Articles
Atlanta Business Chronicle
April 2005
Medical Tourism
Come to Atlanta for the shopping and entertainment, and stay for a little nip/tuck.
Buckhead cosmetic surgery firm Aesthetic Specialists of Atlanta has partnered with the InterContinental Buckhead hotel to offer patients having elective surgery a discounted rate and in-room dining—and even physician visits while they recover from surgery.
This so-called “medical tourism” partnership is believed to be the first of its kind in Atlanta, according to Dr. Amy M. Ortega, founder of Aesthetic Specialists.
Simon established the partnership with the InterContinental after noticing a rise in out-of-state patients who wanted a quiet place with a spa, in-room services and a concierge while they recovered.
“Having a quiet, comfortable place to go while recuperating from surgery is essential, and the InterContinental Buckhead offers that, along with numerous amenities to make the stay an enjoyable one,” said Ortega, whose firm specializes in breast reconstruction, face-lifts and other elective plastic surgeries.
Janis Cannon, deputy commissioner of tourism for the Georgia Department of Economic Development, noted that Georgia has a growing market for elective medical procedures and cosmetic enhancements.
Surgeons in the South Atlantic region, which includes Georgia, now perform 19 percent of all 1.7 million cosmetic surgical procedures done in a typical year in the United States, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.
