Lower plastic surgery pricing could keep patients out of Asia

The boom days of Australians traveling to Asia for cheap cosmetic surgery may be coming to an end as Australian plastic surgeons slash their prices.

Aussie doctors are offering cosmetic surgery priced competitively but also surgery that comes without the risks associated with overseas options, NewsCorp reported on Tuesday.

Claire Licciardo, who runs Cosmetic Holidays International in Queensland, acknowledged that cheaper options at home were cutting into the overseas market.

"The whole industry has responded to the cosmetic tourism market by bringing prices down," Licciardo said. "The consumer is the one who is winning," she said.

Australian Medical Association Queensland President Chris Zappala said it was encouraging to see cheaper options available in Australia.

"Patients often underestimate the seriousness of cosmetic surgery," Zappala said.

"Australian medical practitioners are some of the most highly trained and skilled doctors in the world and we urge patients not to put their lives at risk by having a procedure done in a country that isn't as well-regulated," he said.

Shay Farrell, 19, is an Aussie who opted to stay home to have cosmetic surgery. She recently underwent breast reduction surgery at Gold Coast Surgical Hospital after being quoted a cheaper price than some options in Asia.

"My out-of-pocket expenses were less than what I was quoted for the same procedure in Thailand and that didn't include flights," Farrell said.

"This way you know you're getting Australian medical industry standards and you have the comfort of having it done at home instead of having to travel and worry about what happens if something goes wrong."