Plastic Surgery in Thailand: Safe or Seriously Risky?

by April Maguire

These days, everyone is looking for deals on products and services, and prospective plastic surgery patients are no exception. And while it’s only natural to want to shop around for that nose job or round of Botox, buyers should beware when it comes to pursuing plastic surgery in other countries. After the recent deaths of two patients who underwent plastic surgery procedures in Thailand, experts are questioning whether or not it’s safe to seek medical treatments overseas.

Understanding the Trend

Medical tourism refers to the practice of traveling to another country to undergo procedures at a lower price point. One of the top medical tourism destinations worldwide, Thailand earned an astonishing $4.31 billion from the industry in 2013 alone, according to News.co.au. However, not all medical professionals feel that seeking surgery abroad is a safe practice.

Unauthorized Doctors

How qualified is the person performing your plastic surgery? Unlike the US, Thailand allows general-practice doctors to perform plastic surgery procedures. While patients may pay a lower rate, they aren’t necessarily getting treatment from someone with expertise in the procedure in question. In the coming years, the Medical Council will likely require GPs in Thailand to undergo specific training in surgery. In the mean time, patients should beware of pursuing treatment from unauthorized physicians overseas.

Improper Supplies and Facilities

Another problem with pursuing plastic surgery in countries like Thailand is the lack of high-end supplies and modern treatment centers. From using lower-quality breast implants that leak to not having the necessary medications on hand, overseas clinics don’t always provide the same standard of care as those in the US and Europe. In fact, two surgical patients recently died in Thailand from allergies to the anesthetic agents used by their doctors. According to some medical experts, the patients may well have survived had doctors responded quicker or the surgery center been better equipped.

Of course, not every botched surgery results from poorly trained doctors or inadequate medical facilities. Some patients have preexisting conditions that can affect the outcomes of their procedures and even cause dangerous complications. Before going under the knife for any procedure, it’s important to undergo a thorough medical exam by your GP. Additionally, you should research potential doctors carefully and inquire about possible side effects of treatments. The last thing you want to do is shell out money for a surgery that is less than what you desire.

If you or someone you know would like to learn more about plastic surgery, please feel free to schedule a consultation or contact one of our representatives today!

Featured Provider Near You

Skin SpaClinic

Related Articles

Julie Chen's Open Revelation About Plastic Surgery
Men Turning to Dad Bod Surgery
Meghan Markle Has Become a Favorite Plastic Surgery Touchstone
Iggy Azalea's Plastic Surgery
Summer is Primetime for Student Plastic Surgery
The Newest Way to Get Amazing Lips
Hot Plastic Surgery Trends
Beware of Plastic Surgery Advice on Social Media
Real Housewives of New York Star Underwent Plastic Surgery for Reunion
Plastic Surgery for a Buff Physique
Don't Waste Your Time And Money: Protect Yourself From These Common Health Scams
Does Marijuana Cause Male Breast Enlargement?
The Rise of the Mommy Makeover
Kylie Jenner Gets Rid of Lip Fillers
Tips for Men Looking to Get Plastic Surgery
Does a Mohs Procedure Require Follow-Up Plastic Surgery?
When Kids Need Plastic Surgery
Record Number of Men Getting Plastic Surgery
Young Stars of Love Island Go Under The Knife
More Men Are Craving Plastic Surgery
Man Wants to Turn Himself Into Space Elf Via Plastic Surgery
Non-Invasive Procedures Becoming More Popular in Korea
Where You Live May Affect The Type of Plastic Surgery You Choose
What Cosmetic Enhancements Can You Get to Your Belly Button?
The History of Kim Kardashian's Plastic Surgery
How Snapchat is Shaping Cosmetic Enhancement
Danielle Lloyd Plastic Surgery Rumors
Social Media Affecting Plastic Surgeons
Do You Want to Look Like Your Partner? It's a Hot New Plastic Surgery Trend
Most Searched Plastic Surgery Procedures by State
Customer Service in the Vein Industry: Satisfaction Drivers for Vein Treatment Services
Millennial Males Are Turning to Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery is Safer Than Ever
What Teens and Their Parents Should Know When Considering Plastic Surgery
The Impact of Kim Kardashian on the World of Plastic Surgery
Rejuvenate Your Life with Vaginoplasty
Sylvester Stallone Looks Terrific: Is Plastic Surgery The Reason?
The Rise of Blood-Infused Cosmetic Enhancement
Artificial Intelligence is Transforming Plastic Surgery
Five Tips for Finding The Right Plastic Surgeon
If You're Planning Plastic Surgery in South Korea, You May Not Have to Leave the Airport
Can Plastic Surgery Help You Earn More Money?
Modern Family Star Speaks Out Against Plastic Surgery Body-Shaming
The Newest Plastic Surgery: Crazy Thighlighting
The Non-Surgical Butt Lift
What You Need to Know About The Mommy Makeover
The Latest Plastic Surgery Trends
Top Plastic Surgery Trends of 2017
Predicting The Biggest Plastic Surgery Trends of 2018
Plastic Surgery on the Rise in Turkey
Kardashian Matriarch Sports New Look, Sparks Plastic Surgery Rumors
The Newest Cosmetic Surgery Trend: Earlobe Restoration
Katy Perry Plastic Surgery Rumors
Back to Basics: Everything You Need to Know About Vein Treatment
Doctor Donates Plastic Surgery Expertise to KFC Girl
New Procedure could Alleviate Migraines, but what do Neurologists Think?
The 'Eternal' Joan Rivers Dies at 81
Paging Dr. C-3PO: Robotic Microsurgery Gaining Steam
AARPretty: Retirees Investing in Plastic Surgery
From Eyelash Transplants to Thigh Gaps: Unusual Trends in Plastic Surgery
Baby, All I Want for Christmas is Plastic Surgery
Surgeons Preserve Racial Differences with Ethnic Plastic Surgery
Double Take: The Many Reasons for Double-Eyelid Surgery
Like Mother, Like Daughter: Farrah Abraham's Mom Debuts a New Face
Plastic Surgery in Thailand: Safe or Seriously Risky?
Nose Jobs in the 6th Century BC: All Pain, Minimal Gain
Plastic Surgery Tourism in South Korea: Lots of Perks and Lower Costs
Do Your Homework Before Undergoing Plastic Surgery
They Like Big Boobs and They Cannot Lie: Brazil's Plastic Surgery Boom
Despite Budget Defecit, School District Covering Plastic Surgery for Teachers
Should Miss Universe Contestants Be Allowed Plastic Surgery?
Boy with 'Devil Hands' Undergoes Corrective Surgery
Human Ken Doll No. 2: UK Man Spends $250K to Transform Self into Barbie's Beau
Reconstructing Hope: Plastic Surgery for Disfigured Veterans
The Exciting Technological Advances in Plastic Surgery
Study Shows Comestic Procedures Rose Over 200 Percent By 2015
Butt Augmentation on the Rise Thanks to Kim Kardashian
Is Google Glass the Future of Surgery?
Glamour on the Gaza Strip: Cosmetic Surgery Surprisingly on the Rise
Australia Considering New Guidelines for Cosmetic Procedures
Ouch! Botched Circumcision Leads to World's First Successful Penis Transplant
South Korean Plastic Surgery TV Show a Big Hit
Demand Dominates Dubai: Plastic Surgery Still Growing
Can Plastic Surgery Change People’s Perception of You?
Botched Highlights the Ugly Side of Plastic Surgery
Television Reveals Ups and Downs of Plastic Surgery
Dermal Fillers at the Dentist? The Danger of Cosmetic Convenience
Plastic Surgeon Reeling In Patients Via Snapchat and Instagram
Plastic Surgery Trends of 2015: Butt Augmentation, Labiaplasty and More
10 Plastic Surgery Facts You Should Know
Bullied Kid Undergoes Plastic Surgery on His Ears
Children Undergoing Ear Surgery to Put a Stop to Bullying
The Ins and Outs of Plastic Surgery Seasonality
Five Ways To Improve Your Appearance Without Plastic Surgery
Five Ways to Save Money on Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery: Men Get It, Too!
French Couple Undergoes Intense Plastic Surgery To Look Like Barbie and Ken
What Celebrity Body Parts Are the Most Requested By Plastic Surgery Patients?
Can You Get Your Insurance to Cover Cosmetic Surgery?
Interest in Plastic Surgery Booming for Brazilian Men
Is the Fitness Craze Leading to a New Plastic Surgery Craze?
4 Tips to Find the Right Plastic Surgeon
Is the New FDA-Approved Implant Better Than Silicone and Saline?
Plastic Surgeons in South Korea Offering Free Procedures for North Korea Defectors
Los Angeles-Based Plastic Surgeon Is Helping To Correct Deformities in Children
Holiday Season Keeping Cosmetic Surgeons Busy
Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures are Less Invasive
All I Want for Christmas: Is Botox This Season’s Hottest Gift?
New Service Looks to Change the Face of Plastic Surgery Consultation
Trending Now: Cosmetic Surgery on Rise in Iran
Economic Downturn in Venezuela Leads to Boom in Plastic Surgery
Labiaplasty Becoming More Popular Among Young Women
Labiaplasty Becoming More Popular Among Young Women
An Origin Story: Plastic Surgery
3D Printing Technology Being Used in Reconstructive Plastic Surgeries
Popularity of Plastic Surgery in China is Good News for Two Stocks
United Kingdom Sets Plastic Surgery Record
Plastic Surgery Concierge - An Option If You Have The Money
3 Useful Tips for Avoiding Botched Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery without General Anesthesia
Plastic Surgeons Turning to Snapchat
USC and Operation Smile Partner Together for Surgical Training Program
New Documentary Examines Plastic Surgery Through Comediennes
Cryotherapy: The Newest Anti-Aging Treatment
What Would You Change About Your Spouse's Appearance?
Do Teachers in Buffalo, New York Really Get Free Plastic Surgery?
Instagram Great Marketing Tool for Plastic Surgeons
NeNe Leakes Admits to Undergoing Plastic Surgery
Types of Plastic Surgery Almost Every Star Has Done
American Teens Flocking Towards Plastic Surgery
Becoming Your Idol – Plastic Surgery to Resemble Celebrities
Selfies Now a Part of Plastic Surgery
What Did Plastic Surgery Look Like in Old Hollywood?
Breast Augmentation Surgery: You Can Change Your Mind Later
5 Questions to Ask Before You Undergo Cosmetic Surgery
Thinking About Plastic Surgery? Here are 6 Things You Should Know
What is Too Much Plastic Surgery?
Seoul is Becoming The Plastic Surgery Center of the World
Considering Plastic Surgery? Don't Let Your Expectations Get Away From You
Bethenny Frankel Explains Her Changing Appearance Amidst Plastic Surgery Rumors
3D Printing Now Being Used for Cosmetic Enhancement
Amber Portwood Latest Teen Mom to Undergo Plastic Surgery
The Surprising New Trend in Cosmetic Enhancement: Butt Enlargement Procedures
What to Do Before Undergoing Plastic Surgery
Advances in Plastic Surgery Lead to Odd Procedures
Plastic Surgery Dates Back Centuries
If You Got It, Flaunt It: Millennials Love to Show Off Plastic Surgery on Social Media
Is Your Grandmother Considering Plastic Surgery?
Male Plastic Surgery Rates Have Skyrocketed: Getting Rid of Fat is Top Priority
Dr. Snapchat Allows Plastic Surgery Viewing in Real Time
Cosmetic Surgery Vacations
Iggy Azalea Sends Out a Happy Birthday Message to Her Plastic Surgeon
Breast Implant Sizes Trending Downward
Free Plastic Surgery Organizations Changing Lives Around The Globe
Plastic Surgery is Booming
Biggest Plastic Surgery Trend of 2017: Not Looking Tired
Small Nipples a New Plastic Surgery Trend
Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Vary by Country
The Often Overlooked Benefits of Plastic Surgery
Las Vegas Becoming Latest Plastic Surgery Hot Spot
5 Procedures Plastic Surgeons Prefer You'd Avoid
Social Media Helping to Boost Plastic Surgery
Labiaplasty: The Hot New Plastic Surgery Trend Where the Sun Doesn't Shine
Top Six Plastic Surgery Procedures for Men
Recent Plastic Surgery Trends
The Future of Surgical Procedures 2017 Scholarship – Plastic Surgery Portal
Bachelorette Plastic Surgery Rumors
Britney Spears Plastic Surgery Rumors
Korean Pop Group Turns Plastic Surgery into Entertainment
New Trends in Plastic Surgery for 2017
Has Leah Remini Undergone Plastic Surgery?
Tummy Tucks After Pregnancy: You Don't Have to Wait Until Your Last Baby
Aging Pressure Affects Men as They Turn to Plastic Surgery
SculpSure: Revolutionizing the Body Contouring Industry
About Face: These Trends Are Changing the Plastic Surgery Industry
What Is the Fastest-Growing Plastic Surgery Procedure in America?
Z is for Zwivel: Meet the App That’s Changing Plastic Surgery
More Millennials Seeking Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery Reaches New Heights in United States: $13.5 Billion
Mother of Five Spends $500,000 to Look Like Barbie
Plastic Surgery Nightmare: When Fillers Go Wrong!
New Research Shows That Ibuprofen is Safe to Use Following Plastic Surgery
North Korean Defectors Getting Help Assimilating from South Korean Plastic Surgeons
Top Five Cosmetic Procedures Men Spend Money On
Chinese Woman Completes Eight-Year Plastic Surgery Journey to Look Like Popular Actress
More Young Adults Are Getting Plastic Surgery
Wealthy College Student Spends $43,000 on Plastic Surgery Every Year
Demand for Non-surgical Plastic Surgery is Booming
'It's Such a Sexy Look': Woman Transforms Self Into Sex Doll
The New Face of Facelifts: Affordable, Minimally Invasive Procedures on the Rise
If You're Overweight, You May Want to Reconsider Plastic Surgery
Ageless Beauty: The Future of Plastic Surgery
The Global Leaders in Plastic Surgery
Weight Loss Procedures Leading to Huge Growth in Excess Skin Removal Treatments
New 3D Printing Technology Can Give You a Plastic Surgery Preview
Pairing Fat Grafts with Facelifts for More Youthful Results
Forget About Burning Fat—Try Freezing It!
Breast Implants Allow Effective Mammograms, Breastfeeding and Long-Term Safety
Is Weight Loss Surgery the Best Cure for Diabetes?
After Lip Swelling Died Down, Farrah Abraham Let Loose on 'Botched'
What Are the Most Popular Plastic Surgery Requests?
Can You Be Too Old for Plastic Surgery?
From Dumbo to Delighted: Bullied Girl Receives Free Plastic Surgery
Male Plastic Surgery Trends Mirror Women's
Selfie Surgery Craze Fuels Narcissistic Personality Disorder
‘Atlanta Plastic’ Follows Three African-American Surgeons
What to Expect From Plastic Surgery at Any Age
Which Type of Cosmetic Surgery Is Right for You?
Operation Smile: Reducing Cleft Palete Around the World
Nose Jobs Through the Ages
Should Doctors Who Aren’t Cosmetic Surgeons Perform Cosmetic Surgeries?
Competition Fuels Increase in Breast Augmentation for Mormon Women
Plastic Surgery Travel Guide
Unsafe Plastic Surgery Trends in China
South Korea's Billion Dollar Plastic Surgery Business
Using Plastic Surgery to Avoid Forced Retirement
Plastic Surgery Becoming More Popular for Middle-Aged Americans
Pampering or Plastic Surgery: That is the Question
The Future of Surgical Procedures Scholarship – Plastic Surgery Portal
Top 10 Plastic Surgery Videos on Youtube
Stem Cells and Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery Demographics
Top 5 Plastic Surgery Societies
Plastic Surgery Solves Deformity Problems in Tanzania
Trending: Mother Spends Life Savings on Plastic Surgery
9 Amusing and Imaginary Surgeries
Nationwide Increase in Hispanic Plastic Surgery
Plastic Surgery for Two
Reconstructing a Young Animal Attack Victim
Friends Don't Let Friends Muffin Top?
Has Plastic Surgery Gone to the Dogs?
Look Like Yourself Again… By Having More Plastic Surgery
Man Pays $100k for Sofia Vergara's Cheekbones
Can 'Botched' Season 2 Top the Uniboob and Bieber Lookalike?
Cocaine Nose: The Nose of a Decade Past Haunts this Woman
Would You Shell Out $3000 for Selfie-Worthy Hands?
Hippocratic D'oh-ath: Surgeon Sued Over Breaking Trust
'Real Housewives' Star Chooses Botox Over Beau
Heart Nipples and Cartoon Characters: One Woman's £130k Transformation
Jenner Watch: Has Bruce Finally Transitioned?!
'Real Housewives' Star, Kyle Richards, Spills on Cosmetic Secrets
Meet Boo and Bee, Courtney Stodden's Breast Implants
A New World Record? Woman Spends $40k on Surgery before 25
Abused Dog Gets Second Chance After Surgery
Botox, Boyfriends, and Boob Jobs: Twins Share Everything
Do You Even Dubai?: The Latest Plastic Surgery Hotspot
Just Like My Selfie: Instagram-Fueled Plastic Surgery
Surgery Restores Grandmother's Sense of Smell After 37 Years
A Fashion Show of the Plastic Persuasion
The Crazy 8: Wilder Surgeries You’ve Never Heard Of
Specialized Pillow Removes Wrinkles While You Sleep
US Reports 3% Increase in Plastic Surgery Procedures in 2013
Human Ken Doll Gets More Surgeries!
Men's Cosmetic Procedures Skyrocket 106%
Twins Share Plastic Surgery and Boyfriend
Scotch Tape Plastic Surgery?
Persian New Year Signifies More Plastic Surgery
Ageism Influences Plastic Surgery in Silicon Valley and Beyond
Katella Dash's Plastic Obsessions
Plastic Surgery Sculpture Unveiled
Affordable Care Act Survey Reveals Nervous Plastic Surgeons
Social Media Impacts Plastic Surgery for Young and Old Alike
Breast Augmentation Surgery Tops Annual Reports
Plastic Surgery Causing Tighter Passport Restrictions
Con-Artist Underwent Plastic Surgery to Avoid Arrest
In the News: Widower Wins $2.3 Million After Wife Dies During Liposuction
Female Genital Plastic Surgery on the Rise
Plastic Surgeon Gives Daughters Plastic Surgery
How Odd: Unconventional Cosmetic Trends
Increase in Plastic Surgery for Engaged Women
White Man Gets Plastic Surgery to Look Asian
In the News: Higher Taxes for Seoul Plastic Surgery
Which 5 Countries Choose Plastic Surgery the Most?
'Zombie' Plastic Surgery?
Older Man Gets Plastic Surgery to Keep Up with 33-Year-Old Wife
Beverly Hills Doctors Migrating to the Middle East?
Documenting Plastic Surgery on Social Media: A New Trend for Doctors?
Nine Male Celebrities That Owned Up to Their Cosmetic Procedures
Chinese Women Turn to Cosmetic Surgery to Compete in the Job Industry
South Korean Cosmetic Culture
Luxury NYC Hotel Offers Plastic Surgery Package
How War Inspired a Revolution in Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery
Trending: Wedding Day Plastic Surgery Options
Love at First Consultation: Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon Creates “Super Woman” Wife
Plastic Surgery Patients Rule the Runway at Fashion Week
Is China Over-Indulging in Cheap Plastic Surgery?
Plastic Surgery Simulator App Allows Pre-Surgery Simulations for Potential Patients
Sydney Leathers Spends $40,000 on Plastic Surgery
Toronto Plastic Surgeons Identify Factors that Lead to Rhinoplasty Satisfaction
Dallas Surgeons Host Public Cosmetic Surgery Reception
ASPS Names New President
Plastic Surgeons Congregate in San Diego for ASPS Annual Meeting
Superman Fan Fulfills His Obsession with Plastic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery Clinics Offer Deals Despite Government Recommendations
Tunisia Hosts International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery Convention
Five Things Plastic Surgeons Won't Tell You
Sharon Osbourne Says Plastic is Not Always So Fantastic
Venezuela Beauty Pageants Affecting Local Viewers
Heidi-Watch: Heidi Montag Removes Oversized Breast Implants
Genocide Survivors to Receive Free Plastic Surgery
Dermatologic Surgeons Top Other Surgeons in Cosmetic Surveys
More South Florida Couples Undergoing Plastic Surgery Together
Venezuelan Mannequins Promoting Unrealistic Standards for Beauty
Eight People with Extreme Celebrity Plastic Surgery Obsessions
Plastic Surgery Consultant with 128 Plastic Surgeries
US Plastic Surgeons Provide Free Treatment to Female Victims in India
Groundbreaking Plastic Surgeon Dies
Seoul Pledges to Levy Tax on Cosmetic Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery Center to Start Accepting Bitcoin as Payment
“Ugly” Sisters Transformed into Plastic Surgery Princesses
Man Divorces Woman over Plastic Surgery
In the News: Plastic Surgery Painkiller Thefts
Trending: A Post-Holiday Surge in Plastic Surgery
Organic Plastic Surgery?
NYC Nonprofit Offers Free Plastic Surgery to Bullied Teens
Plastic Surgery Advice from the Front Lines
Butt Implants on the Black Market
UK Plastic Surgeries Top 50,000 for First Time in 2013
Woman Attains Free Breast Implants from the Internet?
Korean Reporter Undergoes Dramatic Jaw Surgery
Plastic Surgery Slang?
Plastic Surgery Abroad Still Popular
Dallas Doctor Refutes Wall Street Journal on Plastic Surgery
Lunchtime Plastic Surgeries: Open for Business!
Top 5 Plastic Surgery Procedures for Guys
2010 Plastic Surgery Statistics
2011 Plastic Surgery Statistics Released: Comparing ASAPS and ASPS Results
2009 Plastic Surgery Statistics
2008 Plastic Surgery Statistics
Latest Plastic Surgery News
Baby Boomers Embrace Plastic Surgery
Bullied Girl Receives Free Cosmetic Ear Surgery
C-Section Scar Removal Surgery
Cosmetic Surgery and Athletes
Crimes of Fake Miami Plastic Surgeon Prove Importance of Choosing Board-Certified Doctors
Dr. Sam Speron Joins Plastic Surgery Portal in Chicagoland
Dream Look Instant Eye Lift Review
The 8 Most Bizarre Body Modification Surgeries
Ethnic Plastic Surgery: Enhancing Without Erasing
Extreme Plastic Surgery Patients Pose for Photography Exhibit
Face Transplant Patient Connie Culp Steps Into Spotlight
5 Medical Discoveries That Changed Surgery Forever
Glowing Liquids Shed New Light on Plastic Surgery Procedures
Hands Provide Major Clues on a Person’s Real Age
The Hidden Risks of Medical Tourism
Holiday Season Brings Cosmetic Industry Boom
'Human Barbie' Sarah Burge Gives Daughter Plastic Surgery Vouchers
Latest Development in Cosmetic Imaging: The VECTRA M3 3-D System
Leg Extension Surgery: A Legitimate Option?
Male Plastic Surgery Numbers Continue to Grow
Meet Cindy Jackson, Record Holder for Most Plastic Surgery Procedures
My Free Implants? Assessing a Controversial Breast Enhancement Site
Nip Tuck Love: Couples Plastic Surgery on the Rise
Permanent Hair Removal
Plastic Surgery Can Improve Sex Life, Study Says
Plastic Surgery in the High Fashion Modeling World
Plastic Surgery Leftovers: What Happens When the Procedure is Over?
Plastic Surgery Open for Business in Afghanistan
Product Review: Neckline Slimmer
Record Number of Cosmetic Procedures Performed in 2009
Senior Citizens & Plastic Surgery: A New Trend?
'Smartphone Face': Is Your iPhone Giving You Wrinkles?
Social Media's Impact on Plastic Surgery
Sono Bello Body Contour Centers Join Plastic Surgery Portal
Teen Plastic Surgery Rate Decreased in 2010
10 American Icons of Cosmetic Surgery
Top 5 Fastest Rising Plastic Surgery Procedures
Top 5 Plastic Surgery Stories of 2010
Trusted Plastic Surgery Sites
The Ultimate Disguise: Criminals Using Plastic Surgery to Evade Capture
TV's 'Magic City' has Trouble Casting Natural Bosoms
Wall Street Banker Tells Oprah How Plastic Surgery Boosted Her Career
Who's Really Botching Surgeries?
The World's Top 10 Cities for Plastic Surgery
Online Consultation for Plastic Surgery Procedures
Why Vegans Make Great Plastic Surgery Patients
Is Traveling Abroad for Plastic Surgery a Good Idea?