CTV News Feature: Breaking Down The Risks of Medical Tourism

In recent years, medical tourism, traveling outside Canada for cosmetic or medical procedures, has become increasingly common. Lower prices, shorter wait times, and attractive vacation-style marketing can make overseas surgery seem appealing. However, as Canadian physicians are seeing more often, the risks are real, and in some cases, life-altering.

A recent CTV News investigation highlights the serious consequences that can arise when procedures performed abroad go wrong.

When Cost Savings Come at a High Price

One Canadian patient, Nicole Gregorov, traveled to Costa Rica for a cosmetic “mommy makeover.” What was expected to be a routine surgery resulted in severe sepsis, ultimately leading to the amputation of her fingers and toes. Her case is extreme—but not isolated.

Canadian plastic surgeons, including Dr. Cory Goldberg, report seeing a growing number of patients returning from overseas surgery with complications. While many issues are not immediately life-threatening, they can be permanent, difficult to correct, and emotionally distressing.

Different Standards, Different Risks

Medical standards, patient screening protocols, and surgical products can vary widely between countries. Some overseas clinics may approve patients for surgery who would not meet safety criteria in Canada due to factors such as weight, underlying medical conditions, or overall surgical risk.

In addition, materials used, such as implants, sutures, or medications, may differ from those approved or commonly used in Canada. Once a procedure is done, many outcomes cannot be reversed.

The Critical Importance of Follow-Up Care

One of the most overlooked aspects of cosmetic surgery is long-term follow-up care. Proper healing, monitoring, and adjustments often take months, not days. When patients return to Canada shortly after surgery, their original surgeon is no longer available to manage complications.

As a result, Canadian physicians are frequently left to manage infections, wound breakdowns, poor cosmetic outcomes, or internal complications—without having been involved in the original procedure.

Impact on Patients and the Healthcare System

When complications occur, care often falls to Canada’s public healthcare system. Hospital admissions, imaging, drainage procedures, and extended treatments can place a significant burden on resources—and more importantly, on the patient’s health and quality of life.

While seeking affordable care is understandable, patients should be fully informed of the potential consequences before making decisions that cannot be undone.

Making Informed, Safe Choices

Choosing where—and with whom—to have surgery is one of the most important decisions a patient can make. Safety, surgeon qualifications, regulatory oversight, and access to follow-up care should always outweigh cost alone.

Canadian-trained, board-certified surgeons operate under strict standards designed to protect patient safety, before, during, and long after surgery.

Watch the Full CP24 Coverage

To better understand the realities and risks of medical tourism, watch the full CTV News segment here:

If you are considering cosmetic surgery and have questions about safety, eligibility, or long-term care, speaking with a qualified Canadian surgeon before making decisions abroad can help protect both your health and your outcome.