Plastic Surgery Prices
in Thailand

Plastic surgery in Thailand can be very safe when choosing accredited facilities and qualified surgeons, but carries significant risks if prioritizing cheap options over quality. 

Thailand is a global medical tourism hub offering state-of-the-art JCI-accredited hospitals (Joint Commission International—the ultimate indicator of quality and patient care), highly skilled board-certified surgeons (14-year training requirement, many affiliated with ISAPS/ASPS), experienced facilities like Bumrungrad International, Yanhee, Samitivej, and Bangkok hospitals with decades of expertise, all at costs often less than half of Western prices. 

However, critical dangers exist with cheap surgery: 

(1) surgeon uncertainty—consultations with celebrity surgeons but actual operations performed by junior trainees while the lead surgeon operates on multiple patients simultaneously (“fast food chain” approach); 

(2) infection risks including super-bug infections (Golden Staphylococcus resistant to antibiotics), HIV/Hepatitis C from contaminated instruments/transfusions, and varying hygiene standards from weak government enforcement; 

(3) adverse outcomes requiring expensive corrective surgery back home with no local recourse; 

(4) complications including chronic wound infections, cysts, abscesses, keloid scarring, DVT, implant rejection, and aesthetic dissatisfaction (mismatched cultural expectations like “Asian-style” features when expecting Western results).

 To ensure safety:

 (1) never choose the cheapest surgeon—go to reputable hospitals and pay accordingly; 

(2) choose hospitals over clinics (can handle emergencies—deaths have occurred at clinics); 

(3) verify JCI accreditation and board certification; 

(4) insist on comprehensive aftercare and plan to stay 7-10 days post-surgery (2-4 weeks for major procedures) for proper healing and follow-up. 

At Rattinan Clinic, we meet these safety standards with AACI certification, experienced board-certified surgeons, transparent surgeon identification, international hygiene protocols, and comprehensive aftercare programs.

When selecting a plastic surgery location in Thailand, prioritize safety, credentials, and comprehensive care over cost alone. 

(1) Verify accreditation and credentials—select facilities with international certifications like AACI (American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities) or JCI accreditation ensuring gold-standard quality and safety; ensure surgeons are board-certified with ISAPS/ASPS affiliations and experience with international patients; for specific procedures like rhinoplasty, find surgeons experienced with your desired aesthetic (Western vs. Asian features); critically, verify who actually performs your surgery—some celebrity surgeons may consult but have junior trainees operate instead. 

(2) Don’t prioritize cheap prices—choose reputable surgeons and pay accordingly, as poorly performed surgery has lifelong consequences; compare comprehensive packages including consultation, pre-surgery tests, procedure, accommodation, airport transfers, and robust aftercare. 

(3) Research thoroughly—read real patient reviews, examine before/after photos, avoid commission-driven agencies, and use virtual consultations to align expectations with your surgeon. 

(4) Plan adequate recovery time—stay 7-10 days post-surgery minimum (2-3 weeks for major procedures like facelifts, 2-4 weeks for gender affirmation), staying near the facility for easy follow-up appointments. 

(5) Secure specialized medical tourism insurance—standard travel insurance excludes planned procedures and complications. 

At Rattinan Clinic, we meet these criteria with AACI certification (meeting American accreditation standards for ambulatory surgical facilities), experienced board-certified surgeons trained since 1994 with US/Canada specialization, transparent surgeon identification, comprehensive packages with accommodation support, and dedicated aftercare programs ensuring your safety and optimal results.

The amount of time you should plan to stay in Thailand after surgery depends heavily on the complexity of the procedure performed.

Generally, sources recommend staying in Thailand for follow-up care for periods ranging from a few days for minor treatments up to several weeks for major surgical procedures:

• Minor Surgeries and Follow-up Checks: It is generally recommended to stay in Thailand for at least 7 to 10 days post-surgery to ensure proper healing and to attend follow-up consultations.
• Major Procedures (e.g., Tummy Tuck or Facelift): Major surgical procedures may require a longer recovery period in Thailand, typically between 2 to 3 weeks.
• Complex Procedures (e.g., Gender Affirmation Surgery): For gender affirmation surgery, patients should expect to stay in Thailand for 2 to 4 weeks after the procedure to recover under the surgeon’s care before safely traveling home.
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Job): For a procedure like rhinoplasty, the splint is typically removed after a week. You should plan to remain nearby post-procedure for check-ups.
• Shorter Stays (for specific clinics/procedures): Some clinics specializing in less invasive procedures like liposuction or tummy tuck using dissolvable sutures may recommend a shorter stay of approximately 3 days at a nearby partnered hotel for essential recovery and check-up appointments.

It is critical to remember that maintaining a sufficient recovery period in the country of surgery is essential for successful healing and attending necessary follow-up appointments. Your package should include follow-up check-ups, and staying near the clinic or hospital allows for easy access to these appointments.