24 Nov
Cosmetic Holidays, Medical Tourism, New destinations, Plastic Surgery, Travel

The plastic surgery boom in the Pandemic and after!

At the start of the pandemic here in Australia and all over the world, things didn’t look good for the field of plastic and cosmetic surgery. With lockdown, many hospitals and surgical centres banned all elective procedures, limiting plastic surgeries to those that were reconstructive in nature. In the major cities for plastic surgery like the Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne, practices had to all but close to all but essential patients or quickly pivot their focus to in-office procedures using local anaesthetic (which we know is only best for the clinic and not in the best interests of the patient).

It was horrendous for medical tourism industry on a global scale. In fact, NipTuck Holidays one of the pioneers medical tourism agencies in Australia since 2007, is one of the few agencies in Australia that not only remains but has expanded through this difficult times offering our clients new destinations of Mexico, Turkey and Bali in addition to Thailand that we have been offering since opening on the Gold Coast.

Even clients desperately wanting a procedure so much they are willing to pay three times the price in their home country, there has been a general sense of fear and the unknown. In Australia with the problems with the closures with State borders meant patients had to cancel their surgeries, in addition to the associated risks of covid with people being afraid of new risks in the face of COVID-19. Some were no longer able to afford their procedures due to changes in income or were pulling back on spending just in case.

But, where there is a will there is a way and more people than ever before were interested in plastic surgery and other cosmetic procedures!

Enter the “Zoom Boom”

You might wonder who would want elective surgery in the middle of a pandemic. On the surface, the idea of COVID-19 and lockdown leading to greater interest in plastic surgery may seem odd. Scroll your social media feed and you will see many memes highlighting people wearing pajamas to work and forgetting to so much as brush their hair before flipping open their laptop and “heading to work” from their couch. It makes you wonder how this casual attitude and an increased interest in cosmetic enhancements can exist simultaneously – yet, clearly, they can.

Once you dig a little deeper, it starts to make sense. Anyone who had previously been interested in surgery but worried about the recovery period suddenly had a golden opportunity; while they would still need time off from work, they would require fewer sick days since they could work from bed as they recovered. Plus, that comfy work-from-home wardrobe translates nicely to a post-surgery recovery one.

For those who suddenly didn’t need to commute, buy lunches out and focus on their work wardrobe, the pandemic also meant more money in the bank to spend as they wished.

However, the biggest factor was likely the “Zoom Boom.” With the switch to online work and meetings, many people went from only looking at themselves while washing their hands during bathroom breaks to suddenly staring at their image on a screen for hours each day. As a result, they had ample time to analyze their lines, wrinkles, double chins and more.

As one would expect, people quickly turned to seeking out solutions. And thus, thousands upon thousands began seeking plastic surgery during the pandemic.

Which procedures saw a boost?

The year 2020 changed everything, including plastic surgery trends.

For years, breast augmentation had reigned supreme, with liposuction, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery and facelifts rounding out the top five. These procedures remained popular in 2020; after all, there is a reason why people are so interested in them, and the pandemic made getting and recovering from these procedures easier for many.

However, interest in facial procedures grew significantly, thanks to Zoom and other video chatting platforms. Patients began requesting everything from chin liposuction to facelifts with greater frequency than ever before. There was also an increased interest in med spa procedures, such as botox and fillers, prompting many practices to increase their focus on their nonsurgical offerings, or even innovate their delivery methods to accommodate drive-thru procedures.

Lasting change or a fleeting trend?

Many are wondering if this increased interest in plastic surgery in general and facial procedures, in particular, is going to last once the pandemic is finally brought under control. While this is difficult to predict, most likely, these plastic surgery trends will continue even after the masks are put away.

First, there is the fact that, while the phrase is overused, the “new normal” is unlikely to give way to a return of the “old normal.” Companies have seen increased productivity and lowered costs by switching to a work-from-home model. People are coming to enjoy their virtual chats, and even when socializing in person again, are unlikely to eliminate Zoom from their lives.

Second, Millennials are aging. The oldest members of the generation are 38 years old in 2021. Thanks to the rise of Gen Z and platforms like TikTok, they are also acutely aware that they are no longer the young kids on the block. Unlike previous generations, they are facing 40 while living in an online world. Even if the new normal were to fully disappear, social media will not.

Medical Tourism is Back!

As such, the plastic surgery boom might lose some of its steam in a post-pandemic world, but it is unlikely to end especially now the medical tourism market is officially re-bounding globally! In fact quite the opposite as the prices as set the plunge significantly for people with the resumption of international travel, and set for full recovery!

Experts say we may even see some growth by the end of 2022 as pre-pandemic levels are being restored. With the resumption of travel, medical tourism is set to see growth by the end of 2022 at pre-pandemic rates as demand is being restored.

Official Data

GlobalData estimates that there were over 14 million inbound visits by medical tourists globally in 2019 and forecasts this number to continue to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.5% until 2024. Some of the fastest-growing markets are forecast to increase at CAGRs as high as 15% over the next few years. Several compounding factors contribute to the rapidly growing medical tourism industry. These include, but are not limited to, rising healthcare costs among developed nations, technological and infrastructure advancements in the destination countries and the rise of international accreditation agencies.

The Covid-19 pandemic significantly impacted the medical tourism industry, particularly in H1 2020. The main causes of this decline were the implementation of travel restrictions and the global postponement of the majority of elective procedures in an effort to minimise the spread of the disease. During summer 2020, global active Covid-19 caseloads temporarily declined, thus permitting the resumption of elective procedures. As international travel has slowly resumed, so has the demand for medical tourism. GlobalData estimates this market to fully rebound to pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2022, after which it will experience pre-pandemic growth rates.

Sources: About ECS International

https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/will-the-plastic-surgery-boom-last-after-the-pandemic
25 Oct
Cosmetic Holidays, Cosmetic surgery for Men, Medical Tourism, Travel, Turkey

Medical Tourism in Turkey

Published in the International Business Times

Health

By IBT Contributor on 10/21/21 at 4:34 pm edit

Medical tourism in Turkey is one of the driving forces behind its economy as thousands of patients flood the international clinics and hospitals in Turkey every year all year round to undergo different treatments.

The various treatments that foreign patients look for in Turkey include simple non-surgical treatments to the most invasive surgical and medical treatments.

Beautiful view on Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, Turkey

Why is Medical Tourism in Turkey Popular?

Turkey has a unique geographical location, especially its most famous city Istanbul, which is only a three hours flight from most of the capitals in the world.

Istanbul has gained an irrefutable reputation in the field of medical tourism because of many factors including:

  • Advanced medical techniques and the newest technologies are used in different medical fields.
  • Well-trained and experienced doctors, nurses, physicians, and others working in the medical field.
  • Price may be one of the most effective factors when it comes to the increasing number of foreign patients who choose medical tourism in Turkey.

The cost of treatments, as well as the cost of living in Turkey, is low when compared to different European countries, the USA, or Canada (incl. Australia and the UK) 

  • Hospitals and clinics that are built and operated according to the best European standards.
  • It is easy to acquire a visa to visit Turkey for most nationalities.

What are the Fields of Medical Tourism in Turkey?

As we mentioned earlier foreign patients come to Turkey seeking many treatments, the most popular of which are:

  • Hair transplantation:

Istanbul is the first destination when it comes to hair transplantation. There are hundreds of hair transplantation clinics that provide their patients with natural results and perform this procedure using different techniques and the latest discoveries in the field.

  • Dental Treatments:

Turkey became among the most famous medical tourism destinations in the field of dental treatments because of the high quality of the materials used in the treatments on the one hand, and the affordable cost of these treatments on the other.

International dental clinics, welcomes thousands of patients every year to have dental implants, dentures, or Hollywood smile treatments among many other dental treatments that are less costly than most of the European countries.

  • Plastic Surgery:

Plastic surgery is one of the beams that hold medical tourism in Turkey. Turkey is among the top ten countries in the world in this field. Patients choose Turkey to have their plastic surgery due to the affordable pieces, high-quality services, accredited hospitals, and clinics.

Prices of treatments, hotels, and other expenses in Turkey are cheaper by 60% to 80% when compared with other different countries especially North America, Canada the UK and Australia.

Dental medical tourism in Turkey witnessed a leap in the number of foreign patients who choose Turkey as the destination for receiving dental treatments. Clinics like Dentakay welcomed thousands of dental patients during the past months who came to Turkey to have dental treatments and spend their vacations in one of the most beautiful cities in the world, Istanbul.

It is worth mentioning that the number of medical tourism patients in Turkey in 2019 was 551,748 patients with 2 billion US dollars in revenues. The expected revenue of medical tourism in Turkey by 2023 is 20 billion US dollars according to some Turkish officials who anticipate an increase in the number of patients who choose Turkey as a destination for leisure, business, and medical tourism.

 

01 Oct
Australia, Cosmetic Holidays, Medical Tourism, The state of international travel right now

Confirmed: Australia’s international border will reopen from mid-November

These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving the nation’s shores.

Morrison also said the government is working towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand when it is safe to do so.

It will also become easier to enter Australia with the plan abolishing international arrival caps on returning vaccinated Australians.

Citizens and permanent residents fully immunised with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be required to undergo seven days’ home quarantine.

Others will be required to enter 14 days of managed isolation.

After more than 18 months of being shuttered, PM Scott Morrison has confirmed today that Australia’s border will officially reopen to inbound and outbound international travel from mid-November in states that have hit vaccination targets.


You heard it here. It’s finally happening.

Australia’s tough outbound border restrictions will be scrapped when states and territories are expected to hit 80 per cent double-dose vaccination coverage.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday revealed the path back to international travel with the new system expected to start in November.

“There are no surprises here, this is what we set out to do,” said Morrison.

“Australia will be ready for take-off very soon.”

Restrictions on people leaving the country will be scrapped at 80 per cent coverage – expected in early November in some jurisdictions.

Current overseas travel restrictions will be removed and Australians will be able to travel subject to any other travel advice and limits, as long as they are fully vaccinated and those countries’ border settings allow.

These changes mean there will be no travel restrictions if you are a vaccinated Australian entering or leaving the nation’s shores.

Morrison also said the government is working towards completely quarantine-free travel for certain countries, such as New Zealand when it is safe to do so.

It will also become easier to enter Australia with the plan abolishing international arrival caps on returning vaccinated Australians.

Citizens and permanent residents fully immunised with a vaccine approved or recognised by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) will be required to undergo seven days’ home quarantine.

Others will be required to enter 14 days of managed isolation.

Home quarantine face recognition

People who cannot be vaccinated including those under 12 or with a medical condition will be treated as vaccinated for the purposes of their travel.

States and territories will begin this program at different times given varying vaccination rates.

Australian travellers will be able to access an internationally recognised proof of vaccination document (Vaccine passport) in the coming weeks to prove their status.

The TGA will also recognise China’s Sinovac and Covishield produced in India as authorised vaccines to enter Australia, meaning Chinese and Indian students, tourists and business travellers can return.

More than 45,000 people are stuck overseas waiting to come home with the NSW government indicating it wants to welcome thousands into the country when borders reopen.

“It’s time to give Australians their lives back,” Mr Morrison said.

More to come.

Article published by https://karryon.com.au/.

13 Jul
Medical Tourism, Mexico, New destinations, Plastic Surgery

NipTuck Holiday in Cancun? Yes please!

Mexico has experienced a huge boom in recent years, to the point where Cancun it has become one of the destinations for plastic surgery in the world! With Mexico’s outstanding reputation for plastic surgery clinics and renowned surgeons, the plastic surgery sector in Cancun is considered by many to be one of the foremost destinations for plastic surgery globally, Cancun is visited by countless people seeking to advance their physical appearance with surgical or non-surgical procedures!

The main reasons to consider Cancun when you are looking for the best option for plastic surgery are undoubtedly its professional excellence, the exquisite Latin sense of aesthetics of its surgeons. And of course as the incredible cost savings. So whether you want to look a bit younger or just trying to find a better price, finding a plastic surgeon in Mexico – Cancun might be your best bet. 

Cancun is the best place to go for plastic surgery. The main reasons are its professional excellence, the Latin sense of aesthetics of surgeons, and cost savings. Medical students have to study Medicine for eight years. After that, they are expected to serve one year of compulsory work either in rural areas or government organization. This is reflected in their range of world-class hospitals.

Cancun is a substantial medical tourism hub today. People travel from all over the world for plastic surgery, dental surgeries, and many more types of surgeries. The number of holiday-makers has increased because of this new development worldwide. Even popular tourist destinations, such as Cancun, have begun offering affordable plastic surgery vacation packages.

The Cancun area provides you with all of the benefits of plastic surgery and more. there, many take the opportunity to revive their bodies and rejuvenate themselves. Cancun is a year-round destination where you can enjoy any with over a hundred activities that it has to offer, including horseback riding, tennis, swimming in the ocean, snorkelling and scuba diving you can enjoy before surgery or your partner or enjoy! It offers a spa and non-toxic environment so you can relax during your recovery as well.

The plastic surgery procedures in Mexico are much less expensive than in countries such as the US, Australia, and the UK, offering hospital infrastructure of the same level, and surgeons with the same or greater expertise. Thus, extraordinary results are achieved at only a fraction of what it would cost in those countries.

In Australia of course we are familiar with medical tourism, we have seen this in the last 15 years in Thailand and Malaysia. In this regards Australia and Asia have been ahead of the US for once. At the beginning of this boom in medical tourism in Mexico, many doctors offering their services in Mexico attended training courses and lectures in Europe or the United States. Over the years, these global events have been carried out more frequently in Brazil, Colombia, Puerto Rico and Mexico, since the innovation in surgical techniques within these countries has become highly competitive.

And popular tourist destinations such as Cancun, have begun offering affordable plastic surgery vacation packages! Some of the benefits of having plastic surgery in places like Cancun are a shorter wait time, the ability to enjoy your recovery in an exceptional setting and the tourist attractions, cost, and discretion that allows you the possibility of enjoying a trip while returning home with a spectacular body.

Medical Tourism

Cancun, Mexico is a tourist destination without equal; there is nothing that compares to the beauty of its landscapes, balmy climates throughout its territory, the warmth and hospitality of its people, it’s history and its archaeology. It’s pretty special.

Combining a tourist visit with plastic surgery at a lower price has transformed Cancun into one of the favorite cities of more and more international patients. Consequently, the variety of destinations and plastic surgery alternatives means that no one is left without satisfying even the highest demands.

Why Choose Cancun?

Cancun is the favorite destination for travelers from all over the world due to the unique beauty of its beaches and the diversity of its nature, reefs, and cenotes. In addition, its ruins and archaeological sites offer tourists a further attraction.

The rapid growth of the city has been accompanied by the establishment of world-class clinics and hospitals, to the point that, since 2010, it has reached a level that allows it to compete with the main cities of medical tourism internationally as destinations such as Thailand, Seoul, Rio de Janeiro and Istanbul.

It is in this city where some of the top hospitals have positioned itself as a pioneers in the field of plastic surgery together with plastic surgeons with more than 25 years of experience!

Aesthetic procedures in Cancun can include both plastic surgeries and non-surgical treatments. Our surgery plans are designed for people who not only want to improve their appearance but also for those who require plastic and reconstructive surgeries due to accidents, genetic defects, and other injuries.

Liposuction starts from $1,850 US ….. or something more advanced, abdominal etching prices start from $2,500 US.

By placing yourself in the hands of our medical team, you can achieve your dreams with affordable and quality packages, coupled with care and service that reflect years of experience. Also, you can always accompany your plastic surgery with a nice vacation and time to rest and relax.

Buttock implants prices start at $4,950 US.

 

28 Jun
Medical Tourism, Mexico, Phuket, Plastic Surgery, Thailand, The state of international travel right now, Turkey

Interested in a Brazilian Buttock Lift?

With Phuket back in reopening in a few days and back in the game, it’s time to start talking about plastic surgery again in Phuket and we couldn’t be more excited! But Phuket as you have seen is emerging different than how we remember it with it’s new facelift! And instead of everything boobs like it was a decade ago we are talking about butts! BBLs to be exact. I mean 10 years the BBL just wasn’t a thing!!!!

Continue reading to find out how much Brazilian buttocks lift costs and options where you can get it, and what result you will receive in Thailand, Mexico and Turkey…

Phuket has had a facelift and instead of the change from the obsession of everything boobs a decade ago we are talking about butts! BBLs to be exact. I mean ten years the BBL just wasn’t a thing!!!! Either using implants or harvesting fat from other parts of the body and adds it to the buttock in order to give the body a more hourglass shape.

Have you done your research here in Australia and checked out the prices? If you wonder about the cost of Brazilian butt lift and want to save money, we have better options overseas with Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons that are far more experienced and highly trained than they are in Australia! Here you will find a combination of experienced doctors and affordable prices. Continue reading to find out how much Brazilian buttocks lift costs and options where you can get it, and what result you will receive.……

 

This material has information purposes only and aims to tell about the most cost-effective skilled inpatient care. Please understand though as per normal this is basic information with starting basic with starting prices, and every Plastic Surgeon will require you to complete your medical forms so we have your individual medical history and submit photos so he can assess if you are a good candidate for this procedure and give recommendations on the best surgery to achieve the best results and confirm the price. The choice is yours.

All prices, saving rates, and other cost information given below have 3 independent sources and more information can be found about the procedure on our website.

 

  1. Our partnered hospital teams, representatives, who are responsible for price relevance and other info on the clinic
  2. Our partnered Plastic& Reconstructive Surgeons and medical teams

 

Why do people choose Mexico for the Brazilian butt lift?

Mexico is among the top most popular countries for plastic surgery in the world. According to ISAPS statistics, over 1 million plastic surgeries are performed here annually. This amount of procedures would be enough to make over a big city like Barcelona.

 

So, people choose this country for the BBL due to the following reasons:

 

  • Low price. The cost of Brazilian butt lift in Mexico is about 2 times lower than in the USA. The price starts from $4,500 in Mexico and about $8,000 in the USA. Such a low cost is explained by general price policy within the country and high competition between the local plastic surgery clinics.
  • Experienced doctors. A lot of highly-professional doctors work in Mexico. They have decades of experience, practice in the leading world’s clinics, and are members of the international organizations to interchange the experience and find out about new techniques in plastic surgery.
  • Convenient location. It takes about 2 hours to get to Mexico by plane from the USA. So, American patients often choose Mexico for plastic surgery due to low prices and favorable location.

If you have any questions on receiving Brazilian butt lift in Mexico, submit a request to get consultation. This option is free.

Book an online consultation

 

Costs of BBL in different countries

Here are the starting prices of BBL and are general prices are not taking into account individual needs to the client. The final cost is estimated by Plastic Surgeon are client has submitted their medical forms and photos for their assessment.

 

 

Country Cost
Turkey $5,000 USD
Mexico $4,500 USD
Australia $12,000 AUD ($9,000 USD)
Thailand $5,600 USD
USA $8,000 USD
South Korea $8,600 USD
*Prices are approximate and may change according to the clinic’s internal price policy and exchange rates. ** Note that the final cost is estimated by treating physician.

 

How to choose the clinic for Brazilian butt lift?

The success of the Brazilian butt lift directly depends on the clinic where you are going to have the procedure. NipTuck Holidays have have very select criteria to ensure the highest standards in each country, all covered with international insurance and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons with years of experience. They also include:

 

  • The clinic’s brand reputation. Better to choose the clinic for Brazilian butt popular with international patients and that has got international accreditations.
  • Patient reviews. Search for the reviews on a clinic to learn more about the experience of real people. The feedback will help you to understand the level of service and plastic surgeries success rate.
  • Doctor’s experience who will perform the procedure and a doctor’s professionalism is much more essential thing. Check out a doctor’s CV, his/her experience and education.
  • Social media.
  • Recommendations of past clients, good results,
  • Before and after photos. One more point that will help you to make the right decision is to see the result of BBL procedures performed in a clinic.
  • We will provide you with all info confidentially based upon your assessment including prices, doctors, portfolio and before & after photos.

 

Is it safe to get BBL in Mexico?

Any change of your appearance or body with plastic surgery requires responsibility from you. Our network of hospitals and plastic surgeons are carefully selected comply with the highest level of medical services according to the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery In Mexico, our plastic surgery services that work under international treatment protocols and serve medical tourists from over the globe comply to these guidelines.

 

And like anything else when deciding on having a Brazilian butt in Mexico, you should find as much info as possible on it — reviews, before and after photos of customers, doctor’s CV, awards. If you have any difficulties BBL in Mexico or would like to compare options in other destinations like Thailand or Turkey we will answer all questions. This option is free.

 

Turkey? Why you should get Brazilian butt lift in Turkey

Brazilian Butt Lift which over the recent years has become incredibly in demand in Europe and America is one of the most popular treatments performed in Turkey. The procedure attracts the attention of many young people, especially from England. Whether you are getting buttock implants or injecting the fat extracted with liposuction into the buttock area by the BBL Turkey doctors. As a result, the fat from different parts of the body such as abdomen, waist, and back area is transferred into buttocks or hips to achieve an uplift effect.

 

With its high standards, innovative technologies, and experienced doctors, Turkey ranks very high in the cosmetic surgery sector. Due to this, Turkey has become a popular destination for Brazilian butt lift operations. Every day, dozens of people come to our country to have a Brazilian buttock lift in Istanbul. Thanks to experienced doctors, international patients achieve amazing results and return to their country 100% satisfied.

Turkey is one of the safest and most reliable destinations for Brazilian butt lift operations as it offers a winning combination of high-quality services and reasonable prices to people from foreign countries looking to get the procedure abroad. International patients who have to pay up to five times more for the same operation in their home countries gladly take advantage of low prices on Brazilian buttock lift in Istanbul.

 

We offer special service packages to foreign patients who decided to undergo a Brazilian butt lift in Turkey. These include a discount on Turkish Airlines flights with all bookings, four or five-star hotel accommodation, airport and local transfer in VIP cars, English speaking host, etc.

All you need to do is: to send your pictures for assessment (buttock area and area for liposuction) to us and complete the medical forms.
Get your customized treatment plan and package offer and took your ticket with our discount and fly! Inquire now for a free consultation

 

Buttock Implants in Thailand?

After getting your quote and determining your suitability for this procedure, upon arrival in Thailand during your initial visit to your consultation with your plastic surgeon prior to surgery, our surgeon will evaluate the shape of your buttocks as well as the shape you want to achieve. He will then recommend the best  shape of the implants  in Thailand that will enable you to get the result that you want.

There are different options for you to choose from when undergoing butt augmentation in Thailand by silicone implant, for instance, for the shape, we have the round and the oval; for texture, we have cohesive silicone and solid silicone; and for surface, we have the smooth and textured. The size of the implant will also be discussed during this visit.

Upon deciding on the implant you want to use, the incision site will then be discussed. There are 2 possible sites that we offer; one is the vertical incision down the center of the sacrum or a horizontal incision along the folds of your buttocks. Most of our patients choose the incision on the sacrum (tailbone area) for more inconspicuous scarring.

Placement will also be another factor because  implants can be placed either on top, or underneath the muscle. In our surgeon’s experience with this procedure however, we found out that intramuscular (underneath the muscle) placement is still more superior in terms of long term result for Butt Augmentation in Thailand as it is less prone to migration and sagging and it gives a more natural result.  One factor we always have to consider however is the condition of your butt whether you have enough fat and a lot of other factors. Your surgeon will go through the pro’s and con’s of each of your options and recommend whichever will work best for you.

 

There are cases when your surgeon will recommend Vaser liposuction around the area surrounding the buttocks and/or the removal of excess fat and skin for those patients with sagginess on the lower part of the buttocks to compliment the implant that will be used for your butt augmentation in Thailand. Sometimes, our surgeon may also recommend fat injection (Butt Augmentation by Fat Transfer in Thailand ) in cases where an implant may not be enough to achieve the result that you want.

The final decision will always be yours but out surgeon will certainly give you all the information you need regarding the surgery before we confirm your procedure.

Click here to get your free quote and assessment!

 

What happens during a buttock augmentation?

Buttock Augmentation in Thailand will be done under GA or sedation; this will also be discussed during your consultation. The surgery proper will take about 1-2 hours, though it will take longer if liposuction or fat transfer should also be done in one procedure.

You will be placed in prone position (lying on your stomach) the entire time of the surgery. Depending on the choices you’ve made during your consultation, the surgery may vary in technique but the common thing is, before closing, our surgeon will make sure your buttocks look as symmetrical as possible, and the incisions, as inconspicuous as possible.

 

 

How long is the recovery in Thailand?

Generally depending on your surgeons recommendations and the technique, you be required to sleep on your stomach anywhere from a week to 3 weeks.  Ambulation is encouraged as tolerated, and sitting though not prohibited, is discouraged for at least 2 weeks. If sitting cannot be avoided, post-operative patients are encouraged to just sit for a few minutes at a time.

No garments will be necessary with our new technique for butt augmentation in Thailand, therefore, you will not feel restricted after surgery. Normally, the implant will settle in 2-3 months so we make sure that patients understands that during the first few weeks, their buttocks will be swollen and they may not be able to appreciate the result of the surgery.

 

30 Apr
Cosmetic surgery for Men, Medical Tourism, Plastic Surgery

Going Global: Male Beauty And Cosmetic Surgery Trends Around The World

Understanding the differences in the ideal male aesthetic around the world can shed a light on why more men are seeking out cosmetic procedures than ever before. Here, we Garrett Munce investigates what guys are looking for around the globe.

From that French girl je ne sais quoi to the intricacies of the multi-step Korean skincare routine, the international cosmetic and aesthetic industries are as vast as they are unique. But, thanks to globalization, niche trends now have universal appeal. Here we explore the geographical markers of beauty and how they influence today’s global patient and consumer.

It’s safe to say that men care about how they look just as much as women. Forget the sitcom trope of a schlubby husband with the bombshell wife — men can be just as focused on their appearance as everyone else. In fact, studies show it’s the case around the globe. The difference is that how men want to look changes when you cross borders.

There is a reason the global men’s grooming industry grew to $60.6 billion in 2018 and is set to balloon even more (it is estimated to rise to $81.2 billion by 2024); men are much bigger consumers of beauty and grooming than people give them credit for. That extends to cosmetic procedures as well. According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), men made up 14.4 percent of all global cosmetic surgical procedures in 2017. And while they don’t break down gender divisions in individual countries, it’s clear that men are increasingly seeking out cosmetic procedures the world over.

But what these men are looking for varies by country. Much like women’s standards of beauty, what men aspire to look like has a lot to do with the culture they’re living in and is closely tied to their societal understanding of masculinity. In 2016, UK-based Superdrug launched a “Perceptions of Perfection” study that invited freelancers from around the world to alter a photo of a man to reflect the ‘ideal male’ of their culture. The results are, unsurprisingly, varied but do show that “men suffer equally with women around low body confidence as many strive to attain a standard of ‘attractiveness’ that is both often unattainable and driven by cultural perceptions and advertising ideals,” as the study notes.

Understanding the subtle differences in the male ideal around the world can shed a light on the global perception of masculinity and why more men are seeking out cosmetic procedures than ever before. Here, we speak with leading experts to find out what men are looking for in five regions around the globe.

1. Middle East

In recent years, the Middle East has become a global plastic surgery hub, particularly Lebanon, Dubai, and Turkey. Some credit social media and western influence with this rise, but a decreasing cultural stigma around cosmetic work has also contributed to an increase in both procedures and medical tourism. Some estimate that as much as 30 percent of patients seeking cosmetic surgery are men.

According to a 2017 study in the Saudi Medical Journal, the most common cosmetic procedures were rhinoplasty and laser hair removal. While they do not note how many of these procedures were performed on men, it’s in line with what experts see. “In the Middle East, rhinoplasty is number one,” says Beverly Hills-based board certified plastic surgeon Leif Rogers, MD. It’s becoming more common not only in the Middle East itself, but also among people of Middle Eastern descent in the U.S., he says.

“They don’t necessarily want a Western looking nose,” New York City board certified plastic surgeon Douglas Steinbrech, MD, is quick to note. Instead, the ideal is a defined nose that still is culturally appropriate. “They may want it to be reduced, but to keep it within the bell-shaped curve that is the norm of their culture,” he says.

The Middle East is also rapidly becoming known as a hub for hair transplants, especially in Turkey. It’s estimated that Turkey alone has more than 300 hair transplant clinics and has seen men flock from all over the world to have hair treatments. In a culture that has traditionally valued full beards and heads of hair, it’s unsurprising that hair-focused procedures are popular in the region. Couple that with an interest in manscaping (as seen through the amount of laser hair removal procedures) and it’s clear that hair is a defining factor in male beauty in the Middle East.

2. South America

When you think about South American aesthetics, it’s impossible to overlook Brazil, which leads the charge in both beauty ideals and plastic surgery. Procedures like the Brazilian Butt Lift have cemented Brazil as the gold-standard in body definition — not just for women but for men too.

Men in Brazil idealize a toned, athletic body but not overly muscular. “They’re all about big-time definition,” says Nashville-based board certified plastic surgeon Jacob Unger, MD, of Maxwell Aesthetics. It’s telling that four of the top five most popular plastic surgery procedures in Brazil are focused on the body, with liposuction and abdominoplasty top among them. Dr. Steinbrech also notes that he’s seen an increase in interest in other procedures among men in Brazil. “They do a lot of gluteal augmentation and are very interested in implants,” he explains.

While the ISAPS does not note how many men in Brazil underwent these surgeries versus women, given that Brazil is considered a plastic surgery capital around the world (thanks to inexpensive and accessible providers) it is not a stretch to assume that men are taking advantage to obtain their perfect beach body.

3. South Korea

South Korea is a beauty-obsessed culture that has distinct ideas of beauty for both women and men. “Korea really sets the standards across Asia,” says Dr. Steinbrech. Look no further than the now-worldwide K-beauty trend to see that aesthetic trends often start there and soon have global implications. Men in South Korea are much more in tune with skincare and makeup than men in other parts of the world and typically undergo cosmetic procedures like jaw surgery and rhinoplasty to attain their desired look.

Dr. Steinbrech says K-Pop and the Flower Boy aesthetic are the driving influences in South Korean aesthetics for men. “It’s a more androgynous feel where men want to have more delicate faces like a narrow jawline and a more pointed chin,” he explains. Unlike other parts of the world where stronger male features are preferred, South Korean men want a more stylized look that’s focused on their face and is even sometimes at odds with a more muscular body, according to Dr. Steinbrech. Similar to women, larger eyes are considered beautiful in men, but double eyelid surgery (during which a Western-inspired crease in the eyelid is created) is very common as well, he says.

To obtain more ‘delicate’ features many men turn to elaborate skincare routines and makeup, but there is a reason South Korea is considered one of the plastic surgery capitals of the world. In Seoul alone, there are hundreds of plastic surgery clinics, and, unlike in the United States, the most common procedures focus on the face and are considered ‘minor’ procedures. Double eyelid surgery is one, but so is double jaw surgery (to sculpt the jaw and augment the chin to create the desired V-shape) and rhinoplasty (to create a smaller, more delicate nose). These procedures are just as common for men as they are for women.

4. United Kingdom

In recent years, male aesthetic ideals in the United Kingdom have shifted, some say as a result of the popularity of reality shows like Love Island, which features very fit women and men in various states of undress. Love Island, specifically for it’s constantly rotating cast of ripped, shirtless men, has been said to be linked to an increase in anabolic steroid use and male body image disorders.

Whether that is true or not, it’s clear that men in the United Kingdom are much more focused on their bodies and desire a toned, muscular physique. The ideal man is muscular, athletic, and heavily tattooed (the UK has emerged as one of the most tattooed nations), and while plastic surgery is less common for men than in other parts of the world, Dr. Steinbrech has seen this start to change. “The Brits are more conservative in general, but [UK patients] are starting to get more into body procedures,” he shares. “They’re starting to ask for them and it’s becoming a trend.”

According to the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons, men in the UK are opting for non-invasive procedures like Botox® more frequently than surgical procedures. But while that may be the case when it comes to facial procedures, liposuction rose among men by 9 percent in 2018, further cementing the United Kingdom as an increasingly body-obsessed culture.

5. USA

“American [men] want to be tan and jacked like a Marine or a superhero,” says Dr. Steinbrech. “Basically, they want to look more like Thor.” But nailing down the aesthetic ideals of American men isn’t so easy. A lot of it has to do with where they live, at least according to Dr. Steinbrech. “There is a tendency with people (including men) in Los Angeles to want to look younger,” he says. “In California, people are rewarded for being fit, going to the gym, and appearing more youthful. They’re more likely to want to look very young and fit even into their sixties.” In other areas, like New York, he says men tend to be more focused on how their looks can make them more effective at their jobs. “In New York, they want a big jawline” because men equate that with confidence, leadership, and magnetism, he explains.

Despite the subtle differences in geography, a peek at the top cosmetic procedures among men does shed some light. Liposuction and gynecomastia surgery (a.k.a. male breast reduction) are common and men look to these procedures to obtain a more toned, fit shape. Rhinoplasty and blepharoplasty (i.e. eyelid surgery) are also common, showing that men do seek to improve their facial features, though Dr. Steinbrech adds that the goals of these procedures among men is to make small, subtle tweaks that are not always noticeable. Still the most common cosmetic procedure of all is non-invasive Botox® (or other neuromodulators) and dermal fillers, which help men look youthful without surgery.

Whether it’s through non-invasive procedures or cosmetic surgery, the most common thing providers hear from their male patients is that they don’t want to look too ‘done.’ Men in the United States still often associate a certain ruggedness with a male ideal — a muscular body, a strong jaw, and a few (but not too many) lines on their faces.

Perfection, in many ways, is considered feminine, but strength is masculine.

Thoughts? Thank you GARRETT MUNCE, freelance writer for AEDIT.

Credit: GOING GLOBALPLASTIC SURGERY TRENDSFOR MENGoing Global: The Perception Of Beauty Around The World

 

 

30 Mar
Medical Tourism, Thailand, The state of international travel right now, Travel

Now taking bookings for Nip ‘Tuck clients in Thailand from July 1, 2021 AND BIG NEW LUXURY HOTEL PARTNERS!

 

 Phuket is planning to open their borders from July 1st, 2021 and cancel all quarantine measures for vaccinated international travelers.

 

We are happy to announce that we are open for bookings from July 1 onwards….📝

 

  • Travellers will need to be vaccinated against Covid-19 virus to travel overseas💉
  • Testing in Thailand for Covid-19 may be required💉
  • Thailand hopes the relaxed travel requirement will revive its tourism industry 
  • Brand new Nip Tuck hotel partners
  • US clients can confirm
  • Australians must apply for special exemptions to be allowed to leave the country at this stage…..waiting to hear from June 17*

Travel to Thailand at this stage looks possible with the Thai Government warming to a plan proposed by struggling local tourism operators.  It seems the online campaign has successful put enough pressure on appropriate Government bodies to re-open to international tourists on the basis that vaccination programs will be well underway by then.

Thai Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-o-cha said on Facebook that a review of their vaccinations are important first are the first step so they are prepared, as it’s important that Thailand proceed in line with other countries.

‘Those in the tourism business would like to get certified soon. But there is still a lot to be uncertain about. “The main thing is we have to go along with other countries as well”

And this really is the main issue at the moment globally facing us all! We are seeing hopeful signs of the end to the dreadful COVID-19 pandemic and this is a HUGE FIRST STEP!

 

Tourism is one of Thailand’s biggest industries and major employers, accounting for an estimated 13 per cent of GDP. For our part, together with our hospital teams we are happy to announce that we are open for bookings from October 1 onwards.

 

AND….. We have a huge announcement to make!!! Nip Tuck Holidays we would like to introduce you to our selection of brand new hotel partners partnerships with a selection of international hotels and resorts for the ultimate recovery post-surgery!

 

Four Points Sheraton, Patong Phuket

 

This brand new beachfront, luxury resort two outdoor pools, five fantastic restaurants & bars and the latest facilities for the ultimate holiday in Phuket and recovery post-op. You will come home feeling rested, renewed , looking and feeling like a new person!

In Phuket we have the brand new Four Points Sheraton, Patong Phuket to provide our trademark hands-on approach to our business and clients as you recover in these luxurious surroundings with beachfront views, special privileges and bonus inclusions.

 

The Doubletree by Hilton Banthai Patong, Phuket is a luxury resort in the heart of Patong Beach.While you rest your body in these luxurious surroundings and ease of access to attractions in Phuket such as shopping centres and  beauty clinics which are a favourite post-op for clients recovering from cosmetic surgery.

 

 

 

 

As our clients recover in these luxurious surroundings with beachfront views, we offer special privileges and bonus inclusions we provide options for companions and even suites to bring along the whole family.
As NipTuck clients you will be treated like extra-special guests while you recover from surgery!

In Bangkok, our partnered resort  Novotel Bangkok Sukhumvit 20 is the best choice for new hotels in Bangkok and so central just a few steps to BTS Asoke  Station!

That means less stress and worry about getting around the city in the heat, especially in bandages and when you have stitches. Here you have all that Bangkok has to offer at your fingertips ensuring your best post-surgery recovery possible whilst recovering in Thailand and having an enjoyable holiday!

 

Four Points by Sheraton Bangkok, Sukhumvit 15 Relax and refresh- sleeping on the signature Four Comfort bed is like sleeping on a cloud, and doctor’s orders upon discharge from hospital.

Recover in style at this  luxury oasis while you sample the best that Bangkok has to offer on this vibrant city.

 

 

We will be rolling out new surgery holiday packages and prices shortly so make sure you are on your newsletter so you have the latest news! Here are our contact details to get in touch! https://niptuckholidays.com/contact-us/

 

 

 

07 Dec
Medical Tourism

✨Watch, wait, tweet✨🌏

✨✨✨The Medical Tourism Industry in 2021 and Beyond✨✨✨

We had big plans for its medical tourism industry in 2020—only for the pandemic to hit.  This sector was full of worldwide expansion and promise that is now full of uncertainly….. for now.

For us, 2020 started off well with Managing Director Claire Licciardo re-launching her new business name and website “Nip Tuck Holidays” branding. Bali has already staked its claim as a luxury holiday destination famous for five-star signature luxury resorts, decadent health spa treatments and an approach to healthcare.
The Indonesian island couldn’t have picked a better time to get into the game with Thailand’s rise on the medical tourism scene over the last decade, Bali wants a slice of the action and has a lot to offer!

We started with aoff flying to the US in negotiation witn expansion into the new markets of Earlier this year, Lee Kim Siea, a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, had been due to travel to Indonesia with the Malaysian government.

He had been invited to appear at an annual showcase of Malaysia’s healthcare facilities. It was an opportunity to build on the 30% of patients at his private clinic in the state of Penang who travel there from overseas—a proportion that has been increasing steadily for the last 15 years, he says. A “sizeable following” come from Indonesia, and others fly in from the Middle East, Europe, and Australia.

The event in Indonesia was organised by Malaysia Healthcare Travel Council (MHTC), the Malaysian government’s medical tourism arm, in what was expected to be a record breaking year for international healthcare travel. In 2019, each week had brought news of an addition to Malaysia’s growing list of private hospitals.

By the start of 2020, 15 000 beds were ready for the anticipated influx of international patients. The Malaysian government predicted that two million international visitors—an expected 33% rise on 2019—would arrive for medical treatment as part of its well promoted Year of Healthcare Travel.

But in March all that came to a halt, when the Malaysian government instigated a lockdown to curb the growing number of covid-19 infections.

For hospitals that meant all but essential healthcare was prohibited. With international borders closing all over the world, it was a hammer blow to Malaysia’s medical tourism dream.

Across the world it’s a similar story. The medical tourism market, worth up to $87.5 billion (£70 billion, €77 billion) annually,  is expected to shrink until 2021 as patients avoid unnecessary travel. At Bumrungrad International Hospital in Thailand, where half of patients come from overseas, experts are predicting a 28% drop in revenues by the end of 2020.

But Malaysia hopes that strong government support for the private healthcare industry, coupled with its swift and strict response to the pandemic, could pave the way for a far quicker recovery in Malaysia than elsewhere.

Government backing

Between 2011 and 2018 the number of international tourists travelling to Malaysia for medical treatment doubled from 643 000 to 1.2 million, with visitors arriving from China, the UK, and the US.

Central to this growth has been a model of public-private partnership rarely seen in medical tourism. Noting the growth of the sector in nearby Thailand and Singapore, the Malaysian government launched targeted tax allowances and incentives for private healthcare that fuelled 10 billion ringgit (£1.9 billion, €2.10 billion) of private investment in the sector from 2011 to 2018.

The MHTC has also aggressively marketed the country’s facilities overseas. It has forged agreements to designate Malaysia as a healthcare destination of choice with the governments of Kazakhstan, Libya, and Oman, among others.

The team at Prince Court Medical Centre in Kuala Lumpur, where 30% of patients are from overseas, has received patients for open heart surgery from Brunei as a direct result of government level discussions, says commercial director Vincent Wan. The MHTC has become the “backbone” of the private healthcare industry, he says. “They’ve put Malaysia on the world map, which is in contrast to most countries where private hospitals must market the sector on their own.”

Government backing has been instrumental in shaping the style of medical tourism for which Malaysia is becoming known, says Shujaat Ali, the founder of online platform Medical Travel Market. “They refer to it as the ‘whole medical tourism experience,’ which not many countries have invested in, and which involves connecting airlines and hotels with hospitals to create a complete package.” In 2018, for example, the MHTC reached an agreement with airline Air Asia to promote one another as the preferred destination and carrier for medical tourism.

Safety and affordability

The most common treatments for which patients come to Malaysia are in orthopaedics, cardiology, IVF, neurology, and oncology, according to the MHTC, and affordable cosmetic surgery is a further draw. For patients whose home countries have less well developed healthcare systems, such as Indonesia, Malaysia offers quality and safety, but at a lower cost than nearby alternatives. Procedures in Malaysia cost up to 40% less than their equivalent in Singapore, for example.

In a 2019 paper looking at the motivations among Indonesians travelling to Malaysia for treatment, patients cited misdiagnosis and poor safety standards from their domestic providers, as well as slower, less efficient service.8 One patient claimed to have been given a “50/50 chance to live” in Indonesia after a diagnosis of hepatitis, before recovering fully following treatment in Penang.

Malaysia has worked to leverage this appeal. In 2019 revenues from medical tourism accounted for 7.9% of total tourist revenues in the country, according to authorities, worth 1.5 billion Malaysian ringgit (£350 million, €388 million). From a standing start that now puts it close on the heels of neighbouring Thailand, the long established market leader in the region, which has revenues of around £480 million from medical tourists.9

Although the US remains the largest international market for medical tourists, accounting for around 36% of total spend, countries across the Asia Pacific region have recorded the fastest growth, at a predicted growth rate of 15.5% between 2017 and 2023.10

Treatment in Asia is up to 90% cheaper than private healthcare in the US. According to the MHTC, a coronary artery bypass graft that would cost $92 000 in the US, costs less than $10 000 in India, for example. Coupled with a steep reduction in the cost of long haul air travel, the region has successfully broadened the appeal of medical tourism beyond just the most affluent customers.

Uncertain future

But all that was before the pandemic. The uncertainty of covid-19, lockdowns, border restrictions, and social distancing has stalled international travel. The UN World Tourism Organisation estimates that the travel industry could decline by 60% to 80% by the end of 2020, calling it the “worst crisis that international tourism has faced since records began.”11 It says Asia and the Pacific have been the regions hardest hit, with a loss of 33 million tourists.

For Lee Kim Siea and for other private healthcare providers, the closure of borders has meant a precipitous drop in revenues. At one private hospital in Penang, revenues fell 66% in April and 55% in May as foreign patients dropped to zero and local patients postponed all but essential treatment.12

Yet Asia’s relative success in containing the virus means it could recover faster than other regions. “Countries in southeast Asia that have kept the infection rates very low will definitely present themselves as covid-safe destinations,” says Gary Bowerman, an independent travel analyst specialising in Asia. “Success in suppressing the virus, and—very importantly—implementing and maintaining rigorous testing and tracing is already proving important in tourism promotion and decision making.”

Malaysia has already proven itself strong on this front, recording around 8500 cases and 121 deaths at the time of writing, despite fears of a far greater wave of infections. It was one of the first countries to introduce a contact tracing app sanctioned by the government, with residents now required to check in using QR codes at any location away from home. All arrivals to the country will also be required to download and use these apps to enforce quarantine and track movement.13

Yet there remains considerable uncertainty about when international travel will resume, with many countries maintaining border closures or imposing quarantines of 14-21 days on visitors, even as they ease lockdown. One proposal is for countries that have contained or eliminated the virus to open up travel corridors between themselves, waiving quarantine measures for visitors from those countries. Malaysia is reportedly considering such an arrangement with Indonesia, which is by far its greatest source of medical tourists.

But with healthcare systems still fearing resurgences of covid-19, health authorities and staff may be nervous about re-opening to patients from overseas.

“We’ve had a push from existing patients that they’re eager to come back but we’re practising a very cautious approach,” says Stephanie Lee, chief operating officer at Penang’s Island Hospital, where around half of patients came from overseas before the pandemic. “We’re looking at our entire screening facility and protocol for patients, trying to get personal protective equipment available and also the most up-to-date covid screening tool in the market.”

In June the Malaysian government agreed to allow medical tourists to be among the first permitted back into the country, ahead of many expatriates and foreign workers.14 Still, Lee told The BMJ that the hospital will only be extending its services to existing patients, and only then where procedures are deemed sufficiently critical to warrant international travel.

Watch, wait, tweet

Kimberley Lim thinks her country’s handling of the pandemic will put its medical tourist sector in a good place once international travel resumes. “The government is already active continuously on social media looking to bring in patients from overseas,” she says.

Wan says Prince Court Medical Centre “is actively engaging with our business partners in different countries, as well as focusing on social networking online, such as holding Facebook Live events to remind international patients that we’re still here, to just hang on.”

Ultimately, the fate of medical tourism will be determined by actions outside the sector’s control. Bowerman says that how governments have managed healthcare and death rates “not only provides reassurance to travellers when selecting a destination in the post-pandemic era, but also demonstrates proven covid-related expertise, learnings, and capacities should there be tidal rises for infection rates once travel is phased back, and—more importantly—in the event of a more sustained second or third wave.”

For now, it’s still a hazy future for Lee Kim Siea. Rather than promoting his services at an international expo, he has spent the last three months combing through old international patient records, sending WhatsApp messages “to remind them we’re here,” and offering free video consultations. His business can only wait to see if it will survive in the new covid world.