plastic surgery Archives - Lotus Medical International

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.

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].

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.

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!

Cosmetic Surgery is known to be a medical procedure of purely aesthetic benefits, but that is a common misconception. With more than millions of people benefitting from the countless advantages of cosmetic surgery in Thailand, the public’s understanding is getting better with each successful procedure and each patient’s success story.

What is cosmetic surgery?

It is an umbrella term for medical operation or procedure which focuses on enhancing the patient’s physical appearance, from the face to the entire body. With its rising popularity, cosmetic surgery has evolved into an entire branch of science which deals with both invasive or non-invasive procedures all aimed to enhance the physical appearance of the patient.

The five most common cosmetic surgery procedures in Thailand are:

Mammaplasty or breast augmentation
Rhinoplasty or nose reshaping
Blepharoplasty or eyelid surgery
Liposuction
Abdominoplasty or more commonly called as tummy tucks

Invasive procedures involve those that require the doctor or the surgeon to make an incision to access certain muscles or tissues in a specific region of the body. A non-invasive procedure, on the other hand, pertains to not having any kind of break in the skin when administering any procedures. With the current advancements in the field of medical technology, minimally invasive procedures are now available, which means other surgeries may be done with only a smaller cut made and lesser pain for the patient to endure.

In Australia, an estimate of about 500,000 cosmetic surgeries are carried out each year and the rate is growing rapidly per year as well. The industry has grown to a billion-dollar business that has simply outrun America’s own statistics when it comes to the number of procedures done per year.

The benefits of cosmetic surgery

Patients get more than just the aesthetic benefits of cosmetic surgery in Phuket Thailand, they also maximize the other advantages in the different aspects of their wellbeing. Of course, the main motivation of most patients in deciding to go under the knife is usually to look better. However, successful cosmetic surgeries allow patients not only to look better to feel better and live better as well.

Aside from the primary aesthetic aspect, the benefits of cosmetic surgery include:

Improved self-esteem and improved self-confidence.

Imagine battling stubborn fat in the midsection of the body for years and having the option to instantly get leaner through liposuction. Because of the dramatic change in their physical appearance, patients feel empowered and emboldened by their new look, which translates into a more confident person with a more positive outlook in life.

Increased physical comfort and ease.

With breast reduction procedures, patients are relieved by the burdensome back problems that come from having large breasts. Patients can move freely and easily as well because their chests aren’t as large as it was before the operation.

Improved health and bodily functions.

Especially for nose reshaping or rhinoplasty, patients may experience improvement in their breathing because the procedure not only improves the appearance but it also widens the air passageway for the patient.

Increased motivation to sustain a healthy lifestyle.

As patients hear the compliments and the rave reviews of their new physical appearance, most of them are motivated to control their weight and to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle. Overweight patients can enjoy physical exercises, such as running, cycling, and swimming, without the extra pounds weighing them down.

What to expect after the procedure?

For non-invasive or minimally invasive procedures, such as botox fillers or lip injections, the patient is allowed to go home right after and they are to be cautious about the injection site feeling painful to touch or the affected area to develop redness and swelling within the first 48 hours.

For invasive surgeries, on the other hand, patients are to stay inside the hospital postoperative for continuous monitoring of the surgery site and for any signs of complications, such as fever, severe swelling, pain, and other tell-tale signs of infection. Antibiotics and pain relievers are given, even until the patient is to be discharged from the facility. Continuous follow-up check-ups with the surgeon are required to closely monitor the operation site until it is fully healed.

Cosmetic Surgery Cost

It is best to thoroughly discuss with your trusted cosmetic surgeon the details of the procedure and how much exactly are you to spend to from the pre-operation stage up to the follow-up visits that you are to complete after the surgery. Also, see your insurance company and discuss the scope and limitations of cosmetic surgery included in your insurance plan. Please click here to see our cosmetic surgery costs

Finding the right plastic surgeon is a major factor in ensuring that you have the best results from surgery. Additionally, there are other many considerations you should make while selecting a plastic surgeon. Fortunately, we have simplified the process of choosing the right surgeon for people who are new to cosmetic surgery. So how can you find the right plastic surgeon for your procedure? Here’s how:

1. Talk to family members, friends, and acquaintances who have had procedures done to get some recommendations. Consider those closest to you. And if you’re comfortable, contact them for advice. Family members or trusted friends will provide you with an honest sum-up of the whole process, from consultation to the surgical procedure itself and the recovery process.

Also, ask around for connections. Starting with acquaintances or friends of friends who might be working in health care, for instance, a physician assistant, nurse, or nurse practitioner. Contact our friendly staff to find out about our qualified certified surgeons,

2. Research by reading up reviews of plastic surgeons.

Today, many people visit the Internet before deciding on a surgeon for procedures such as liposuction . With knowledge comes power, so why not read some reviews to have a feel of past patients’ experiences. This can also help you know how each surgeon ‘operated,’ for both out and in the operating room. How about joining online breast augmentation and plastic surgery forums? Check out social media for help with locating a suitable surgeon for instance for breast augmentation. This can be helpful since women share their different experiences; from research phase up-to one year after surgery. Such forums can help you know what to expect, and even help you narrow your options.

Note: While social media feedback by patients can be a wonderful resource, but they can equally be sources of misinformation. With that said, be sure to do more research to help make informed choices for your surgery.

You can read all our of testimonials by our happy clients who we are still in contact with today.

Always work with a surgeon who’s polite, helpful and well-qualified

As you ask questions, look out for red flags. The important and obvious one is the surgeon’s bedside manners. Your plastic surgeon should be a medical professional who offers objective and accurate information about your surgical procedures, to help you make an informed consent. A plastic surgeons should also give you information about the procedure you are considering and answer questions exhaustively; Encourage you as you consider surgery to share your opinions and thoughts on surgery and also listen to you; Share possible alternative treatment information where applicable; Detail clearly the potential risks of the surgery and the probability of them occurring; Let patients decide if to or not undergo surgery.

It’s important to prepare a list of questions for your plastic surgeon and take notes during a consultation so that you don’t forget the answers. There are those who are concerned that they’ll offend a surgeon with such questions. But on the contrary, qualified surgeons welcome questions concerning their own experience that can help people make informed choices about undergoing a procedure.

All our plastic surgeons here at Lotus Medical have decades of experience and are some of the best across all of Asia. You can see their experience and education here.

4. Verify the qualifications of each surgeon you interview

Before going for your consultation, make sure a surgeon checks off all the important boxes showing that they are fully qualified to carry out your desired procedure. Some doctors call themselves ‘aesthetic surgeon,’ ‘cosmetic surgeon,’ or ‘aesthetic medicine specialist,’ but they are still not plastic surgeons. Such practitioners can offer “non-invasive” procedures, like injectables (Botox, Juvederm, etc.), chemical peels, laser treatments, or dermabrasions. Though different by treatment, most non-invasive procedures may be done by non-MDs like physician assistants, registered nurses, nurse practitioners, and aestheticians under a doctor’s supervision. Note that ‘non-invasive’ does not mean 100% safe. These procedures do have side-effects thus it advisable you be in the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon who will recognise and manage problems should they occur.

Also, ensure that the candidates you choose are well-trained in the area of concern. Let’s say you’re looking for a surgical procedure—like minimising a scar to a nose job, liposuction, or face-lifts—it’s imperative you get a surgeon who is certified and has a reliable and trustworthy history of success.

5. Take your time and listen to your gut.

If you don’t feel comfortable, even when you can’t pinpoint the exact reason, don’t go through with the procedure, to that office, or doctor.

Since the relationship you share with your surgeon is a personal and private one. It thus requires the right fuse of personalities and kind of connection to make the right match. With this in mind, patients and experts agree that not rushing the process is key. This is someone you will share your concerns with—of which some you might not share with a partner or spouse. Also, narrow down your list to three surgeons and only work with the one that feels right for you.

6. Ensure the office/facility is spotless and the staff are friendly.

It is important that you feel comfortable in the facility or office you’ll be having your procedure. No patient wants to find themselves in a situation where they feel ignored, neglected, or taken advantage of. Whether it’s in a big hospital or a small centre, you should not feel anxious or tense due to the look of that place, smell or the staff’s personality.

If you have any questions about plastic surgery, please do not hesitate to contact our friendly team here at Lotus Medical. The above points are important points of consideration we recommend for all new patients and our team here want to make you feel as comfortable as possible.

What made you want to become a plastic surgeon?

My parents are doctors and my father who is a surgeon inspired me to become a surgeon too. When I was young, I was interested in art and design and I think it’s an advantage to use knowledge of art and design as a plastic surgeon.

How many years have you been practicing as a plastic surgeon?

More than 20 years

What do you like most about your job?

Facial surgery, Breast surgery and Body contouring surgery, especially liposuction and lipo-filling

What do you find to be the biggest challenges for you with your job?

Biggest challenge is how to propose the operative plan and perform the operation to meet every patient’s expectation.

What do you like to do outside if work, in your spare time? Do you have any hobbies?

Bike riding, Running

Dr. Pongsatorn’s surgical techniques are state-of-the- art. He is particularly interested in facial rejuvenation, breast surgery, and advanced body contouring surgery and the results of the micro surgeries that he has conducted are also widely admired.

The beautiful, natural results of the procedures he performs will increase his patients’ self-confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Pongsatorn’s goal of improving a person’s quality of life through plastic and reconstructive surgery will certainly be met.

Services:

Patients for cosmetic surgery often requested by Dr. Pongsatorn’s patients include Breast Augemntation, Breast Lift, Breast Augmentation with Lift, Breast Reduction, Liposuction, Vaser Liposuction, Tummy Tuck, Face lift, Neck lift, Under Chin Correction, Nose Augmentation. Also for non-surgical skin treatments, such as Botox, Juvederm, Restylane and Skin Cancer Test (Mole, Carsinoma).

After undergoing cosmetic surgery, most patients wish to speed up their healing process so that they can enjoy the changes as well as return to their daily habits and activities sooner.

But each cosmetic procedure for each patient is different, thus many variables could affect how long your recovery time will be after undergoing one or several surgical procedures. But on the bright side, it is possible for you to significantly impact your healing process.

Below is a look at tips that cosmetic surgery patients can follow after undergoing a surgical procedure to help speed up the recovery process.

Adhere to your surgeon’s recovery instructions

It’s possible you’ve heard and read different things about the healing process, but remember that only your doctor knows what’s right and best for you. Therefore, if you have any doubts, be sure to clarify things with him or her. Also, to help you with this process, you can speed up your recovery process by always following all the post-operative instructions given by your plastic surgeon.

Apply compression garments or ice packs when instructed to do so.

When you go through any facial surgery, including a nose job, eyelid lift or facelift, it’s important that you use an icepack to help minimize the swelling. Even when there are bandages covering the area operated on, you will need to ice it down every now and then.
Some procedures, like liposuction, tummy tuck, breast lift or breast augmentation, may require that you have on a compression garment for a few weeks. These garments can help your body control bruising and swelling. Additionally, they will prevent wrinkling of your skin hence helping with body contouring and enhancing skin retraction. Also, the pressure from these compression garments can make scars flatter, softer, and less visible.

Have realistic expectations.

Remember that your healing process takes time, hence it is a good idea to be patient. Nearly all kinds of cosmetic surgery procedures come with bruising and swelling. This means the full effect of the results will not be visible immediately. But don’t panic, since stress could impede your body’s natural recovery time.
Depending on the procedure(s) you’ve chosen to get, the recovery time might vary from several days to several weeks. Be sure to plan for how the post-surgical downtime might affect your social schedule, family, and work responsibilities. Also, plan for a member of your family or even a friend to care for you during the initial 2 to 3 days after surgery. Although you might believe you will resume your daily routines straightaway, having someone to help you can allow you to focus on recovering and bring you peace of mind.

Skip the gym.

Although moving around is very crucial, doing strenuous exercises, like weightlifting or running, can be a blow to your recovery process. Most cosmetic patients get anxious to resume their regular workout routines. But, for you to speed up recovery times, it’s important that you avoid performing challenging exercises for a few weeks following your surgery.
Exercise elevates blood pressure, and this could increase bleeding, bruising, and inflammation. For patients who take on vigorous workouts immediately after their surgery might suffer serious complications. And this might include re-opening of incisions. With this in mind, it is advisable that you discuss with your surgeon prior to resuming any pre-surgery gym activity.

Take it Easy and Relax

Your healing process might be affected by stress. Consider this recovery time as a period for stress relief, hence making it address two aspects of your medical healing experience. It is important that your mind and body is free from anxiety so that your anti inflammation medicine and healing process can go smoothly. Some patients may also use medical grade CBD oil in Australia, USA and Canada, as well as other countries that it is legal, to aid with the anti-inflammation, stress and speed up recovery. Medical CBD is not psychoactive – not to be confused with a recreational substance.
Meditation, reading, yoga( not the vigorous moves), or listening to some relaxing music can help in lowering your stress levels. Also, some aromas like lavender can be soothing for you. In addition, scented candles or an aromatic bath might help you relax. You might also find it relaxing to take a walk in the park, but be sure to protect your wounds from harsh elements.

Avoid tobacco, alcohol, and drugs

These will slow down your recovery process and lead to unnecessary complications. For instance, alcohol will suppress your immune system hence making the healing process more difficult. Since it causes a dehydrating effect, alcohol could lead to bleeding.
Avoid smoking as well as exposure to second-hand smoke. This is because tobacco smoke tends to limit the amount of oxygen that your body’s cells get. The cells of your body need oxygen to help heal.
Avoid prescription and recreational drugs. These include anabolic steroids that are used for muscle building as well as corticosteroids that help fight inflammation. The reason for this is because these could cause problems. In addition, some supplements and prescription drugs will increase the likelihood of bleeding. Steroids might affect how your incision heals and recreational drugs will increase how often you take pain medications.

Move around.

Typically, you will need lots of rest during the first 48 hours after your surgery; however, do not confuse this directive of relaxing as an instruction that you have to stay in your bed all day. Keep in mind that moving helps the body heal, and might also help lower the pain levels.
It is possible you might not feel like taking a five-mile walk but make sure that you get up from time to time to help keep the blood flowing. Something like walking around the house for some minutes, or taking a few minutes to do some gentle stretching movement can be helpful than doing nothing. And to help you remember, why not set a timer to prompt you every hour to move around.

Each Patient Needs Different Care

Remember that the healing process after undergoing plastic surgery will differ from one patient to the next. Equally important, the number and type of procedures you decide to undergo tends to differ from patient to patient.
Keep in mind that each plastic surgery healing process has both emotional and physical components. And just like any surgeon will recommend, it’s crucial that you avoid rushing the recovery process. This is because allowing the body to heal properly can lead to more rewarding results.

With the rising costs of health care and medical procedures, most patients are looking to get the exact same cosmetic medical procedure in the exact same quality to be done elsewhere outside of Australia. Around 15,000 Australians are heading to Thailand for cosmetic surgery every year to go under the knife in a different country or a different continent and it all adds up to over AUD$300 million on medical procedures alone.

In highly-developed nations, such as Australia, the large ageing population demands higher more medical attention when it comes to different elective surgeries. In turn, this heightened demand leads to a lengthy waiting list for the operating room as well as a quick-turnaround for patients admitted to the hospitals.

Due to the high price of health care services and expensive hospital bills, patients don’t get to stay as long as they want to recuperate right after surgery. Coupled with the high demand for hospital beds, postoperative patients are discharged earlier and are left to fully recover at home which several follow up visits right after.

The Medical Tourism Industry

With the increase in demand and the limited number of slots in surgery rooms, patients turn to medical tourism, it is defined as certain individuals opting to travel to a different country to avail of surgical, dental, and other medical needs that are of equal or greater value compared to their own native country.

One of the leading medical tourism destinations in the world is Thailand, which has always been the number one South-east Asian Nation when it comes to the said industry. With a whopping US$4.3 billion estimated earnings and a staggering 2.5 million foreign patients per year, Thailand has been a game-changer when it comes to high-quality medical tourism. The government has been strategically developing this industry since 2004 when the Tourism Authority of Thailand has started actively campaigning for foreigners to take advantage of Thailand’s world-class treatment and wellness centres for a fraction of the cost compared to Australia, US, Canada, and other European nations.

Why Thailand?

You might be wondering as to what makes Thailand special than any other country because other Asian nations such as Singapore and Malaysia offer the same cosmetic procedures. However, Thailand continues to be the top destination when it comes for medical tourism, specifically cosmetic surgery.

Here are the different reasons as to what makes Thailand one of the most popular destinations when it comes to cosmetic surgery, read on!

Affordability

The most important reason is the huge difference when it comes to hospital costs. Compared to getting anything done in a private hospital back in Australia, Thai hospitals charge about 30 to 40% less while still providing the exact same service or procedure. Even if you add in the travel expenses, getting cosmetic surgery done in Thailand is simply more affordable and reasonably priced.

World-class quality health care facilities

As the government has imposed stricter guidelines for health care services and establishments, internationally-known accrediting bodies such as Joint Commission International and several ISO certifications are there to ensure that the standards worldwide are met. With bedroom suites inside hospitals, patients get to enjoy their recovery while staying in hospital rooms that are as comfy as their very own home.

Competent health care and hospital staff

Thai health care facilities have against hospitals of other Asian countries is that hospitals assign English-speaking staff to foreigners for ease of communication. Some hospitals have in-house interpreters that can speak around 30 languages while others opt in assigning at least one English-speaking staff in every hospital station. The competent health care team is led by doctors which are usually trained abroad and are familiar with the latest advancements in the field of cosmetology.

Up-to-date medical equipment and techniques

To keep up with the modern-day updates in the field of general health and surgery, Thailand is one of the leading places for modern medical equipment and treatment approaches. With digital imaging machines to surgical set ups, Thai hospitals are comparable to the advance hospitals back Australia or the United States.

Too many to choose from

With the sheer number of public and private hospitals offering cosmetic surgery, patients don’t have to wait too long just to enlist for the surgery room. Patients are also allowed to stay inside the hospital until they are fully healed or are able to move freely on their own. No need to rush for discharge as hospitals have ample rooms for other patients with different medical treatment needs.

Being treated like royalty

As the Kingdom of Thailand boasts of its hospitality, being a patient inside one of its world-class premier hospitals allows you to experience top-notch health care coupled with high-quality hospitality. From modern amenities inside hotel suites to the special care you get from dedicated hospital staff, patients are treated as guests and your rest and comfort is the top priority all the time.

With all of these and more, Thailand proves to be the number one destination when it comes to medical tourism in Southeast Asia. In the past years, the 2.5 million tourists have come to Thailand purely for medical reasons alone and they came spending over US$4.3 billion in different medical procedures. They are the number one when it comes to medical tourism in Asia, followed by Singapore and Malaysia.

Cosmetic surgery is simply affordable in Thailand

Basically, the price that Thailand medical centres offer really makes a huge difference compared to all other options. No need to wait in a long waiting list and no need to shell out thousands of dollars for a simple nip and tuck. In Thailand, you get the entire world-class cosmetic surgery experience without having to pay an arm and a leg.

With the help of the government, international accreditations have set the standards of health care in Thailand which has lead to efficient hospital staff, competent practitioners, and high-quality cosmetic surgeries with reduced risks and complications.

In choosing the right practitioner and the right hospital, make sure to do your own research and get to know the people and the facilities which are highly-rated and raved-about in online forums and websites. Get recommendations from trusted friends and family members to get a better grasp of what to expect and what to do. Lastly, plan everything ahead of time to ensure a safe trip, including airport transfers, hotel accommodations for after discharge, and any other possible expenses not included in the hospital bills.

So if you are looking for a more affordable alternative for cosmetic and plastic surgery and are looking into having a holiday in a vibrant and interesting city of Bangkok, opt for having your cosmetic surgery in Thailand and experiment world-class health care service at a fraction of a cost compared to hospitals back at home.

How much do these cosmetic surgeries cost?

In other countries, expensive health care prices are driven by higher salaries of health care professionals and an even higher demand for various services inside the hospital. In Thailand, however, procedures are worth up to 40% cheaper because professional fees aren’t as high and competition is always tight with the numerous institutions offering the same procedures and the same cosmetic surgery packages.

Cutting the price does not necessarily mean that the quality nor the service is cut into half as well, because Thailand prides itself as the “Beauty Center of Asia”. Experts in the field come with various accreditations and most have trained in Western countries and the hospitals are fully equipped with the latest advancements in the field of cosmetic surgery.

With the top-notch quality of service, high-class hospital suites, and highly-trained specialists, you’d expect to pay an arm and a leg just to get one minor procedure done, right? Well, in comparison to Australia, Thailand’ fees are less expensive even if you add in the travel expenses. In comparison, breast implants can cost up to AU$12,000 when done in Australia but in Thailand, the bill could only reach up to AU$4,000. Getting a facelift in an Australian facility can cost up to AU$10,000 while a hospital in Bangkok can do that for only AU$5,500 or almost half of the price. As for the travel costs, airfares are fairly cheap especially if you book your trip during the off peak season, around March to September, where the streets aren’t as crowded and hotels aren’t as full.

Medical Facilities in Thailand

Fostering the medical tourism industry in Thailand, the government has set specific guidelines for health care professionals and facilities to follow to uplift the quality of services they provide. With the aid of the Joint Commission International, hospitals and health care professionals in Thailand strive to provide world-class services which adhere to standards set in the United States and in other Western nations.

As in any other country, there are thousands of hospitals all over Thailand and even in its smaller islands. The majority of which are public hospitals which are run under the government’s arm, the Ministry of Public Health. Because of the high availability of health care in Thailand, waiting lists for surgeries and other procedures aren’t as long as you would expect. With the tight competition as well from other top-calibre hospitals in Bangkok, it is clear as to why prices for cosmetic surgeries still remain highly competitive and affordable. Based on your budget and your elected cosmetic procedure, you can freely choose to a hotel-like hospital bedroom inside an international-standard health care facility right in the middle of Bangkok and still save hundreds of dollars when it comes to paying your medical bills.

Among the numerous health care facilities in the beautiful country of Thailand, Lotus Medical is the top rated cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery facility in Thailand.

To go or not to go?

Before you jump the gun and book a flight to Thailand, be sure to do your own part and research about the cosmetic surgery you want to have done and the possible hospitals you are considering. Get to know each and every step of the planning and the process so you don’t get lost in translation. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you need any information.

Always factor in the costs of your own travel to and from Bangkok, especially considering accommodation and transportation costs outside of the hospital. Have a translator service (we can provide this) in mind in case you do run into a problem, even if the hospitals do promise to have an in-house translator or a medical professional fluent in English it does pay to have your own in certain cases.

Any medical or health insurance plans that you have back at home might not cover any cosmetic surgeries, especially those done voluntarily or on an elective basis. However, if your insurance provider gives international medical coverage on a global scale, make sure to contact them first before making any bookings or reservations overseas.

With the world-class health care service offered at a fraction of a cost, Thailand definitely beats other countries when it comes to medical tourism. Do away with the long waiting list for operating room procedures and cut free from plastic surgeons charging prices that are considerably expensive for such a small operation. Thousands have done it in the past and more and more patients come each and every year just to go under the knife.

With the majority of the hospitals in Thailand being run by the Ministry of Health, thousands of hospitals specialising specifically in cosmetic surgery has grown all over the country. Everything from simple lip injections, facelifts, tummy tucks, and even rhinoplasty, health care facilities in Thailand welcome all patients looking for an affordable solution to their physical appearance woes and aesthetic problems.

Phuket for cosmetic surgery

Thousands of medical travelers make their way to Thailand and to Phuket each year, so why are so many people opting to have Cosmetic surgery in Phuket? Obviously one of the main reasons that people wish to travel to Thailand for surgery is because of the huge cost savings of having plastic surgery in Phuket or Thailand versus the costs at home. But have you ever stopped to think about the other benefits? A few years ago more people tended to go to Bangkok for surgery but the tables have turned and more and more people are now travelling to Phuket for cosmetic surgery.

Cosmetic surgery is available throughout many cities in Thailand but most people nowadays are choosing to have Phuket Surgery, what is the reason for this? Well there are many reasons; the plastic surgeons in Phuket are among the best in Thailand and the most experienced at dealing with international clients. Therefore they also have the most experience at Western type surgeries versus performing surgery on Asian patients as there can be many differences especially with surgeries such as Rhinoplasty of which there is a very distinct Western and Asian type.

So what are the other reasons that people are choosing Phuket Surgery? Having plastic surgery in Phuket also means that you have a perfect tropical island environment in which to rest and recover. When having surgery at home you still have daily stresses to deal with during your recovery, who is going to do the washing, cooking, cleaning and school runs? When you come to Thailand you can completely kick back and relax. Instead of having to deal with day to day tasks at home you can sit by the pool, call room service and rely on the hotel staff to clean your room and do your laundry. There simply is no better place than Phuket for plastic surgery and for the perfect recovery.

Why not let Lotus Medical organise a full Thailand surgery package for you? We can arrange a package to include your surgery, transfers, accommodation, medical host and mobile phone. This means that when you are having cosmetic surgery in Phuket you can be assured of one of the best hotels, you can also rely on the fact that you will be fully supported during your trip and that you always have someone that you can contact if you have any questions.

Cosmetic surgery Phuket, has to be a pretty good choice for anyone!

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