The ultimate guide to Tummy Tuck in Thailand

Last fact-checked: 5 February 2023

When diet and exercise are no longer providing the desired results, a tummy tuck procedure can help remove sagging skin around your abdomen, which often forms after pregnancy or significant weight loss. 

As one of the world’s most popular cosmetic procedures, abdominoplasty surgery (as it’s medically called) can help you get back in shape, especially when combined with liposuction to get rid of stubborn pockets of fat.

For those looking to save–compared to prices in the West–getting tummy tuck surgery in Thailand could be a viable alternative–especially when booking with an experienced, fully-certified surgeon listed with Medical Departures.

Compare prices, read patient reviews, get travel tips and find recommended clinics in Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya with this Thailand tummy tuck guide.

How Much Does a Tummy Tuck Cost in Thailand vs US/Australia?

The price of any cosmetic surgery depends on a number of factors (as we look at in the next section). But to get a quick idea as to how much you can save on a tummy tuck in Thailand (compared to average prices in the USA and Australia), see the table below:

What Factors Affect Abdominoplasty Prices in Thailand?

Five important variables determine how much you’ll pay for abdominoplasty in Thailand:

1. The technique used (eg. full tuck, mini tuck or fleur de lis tummy tuck)

2. Whether liposuction is combined with the tuck to remove excess fat

3. The surgeon's experience, qualifications and professional memberships. Internationally-board-certified specialists practicing in Thailand typically charge more compared to general plastic surgeons.

4. Whether additional fees are included, such as those for anesthesia, in-patient care, medical tests, medication and postoperative checkups.

5. The location of the clinic or hospital in Thailand; for example, a major international hospital in the heart of Bangkok would tend to charge more than smaller clinics outside of the capital, such as facilities in Chiang Mai or Pattaya.

Are There Any Hidden Costs?

It’s completely free to book through our site and thanks to our Best Price Guarantee, you’ll never pay more than you should. If you find a better price for the same procedure with the same surgeon, Medical Departures will match it.

When providing initial tummy tuck price quotes from our partner clinics in Thailand, our team aims to be as transparent as possible–but prospective patients should note these are provisional estimates and are only based on the information you provide us (ie. the type of tummy tuck you want and location). If certain details change once meeting with your doctor in Thailand, or if your cosmetic goals change, prices will be adjusted accordingly.

It's also worth noting that many clinics and hospitals in Thailand do offer all-inclusive packages that include additional fees for things such as anesthesia, medication and inpatient care. This is in contrast to the same surgery in the US or Australia, where such additional expenses are typically not included in the initial price quote–potentially leaving patients with a nasty shock when the bill comes, 

To ensure you have a full understanding of how tummy tuck costing works in Thailand, please get in touch with one of our representatives for more information.

Why Choose Thailand for a Tummy Tuck?

While lower costs are usually the main reason why patients choose to go abroad for any kind of medical, surgical or dental care, it is not the only factor to be considered. The standards of care are also important, including doctor qualifications and the actual facilities.

Quality of Care: Thailand is one of the leading destinations in the world for medical tourism, promising state-of-the-art facilities, specialists with decades of clinical expertise and success rates that are on par with clinics in the West–just as long as you know where to look.

In this regard, Medical Departures has partnered with dozens of leading medical facilities that adhere to the highest standards in terms of safety, sterilization and hygiene, with many hospitals receiving Joint Commission International (JCI) accreditation; other smaller, specialised clinics follow the strict, regularly-updated standards set out by the International Organization for Standardization (ISO).

Skilled Surgeons: The surgeons we work with in Thailand undergo the extensive training as their counterparts in the West, with many completing part of their doctor’s degree or specialisation abroad. 

It is common for plastic surgeons in Thailand to be certified by international boards, such as the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), as well as highly-regarded domestic boards such as the Society of Plastic & Reconstructive Surgeons of Thailand and the Association of General Surgeons of Thailand.

Combined Holiday: If you want to relax a little before or recover in stunning surroundings after your surgery, there are not many places better for this than Thailand. 

The country’s diverse scenery is best enjoyed in the north (around Chiang Mai) or south (around the islands in Phuket province), while the capital of Bangkok boasts some of the best shopping experiences, street food, sightseeing and nightlife in all of Asia.

Recover in Peace (and Privacy): While in recovery mode, the good news is that Thais are known to provide a service culture that’s among the best in the world, paying particularly close attention to warm and friendly customer service–with a smile.

Traveling to Thailand for plastic surgery can also offer advantages in terms of privacy. Some people may be reluctant to get a tuck back home as they want to avoid negative opinions or judgment from family, friends, or colleagues; thousands of miles away in Thailand, you’ll have no such worries of running into someone at the wrong time!

Why Is Plastic Surgery Cheaper in Thailand?

Why plastic surgery is generally more affordable in Thailand (compared to the USA, the UK and Australia) include:

• Lower overhead costs for small and medium-sized businesses (office rent, supplies, energy, etc) thanks to the country’s lower average cost of living.

• Strong medical tourism industry, with healthy competitiveness between clinics helping to keep prices low. 

• Lower labor costs, which again ties in with Thailand’s lower cost of living. While doctors may earn less than those in other parts of the world, they are still among the country’s top earners.

Is Tummy Tuck Surgery Safe in Thailand?

In general, plastic surgery is just as safe as it is in the West, as long as you take into consideration the qualifications and experience of your chosen surgeon, the quality of the clinic/hospital, its equipment and technology, and also the standard of aftercare and support provided following your surgery. All of this can affect the outcome of your tummy tuck, as well as patient satisfaction when it comes to the overall results in both the long and short term.

Finding the Best Clinic for Tummy Tuck Surgery in Thailand

Thailand has been a pioneer of medical tourism since the 1990s and its success lies very much in the quality it offers. However, the fact remains that untrustworthy medical providers do exist wherever you are in the world; thus, it’s of paramount importance not to simply adopt a “blind faith” approach when booking your treatment.

To help in this regard, Medical Departures lists only the top clinics and doctors operating in Thailand who cater to international patients. 

We not only ensure the facilities are up to the mark and doctors are registered and have met the mandatory qualifications but also check for online verifications and any criminal records. 

While no surgical or medical procedure can ever be guaranteed 100%, ensuring you choose surgeons and clinics with the right credentials will give you the best chance of getting the exact results you want from your tummy tuck–with as little pain and discomfort as possible.

Top Tummy Tuck Clinics & Surgeons in Thailand, Recommended by MD

Check out these leading clinics for tummy tuck surgery in Thailand–with prices starting from just USD $2,000 (AUD $2,900):

• Asia Cosmetic Hospital (Bangkok)

• MAXi Cosmetic Surgery (Bangkok)

• Yanhee Hospital Health & Beauty (Bangkok)

• Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute (Phuket)

• Apex Medical Center (Phuket)

Alternatively, scroll through our full list of Tummy Tuck Clinics and Hospitals in Thailand here (country-wide).

Thailand Tummy Tuck Destinations Guides:

Already have a place in Thailand you have in mind for your surgery? Then check out these destination guides:

> Guide to Tummy Tucks in Bangkok

> Guide to Tummy Tucks in Phuket

> Guide to Tummy Tucks in Chiang Mai

Thailand Tummy Tuck Before & After Photos

In addition to providing information on pricing, doctor profiles, clinic maps, and patient feedback, our individual listing pages include before & after tummy tuck photos, giving you the chance to see what kind of actual results are possible in Thailand. 

To see these impressive outcomes from our partner clinics, head to any of our feature Thailand tummy tuck clinics and scroll down to find the before & after photo gallery.

Tummy Tuck Surgery (General Information)

Abdominoplasty is a common type of plastic surgery that lifts and tightens a sagging tummy; this is achieved by cutting away excess skin, tightening abdominal muscles and–in some cases–removing that last little bit of fat (via liposuction) that diet and exercise won’t eliminate.

Am I a Good Candidate for a Tummy Tuck?

You should be considered suitable providing that:

• You are not obese (BMI of less than 30)
• Your weight has been stable for several months
• You are not seeing any positive results from diet and exercise
• You are in good overall health 
• You have realistic expectations as to what abdominoplasty can achieve
• You are not still recovering from any previous surgery

> Related Guide: Bariatric Surgery in Thailand

How Is a Tummy Tuck Performed?

The general concept of a tummy tuck is to trim away loose, sagging skin. After this has been stretched down and separated from the abdominal wall, abdominal muscles may then be tightened. 

The remaining flaps of skin are pulled together to create a smoother, more contoured appearance. Surgical sutures and/or stitches are used to close the wound, which is then bandaged.

Types of Tummy Tuck:

The main types of tummy tuck include:

• Full Tuck: A typical full abdominoplasty involves a long incision being made across the abdomen just above the pubic area; a second shorter incision is made around the navel so that this area can be repositioned. An extensive tummy tuck procedure may take as long as five hours, depending on the extent of the work carried out. 
  
  
• Partial/Mini Tuck: As part of a partial abdominoplasty, the incision used is shorter and the navel area may not necessarily be repositioned. Most partial tucks take between one and three hours to complete.

Combined Abdominoplasty and Liposuction

It should be noted that both full and mini tummy tucks often involve liposuction to remove excess fat. Carried out during the same session of surgery, a specialized cannula device connected to a vacuum is used to suction out liquified fat cells from the localized area.

> Related Guide: Liposuction in Thailand

What Type of Anesthesia Is Used for a Tummy Tuck?

Depending on the extent and duration of the surgery, anesthesia options include:

• Local anesthesia to numb the area. This is combined with IV or oral sedation for shorter procedures.

• General anesthesia, which is normally preferred for full/extended tummy tucks with combined liposuction)

Abdominoplasty Recovery

Following surgery:

• You will need a few days' bed rest at a nearby hotel

• After a few days, you’ll be encouraged to do some light walking to increase blood circulation

• You’ll need to wear a compression garment around the tummy for several weeks or even months

• Your stitches will be taken out around one week later.

• Drainage tubes are inserted into the stomach so as to avoid a build-up of excess fluid. These generally need to remain in place for 5 - 10 days.

• You will need to take it easy for a while and not indulge in strenuous exercise for at least six weeks. 

• Most patients are able to return to work within one or two weeks, depending on the nature of their job.

How Long Will I Need to Stay in Thailand Before I Fly Home?

Typically, patients will need to stay in Thailand for at least a week, although this may be longer in cases where extensive surgery has been carried out, or if the doctor is not satisfied that you’re ready to fly for other health reasons.

Before getting the green light to fly home, drainage tubes will need to be removed. Your doctor will check for any signs of infection and that your wound is healing as it should.

Tummy Tuck Risks: Is Getting Surgery in Thailand Safe?

Getting tummy tuck surgery in Thailand is just as safe as anywhere else in the world–just as long as you use a trusted third-party booking platform to book with a certified, experienced surgeon in a well-established clinic.

That said, as with any invasive surgery, particularly where general anesthesia is involved, there is a set of general risks to be aware of before making a decision.

Risks include:

• Anesthesia complications
• Infection
• Excessive bleeding or clots
• Prominent scarring
• Localised numbness
• Disappointing cosmetic results

While rare, it’s important to discuss any potential risks with a medical professional, via an online video consultation with your chosen surgeon in Thailand (before flying) or with your local GP.

Note: For more in-depth information about how a tummy tuck procedure is carried out, visit our Ultimate Guide to Tummy Tucks (global).

Thailand Travel and Accommodations as a Medical Tourist

Although patients travelling to Thailand for plastic surgery won’t be able to experience this amazing country in the same way as most others do, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy a bit of rest and relaxation while in recovery mode.

For those with a little more time on their hands, flying to Thailand a week or so in advance could give you the chance to fit in more of a “proper” holiday, with countless stunning coastal, island, rural and city locations to explore.

Major destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai and Phuket all offer luxurious four- and five-star resorts for the same price as a budget hotel back home, with room rates typically between $40 - $60 per night–or around $100 for more lavish stays.

There is a wide choice of accommodation wherever that can be found using sites like Booking.com and Expedia, while Airbnb lists entire homes and apartments for as little as $50.

Thailand’s Top Travel Destinations

Whether you want to squeeze in a holiday before surgery or looking for somewhere to relax in privacy, check out Medical Departures’ Thailand destination guides for more travel tips and advice:

• Ultimate Guide to Doctors in Bangkok

• Ultimate Guide to Doctors in Pattaya

• Ultimate Guide to Doctors in Phuket

• Ultimate Guide to Doctors in Chiang Mai

Alternatively, head to our country-wide Thailand guide for more information about the different kinds of plastic surgery available in the country, price comparisons, more recommended clinics and travel tips.

Tummy Tuck FAQs

Q. How long does a tummy tuck take?
A. Surgery takes between one and five hours, depending on the extent of the procedure.

Q. What should I expect after a tummy tuck? What is recovery like?
A. The tummy area will feel sore but pain medication can help ease any discomfort. Swelling will be apparent but this will subside after around one week. You will be expected to take things easy (no heavy lifting or vigorous exercise) and wear a compression garment to help with the healing process. 

Q. What kind of scars will I have after a tummy tuck?
A. The scar left by a tummy tuck is usually thin. It may be slightly pink or lighter than the surrounding skin but it should get less noticeable over time, especially with good care.

Q. What is included in the cost of a tummy tuck?
A. Most tummy tuck prices in Thailand are inclusive of the surgery, as well as your initial consultation, medical tests, anesthesia, medication and doctor’s fees. However, to be sure of no nasty surprises, ask a member of our Customer Care Team about what is included in our price quotes.

How Do I Schedule an Appointment?

Find out more about our range of quality-checked tummy tuck clinics in Thailand and what they have to offer in terms of quality and prices.

If you're ready to book, see below for ways to contact us, and if you've any questions about tummy tucks in Thailand please get in touch with our Customer Care Team. If you are ready to schedule your appointment, you can do so right here any time of the day or night, at no charge to you.

Sources:

Joint Commission International. Website accessed: 5 February 2023. https://www.jointcommissioninternational.org/

What are the risks of tummy tuck surgery? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 5 February 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/safety

Airbnb Thailand. Website accessed: 5 February 2023. https://www.airbnb.com/a/stays/Thailand

Kristin. 20 of the Most Beautiful Places in Thailand. Be My Travel Muse. 20 February 2018. https://www.bemytravelmuse.com/most-beautiful-places-thailand/

Tummy Tuck. WebMD. 26 July 2018. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-tummy-tuck#1

Tummy Tuck Surgery (Abdominoplasty). WebMD. 26 July 2019. https://www.webmd.com/beauty/cosmetic-procedures-tummy-tuck

Combined Liposuction and Tummy Tuck Offers Best of Both Procedures. American Society of Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 1 February 2023. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/press-releases/combined-liposuction-and-tummy-tuck-offers-best-of-both-procedures

What are the steps of a tummy tuck procedure? American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Website accessed: 5 February 2023.  https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/tummy-tuck/animation

International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Website accessed: 5 February 2023. https://www.isaps.org/

ISO - International Organization for Standardization. Website accessed: 5 February 2023. https://www.iso.org/home.html