unflinching and deeply committed to patient welfare, she brought sharp focus to the hidden risks and realities of cosmetic tourism. Since then, many women have asked for a distilled version of her key messages. This short five minute safety check in with the President of the Australian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons brings her core insights into view.
Why has overseas cosmetic surgery become such a concern?
“It has always been a serious concern due to the increased risk of health and safety issues that may occur during or after surgery.” Dr Vrtik notes that more than 15,000 Australians travel overseas for surgery annually, with complications commonly linked to delayed diagnosis, lack of follow-up and long-haul travel too soon after an operation.
What drives Australian’s to take the risk?
“The issue is more complex than price alone.” She points to aggressive marketing, influencer promotion and the absence of Australian-style advertising restrictions overseas. Many patients don’t realise these procedures are available locally because “overseas providers are not bound by Australian laws, allowing them unrestricted advertising, often without warnings or disclaimers”.
What protections do patients lose?
In many destinations, regulations simply do not match Australia’s standards. “Some countries lack sufficient regulations and safeguards to stop dangerous surgical practices.” For many women, the most distressing part is returning home with no recourse and no ability to access their surgical records.
How can patients verify a surgeon overseas?
They often cannot. “It is almost impossible to navigate the local healthcare system or verify the reputation, safety and standards of local providers.” The title “surgeon” is not protected in many countries, leaving room for individuals to masquerade as qualified practitioners.
There’s a frightening reality of not getting the specialist you thought you paid for. What is a ghost surgeon?
“A ‘ghost surgeon’ is when the surgeon performing a surgery is not the person the patient was told would be operating.” She describes it as a complete breach of trust and a dangerous practice when the operative surgeon may be unqualified.
What complications are most common with offshore procedures?
Immediate issues include “deep vein thrombosis, swelling, fluid accumulation, infection, and wound breakdown” often linked to flying too soon. Mid and long-term problems relate to poor technique or poor patient selection, leading to asymmetry, ineffective surgery or chronic infections. The core problem is lack of follow-up. “If management is delayed… some of these complications can lead to permanent issues in both cosmetic results and general health.”
What about antibiotic-resistant infections?
There is a significant risk. Overseas patients may be exposed to “a local bacterial strain that is antibiotic-resistant”. These infections are often detected only after returning home and may be life threatening.
What realities of recovery are missing from social media?
“Compliance during the recovery period is paramount.” Recovery takes time, patience and rest. Results often take “3-6 months” to become clear, something rarely acknowledged online.
What questions should every woman ask before surgery?
Dr Vrtik encourages a detailed, unhurried conversation covering surgeon qualifications, accredited facilities, risks, alternatives, postoperative care, costs, prosthetics and long-term considerations. Women should never feel embarrassed to ask questions, no matter how minor.How can we make empowered decisions?
She urges Australians to reflect on their motivations. Ask yourself: “Why do I want to have surgery?” and “What am I hoping will change after surgery?” Research your surgeon, consult more than one expert and ensure facilities are licensed for cosmetic procedures.
