Medical Tourism Statistics: Cosmetic Surgery Worldwide, Thailand, and Travel Abroad (2026)
The International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS) estimates 17,415,678 surgical and 20,535,686 non-surgical procedures worldwide in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons (2024 survey). For Thailand, it estimates 146,585 surgical procedures.
Procedures, people and visits have different counting units. Keep those labels with the figures when citing them. See how to cite this page.
Key medical tourism and cosmetic surgery numbers
ISAPS is the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. ASPS is the American Society of Plastic Surgeons. BAAPS is the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons. The Thai health ministry figures come from its joint survey with the Bank of Thailand. Sources read 3 November 2026.
- 17,415,678 surgical aesthetic procedures were estimated worldwide in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; 2,975 surgeons globally.] Source #
- 20,535,686 non-surgical aesthetic procedures were estimated worldwide in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; 2,975 surgeons globally.] Source #
- 146,585 surgical aesthetic procedures were estimated in Thailand in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; global sample: 2,975 surgeons.] Source #
- 50,920 non-surgical aesthetic procedures were estimated in Thailand in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; global sample: 2,975 surgeons.] Source #
- 29,260 eyelid operations were estimated in Thailand in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; global sample: 2,975 surgeons.] Source #
- 2,115,360 eyelid operations were estimated worldwide in 2024, the leading cosmetic surgery among plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; 2,975 surgeons globally.] Source #
- 2,087,189 liposuction procedures were estimated worldwide in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; 2,975 surgeons globally.] Source #
- 7,887,955 botulinum toxin procedures were estimated worldwide in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; 2,975 surgeons globally.] Source #
- 6,338,184 hyaluronic acid procedures were estimated worldwide in 2024, performed by plastic surgeons. [ISAPS; 2024; 2,975 surgeons globally.] Source #
- 1,523,330 cosmetic surgical procedures were estimated in the US in 2025. [ASPS; 2025; data representing more than 3,000 board-certified plastic surgeons.] Source #
- 317,196 liposuction procedures were estimated in the US in 2025. [ASPS; 2025; data representing more than 3,000 board-certified plastic surgeons.] Source #
- 304,234 breast augmentation procedures with implants, including revisions, were estimated in the US in 2025. [ASPS; 2025; data representing more than 3,000 board-certified plastic surgeons.] Source #
- 26,840 cosmetic surgical procedures were reported by 237 BAAPS members for 2025. [BAAPS; 2025; submissions from 237 members.] Source #
- 30,515 million baht in foreign-patient treatment revenue (all departments) came from responding Thai hospitals. [Health ministry/Bank of Thailand; 2023; 43 responding hospitals.] Source #
- 36,728 million baht in foreign-patient treatment revenue (all departments) came from responding Thai hospitals. [Health ministry/Bank of Thailand; 2024; 46 responding hospitals.] Source #
How to read medical tourism and cosmetic surgery statistics
A procedure count measures treatments performed. A patient count refers to people, while a patient-visit figure counts visits; market estimates describe the monetary value assigned to a defined market.
Use the publisher's definition and data year. A publication dated 2026 can describe treatment years earlier, as the England review does for patients treated between 2006 and 2024.
For its 2024 survey, ISAPS invited approximately 17,000 plastic surgeons and received data from 2,975 surgeons. It projected the totals using the respondent sample and estimates of practicing plastic surgeons in each location. Read 3 November 2026.
Those totals are survey estimates. The country reports below keep their publishers' scope.
Cosmetic procedures worldwide, by source and country
The American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) reports US figures. The British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) publishes its UK audit, while the Australasian College of Cosmetic Surgery and Medicine (ACCSM) publishes an Australian survey release.
| Source and geography | Figure as printed | What it counts | Year covered | Scope |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ISAPS, worldwide | 17,415,678 | Surgical aesthetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons | 2024 | Survey projection |
| ISAPS, worldwide | 20,535,686 | Non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons | 2024 | Survey projection |
| ISAPS, worldwide | 37,951,364 | ISAPS total, surgical and non-surgical | 2024 | Published survey projection |
| ASPS, United States | 1,523,330 | Estimated cosmetic surgical procedures | 2025 | National projection from data representing more than 3,000 board-certified plastic surgeons |
| BAAPS, United Kingdom | 26,840 | Cosmetic surgical procedures reported by participating BAAPS members | 2025 | Submissions from 237 BAAPS members |
| ACCSM, Australia | more than 500,000 procedures | Annual cosmetic-procedure volume stated in its survey release | Annual statement; reference year unspecified | Statement accompanying a survey |
| ACCSM, Australia | more than $1 billion | Annual spending stated in the same release | Annual statement; reference year unspecified | Source's dollar notation retained |
ISAPS estimates describe procedures performed by plastic surgeons. Its methodology notes that changes in participating locations and procedure categories affect comparisons between years. Read 3 November 2026.
In Thailand, ISAPS estimates 146,585 surgical and 50,920 non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons in 2024. Eyelid surgery led the surgical ranking at 29,260 procedures. These estimates cover procedures performed in Thailand, not a count of medical tourists. Read 3 November 2026.
ACCSM says PureProfile conducted a nationally representative survey of 1,000 respondents on its behalf (survey release). Keep that sample description with its survey responses; the annual procedure and spending statements are separate claims in the release.
The most common cosmetic operations worldwide and in the United States
The following rankings belong to different surveys and years. ISAPS covers worldwide procedures performed by plastic surgeons in 2024; ASPS reports US operations in 2025. Both publish projected totals. The ASPS estimates use member-surgeon data, CosmetAssure data and a national claims dataset. Sources read 3 November 2026.
Worldwide surgical procedures, 2024
| Rank | Procedure | Estimated procedures | Population and year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Eyelid surgery | 2,115,360 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 2 | Liposuction | 2,087,189 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 3 | Breast augmentation | 1,658,615 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 4 | Scar revision | 1,156,446 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 5 | Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) | 1,083,631 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 6 | Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck) | 1,036,236 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
Worldwide non-surgical procedures, 2024
| Rank | Procedure | Estimated procedures | Population and year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Botulinum toxin | 7,887,955 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 2 | Hyaluronic acid | 6,338,184 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 3 | Hair removal | 1,487,130 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 4 | Non-surgical skin tightening | 1,239,306 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 5 | Chemical peel | 820,225 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 6 | Full field ablative treatment | 752,717 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
| 7 | Non-surgical fat reduction | 702,836 | Worldwide, plastic surgeons, 2024 | ISAPS |
US cosmetic operations, 2025
| Rank | Procedure | Estimated procedures | Population and year | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Liposuction | 317,196 | US, ASPS estimates, 2025 | ASPS |
| 2 | Breast augmentation (implants, primary and revision) | 304,234 | US, ASPS estimates, 2025 | ASPS |
| 3 | Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) | 173,251 | US, ASPS estimates, 2025 | ASPS |
| 4 | Breast lift | 156,131 | US, ASPS estimates, 2025 | ASPS |
| 5 | Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) | 118,978 | US, ASPS estimates, 2025 | ASPS |
For published treatment charges, see the Thailand plastic surgery price list.
Thailand medical tourism statistics, with the definition beside the number
KResearch is a commercial research firm; its forecasts retain that label even after the forecast year has passed.
| Publisher | Figure as printed | What it describes | Year covered | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KResearch | approximately 3.07 million (patient/visit) | Foreign-patient visits to Thailand | 2024 | Commercial forecast published 27 October 2023: may reach this level |
| KResearch | approximately THB57 billion | Private hospitals' revenue from foreign patients | 2024 | Commercial forecast: may reach this level |
| KResearch | THB76.5 billion | Thailand's cosmetic surgery and aesthetic medicine market | 2025 | Commercial projection published 25 February 2025 |
| Thai health ministry and Bank of Thailand | 30,515 million baht | Foreign-patient treatment revenue across all departments of responding hospitals | 2023 (BE 2566) | 43 responding hospitals out of 90 surveyed; response-only total |
| Thai health ministry and Bank of Thailand | 36,728 million baht | Foreign-patient treatment revenue across all departments of responding hospitals | 2024 (BE 2567) | 46 responding hospitals out of 96 surveyed; response-only total |
The Department of Health Service Support, Ministry of Public Health, and the Bank of Thailand publish these Medical Hub surveys. The response-only totals above include all departments of the hospitals that replied. They are broader than spending by people traveling specifically for cosmetic surgery. Sources read 3 November 2026.
Thai title on the Medical Hub listing: “ผลการสำรวจรายรับค่ารักษาพยาบาลผู้ป่วยต่างชาติปี 2566”. Translation: “Foreign-patient treatment revenue survey results for BE 2566 (2023).” 2023 report, page 5.
Thai title on the Medical Hub listing: “ผลการสำรวจรายรับค่ารักษาพยาบาลผู้ป่วยต่างชาติปี 2567”. Translation: “Foreign-patient treatment revenue survey results for BE 2567 (2024).” 2024 report, page 6.
Medical tourism market-size estimates are estimates, not patient counts
Grand View Research publishes monetary estimates for the global medical tourism market. Its cosmetic-segment percentage measures revenue share within that market.
| Figure as printed | What it measures | Year covered | Attribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| USD 34.0 billion | Global medical tourism market value | 2025 | Grand View Research estimate |
| USD 38.6 billion | Global medical tourism market value | 2026 | Grand View Research estimate |
| 24.2% | Cosmetic segment's share of market revenue | 2025 | Grand View Research estimate |
For a market-size citation, retain the firm's name and the currency. For a procedure-volume citation, use the relevant society's procedure count and data year.
People traveling abroad for cosmetic surgery: US, UK, and Australian evidence
The Australian survey asks about previous overseas cosmetic surgery and willingness to repeat it. The US and UK studies below describe people reported with adverse outcomes or treated after surgery abroad.
| Home country and source | Figure as printed | What it counts | Year or study window |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australia, ACCSM | 3% | Survey respondents who had cosmetic surgery overseas and would do so again | Past travel; travel year unspecified |
| Australia, ACCSM | 3% | Survey respondents who had cosmetic surgery overseas and would not do so again | Past travel; travel year unspecified |
| United States, McNamara et al. | about 145 | Cosmetic-procedure travelers involved in 21 consultations in a US report of CDC consultation records; includes domestic and international travel | 2014 to 2024; published 2026 |
| United Kingdom, England et al. | 265 | Cosmetic-surgery patients treated for postoperative complications in the review's National Health Service (NHS) hospital cases | 2006 to 2024; published 2026 |
The Australian percentages belong to the 1,000-person survey.
When requesting a national travel total, ask which residents it counts, whether travel was specifically for cosmetic surgery, and which year it covers. Ask whether repeat trips count separately.
Complications after cosmetic surgery abroad: named studies, not a single rate
Each row below describes one study. The population column identifies who entered it, including patients presenting with complications and consultations about adverse outcomes.
| Study and design | Population, country and period | Finding as printed | How to cite it |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alkaelani et al., Annals of Plastic Surgery, 2023; one systematic review | Patients presenting with complications after cosmetic procedures abroad; literature search on 18 October 2022 | 44 studies; 589 patients | A review of reported complication cases |
| England et al., BMJ Open, 2026; one rapid review | Patients treated in UK NHS hospitals after elective surgery abroad, 2006 to 2024 | 35 case series and case reports; two surveys; 655 patients, including 265 cosmetic-surgery patients | The 655 total includes other types of elective surgery |
| McNamara et al., Emerging Infectious Diseases, 2026; one descriptive report of CDC consultation records | US residents traveling domestically or internationally for cosmetic procedures, 2014 to 2024 | 2,162 consultations reviewed; 21 involved about 145 cosmetic-procedure travelers; 17 consultations concerned international travel and four domestic travel | Consultation counts and travelers are separate units |
| Res et al., ANZ Journal of Surgery, 2026; one retrospective series | 24 patients presenting to Westmead Hospital, New South Wales, Australia, after overseas cosmetic surgery; two periods within 2022 to 2024 | Surgery destinations: Turkey, 13 of 24; Thailand, 3 of 24; wound dehiscence, 45.8%; infection, 41.7%; seroma, 20.8% | Percentages among this hospital's complication cohort |
| Mafi et al., Cureus, 2026; one retrospective observational study at a single center | Patients attending a UK tertiary center after cosmetic procedures abroad; 2026 publication. | 749 patients screened; 29 included; 58 hospital presentations; 48.3% of presentations were repeat presentations | Patients and repeat hospital attendances have different denominators |
In the England review, Turkey was the most common surgery destination (61%). For cosmetic surgery, infection and wound dehiscence, meaning an incision reopening, were the most commonly reported complications.
Res and colleagues reported a median 3.8 weeks between surgery and presentation at the Australian hospital. Their series includes patients whose surgery took place in Thailand, with all complication percentages reported for the full hospital cohort.
When citing a percentage, state the group it describes.
What these statistics mean for someone flying to Thailand
For an individual consultation, ask the surgeon about the proposed operation and the follow-up plan. The NHS advises asking where follow-up appointments will happen and what happens if further surgery is needed.
The NHS says standards abroad might differ.
The NHS says overseas clinics may offer no follow-up treatment, or treatment at a different standard from the UK.
| Guidance source | Timing | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| NHS cosmetic surgery abroad guidance | 5 to 7 days | Recommended period without flying after procedures such as liposuction and breast surgery |
| NHS cosmetic surgery abroad guidance | 7 to 10 days | Recommended period without flying after facial cosmetic procedures or tummy tucks |
| BAAPS September 2023 guidance | 1 to 2 weeks after surgery; further follow-up between 6 weeks and 6 months | Recommended follow-up windows |
BAAPS also gives group-specific destination-stay recommendations labeled expert opinion (guidelines). Ask your surgeon which group applies to your operation and how that affects your travel dates.
BAAPS says appointments for interventions such as stitch or drain removal should be arranged before discharge (guidelines). For questions about the treatment pathway, see plastic surgery packages in Thailand.
Clinics cannot pay to be listed or ranked higher on AsiaPatient.
Frequently asked questions
How many cosmetic procedures are performed worldwide?
ISAPS estimates 17,415,678 surgical and 20,535,686 non-surgical aesthetic procedures performed by plastic surgeons worldwide in 2024. These are projected procedure totals from its survey.
What is the most common cosmetic operation worldwide?
Eyelid surgery led the ISAPS 2024 surgical ranking, with an estimated 2,115,360 procedures. Botulinum toxin led its separate non-surgical ranking, with 7,887,955 procedures.
How many international patients visit Thailand for treatment?
KResearch's forecast, published in 2023, said foreign-patient visits may reach approximately 3.07 million in 2024; retain the patient-visit unit when citing it.
Does Thailand publish medical tourism statistics?
The Ministry of Public Health and Bank of Thailand report 36,728 million baht in foreign-patient treatment revenue (all departments) for 2024 (BE 2567), across 46 responding hospitals. This is a revenue figure, not a patient count. Medical Hub survey, page 6.
How many Americans, Britons, and Australians travel abroad for cosmetic surgery?
For Australia, ACCSM reports two separate 3% response groups in a 1,000-person survey: past travelers who would repeat it and those who wouldn't. For the US and UK, the McNamara report of CDC consultation records and England review count adverse-outcome consultations and hospital-treated patients, respectively.
For a national annual total, request a count defined by home country, reason for travel and year. Keep survey responses and complication-treatment populations labeled as such.
What is the complication rate for cosmetic surgery abroad?
The studies describe selected groups with complications or adverse outcomes. For example, infection affected 41.7% of the 24 patients in the Australian Res series; that percentage belongs to the hospital cohort described above.
How to cite this page
Cite: AsiaPatient. Medical Tourism Statistics: Cosmetic Surgery Worldwide, Thailand, and Travel Abroad (2026). Updated 3 November 2026. https://asiapatient.com/plastic-surgery-thailand/statistics/.
You can quote any figure on this page with a link to this page or to the figure's own line.
When repeating a statistic, also cite the original source linked beside it and retain its data year, population and estimate or forecast label.
Read next
- Plastic Surgery Thailand Price List by Procedure (2026)Thai plastic surgery prices from six hospitals' and clinics' own pages: breast, nose, face, eyelids, liposuction, tummy tuck, buttocks, and what each includes.
- Thailand Plastic Surgery Packages: What's Included (2026)What a Thailand plastic surgery package includes, line by line: Bangkok Hospital, Yanhee and Rattinan beside CosMediTour, Destination Beauty and the listings.
- Plastic surgery in Bangkok: hospitals, prices and the tripWhich Bangkok hospitals do cosmetic surgery, what each prints for prices, and how long to plan to stay.
- Plastic surgery in Phuket: hospitals and pricesWhich Phuket hospitals do cosmetic surgery, what each prints for prices, and how a Phuket trip compares with Bangkok.
Get Quotes From Thai Hospitals in Writing
Tell us the procedure, your budget and your dates, and any hospitals you are considering.
Get My Free Quote →Free, no obligation. Nothing goes to a clinic without your OK.