Nip-tuck tourists drawn to Penang for better looks.

Date: 17 December 2012

Nip-tuck tourists drawn to Penang for better looks.

GEORGE TOWN: They are not just coming to this state for the sun and the surf. Affordable surgical procedures in Penang continue to draw “nip and tuck” tourists seeking to enhance their looks.

Consultant plastic, reconstructive and cosmetic surgeon Dr Lee Kim Siea said the cost of cosmetic surgery in Malaysia was at least 50% lower than in Singapore. “Surgery in South Korea and China do not come cheap either, although South Korea is cheaper than Singapore. The cost of cosmetic surgery depends on the materials used. All the same, doing a good, proper job is important,” said Dr Lee.

For example, he said a facelift would cost between RM10,000 and RM20,000 in Malaysia while in Singapore the cost could go up to RM50,000.

Dr Lee sees between 150 and 180 patients a month, of which 20% are foreigners. His foreign patients are mainly Indonesians and Japanese expatriates. Dr Lee said among the surgeries offered were for double eyelids, botox injections, liposuction, breast augmentation and enlargement, and facelifts, adding that his foreign patients kept him updated with their new looks by sending him their pictures through e-mail.

Tony Leong, director of Beautiful Holidays, a company that offers combination packages for medical holidays in Penang, said clients would also bring their families for a holiday. He added that 80% of their clients were from Britain, Australia and New Zealand. Leong said the company arranged for lodging and transportation from the airport to the hotel and post-surgery doctor visits.

By JOSEPHINE JALLEH josephine@thestar.com.my

Copyright © 1995-2012 Star Publications (M) Bhd