Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in France

MyMediTravel has teamed up with Doctors, Surgeons, and Clinics to offer you a fabulous selection of Plastic and Cosmetic surgery procedures. Many of our customers shared the same opinion that Plastic Surgery and Cosmetic Surgery were actually the same. So what is the difference? While both plastic surgery and cosmetic surgery aim to improve a patient’s body, there are differences:

Plastic Surgery is reconstructive surgery aimed at reconstructing the burnt, cut, or damaged part of the body. Functional abnormalities due to accidents, burns, injuries, cancers, fractures, tumors, medical impairments, congenital defects including cleft palate, cleft lip, spina bifida, etc., fractured body parts are also treated under plastic surgery. The most common reconstructive procedure is the redevelopment of removed breasts in cancer patients, hand surgery, and the removal of tumors.

Cosmetic surgery or aesthetic surgery is involved in enhancing your physical beauty. It is not for the treatment of any disease or ailment. Your physical appearance is changed according to your desire by performing surgery. Facial features are altered by reshaping of the nose, chin implants, lip implants, brow lifting, eyelid lifting, and face lifting. Butt implants, breast implants, breast lift. and neck contouring is also prevalent. The likes of liposuction and Tummy Tucks also fall under this category.

Plastic Surgery Treatments

The procedures vary according to the purpose for which surgery is being performed. The following are some of the procedures used in plastic surgery:

• Skin Grafting involves taking a healthy piece of skin from a Donor Site and implanting onto a damaged Recipient Site. 
• Flap Surgery, in this type of plastic surgery a piece of flesh is transferred from one body part to the other. This piece of tissue carries its own blood supply and heals faster. It is used to treat the more complicated type of disorders.
• Tissue Expansion, as the name indicates, the body grows extra tissue by the extension of the surrounding skin. A device called an expander is used in this method. It is a balloon-like machine that is inserted under the skin near the defected area which needs to be repaired. This is filled with saltwater allowing the skin to expand and grow.
• Microsurgery, in this technique, very small sutures are used to connect arteries, veins, and nerves in the transplanted tissue. It makes the healing process rapid.   

Length of Stay in France

This also depends upon the type of surgery being performed. Complex surgeries require a long stay in the hospital. For example, if someone is going through reconstructive surgery for burns, the duration of stay in the hospital depends upon the percentage of the burnt area. It is referred to as total body surface area burnt (TBSA%). In cases of severe burns, the stay is longer. For breast tumor removal two methods are used. In a lumpectomy, only the tumor along with some surrounding tissue is removed and the patient is discharged the same day. While in the case of mastectomy, the whole breast tissue is removed leaving the chest flat. It requires an overnight stay at the hospital. 2 days are needed if the breasts are reconstructed after the removal of the tumor. Similarly, different cosmetic surgeries require a different stay at hospital time. Butt lift surgery demands variable time which depends on your pain tolerance and healing speed. But in most cases, a minimum of 10-14 days post-op stay in France is required for the removal of stitches and for follow up checks, etc.

Recovery Time

This too depends upon the type of surgery performed. It is advised to give yourself plenty of time for recovery. This will make you happy if you recover in less than the estimated time. In the case of a breast transplant, you can return to work after 5-7 days. In three months, the swelling subsides and the breasts get proper size and shape. Butt lift surgery demands four months for complete recovery. Liposuction has varying recovery times, depending on the area of the body from which fat is removed. Vaginal rejuvenation requires 3 to 6 weeks for recovery in which you need to abstain from sexual intercourse. Rhinoplasty shows an early setting within one month. However, complete results are seen after 1 year. Facelift and eyelid surgery requires 2 to 3 week recovery time.

Success Rate

Plastic surgeries are not always successful. Physical conditions of a patient are considered before undergoing surgery, and those with the least health risks are allowed to go through the operation. The success rate is higher if the subject is fit, both physically and mentally. Although the success rate is high, surgery can still go wrong. In the case of plastic surgery gone wrong, your body might become de-shaped, but surgeons are well equipped and well experienced enough to correct this as quickly as possible, which is why you must not fly home immediately after surgery.

Aftercare

Plastic surgery is a wide field, with many operations coming under this category, and aftercare for every surgery is different. Following are some tips for aftercare:

1. Visit your doctor on a regular basis and follow his/her guidelines.
2. Make sure that you have someone with you because recovery can take some time.
3. Ask your doctor about a healthy diet plan. Eat nutritious food according to that plan.
4. Take some days off work. Take rest and avoid un-necessary exercise and movement.
5. Drink a lot of water.
6. Do not take medicines on your own because some pain killers can increase inflammation.

Alternatives to Plastic Surgery

• Microdermabrasion: in this method, fine crystals are rapidly sprayed onto the skin removing superficial dead skin layer.
• Botox: Botulinum Toxin is injected into the skin which temporarily paralyzes your muscles causing skin lines and wrinkles.
• CoolSculpting: This technique works by freezing the adipocytes present under your skin. These are crystallized and ultimately killed. After that, your body will digest them leaving fat free skin.
• Ultherapy: This involves using ultrasound energy for skin tightening giving smooth and healthy skin.
• Facial Fillers: these are long term, short term, or permanent fillers. Which improves your skin quality without surgery.
• Bio Stimulators: these are the boosters of collagen production. Increased collagen gives tight and youthful skin.

In the case of reconstructive surgery, breast prostheses may be considered an alternative to breast implants. Prostheses are an artificial body part. Artificial breasts are worn inside a suitable bra giving the appearance of natural breasts. It is useful for those who do not want to go for reconstructive surgery.  

Before and After

The visible difference is seen before and after going through plastic surgery. In reconstructive surgeries, your body parts are reconstructed such as breasts. While in cosmetic surgery your physical appearance is altered.

Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in and around France

About France

France, renowned for its architecture, art, cinema, cuisine, fashion, literature, music, and wine, with the most significant attraction being its glorious capital city, Paris - home to the famous Eifel Tower. With its small medical tourism industry, France sees far fewer medical tourists than its neighbors Germany and Spain, however, many travel each year for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery procedures among other popular procedures. Other than Paris, popular locations for private medical centers, include Bordeaux, Lyon, and Montpellier.

Popular Parts of France

France has welcomed more than 80 million visitors in the past few years. The country does have a lot to offer, from culture to iconic landscapes, making it an ideal place to spend a memorable holiday. 

• Paris, the capital of France, is an international center of culture, fashion, art, and gastronomy. Hundreds of writers have written about their love of this city, and it is easy to see why. With thousands of years of history, the city is filled with iconic monuments. Some of the most famous and most visited landmarks are the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and Notre Dame. This stunning city is also known for its art nouveau cafes with pretty chairs lining the terrace and the beautiful banks of the Seine that are perfect for romantic walks. 
• Bordeaux is known for its wine, lively restaurant scene, and the futuristic La Cité du Vin. Tourists can take a tour of a winery and taste some of the world’s best wines. Complete the wine tour by visiting La Cité du Vin, an ultra-modern cultural center that provides comprehensive information about wine production. Other than the wine, there are countless things that tourists can do in this city. Visit Place de la Victoire, a pretty square with amazing architecture, or visit Musée D’Aquitaine to see historical collections from all around the Aquitaine region.
• Lyon is the third-largest city in France and it is famous for its cuisine and historical landmarks. The city was an important area for silk production and had lots of trade with Italy and tourists can see the Italian influence in the city’s architecture. The city attracts travelers to come and visit its many museums such as the Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, Museum of Miniatures, and Textile Museum. Tourists who love cinema will be delighted to explore the Lumiere Institute. Since Lyon is famous for its gastronomic scene, tourists should taste its famous specialties in a Bouchon.
• Nice is the second-largest tourist destination in France. Located on the Mediterranean coast, the city is brimming with stunning beaches, hilltop lookouts, and glamorous restaurants. Thanks to its Mediterranean climate, it is always filled with sun-seekers all year round. The city in the past also attracted many artists such as Henri Matisse, Marc Chagall, Pablo Picasso, and Pierre-Auguste Renoir. The city pays tribute to the artists in its top museums, the Musée Chagall and the Musée Matisse.
• Marseille is the second most populated city in France. Found by Greek sailors in 600 BC, it is one of the oldest cities in Europe. With a complex history, it is now a melting pot of different cultures. Discover the city by shopping in one of the colorful markets like the Noailles market. Do not forget to visit the Calanques to admire its beauty, wander around the interesting Mucem, get lost in Le Panier, and stroll around the scenic Corniche.     

Weather and Climate in France

France generally enjoys mild summers and cold winters except in the Mediterranean area, which enjoys mild winters and hot summers. Spring starts in March and ends in April and the streets in spring are bursting with colors, making it a beautiful time to visit the country. It rains a lot during this season but the weather will start to brighten up in April. The temperature ranges between 7.5 °C in early March and 13.6 °C in May. June is when the summer starts and this season is a high season for tourism. The average temperature in summer is around 24 °C and the season experience little rainfall (around 11 days every month). 

Autumn lasts from September to November. With an average of 12 °C, the temperature is still pretty mild to enjoy some outdoor activities. The temperature will slowly decrease in November when it reaches an average of 7.5 °C. Autumn is also the season of grape harvests, meaning it is a great time for wine tours. Winter is during the months of December to February and the weather can be really cold during this season with an average temperature of 5 °C. Despite the cold, December can be a delightful time to visit the country since it is one of the most festive months in France.

Getting Around in France

France has 34 airports, but the busiest are the airports in Paris: Paris Charles de Gaulle and Orly. Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport is the largest airport in France and the second largest in Europe. The airport serves domestic and international flights. It connects France with almost every country around the globe. It also serves budget airlines such as EasyJet and Norwegian Air Shuttle. While Charles de Gaulle airport serves as the main airport, Orly Airport serves as a secondary hub for domestic and overseas territories flights. 

Traveling around France is easy. The wide range of airports let tourists travel around the country quickly by domestic flights. The country also has a great rail system since it is the creator of the earliest high-speed train system. The TGV (Train a Grande Vitesse) connects 150 cities in the country and Europe. It speeds up to 200 miles per hour. Other than the TGV, there are also Intercity trains, TER, and AutoTrain. The easiest way to buy train tickets is online. The prices vary widely but you will get good bargains if you book early. Before getting on the train, remember to validate your ticket in yellow machines known as compostage de billets.

Taxis can be found easily around France and you can hail a taxi from a taxi rank (station de taxi) outside railway stations, airports, or main areas in cities. You can also hail one directly from the street or by telephone. The taxis are metered and the base fare is around €4.10. If there are more than four passengers, there will be an extra fee of €2.50 and the driver can charge an extra €2 if you have a lot of luggage and Taxis are usually more expensive in Paris.

Tourist Visas in France

France is a member of the Schengen Agreement. Therefore, holders of ordinary passport from 62 countries including Australia, Malaysia, Singapore, and the United States do not need a visa to enter the country for short stays of up to 90 days. Other nationals not listed need to apply and obtain a visa before entering the country. It is advisable to always check at the nearest France embassy or consulate for a France visa.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The official currency in France is the Euro (€). US$1 converts to €0.85.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs (known as DAB - distributeurs automatiques de billets) are widely available in the country, particularly in airports, train stations, and street corners. Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, including shops, supermarkets, restaurants, and hotels. Tipping can sometimes be mandatory, usually around 10% in restaurants.
3. Local Language: French is the official language. Most people in large cities will speak English, especially in hotels and tourist sites. But it is better to know some French.
4. Local Culture and Religion: France has a diverse religion under secular principles. The major religion in the country is Christianity, but other religions such as Islam, Buddhism, and Judaism are freely practiced. 
5. Public Holidays: There are 11 official public holidays in France, including New Year’s Day, Easter Monday, Bastille Day, and Christmas Day.