Why consider Argentina for cosmetic surgery?

A vast country full of natural wonders with the Iguazú Falls located in the jungle on the Brazilian/Argentine border in the north and endless glaciers dominating the south there is no doubt that Argentina is a country of diversity, and a very exotic destination.  Possibly most famous for sultry tango dancing and succulent steaks, Argentina’s latest incarnation is as cosmetic surgery hot spot as it draws visitors from all over the world and an increasing number from the UK who are taking advantage of treatments costing a third of what they would pay in England.  Nestled next to Chile to the west, Uruguay, Paraguay, Brazil and Bolivia to the east and north, the Argentine Republic is the second largest country in South America with a population consisting mostly of Spanish and Italian descendents.  Argentina comprises 33 provinces including part of Tierra del Fuego (an archipelago located in the south) and boasts some of the world's tallest mountains, deserts, national parks, waterfalls as well as lively cosmopolitan cities like Buenos Aires. 

The capital, Buenos Aires, is located on the east next to Uruguay and frequently hosts international symposiums on plastic surgery to promote the very latest surgery developments and technology.  Like its South American neighbours in Brazil and Venezuela, looking good is very important to the Argentine people and consequently there is no shortage of plastic surgeons.  Board certified surgeons generally train and qualify in the US and are fluent in English.  Medical technologies are advanced but the prices remain low due to the currency devaluation in 2002.  Many cosmetic surgery clinics are located in Buenos Aires, a city with an artistic European influence, stunning architecture and warm and friendly locals known as ‘porteños’ - literally people of the port. 

Medical centres in Argentina are equipped with the latest American and European technology and Argentina has one of the highest medical standards in South America.  By way of a price comparison, a medical tourist package for nose surgery (rhinoplasty) including eight to ten night’s hotel accommodation can cost just £1,300.  In the UK this would cost between £3,000 and £4,000 so substantial savings are made, not least because day-to-day expenditures such as public transport, dining out and shopping are also extremely reasonable.

Argentina is home to the highest peak in the Americas; Aconcagua (the highest mountain outside of the Himalayas) on the western border yet nearly half of the country is grasslands and savannah and the Pampas (grasslands) are home to the ‘Gaucho’, the local horse-riding cowboys.  Most patients choose to do their exploring and travelling pre-surgery so that they can rest and recuperate afterwards.  Must-sees include a visit to the famous Iguazú waterfalls in Misiones where five thousand cubic meters of water descend from 70 meters high creating a mesmerising spray of colours and rainbows in the sky.  Horseback trekking in the Andes (which extend over seven countries), is another popular activity and if you are a big meat eater then you will be right at home in the restaurants as Argentine beef is world renowned.  Argentina is in fact the world’s fourth largest wine producer so it is no surprise that steak and red wine is considered the national dish.  Try Parillas mixta (mixed grill) or an Asado (an outdoor bbq) then if you feel game enough sample the celebrated local daily drink – the Mate (pronounced mattay) - a bitter green tea brewed from the yerba plant from the north east and drunk communally through a straw!

Spanish is the official language but in the tourist areas people speak English and you will probably also hear some Portuguese, French or Italian.  The climate is subtropical in the northeast, temperate in the central region, arid and semi-arid and cold in the south and along the mountains.  Buenos Aires has a mild and pleasant temperature and the best time to visit is the spring or autumn when the weather is sunny and mild.  The seasons are in total polarity with Europe so winter takes place from June to August and summer from December to March.  In general, the summer is the best time to visit Patagonia and the Southern Andes because of the mild temperatures and long days.  Wintertime is recommended for travelling to the North and Northwest as rains are less frequent and tropical temperatures drop a few degrees.

Photos courtesy of  the Official ArgentinaTurismo website

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