Aesthetic Travel: How Skin Care Tourism Redefines the 'Mom-cation' Trend
January 6, 2026
The landscape of wellness tourism is undergoing a significant transformation, with a notable increase in women seeking international destinations for advanced aesthetic treatments. This burgeoning trend, often fueled by social media visibility, extends beyond traditional medical tourism to encompass specialized skin care procedures.
Emerging Trends in Aesthetic Travel
One prominent example is Sophia Sparks, founder of GlowDecoded, who chose Turkey for a range of aesthetic enhancements to mark her 40th birthday. Sparks, based in Los Angeles, had previously invested substantially in various U.S. treatments, including lasers and peels, with limited success.
According to Sophia Sparks, founder of GlowDecoded, "I have struggled with persistent skin issues for most of my adult life and spent a lot of money working on improvement and seeing little difference."
Her decision to explore international options was driven by several factors:
Clinics abroad offered comparable procedures alongside innovative technology.
More personalized care models were available.
She experienced shorter wait times for appointments.
Pricing was highly competitive compared to the U.S. market.
During her trip to Turkey, Sparks underwent multiple non-surgical procedures aimed at addressing aging and skin laxity, including Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Skin Rejuvenation, Lumecca, BroadBand Light Photorejuvenation (BBL), Ultherapy, Botox injections, and skin-brightening IV drips. The total cost for these extensive treatments was approximately $1,200, a stark contrast to the estimated $10,000 or more they would cost in the States.
Sparks praised the comprehensive experience, noting, "The physicians were top-notch, the quality of care was personalized, and downtime was minimal. What would have taken multiple visits over multiple days was done with absolute efficiency within several hours over the course of a few days. After all my treatments, they put sunscreen on me, served tea and pastries, and I was good to go to enjoy my days." She added that the clinic ensured proper healing before her return flight, characterizing it as a "five-star experience."
Global Healthcare Destinations and Social Media Influence
This trend is not isolated to Turkey. Data from the Korean Ministry of Health indicates that nearly 1.2 million international patients from 202 countries sought aesthetic treatments in Korea in 2024. Sara Yoon, a Seoul-based mother of two, attributes Korea's popularity as a healthcare destination to increasing global interest in the country and the pervasive influence of social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
Sara Yoon, a mom of two based in Seoul, observed, "Fifteen years ago when I last lived in Korea, there were never this many tourists." She further explained, "Also, I think a huge factor is social media. It seems everyone is on TikTok or Instagram these days, and I think that's where a lot of people are learning about what's available in Korea."
Yoon, who manages a social media presence titled “Your Korean Glow Up Guide,” shares her own experiences with cross-border healthcare. In a viral July 2025 video, she detailed a procedure to remove undereye bags in Korea for just $1,500. This affordability, coupled with excellent results, prompted her to share her journey.
According to Yoon, "Doing any sort of cosmetic surgery always felt impossible or something I wouldn't even consider given the high cost in the States, but here in Korea everything was so much more affordable." Her video amassed one million views and over 850 comments, demonstrating significant interest in international patient travel for aesthetic procedures. Yoon highlights that these trips offer not only self-care and a