Grainne Farrell, Author at Lotus Medical International - Page 4 of 9


Step 1 to your cosmetic surgery holiday

Make an enquiry with Lotus Medical International about the type of cosmetic surgery holiday that you would like. One of our team members will the contact you by email with information on average cost for the type of procedure you would like as well as additional information about the types of cosmetic surgery holiday packages that we offer. If you have sent us your phone number, we will also call you to answer any further questions that you might have.

Step 2 to your cosmetic surgery holiday

Lotus Medical will arrange an online consultation with our medical team regarding your particular case. You will be asked to send us some photos and a completed medical history questionnaire. You are not under any obligation to book with us by using this service. We will discuss your information with our team of surgeons and/or dentists. You will then receive detailed feedback, a final quote and a recommended length of stay in Thailand for your cosmetic surgery holiday.

Step 3 to your cosmetic surgery holiday

The next step is then to decide on a date for your cosmetic surgery holiday in Thailand. Before making any travel arrangements, we will confer with the surgeon and confirm the date with you. Our team will then talk you through our medical packages with the option to book any choice. They will arrange your transfers and an English speaking medical host to walk you through the process. If you would also like help with flights and accommodation our travel co-coordinator will also contact you.

At this stage, an itinerary of your trip will be sent to you. We will we then ask that you pay a $395 non-refundable deposit. If for some reason you need to change the date of your surgery, as long as you give us more than seven days’ notice, we will hold the deposit towards your next planned surgery date.  You just pay the hospital directly on the day of your surgery.

 

Step 4 to your cosmetic surgery holiday

Upon your arrival in Thailand, a driver will pick you from the designated meeting point at the airport and then take you to the hotel. The driver will again pick you up (usually the following morning) to take you to the hospital for your medical consultation. After your consultation you will go through medical tests to make sure that you are fit and healthy for cosmetic surgery. Your surgery will usually take place either the same day as your consultation or the following day.

It is important to remember not to eat anything after 12 AM on the day of your surgery unless told otherwise by the surgeon or hospital staff. After the surgery, you will stay as a patient at the hospital for the designated number of nights. When the plastic surgeon gives permission for your release, your medical host will come to meet you to help with hospital check out. Your driver will then take you back to the hotel. While still in Thailand, you will have one or two follow-up appointments with your surgeon. Your medical host will notify you of this at the appropriate times.

During your follow-up appointments, your surgeon will remove any dressings, take out any stitches, and give advice for you to follow through the recovery phase of your cosmetic surgery holiday. If at any stage after surgery you would like to see your surgeon or a nurse then just give your medical host a call on the mobile phone that we will provide. Your host will assist in arranging any additional appointments.

Step 5 to your cosmetic surgery holiday

Your driver will collect the ‘new you’ and take you to the airport fully rejuvenated to start your journey home to your family, looking and feeling fabulous!



Lotus Medical organizes for you to have a free online consultation before you make any decisions about having Breast Augmentation or any cosmetic procedure in Phuket.  We provide you with free advice and feedback from our top surgeons. Have a surgeon in mind? No problem, we can put you in touch with him or we can recommend the surgeon we feel will best suit your needs. Once you have received your surgeon’s feedback then we secure your surgery date.

Once your date for your Breast Augmentation surgery has been secured you can go ahead and book your flights and accommodation, we tell you how long you will be required to stay in Phuket for, this will depend on your surgeon and procedure type. We can refer you to our travel specialist if you would like help with booking your flights and accommodation. All you need to do is forward us your flight and hotel details and we will organize all of your transfers.

Usually our clients will arrive the day before their consultation; we will collect you from the airport and drop you to your hotel. Our drivers will then collect you the next morning and take you to the hospital where you will be greeted by your English medical host*.  Once you have been registered at the hospital the nursing staff will take you through the standard pre-surgery health checks; this includes a blood pressure reading, blood tests, an ECG and a chest x-ray. You will then have your consultation with your surgeon. You can ask as many questions as you need, decide on a final surgical plan and gather all the information. Once you are happy with the surgical plan you will be asked to pay for the surgery. Most clients pay by credit or debit card.

Now you are all ready to go, you will be shown upstairs to your room, your medical host will leave you in the capable hands of the nursing staff as they prep you for surgery. After surgery you will be taken to the recovery room for a while before returning to your room. The nurses will check on you throughout the night. This process is for general anesthetic, if your procedure is under local then you do not need a room or an over-night stay. Breast Augmentation is performed under general anesthetic.

The next day your surgeon and your medical host will come to see you. Depending on which procedure you had you may be able to check out of the hospital the next day. For Breast Augmentation surgery you are only required to stay in the hopsital for one night. Once your surgeon has said that you are ok to return to your hotel, the nursing staff will organize your prescribed medication to take home with you and our drivers will take you back to your hotel. Your next follow up appointment will be organized and you will be told what time our drivers will collect you for your follow up appointment.

You will be given a mobile phone to take with you so that you can call your medical host at any time if you have any questions or concerns. Your medical host will meet you at the hospital for your follow up appointments and make sure your airport transfer for when you leave Phuket has been organized for you.

After your last follow up appointment you will return the mobile phone, collect any more prescribed medications you might need, return to your hotel and get ready to return home. Once you are home if you ever have any questions or concerns about your cosmetic surgery in Phuket you may email your medical host or other staff members at Lotus. We can get in touch with your surgeon; forward him images and provide you with any post-surgery advice or feedback that you might need. It is extremely rare for any of our clients to have any problems after returning home and you won’t need to see any surgeons or doctors at home regarding your surgery. We often have a few common questions about recovery which are normal so please don’t hesitate to get in touch with any questions that you might have.

For more information on how to book your  Breast Augmentation or any cosmetic procedure in Phuket, please email us at [email protected]

*Medical hosts, transfers and mobile phone are part of our added support services, these services are optional.



Transfers

At Lotus Medical we organize all of your transfers to and from the airport, hotel and hospital, have you sent us your flight and accommodation details yet? We also request a copy of your Passport to pre-register you at the airport. Make sure you have sent this to us so we can organize all of your transfers.

If you have booked your cosmetic surgery holiday in Thailand independently then you will most likely be able to use the airport transfers when you arrive. Often hotels can organize this for you, or the hospital in which you have booked your surgery with may include transfers.

Visas

When you arrive in Thailand you can get a 30 day tourist visa upon arrival. If you’re planning on staying longer then you can apply for a 60 day tourist visa before you arrive in Thailand. Visit the following webs page for more info http://www.thaiembassy.com/thailand/thailand-visa-types.php or email us and we can help advise you on what is best for you.

Medication

Are you on any types of medication for any pre-existing conditions? You need to notify your surgeon of these, simply enter this information on the online registration form you initially completed. Your surgeon will tell you if you can continue to take your medication or if you need to stop the medication at some point prior to your cosmetic surgery procedure. This will also depend on if you are having general or local anesthetic. You must also stop taking Aspirin or any vitamins 2 weeks prior to having cosmetic surgery

Fasting

You will be sent all the details you need for your cosmetic surgery trip as soon as your date is confirmed in this document you will see that you need to stop eating or drinking 8 hours prior to your appointment.

Paying for surgery

If you have booked Lotus Medical’s added support services then this fee is taken within one week of securing your surgery date. You can just pay the hospital directly for you surgery using any major credit or debit card. The hospital will also accept cash in most currencies and if you would like to pay before you arrive in Thailand then bank transfers are to be made at least two weeks before your surgery date. You should know that the final costs and surgical plan is not drawn up until you have seen the surgeon face-to-face, this is why it is a good idea to just pay the hospital on the day of your cosmetic surgery procedure.

Post-surgery compression garments

After most cosmetic procedures you will be required to wear a compression garment or support bra if having breast surgery. The hospital can provide these but we often recommend buying one prior to arriving in Thailand. We can advise you on where is best to buy these.

Your consultation

When you arrive at the hospital you will have the standard pre-surgery medical tests, these include a blood pressure measurement, a blood test, an ECG and a chest X-Ray. Additional tests may be required if you have any existing health concerns or previous conditions. Not all of these additional tests will be included in the surgery package.

Once these tests are complete you will have your face to face consultation with your surgeon. This is your chance to ask your surgeon as many questions as you need so that you fully understand the final surgical plan and for you to communicate your expected outcome. It is a good idea to do some research into the procedure so that you are more knowledgeable and realistic about the types of results you can expect from your cosmetic surgery procedure. For some surgeries even showing the surgeon some images of results that you would like to achieve. Remember though that every body is different and what might suit one person’s frame may not suit yours. You should leave your consultation feeling happy, relaxed and well informed.  Preparing your questions before hand may help to ensure you cover everything you want to know about your cosmetic surgery procedure.

 



Lotus Medical International can provide you with access to some of the most reputable dentists in Thailand. Why would you choose to travel to Thailand for dental treatments? Lotus Medical International works with award winning dental associations that are JCI accredited. This JCI gold seal from the USA shows our focus on quality standards. Lotus Medical International will only work with JCI or ISO accredited clinics and hospitals. The facilities that we use have been rigorously tested and shown to operate to international level standards. They therefore rival the very best private facilities available in the world.  We do not believe in providing dentistry based purely on cost, we believe in working with reputable dentists in Thailand and providing the upmost quality. There is no better medical facilitation company within Thailand with which to organise your dental procedures

Not only is the standard in dentistry in Thailand recognized worldwide but the costs are considerably more affordable than those in the Western world. These reputable dentists in Thailand with whom we work with, specialize in; general dentistry, aesthetic dentistry, endodontic dentistry/ root canal treatment, oral surgery, prosthodontic dentistry/dentures, implantology and veneers to name but a few.

Every year tourists flock to Thailand for cosmetic surgery and medical holidays. Lotus Medical provides a wealth of treatments and procedures, taking care of every last detail. If you are thinking of travelling to Phuket for a cosmetic procedure allow us to also give you access to the most reputable dentists in Thailand. Leave Thailand a complete new you; Smiles are how we communicate warmth and confidence. The effect of an honest smile and flashing your pearly whites is tangible and powerful. You are simply at your best when you smile. Whether you decide on a full Hollywood smile or just simple teeth whitening, beautiful teeth can really enhance your overall appearance. This combined with plastic surgery in Thailand, can offer dramatic results that allow you to travel home rested, looking and feeling amazing.



Here are some important points to think about when deciding if Breast Augmentation surgery is for you.

 

It is likely you will need a second breast augmentation surgery

There are many reasons why women might require a second breast augmentation surgery in Thailand, such as pregnancy or weight-loss. The time in which your breast implants will last will vary from women to women. The shape of the breast implant could distort over many years. You may even find that later down the line you would rather have larger or smaller breast and elect for a breast augmentation revision surgery.

 

Time off work/exercise

Usually you will only need one full week off work when having breast augmentation. However if you’re having breast augmentation in Thailand you will need to factor in days spent travelling. The recommended length of stay in Thailand after having breast augmentation is 5 -7 days. This gives you enough time to recover and schedule your follow up appointments. Once you return home you should be able to begin work straight away. If your work involves any physical activity then you would need to take longer off work. Put your exercise regime on hold; it is advised not to do any strenuous exercise for up to 6 weeks after breast augmentation surgery

 

Realistic expectations

It’s important to do your research and be able to explain to your surgeon exactly what you would like the outcome of your breast augmentation to be.

You may already know which sized implant, placement and incision you want. Be prepared for this all to change after your initial consultation with your surgeon in Thailand. The same sized implant will look completely different on each body type and frame.

Don’t expect to go big, fast. Your skin needs time to stretch and adjust. Your surgeon will only advise an implant size that your body can handle. If you feel at a later date you still want to go bigger, this is possible after your body has adapted to your current implants.

 

Under or over the muscle

Many women choose to have the implant placed under the muscle to give a more natural result. Under the muscle placement can mean you are slightly sorer for longer after the surgery.

 

Breast Augmentation Blues 

The days/week following you surgery you may not be feeling yourself. Anaesthetic and other medications can alter your mood. You will feel very tired and possibly more emotional. This is completely normal so try to remember this if you’re not feeling 100% in the days after your Breast Augmentation surgery.

You may also gain a few Kg’s in weight immediately after your surgery. Not only from the weight of your implants but also from swelling, fluid and bloating. This is normal so don’t stress if you have gained weight over-night. The swelling and fluid levels will reduce drastically in the weeks after your surgery.

Bruising can occur in strange places on your body where you might not expect it too. This is normal and nothing to worry about

 

Know your breasts before having breast augmentation

Make sure you’re aware of the current variations in your breast such as, nipple and cup-size. These differences could become more noticeable after breast augmentation. No two breasts are exactly alike.

 

Breast Augmentation and Breast feeding

If the incision is made in the breast fold or under your arm your ability to breast feed should not be affected. If however, an incision is made around your nipple your ability to be able to breast feed would likely be affected.

 

Breast Cancer screening after having breast augmentation

Routinely checking your breasts is very important. It’s a good idea to have a breast exam with your doctor before surgery and if you are due a mammogram, request this before surgery. Discuss with your surgeon possible effects of future mammograms regarding the implant placement

 

Change in posture

A natural and an augmented breast weigh near enough the same amount. If however, you choose a very large implant that is perhaps not in proportion with your frame you could experience changes to your posture. Your surgeon will advise you on which sized implants are suitable for your frame so not to alter your posture.

 

Here are some useful questions to answer to help you decide if breast augmentation is for you

  • Why do I want breast augmentation surgery?
  • How unhappy am I with my breasts at the moment?
  • Am I able to take the time off work for the surgery?
  • Am I fully informed of the risks and possible implications of breast augmentation surgery?

 



A mini face lift is much different to a lower face and neck lift or full facelift.  A mini face lift will only target the jaw area or lower third of the face; giving you a more defined jaw line by eliminating sagging and wrinkles in this area.

Aside from the obvious benefit of reversing the signs of aging with a mini face lift, a mini face lift has many other benefits when comparing it to a lower face and neck lift or full face lift. A mini face lift is much less invasive. Therefore the recovery is much shorter and the scaring is minimal. Incisions are made around the curves of your ears or in your hairline and after time are barely visible.

A mini facelift will give you instant results with a much simpler recovery, it does not require you to stay overnight in the hospital as is can be done under local anaesthetic. The results are noticeable straight away and there is less bruising, swelling and scaring as the surgery is less invasive. You will also not be required to wear the bandages and compression garments for as long as you would for a lower face or full face lift. Many clients think that a mini face lift is more appealing for these reasons. However, our surgeons very rarely recommend this procedure because although the results from a mini face lift are good they are not long lasting. You could expect the results to last for up to 5 to 10 years. Whereas the results from a lower or full face lift are likely to last a lifetime this is due to the fact that when having a lower face or full face lift muscular layer beneath the skin is manipulated as well as the removal and tightening of excess skin.

This is the main difference between a mini face lift and a lower face or full face lift; a mini face lift is a tightening of the skin only. It is a tailor made surgery and should only be performed by surgeons who are experience in this surgery and continually deliver good results. Lotus medical has spent vast amounts of time researching our surgeons and we have worked with them for 8 years now. If you are a suitable client for a mini face lift we will refer you to the most appropriate and experienced surgeon in this field.

A lower face or full face lift not only involves the tightening of the skin like a mini face lift but it also involves the manipulation of the muscular layer beneath the skin. As a mini facelift does not involve any adjustment to the muscular layer it means that the results of a mini face lift do not last as long as the muscular layer is what is mostly responsible for the sagging of the face.

If you would like more information on the many different facial surgeries Lotus medical provide, please email us directly at [email protected].



The lower face and neck areas are areas in which the signs of ageing begin to become most noticeable. Most are not too affected when those fine lines and wrinkles begin to set in but it’s when your skin begins to lose its youthful tightness and sagging occurs that we really feel it’s time for action. This is exactly what a lower face lift does; it eliminates that sagging and loose skin around the jaw that is the give-away aging signs. To target the loose skin around the neck a neck lift would also be required. It is very rare that a lower face lift would be performed without a neck lift also. A lower face lift will also raise the corners of the mouth. A suitable candidate for a lower face lift would be someone who is concerned with the loose skin around their jaw line and neck and the turned down corners of the mouth. Usually a suitable candidate will still have some elasticity in their skin and they are not too concerned with other areas such as their eyelids and forehead. If you are concerned with the upper part of your face also, then a full face lift may be the option for you.

The lower face lift procedure

The lower face lift procedure not only tightens the skin but the lower layers beneath the skin such as the facial muscles. This gives a more natural and longer lasting result. A Lower face lift is carried out under local anesthetic and you will be required to stay in the hospital for 2 nights. Small incisions are made in front and behind the ears, when the skin is pulled tight excess skin will be trimmed away and the incisions will be sealed with sutures.

After care

Whilst you are in the hospital you will be continually monitored by our outstanding nursing staff. Your surgeon will visit you to make sure he is happy with the results and most importantly you are too. He will check your incisions and improvements and advise you on when and how long to wear your compression garment for. A compression garment is required after having lower face lift surgery to reduce swelling. It is important not to get the incisions wet as this will slow down the healing process. You may feel groggy immediately after surgery this is due to the anesthetic. You may also have visible swelling and bruising to your lower face. Effective pain relief medication is administered as you need it so you will not feel pain, you will feel more of a discomfort and certainly tiredness. It can also be common for patients to feel unusually emotional after having facial surgeries this again is due to the anesthetic and nature of the surgery. This would only last a day or two and it is not evident in all cases.

You would be required to stay in Phuket for a total of 14 days when having a lower face lift, this is so you have enough time to recover and visit your surgeon for follow up appointments. When you return home you may still have some swelling or bruising but this will have reduced considerably from the first week after your surgery. You may also still be required to wear your compression garment. Your surgeon will advise you on how long and how often you should wear this.

For more information on facial surgeries or to find out if you are a suitable candidate for any of these procedures please email us directly at [email protected] or submit an enquiry via our website.

 



Be prepared to be flexible

Be prepared for the specifics of your treatment plan to change after your face to face consultation with your surgeon. Although, our clients more than often are able to stick to their initial treatment plan, which was provided after a free online consultation. Our surgeons are very experienced in offering online consultations and give extremely accurate feedback. This said, the surgeon’s recommendation may not fit in with your preferences therefore a new treatment plan and quote could be drawn up on the day of your surgery. This is common for surgeries such as breast augmentation and liposuction. Often the size, shape and placement of your breast implants will be different to what you original thought you would want or need. Liposuction is sometimes not possible in the areas where you wish to have it as the surgeons may think that there is not enough fat to be removed. Our surgeons will always strive to achieve the client’s desired outcome. However, they will only perform surgeries that are suitable or safe for the client.

Follow the pre surgery advice and guidelines 

You will be asked not to eat or drink for 8 hours prior to your surgery time. You should also cease smoking or consuming alcohol, as well as taking dietary supplements, Aspirin, Ibuprofen and vitamins at two weeks prior to your surgery. If you are taking any other medications you should notify us before travelling to Phuket. This applies to all surgeries for example surgeries such as breast augmentation, tummy tuck surgery and liposuction.

Taking time off work

Your surgeon will recommend a length of stay in Phuket that is needed for you to have the surgery and recover before flying back home. You will need to request this time off from work and account for the days spent travelling to and from Phuket. You may also want to consider taking a few extra days off after returning home to continue to recover fully before returning to work. If your work involves strenuous activity, speak to your surgeon and seek advice on a recommended date to return to work.

Travelling solo?

Travelling to a foreign country alone to have surgery can seem daunting. This is why at Lotus Medical we provide you with your own English speaking medical host, who is on hand throughout your whole trip. Your medical host will meet you at the hospital for each of your appointments and check up on you the days following your surgery. You will be given a mobile phone to contact us with whilst you are staying in Phuket. We will fully support you throughout your surgical holiday so you will not feel alone. If you have any concerns after you leave the hospital and return to your hotel, we are just at the end of the phone. We will also arrange all of your transfers to and from the airport, hospital and hotel. Many clients will travel with a partner or friend but still benefit hugely from being fully supported by Lotus Medical.

Rest up

You will find you get tired easily in the days following your surgery so don’t expect to be out exploring, sightseeing and shopping. Rest is very important in recovery. Depending on which time of the year you visit Phuket the weather can be very hot and humid. Keeping your incision clean and dry is imperative to avoiding infection or a delay in the healing process. This is most important for surgeries such as liposuction of tummy tuck surgery where you may be required to wear full support garments.  It is advised to not be out in the sun for too long or to go swimming. If you would like time to explore Phuket, swim and sunbathe, do this in the days prior to your surgery.

Luggage

If you are travelling solo a small carry-on suitcase with wheels is a good idea as you will not be able to lift any heavy bags after having surgeries such as liposuction, tummy tuck and breast augmentation. Ask for help when stowing your bags on the plane.

Travel and medical insurance

When travelling abroad most people buy a travel insurance policy which insures them against things like theft, accidents and flight delays. If deciding to have medical or dental procedures overseas it can be a good idea to combine travel insurance with a type of medical insurance that insures you if having elective medical procedures overseas. Lotus Medical has looked at many of these insurance packages and can advise you on a very comprehensive package that can be tailored to your specific needs.

 



A Facelift can be a lower facelift, a neck lift, a brow lift, eye lid surgery or any combination of.

Most often a lower face and neck lifts are performed together in combination. Very rarely will our surgeons advise a neck of facelift alone.

These procedures are categorized the following way;

  • Facelift – a lower face and neck lift (with or without the eyelid surgery)
  • Full Facelift- a lower face, neck and brow lift (with or without eyelid surgery)

The recommended length of stay in Phuket for these procedures is 16 days. Clients are provided with a full treatment plan and accurate quote after the surgeon has reviewed images of their face and has understood their main concerns.

 Incisions

When having a facelift incisions are made around the ears to tighten the skin of the lower face. The incisions will be behind and in front of the ears and are barely visible after time.

When having a brow lift there are two types of incisions; endoscopic which is less invasive or a full incision which is more invasive. Upper eye lid surgery can also sometimes be referred to as a brow lift.

When having eyelid surgery incisions are made in the folds of the eyes and the excess skin is removed to give a more taught appearance. This procedure can be done under local or general anesthetic. The recommended length of stay in Phuket for this procedure is 9 days.

Recovery

Recovery from facelift surgery can be expected to be uncomfortable as there is quite a bit of bruising and/or swelling after receiving these procedures. However, pain relief medication is much more affective in Thailand than it is compared to that used in countries such as England, Australia and New Zealand.  A full head garment is to be worn after having facelift surgery to prevent and help with residual swelling. Each client will be advised by their surgeon as to how long they should wear this garment for, depending on which combination of procedures they have had.

To find out more information on facelift surgery please email us directly at [email protected]

 



Research

It’s important to gather as much knowledge about the breast lift and implants procedure as possible. The decision to have breast lift and implants shouldn’t be made lightly. Cosmetic surgery is a permanent change to your body and life. Be aware of the risks and research what the recovery process is likely to involve.

Your expectations

Look for before and after images of other women who have had breast lift and implants that relate as closely to you as possible; this will help you to see what is realistically achievable for your body. Our surgeons can do incredible things however, they cannot work miracles. It’s important to have realistic expectations to avoid disappointment.

Timing

When you have your surgery is very important, you will need to have sufficient recovery time after having breast lift and implants to ensure you get the desired results and to keep you in good health. Make sure you’re planning your surgery when you are able to take enough time off from work or other commitments. If you are struggling to find a suitable time to have surgery, it’s far better to postpone your surgery than to compromise on the results.

Finance

It’s important to understand that some surgeries such as breast lift and implants are not lifelong procedures. It is likely that further down the line you will need or want a second surgery. It is also important to understand the risks involved with cosmetic surgery. Revision surgery after your initial operation is extremely rare but still a possibility. You need to be sure that cosmetic surgery is realistic in terms of your financial circumstances. We do however offer a surgical guarantee which covers any instance that is the fault of the surgeon or hospital.