Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery in Lithuania

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 Lithuania

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 Lithuania 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 Lithuania

About Lithuania

Lithuania is an Eastern European country and is the largest and most populous of the three Baltic States. The country has a population of 3 million people, capital and largest city is Vilnius. There are only 3 Hospitals in Lithuania that are JCI accredited and all 3 can be found at the capital.

Lithuania welcomes an ever-increasing number of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery procedures. The biggest attraction of Lithuania has to be the cost. Once you are there it is very affordable to eat, drink and get around and the prices from private clinics for medical treatment are extremely competitive. Come from within Europe on a low-cost airline and you will probably pay for your treatment and your holiday for less than your procedure would have cost at home.

Popular Parts of Lithuania

Although Lithuania is one of the lesser known countries of Europe, the country is actually a beautiful destination. Lithuania is home to incredible castles, lakes, forests, and landscapes.

• Vilnius: The capital of Lithuania is a city of churches. It is a dreamy city especially under the golden glow of summer sun. The city is often referred to as one of the cheapest city breaks in Europe. Trendy bars, hills, beautiful architecture, and fascinating history all makes this city an amazing destination. Hot-air balloons above Vilnius are also an impressive sight.
• Kaunas is the second city in Lithuania and is probably the coldest city in the country. Most tourists’ attractions in the city are within walking distance, making it a pleasant city to explore. The street in Old Town is packed with interesting architecture and hidden attractions.
• Druskininkai is filled with health spa amenities. Tourists will find countless natural attractions such as mineral water and curing mud. The city offers many outdoor and leisure activities such as river canoeing, cycling, adventure park with rope obstacles, and ski.
• Nida is a peaceful fishing village. It is a popular destination for tourists looking for some downtime, it has beautiful panoramic views. It is also home to the highest moving sand dunes in Europe. The Dead Dunes is probably the most famous spot in Nida.

Weather and Climate in Lithuania

Lithuania is at its best in summer when the days are warm and the Baltic Sea is swimmable. The country is swarming with tourists during this season. Summer starts from June until August; the average temperature is around 20 °C during the day and 14 °C during the night.

Spring arrives late, usually starts in April and finishes in May. Spring makes the country look even more beautiful with blossoming flowers and cherry trees. The temperature is usually cool.

Autumn has many sunny days and adds more color to the country. Autumn starts in September and lasts for two months. The nights in autumn are chilly, and the temperature usually drops to 0.1 °C in late November.

Winter is especially cold with an average temperature of around -6.6 to -2.8 °C. Some winters can be even colder with the average temperature dropping as low as -20 °C.

Getting Around in Lithuania

Vilnius International Airport is the largest airport in Lithuania. It connects the country with European cities. The airport is the hub for air Baltic and Get Jet Airlines. Budget airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air also operate flights from this airport. Other international airports are Kaunas International Airport, Palanga International Airport, and Šiauliai International Airport. The airports in Lithuania do not serve domestic flights.

Vilnius airport taxis are available and can be found in front of the arrivals terminal. The taxis are comfortable and affordable. All taxis accept payment by cash or credit card, a journey to the city center should cost around 10 EUR to 18 EUR. The city bus is a more cost-effective option to travel to Vilnius. A single ticket costs 1 EUR and can be purchased on the bus.

Getting around in Lithuania by car is the best way if you wish to visit many destinations. Lithuanian roads are among the best in Eastern Europe. The country has four-lane highways connecting Vilnius, Kaunas, Klaipeda, Panevėžys, and Palanga.

Intercity buses dominate the system of Lithuanian public transportation. Buses link all major cities and smaller towns. Buses between big cities are very frequent and usually leave every 15 minutes. Bus tickets can be purchased in the bus station or directly from the bus driver. Trains in Lithuania are good value but rather slow. Riding a bicycle is a nice way to get around inside the cities. Most roads are kept in good condition. Bike hire is available across all major cities and several small villages.

Tourist Visas in Lithuania

Citizens of the European Union, the United States, Canada, Australia, and Britain are granted visa-free entry to Lithuania and may stay for up to 90 days. Other foreign nationals must apply and obtain a visa before entering Lithuania. It is advisable to contact the local embassy to check visa requirements for Lithuania.

Lithuania is part of the Schengen Area, those who already have a Schengen visa do not have to apply for a new visa to enter Lithuania. A passport valid for at least three months beyond the length of stay is required by all visitors.

Additional Information

1. Local Currency: The local currency is the euro. Lithuania adopted the euro in 2015. 1 USD is equivalent to 0.88 EUR.
2. Money & Payments: ATMs are available in cities and towns, even in small villages. Most banks will exchange your money, but the easiest way is to withdraw cash from an ATM. Most restaurants and hotels accept credit cards (mostly Visa, MasterCard, and American Express). Always make sure to carry cash for small purchases such as museums and markets. Tourists can tip 10% in restaurants, always tip with cash even if you’re paying by credit or debit card. Taxi drivers do not expect a tip, but it is common to add a couple of euros.
3. Local Language: Lithuanian is the official language. English is widely spoken by younger generations. The older generations usually only have very basic English skills. Most people know Russian or at least very basic Russian. Polish is also understood in certain areas. German is also spoken in Palanga, Neringa, and other major cities.
4. Local Culture and Religion: The predominant religion in Lithuania is Christianity; with around 77% of the population is Catholic. There are also small groups of Jews, Muslims, as well as other faiths.
5. Public Holidays: As a Christian country, Lithuania celebrates Christian religious holidays such as Easter, Christmas Eve and Christmas. Lithuania has little traditions to celebrate its national patriotic holidays. The country hosts many annual and unique festivals all-year round. Galapagai Rock Music Festival in July, Palanga Smelt Festival in February, Vilnius Festival in June, Trakai Middle Age Festival in June, and Vilnius Film Festival in late March to early April.