According to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Americans spent nearly $10.7 billion on cosmetic procedures in 2010. More than $6.6 billion of that total was spent on surgical procedures including breast augmentation, liposuction, eyelid surgery, tummy tucks and other common surgeries.

Many of these procedures cost thousands of dollars when performed by licensed, board-certified plastic surgeons. Is it pricey? Yes, but most of those who choose these qualified professionals usually feel that, in the end, the high cost is worth it, considering the permanent result and the fact that these procedures are serious surgeries with the potential, however slight, of complications.

Regardless, many people around the world simply cannot afford to alter their appearance here in the United States. Some turn to unlicensed surgeons who practice in back-alley offices or apartments here in the U.S. to realize their dreams of an enhanced look without spending thousands of dollars.

Others turn to foreign doctors who perform surgeries in upscale, modern facilities in countries such as South Africa, Brazil, Venezuela, the Dominican Republic and Thailand, but at a fraction of the cost.

This phenomenon is known as plastic surgery tourism, and experts say it's becoming increasingly popular given the tough economic times in the U.S. and abroad.

The ease of finding information on the internet makes plastic surgery tourism easier than ever. Add in a doctor that seems to be well-qualified, a state-of-the-art facility and an exotic, relaxing destination and many information-seekers are quickly booking their trip.

But experts say buyer beware. Many of these doctors and facilities are not all they're advertised to be.

"It's really is scary to me that someone would get on an airplane and fly to a foreign country where there's no resort to help if there's a problem," a US plastic surgeon told Dateline NBC regarding plastic surgery tourism.

While there are no statistics available about problems arising from plastic surgeries performed outside of the U.S., complications such as serious infections and even death are not unheard of, according to the Huffington Post.

No matter where you decide to have a plastic surgery procedure, experts advise asking a lot of questions and doing your research before going under the knife.