Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Koh Samui

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 Koh Samui

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 Koh Samui 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 Koh Samui

About Koh Samui

Koh Samui is the second-largest island in the Gulf of Thailand. Referred to as Samui, it was once a “backpacker’s paradise”. It has a bounty of natural wonders as well as man-made attractions such as the mummified monks and the glorious Buddha temples.

The idyllic atmosphere of Koh Samui makes it a perfect destination for both physical and mental wellbeing. It has become a preferred destination for medical tourism in the last few years. Visitors love the location and combine their holidays with medical and spa treatments.

The island has several sophisticated and state-of-art international hospitals such as the Bangkok Hospital, Samui, Bandon International Hospital, Samui International Hospital, and Thai International Hospital, Samui. These hospitals offer affordable and timely medical services to tourists who mainly come to undergo Cosmetic surgeries, Dental Aesthetic procedures, and Sex Reassignment surgeries. Such procedures when carried out in Koh Samui cost 20% to 25% less than the cost of the same treatments in their home countries.

With an eye on the possible growth within the realm of medical tourism, these hospitals are actively broadening the array of medical services they offer. They now furnish other types of procedures including, but not limited to, cardiac surgery, orthopedic surgery, and ophthalmic surgery.

In addition to these extended services, they have a roster of highly competent doctors on hand. These medical professionals are clearly proficient in English, thereby effectively ensuring smooth and easy communication with patients arriving from different parts of the world.

Popular Areas in Koh Samui

Koh Samui is home to many amazing beaches, locations, temples, and markets and some of the major and popular attractions of the island are:

• Ang Thong Marine Park – Ang Thong Marine Park is a group of 42 tiny lush green islands with lofty limestone cliffs, crystal clear beaches, fertile mangroves, waterfalls, hidden coves, and lakes. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Koh Samui, and it is easy to see why. The scenery is simply breathtaking.
• Wat Phra Yai – Wat Phra Yai, also known as the Big Buddha Temple, is one of the most iconic landmarks in Koh Samui. The golden-colored, 12-meter tall Buddha statue is hard to miss, and it is a popular pilgrimage site for both locals and tourists.
• Wat Plai Laem – Wat Plai Laem is an active Buddhist temple that is known for its beautiful architecture and its 18-arm image of Guanyin, the Goddess of Mercy and Compassion. It is a popular place to visit for both religious and cultural reasons.
• Na Muang Waterfall – It represents a set of two magnificent waterfalls. These lie about 7.5 miles southeast to Nathon Bay in inland.
• Chaweng and Lamai Beach – Are the two most popular beaches on the island. Chaweng beach is on the east coast of Samui and is known for its nightlife. Lamai beach has a more laid-back atmosphere, but it still has a variety of accommodation, dining & shopping choices, luxurious spas, and tourist spots.

Koh Samui’s other attractions include Hin Ta and Hin Yai, Koh Phangan island, Fisherman’s Village Bophut, Mummy Monk at Wat Khunaram, and the Secret Buddha Garden. Full Moon Party is an all-night beach party held on the Koh Phangan island on full moon day.

Weather and Climate in Phuket

Nestled in a tropical climate, Koh Samui basks in hot and humid weather that extends throughout the year. The humidity level typically straddles between 70 and 85 percent, creating a warm atmosphere indicative of tropical locales. Meanwhile, the average temperature usually hovers around a cosy 28 degrees Celsius.

The island ushers in three distinctive seasons, specifically, hot, dry, and rainy, each of them bringing a unique texture to the overall climate.

• Hot Season is between March and September. The hottest period is March and April when the temperature is 30 degrees Celsius and above. From May to September, it’s like a mini monsoon season with bright sunny days and light showers in the evening.
• Dry Season runs from December to February. The weather is pleasant with light cool winds. The sea is balmy and tourists flock the region during this season.
• Rainy Season is between September and November and the island faces its maximum rainfall with unpredictable weather and rough seas.

Getting Around in Koh Samui

Koh Samui’s airport is a private airport built by Bangkok Airways. It is still the main operator of flights to Samui. Flights to and from Bangkok operate almost every hour. It operates domestic flights to Phuket, Pattaya, and Chiang Mai, and international flights to Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, and Hong Kong every day. Thai Airways to flies between Bangkok and Ko Samui.

Besides Bangkok and Thai Airways, Berjaya Air & Firefly of Malaysia and Silk Air of Singapore also fly to Samui Airport. Air Asia offers a special ‘Island Transfer’ which comprises a flight from Bangkok to Surat Thani or Nakhon Si Thammarat, road travel to the port, and a ferry ride to Koh Samui.

Combined bus and ferry service from Surat Thani rail station or Surat Thani Airport are other options to reach Samui.

Moving around Koh Samui is easy as it is a small island and there are many transport options within Samui. They are songthaews, motorbikes, taxis, and cars and there are no tuk-tuks or buses.

• Songthaews – They are mini pick-up trucks that can accommodate 8-10 adults. They circle the main ring road of Samui and travel through the popular beach towns. The drivers pick you up from anywhere on the road.
• Metered Taxis – You can find them everywhere in the town. Despite having a meter, the drivers don’t use them. You need to bargain and fix a fare before you start your journey.
• Rent a Car – There are major car rental chains to book a car and they have a good collection of vehicles, but can be pricey. Then there are local car operators which are cheaper but can be unreliable.
• Scooter-taxis –These are the cheapest and quickest mode of transport.

Tourist Visas in Koh Samui

Visa Exemption or Visa Waiver Entry – Under a bilateral agreement, Thailand exempts nationals from 55 countries including the UK, USA, and many European countries from obtaining a tourist visa. The only condition is that tourists must have a passport that is valid for at least six months. They can get an arrival stamp on their passports, and stay in the country for a period of 30 days. They need not pay any visa fees, as it is not a visa on arrival rather just an entry stamp.

Visa on Arrival – Nationals from 24 countries like China and India with a valid Passport not expiring before six months, can get a visa on arrival at the airport. The visa permits them a stay of 15 days. There are designated immigration counters at the airport for issuing the visa.

Here are some additional tips for tourists applying for a visa on arrival in Thailand:

• Make sure that you have all of the required documents, including a valid passport, a return flight ticket, and proof of funds.
• Be prepared to pay the visa fee, which is 2,000 Thai baht.
• Be prepared to answer questions about your trip and your purpose for visiting Thailand.

Additional Information

• The main currency of exchange is the Thai Baht. One US dollar is worth about 34.5559 Thai Baht as of 2023. You can also use debit and credit cards.
• Most of the major banks operate in Samui Island. They exchange all major currencies and traveller’s cheques.
• ​​​​​​​You can find ATMs everywhere in Koh Samui. They accept both local as well as international debit cards. However, they charge you a small transactional fee when you withdraw from your country’s bank account.
• ​​​​​​​The locals of Koh Samui speak Thai – the official language of Thailand. People also understand and speak English to a certain extent, since the island is a famous tourist destination.
• ​​​​​​​Buddhism and reverence to the monarchy are striking aspects of Samui culture. It has a large Buddhist Thai population along with a traditional Muslim fishermen community.
• ​​​​​​​Important public holidays include:

1. The Chinese New Year in February
2. ​​​​​​​The Thai New Year (Songkran) in April
3. ​​​​​​​The Festival of Lights (Loi Krathong) in November
4. ​​​​​​​Christmas and New Year