The ultimate guide to Breast Implants in Bangkok

Last fact-checked: 28 October 2020

If you are unhappy with the size or shape of your breasts, you may well have given at least some thought to having breast implants, a popular surgical technique undertaken by millions every year.

However, as this is an elective procedure and therefore not covered by insurance or national health services, patients usually must pay the full price out of their own pocket, which can be well into the four-figure digits in places like Australia and New Zealand. 

There is, however, a low-cost alternative—and that's booking in with one of our expert breast augmentation surgeons in Bangkok, Thailand. 

A Medical Holiday to Bangkok

Long renowned as a tourist hotspot and one of the first destinations to emerge on the Southeast Asian backpacking trail, Bangkok is the pulsating capital of Thailand and also the largest city in the country. The skyline is dominated by modern, high-rise towers that conceal an intriguing blend of mystical temples, grandiose palaces and an authentic canal network, intertwining the old and the new to deliver a fascinating and unique travel experience.

This combination of traditional Asian culture and modern western lifestyles has seen Thailand develop into the educational, commercial, political, cultural and spiritual centre of the country. The city is easily accessible, with Suvarnabhumi Airport welcoming flights daily from countries all over the world, including direct routes from Australia, New Zealand and Europe. 

Are Breast Implant Procedures in Bangkok as Good as Back Home?

While breast implants in Bangkok cost a fraction of domestic prices, don't be under the illusion that this is not, in any way, indicative of inferior quality treatment. In fact, the medical tourism industry in Bangkok is a major part of the Thai economy and the city is home to numerous world-class medical facilities that are equipped with state-of-the-art technologies geared towards meeting the growing international demand for cosmetic procedures.

The level of healthcare here has been recognized by the prestigious Joint Commission International (JCI); this US organization is widely regarded as the benchmark for worldwide healthcare standards; in fact, the venerated Bumrungrad International Hospital was the first facility in Asia deemed worthy of JCI accreditation. Since then, over 60 more have been accredited country-wide.

Surgeons in Bangkok are also amongst the most highly-qualified in the world. Medical students undergo a six-year, extensive training programme before they graduate as doctors. They then serve three years practising as a doctor before they can undergo any specialism within the field of plastic surgery. Many of the doctors undertake part of this process abroad in countries such as the United States, Europe and Australia, ensuring that the breast implant surgery you receive in Bangkok will be at least equal to, if not better than, the treatment you would expect to receive back home.

What Does Breast Implant Surgery Entail?

For women who want a larger breast size or fuller shape, breast implants are the ideal solution. The procedure is also widely used in breast reconstruction after a patient has undergone a mastectomy. But exactly does the surgery involve?

After administering the anaesthesia, the first stage involves a series of small incisions that will enable your surgeon to insert the implants. To ensure that any scarring is minimized, the incisions are made in one of three inconspicuous areas:

• Around the edge of the dark area that surrounds the nipple (known as a periareolar incision)

• In the crease underneath the breast, where the chest wall and breast meet (known as an inframammary incision)

• In the armpit (known as a trans axillary incision)

Your doctor will discuss which option is most suitable for you during your initial consultation. Once the incisions have been made, the implants can be inserted. They will be placed in one of two ways, either:

• Underneath the pectoral muscle, (known as submuscular), or

• Over the top of the pectoral muscle (known as sub-glandular or submammary)

The whole breast implant procedure can be completed in as little as one to two hours, and recovery time after the operation is fairly minimal. Most patients return to work within a week of undergoing surgery and can resume normal activities within two, although heavy lifting and strenuous activities should be avoided for around six weeks to facilitate a full recovery.

Do always consult with your surgeon as to what you should avoid doing in Bangkok following surgery, as well as when you'll be able to safely fly home, as this can depend on a number of variables.

How Much Do Breast Implants Cost in Bangkok Compared to Home Countries?

Deciding to have breast augmentation surgery can be an expensive undertaking, with costs running into the tens-of-thousands of dollars. In Bangkok, the prices offered at our partner clinics enable you to make substantial savings of over 60%.

• The average price for breast implants in New Zealand is in the region of NZD $16,775, but the same procedure in Bangkok is available at 60% less, costing just NZD $6,800.
• Australia is no different, with breast implants costing AUD $16,500 domestically compared to AUD $6,230 with a surgeon in Bangkok, a massive 63% less!

How Do I Get Started?

At Medical Departures, we offer a range of exclusive services to make booking your breast implant surgery as hassle-free as possible. To save you time, we’ve put together a list of quality-checked breast implant doctors and clinics in Bangkok that you can study at your leisure.

Contact our Customer Care Team on the toll-free number provided. They can help with travel arrangements and accommodation, as well as finding a top-quality breast implants specialist at a price that’s right for you.

Sources:

Breast Implants. WebMD. Website accessed: 28 October 2020. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-breast-augmentation

International Organization for Standardization. Website accessed: 28 October 2020. https://www.iso.org/home.html

Iverson, Kelly. 10 Things to Do on a Rainy Day in Bangkok. The Culture Trip. 28 January 2019. https://theculturetrip.com/asia/thailand/articles/10-things-to-do-on-a-rainy-day-in-bangkok/