Breast Reconstruction in Thailand

What you need to know about Breast Reconstruction in Thailand

Breast reconstruction is to reform or reshape the breast(s) after a mastectomy or lumpectomy. A mastectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the entire breast, usually including the nipple and areola, in order to treat or prevent breast cancer. A lumpectomy is the removal of a piece of the breast where there is a smaller tumor. This reconstruction process can help a woman find her self-confidence again and feel better during her cancer recovery.

While many factors determine what kind of breast reconstruction surgery would best suit an individual, there are two main types of breast reconstruction surgery:

1. Flap Reconstruction - Autologous / Skin Flap Surgery
2. Tissue Expander - Implants / Prosthetics

 

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MyMediTravel offers 8 Medical Centers in Thailand, with many offering Breast Reconstruction procedures - see below for the complete list, along with estimated prices. The price of a Breast Reconstruction can vary according to each individual’s case and will be determined based on photos and an in-person assessment with the doctor. For a bespoke quote and to discuss further with a member of our patient support team, Click Here to submit your Free Quote.

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The Procedure

The procedure for both these methods differs from each other. Both begin with anesthetizing the patient so that she may not suffer from pain and discomfort during the surgery. After this, the procedures go as follows:

• Flap reconstruction: in this technique, a tissue flap is taken from a donor site of your body, such as the abdomen, thighs, buttocks or back. The flap is grafted at the place of your breasts. Its blood supply can either be taken from the donor site or it can be cut off from there and a new supply is established. In both cases, nutrition of the flap is not disturbed. Stitches are applied, drainage tubes are inserted to drain excess fluid or blood from the site and bandages are applied over it.
• A tissue expander (breast implant): this is the most common technique used worldwide. A synthetic implant is inserted under the pectoralis major muscle. Silicone implants are most commonly used. Animal dermal grafts are used to cover the site to give it a more aesthetic appearance. Within a few months, saline solution is injected to expand the tissue until it reaches the appropriate size.

Following these surgeries, other procedures can be carried out to reconstruct a nipple. Nipple prosthesis is used to restore the normal physical appearance of your breasts.  

Length of Stay in Thailand

The actual procedure and time needed in the operation theatre differ for the two types of breast reconstructive surgeries mentioned above, with the breast implant procedure taking less time as compared to flap reconstruction. One or two days of stay is needed in the hospital after tissue expander surgery. While flap reconstruction is more like two or three days stay at the hospital. Follow-ups are needed for both of these. You should stay in Thailand for at least 14 days after the surgery. During this period, your health condition is monitored, stitches and drainage tubes are removed and you can go home when allowed by your physician.  

Recovery Time

Your period of recovery depends upon the type of reconstructive surgery you have. A couple of weeks are needed by most of the women to recover. There are swelling and soreness around the site in the first week. This continues to reduce and ultimately, after 8 weeks you should start to see signs of a full recovery. Medicines are given to relieve pain and discomfort. You will need to take 2-3 weeks off work. On average, 3-4 weeks are needed to recover from tissue expander surgery and 4-6 weeks for flap reconstructive surgery. Wear surgical bras to support your reconstructed breasts while you are recovering. Regular activities can be restarted after 2 months. Almost 1-2 years are required to get the proper shape and for the scars to fade away.

Success Rate

Breast reconstruction surgery has a high success rate, with complications usually only occurring in case of infection or a blood clot formation. According to a study by the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the success rate is found to be 98% in case of flap reconstruction surgery. While for tissue expander surgery has a success rate within the region of 94-96%. Owing to its tremendous success rate, the percentage of women going through the surgery is increasing day by day.

After Care

The following points should be considered post-operation:

• Follow the instructions given by your doctor and take your medicines as and when prescribed.
• Consult a nutritionist for a diet plan. A healthy diet helps you recover faster.
• Do not wear a padded or underwire bra until allowed by your doctor.
• Use surgical bras in the early few days after the surgery.
• Avoid excessive unnecessary movement of your breasts.
• Do not lift heavy objects and children - it could stretch on your stitches.
• Change your bandage whenever it gets dirty. Germs can cause infection.
• Do not take a bath when the bandages are still intact. A wet bandage can also be the cause of infection.
• Abstain from sexual activity for at least 6 weeks.
• Take rest - give yourself time to recover.

Alternatives to Breast Reconstruction

Surgery should never be the first option. Other options should always be considered before opting for it. Following are some alternatives to breast reconstruction surgery:

• Breast prosthetics: prosthetic breasts can be worn inside your bras or they can be attached to your body. They give the appearance of natural breasts.
• Padded bras: these are not as uncomfortable as prosthetic breasts. They give you a perfect body posture without going through the surgery.
• Go flat: you can embrace your freedom. Accept yourself as you are. No need to wear padded bras or prosthetic breasts. No need to go through surgery.

Before and After Breast Reconstruction 

Before going through the reconstructive surgery, a mastectomy has left your chest flat. This surgery restores your normal bust and aesthetic appearance. 

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Success rates are extremely high with the modern advances in technology and the techniques used by surgeons.

Patient reviews often refer to be being pleased with the level of professionalism and emotional support throughout the entire process leading up to and following the surgery. Often the increase in self-confidence is considered the biggest positive from the procedure. Before and after photos are available online with patient comments.

For an in-depth analysis of the Tissue Expander process, watch this short video.

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Find top clinics for Breast Reconstruction in Thailand at the lowest price. Compare costs & reviews of 8 clinics, specialized in Breast Reconstruction procedures in Thailand.

Breast Reconstruction in and around Thailand

About Thailand

Thailand leads the way for Asian countries with over 60 state-of-the-art JCI accredited facilities and consistently voted one of the most popular travel destinations in the world. It's known for its tropical beaches, floating markets, stunning royal palaces, and Buddhist temples. In Bangkok, the capital, an ultramodern cityscape rises with brand new high-rise condominium developments next to quiet canal side communities. According to the Tourism Authority of Thailand, the most popular tourist areas outside of Bangkok are Phuket, Koh Samui, Chiang Mai, Hua Hin and Pattaya, all with great yacht chartering opportunities.

Thailand welcomes hundreds of thousands of medical tourists each year, many of which travel for Breast Reconstruction procedures. Medical Tourists travel from all across the globe, particularly from the local SE Asia region, Australia, US, Middle East and an increasing amount are traveling from China. An outstanding private healthcare system combined with a hot tropical climate and competitive prices means that Thailand is now the third most popular destination in the world for medical tourism. The most popular procedures tend to be cosmetic surgery (breast augmentations, gender reassignment surgery, and CoolSculpting to name a few), cardiac surgery, orthopedics, and urology.

Popular Parts of Thailand

With a population of just under 70 million people spread across an area of around 500k square km, Thailand’s most popular regions/cities include Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Pattaya, Koh Samui, and Hua Hin. The capital city Bangkok is one of the most visited cities in the world, whilst Thailand as a whole receives over 30 million tourists each year, the vast majority of these will enter Thailand through Bangkok. 

As Bangkok is the only urbanized region mentioned, all others are centered around island/beach life, with the exception of Chiang Mai, set in the northern Thailand jungle.

Weather and Climate in Thailand

Known for its truly tropical climate and scorching temperatures, Thailand, in general, is hot and humid all year round. The coastal locations do benefit from the cooling sea breeze, a luxury urban Bangkok is denied. Average temperatures range from 28°C (82°F) up to 35°C (95°F). However, during the Hot Season (March to June), temperatures can top 40°C (104°F).

The infamous Rainy Season tends to start in July and continue through to October; during this time expect heavy rainfall, often amounting to flooding in some areas. It will remain warm to hot but humidity levels will rise and the mosquitos will come out to play!

November to February is often referred to as the Cool Season when less rain is expected and the temperatures tend not to rise above 35°C (95°F).

From a tourist perspective; High Season lasts from November to March and Low Season April to October. But be aware of the Shoulder Seasons of April to June and September to October, when Thailand is less impacted by the Rainy Season and less busy with tourists – these can be the ideal times to visit.

In a nutshell, Thailand is a Shorts and T-shirt Country, you’re never really going to be cold, so pack light; shorts, t-shirts, vests, skirts, singlets, and light dresses. Maybe pack jeans and shoes if you’re planning on going to a swanky roof-top bar in Bangkok or to a temple where flip-flops are not acceptable.

Don’t forget mosquito spray as the little pests can get everywhere; big ones and little ones! Always protect against the sun; high factor sunscreen and UV-protective sunglasses. The usual medications found at home should be available in most pharmacies.

Getting around in Thailand

With the Suvarnabhumi International Airport being serviced by some of the world’s major airlines, tourists can fly into Thailand from almost anywhere in the world, sometimes with a connection along the way. All the popular regions have their own international airports, with the exception of Pattaya, which is just a 90-minute taxi ride from Bangkok. However, arrival destinations are slightly limited outside of Bangkok, but the likes of Emirates and Qatar Airways will fly into Phuket International Airport. The rest, mostly fly in from local countries on budget airlines, including Scoot, SilkAir, AirAsia and Lion Air to name a few.

For domestic flights, the airports are nicely linked in Thailand with flights from as little as $45 USD one way. There are several budget airlines servicing these routes, including Thai Lion Air, AirAsia, Nok Air, Thai Airways, Bangkok Airways, and Thai Smile.

The train allows for even cheaper travel within Thailand and is far more comfortable than spending hours sitting on a bus. Bangkok has the BTS, or Skytrain, which allows for fast transfer from the airport into the city. Given the traffic in central Bangkok, the BTS offers a great alternative to being stuck in traffic jams.

Taxis are great, however, be sure to confirm the price before you begin your journey or better still, insist the ride goes on the meter – that is how you guarantee the cheapest and fairest price. But expect traffic in the city and any built-up areas.

Tourist Visas in Thailand

Whilst Thailand is most welcoming of tourists from all over the world, travelers should check with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Kingdom of Thailand for confirmation. Those with a UK, US, German, Australian, Singaporean passport, for example, do not require a visa when entering and can stay for up to 30 days. Whereas Chinese and Indian passport holders are required to apply for a visa on arrival, which lasts up to 15 days – for more information, click here.

Additional Information

1. The Thai Baht (THB) is the local currency and $1 USD will get you 30-33 THB, or in other words, 1,000 THB is worth approximately $32 USD.
2. ATMs are readily available across Thailand and accept virtually all major bank cards (Visa, Mastercard). Credit card payment is accepted in most established restaurants and outlets, with the more local food vendors, for example, only accepting cash. Tipping is common as service is not included at restaurants, anything around 10% is fine.
3. Thai is the local language but due to the extremely well-established tourism industry in Thailand, English is spoken by most locals who work with tourists and often signs will have an English translation.
4. Buddhism (95%) is the primary religion throughout Thailand, with a large Muslim population (4%) mostly focused in the south. The Royal Family is deeply revered throughout the country and should never be disrespected, such behavior is severely punished. Pointing with your feet and touching another person’s head is considered extremely rude.
5. There are many public holidays in Thailand, which aren’t always on the same day each year, including Songkran (Thai New Year), which is celebrated in mid-April, Labor Day and Coronation Day in early May, Asanha Buja in July and Constitution Day in December.