How to Choose the Best Plastic Surgeon in Thailand
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Something important to keep in mind when considering plastic surgery in Thailand, is to look for the right surgeon. This is the best way to guarantee that you’ll be satisfied with the results along with ensuring your health and safety.
There is no perfect surgeon that fits every patient. Asking for recommendations can be useful, but not a fool proof way to find the best plastic surgeon. With that being said, here are some important considerations to help you choose the best plastic surgeon in Thailand:
Surgical Expertise & Certifications
First things first. Not all doctors advertising cosmetic surgery in Thailand are board-certified. Although cosmetic surgery procedures can often appear to be simple and straightforward, they can potentially have life-altering complications if something goes wrong.
When choosing the best plastic surgeon in Thailand, always check that the surgeon is board-certified by the Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand (ThPRS). In order to get board-certified, surgeons must undergo several years of surgical training combined with extensive professional experience in their field. The ThPRS certificate guarantees the surgeon is an active and trusted professional who has received the highest quality professional training.
A medical license by the Medical Council of Thailand differs from a board certification. The first one allows the surgeon to practice medicine, while board certification comes after rigorous training in their specialization. In any case, check that the plastic surgeon has both. Any other certificates, awards and professional memberships can offer additional assurance.
Previous Results
Does the surgeon have “before and after” pictures of similar procedures? In case of most plastic surgery procedures, such as rhinoplasty or tummy tuck, these should be available on the clinic’s website. There are, however, some circumstances where the clinic might provide these on request (SRS surgery for example).
“Before and after” photos also help you see if the surgeon’s style and approach align with the image you want of yourself after the procedure. Some surgeons are great professionals, but their style or technique may not always be suited to the results you’re looking for. Pay special attention to the people who have similar body or facial structure to yours, and how they look after the procedure.
Techniques Used
There are many different techniques used to perform cosmetic and restorative plastic surgeries. The technique used can affect the placement of the resulting scars, the price of the procedure as well as recovery time, which can be an important factor especially if you’re travelling to Thailand for your surgery. It can be helpful to research the different techniques used to perform the surgery you’re considering, so you can discuss these at your consultation.
Operating Facilities
While minor cosmetic procedures can be safely performed at plastic surgery clinics, major surgeries should be performed at hospitals. It’s important to ask questions about where your surgery will be performed and research the facilities beforehand.
You should look out for the Thai Hospital Accreditation (HA). This is an award issued by the Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation (HQIA), the public body responsible for setting standards and certifying the quality of service in both public and private hospitals. Having your surgery performed at a HA accredited hospital ensures that the facility meets the highest levels of health and safety.
Talk To The Surgeon
Request a consultation after shortlisting a few candidates for your surgery. We highly recommend a video call, but if this is not possible, ask to speak to the surgeon on the phone.
Many practices in Thailand offer free consultations, but this should be more than just a sales pitch. The surgeon should help you determine whether you’re a good candidate for the procedure you’re considering. Look for a surgeon that cares about you holistically and asks questions about your health also.
The surgeon should also make you feel comfortable and cared for. Do they listen and answer all your questions? Do they come across as caring and compassionate? It’s very important that you feel comfortable with the surgeon before choosing them to perform the operation.
Always prepare some questions in advance. Some good questions you might want to ask include:
- Am I a good candidate for this surgery?
- Where and how will my procedure be performed?
- How many other similar procedures have you performed?
- What are my options if I’m not happy with the results?
- What are the potential risks and complications?
Wrapping Up
When considering plastic surgery in Thailand, it’s important to consider the skill and experience of the operating surgeon. The results of your plastic surgery may last a lifetime, so your research must be done carefully, and with the intent of choosing the best plastic surgeon in Thailand for your needs, not to save money.
If you’re looking for the best plastic surgeon in Thailand, contact Interplast Clinic and ask to speak with one of our experts and arrange a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon today.