Cosmetic surgery has seen an unprecedented global boom over the past decade and what was once seen as a fad among the rich, famous and vain is now commonplace for people from all walks of life. In the United States alone, the numbers opting for cosmetic procedures has doubled in the last decade as more people consider the benefits of aesthetic enhancement in improving not just their looks but their self-esteem and confidence.
Thailand, more than any other country, has benefited from the rising trend for cosmetic or plastic surgery as international customers increasingly view the country as a specialist in this field of expertise. It is well known that tolerant Thailand has long led the world in gender reassignment surgery, but today it is rapidly gaining a reputation for being the world’s number one centre for every kind of cosmetic surgical procedure. Professor Apirag Chuangsuwanich, President of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand, claimed there had been a 30% rise in the number of both men and women undergoing cosmetic surgeries noting in particular that such operations were becoming increasingly popular among young people.
Thai surgeons are expert in every kind of cosmetic surgery techniques but what astonishes most people who opt to come to Thailand for their treatment is the price in comparison to those charged in the west. The majority of treatments will save patients at least 50% on their hospital bill which will still leave them enough money to enjoy a recuperation holiday on one of Thailand’s legendary beaches even after paying for travel expenses. Blepharoplasty (eyelid surgery) is one of the most common procedures. In the United States, prices average $2,500-3,000; in Thailand the average price is little over $500. Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) ranges from $3,500 to $4,000 in America whereas it is just $1,200 in Thailand. It is, therefore, not hard to see why the country has become so popular with people looking for cosmetic enhancement. Other popular treatments among overseas visitors travelling for cosmetic surgery are abdominoplasty (tummy tuck), rhytidectomy (face lift) breast augmentation and octoplasty (ear surgery).
Traditionally, women have made up the vast majority of patients opting for plastic surgery and although they still form up to 90% of patients it is becoming more common for men to turn to doctors for improvements to their appearance. Common procedures for men include fat reduction and abdominal procedures.
There are companies offering cosmetic tour packages, but it is just as easy to book your surgery and holiday on your own. All cosmetic surgeons at the international hospitals speak English and you will be able to fully consult with them before going ahead with any surgery. They will be able to offer advice on the surgery and recuperation time and give you a quote as to how much everything will cost. You can then build you holiday around that.
After any form of cosmetic surgery, your body will need a little time to recuperate and there is no better place to do this than in the sun, on a beach. Pattaya is a good choice for recuperation as it is so close to Bangkok and with its big variety of seaside resorts and services to choose from; there are many more recovering patients to be found on Pattaya’s beaches.
