Liposuction and Plastic Surgery Information - Liposuction patients need to haggle in Morocco

Liposuction patients need to haggle in Morocco

Saturday, 09 December 2006

Patients travelling to Morocco for cheap plastic surgery and liposuction are finding that the traditional practice of haggling over prices isn't limited to the souk, but goes on in the many plastic surgery clinics sprouting up in the country.

While the country has seen a dramatic increase in the number of cosmetic surgery procedures performed, from liposuction to breast augmentation, most patients would be surprised to find out that the price that they pay for a procedure will most likely be different to that paid for the same procedure by the patient in the next room.

The growth in plastic surgery in Morocco has been driven by its proximity to Southern Europe, the improving standards of medical care in its private clinics, and the growing affluence of the local population. Moroccan culture places a strong emphasis on physical beauty and, as they have become wealthier and more influenced by international trends, the population has embraced plastic and cosmetic surgery enthusiastically.

"Cosmetic surgery has become a solution for many people. In the past, it was restricted to the elite. Today it has become accessible to people from all layers of society," said sociologist Abou al Mahacine Ali.

However, unlike other destinations that promote plastic surgery to overseas patients, Moroccan clinics will not expect all patients to pay the price quoted in the brochure. Thailand, which is the most popular destination for overseas cosmetic surgery procedures such as liposuction and breast augmentation, has a simple pricing structure that includes the cost of the surgeon, anaesthesiologist, nursing staff and accommodation. In Morocco, by contrast, liposuction can cost between 10,000 and 40,000 dirhams ($1,180 to $4,720). The prices do not depend solely on the size of the treatment area and number of areas to be treated, as in most countries, but also on how good a negotiator you are.

In a country where a seller rarely expects the buyer to actually agree and pay the opening price, the culture of haggling extends to plastic surgery clinics, and the prospective patient should expect to do a little haggling to get the best deal. That said, prospective patients should not choose a plastic surgery clinic on the basis of price alone, and should also be aware of the risks involved in undergoing cosmetic surgery while abroad.

However, for patients wishing to haggle and, hopefully, get a bargain, here is a rough guide to the prices that you can expect to pay for the most common procedures. These prices are for the procedure itself and immediate aftercare, but do not include travel or accommodation costs.

Cost of liposuction and cosmetc surgery in Morocco

Procedure	Price range ($US)
Liposuction	1,200 - 4,700
Breast Implants	2,350 - 3,500
Facelift	3,000 -4,000
Face and neck lift	3,000 - 4,200
Eyelid rejuvenation	1,000 - 1,500
Rhinoplasty	600 - 2,000