What is liposuction?
Liposuction is a plastic operation to remove a certain amount of fatty tissue through small punctures on the skin using specialized equipment. The lipo is divided into different types depending on the area should be operated (abdominal liposuction, buttock liposuction, neck lipo, knee liposuction, and so on).
BMI (body mass index) |
under 35 kg/m2 |
Duration |
1-5 hours |
In-hospital stay |
2 days |
Recovery period |
2-3 weeks |
Who benefits the lipo?
The main indication for the surgery is excess fat that deforms the body contours. Surgeons perform liposuction locally, in particular on the abdomen, thighs, knees, neck, buttocks, etc.
The procedure is suitable for people who have excess weight with BMI (body mass index) under 35. For overweight people, lipo is an excellent option to get a perfect body and regain your figure factly.
Liposuction is best for people with the right skin tone and elasticity because it forms a new contour of the body without wrinkles.
A person must be over 18 years old and have good health status. Those with severe chronic illnesses cannot undergo this procedure.
What is preoperative preparation for liposuction?
Before liposuction, a patient undergoes the lab tests. They include blood and urine analysis, ECG.
A plastic surgeon examines a patient and discusses the volume of intervention. Then an anesthesiologist determines the type of anesthesia.
If there are no contraindications, the liposuction is assigned the next day.
What is the liposuction process?
Doctors conduct liposuction under local or general anesthesia. The anesthetic type depends on the location of the problem area and its size.
Then a plastic surgeon starts liposuction. A specialist uses a thin tube-shaped instrument called a cannula. Through the 3-6 mm incisions, fat is pumped out.
The procedure is carried out very slowly and carefully to avoid the nerves and vessel injuries, to save asymmetry of body contours.
The liposuction of one area takes 1-1.5 hours. If a doctor operates several areas, the duration of the procedure is prolonged up to 5 hours.
In some cases, specialists perform abdominoplasty after abdomen liposuction. It helps to achieve a better result and avoid asymmetry.
Find out more information on the lipo surgery process in the video.
What rules should I follow during postoperative rehabilitation?
Just after the surgery, a doctor places a special bandage on the operating area. It speeds up the recovery of tissues, reduces swelling, and improves skin retraction. This bandage is prescribed to be worn for 4-10 weeks.
The hospitalization after liposuction is 2 days in most cases. If there are no complications, and the area for surgical intervention is small, a patient is discharged after the procedure. In other cases, liposuction takes up to 2 days.
A patient stays in the country for 10 days. The sutures are removed in 7 days. A patient can return to the usual lifestyle in 2-3 weeks.
To maintain the new body shape, it is necessary to keep a diet and lead an active lifestyle — otherwise, the overweight returns.
What results can I expect after liposuction?
Liposuction results are not noticeable until the swelling decreases. In some cases, this process may take several months. Most of the edema (swelling caused by fluid retention) reduces in about 4 weeks, and the area where the fat has been removed becomes less extensive.
People keeping fit usually get excellent and consistent results. Those gaining weight after the procedure may find that their fat distribution changes. For example, people who previously have had fat accumulation in their thighs may find that their buttocks are becoming a new problem area.
What are the risks of lipo?
Any serious surgery is associated with a risk of bleeding, infection, and an adverse reaction to anesthesia.
The risk of complications is usually related to the procedure extensiveness and surgeon’s skills.
The following risks, unpleasant side effects or complications are possible:
- bruising — can last for several weeks
- inflammation — may take up to 6 months
- thrombophlebitis — a blood clot in a vein formation
- contours roughness — if the skin has low elasticity, the skin may look saggy and wavy
- numbness — the affected area may feel numb, but usually, it is temporary
- infections — rarely, skin infection may occur after liposuction surgery; sometimes it needs to be treated surgically, with the risk of scarring
- kidney or heart problems — as fluids are injected during the operation, changes in fluid levels in the body can cause kidney or heart problems (therefore, there is a limit on the amount of fat removed)
- pulmonary embolism — fat enters the blood vessels and lungs, blocking blood circulation in the lungs
- allergic reaction — the patient may be allergic to drugs or materials used during the surgery
- skin burns — the cannula movement can cause injuries on the skin that is especially characteristic for ultrasonic and laser liposuction.
What areas are intended for liposuction?
The lipo is performed on the following body areas:
What should you know about Thailand before the trip?
Official name |
The Kingdom of Thailand |
Currency |
Thai Baht (you also can pay for services in dollars) |
Best period for the trip |
November-early April |
Language |
Thai (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
Visa |
is required for a trip of 3-6 months |
Time difference with Europe |
7 hours |
Time difference with the USA |
12 hours |
Capital |
Bangkok |
Medical tourism center |
Bangkok |
Popular resorts |
Koh Samui, Phuket, Chiang Mai, Koh Chang, Hua Hin |
What is the level of medicine in Thailand?
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Thai government. The Thai authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 25 billion bahtfor healthcare annually.
As a result, 36,673 medical facilities provide excellent medical care in the country. 64 centers in the Kingdom have certificate of JCI (Joint Commission International), the international improver of healthcare quality and safety across the globe. The index of certificates obtained is the largest. To compare,Israel has 20 JCI-accredited facilities, and Germany — only 10 clinics of this type.
Why is Thailand trendy for medical tourism?
The Kingdom of Thailand is also a well-known country globally due to high-skilled doctors that undergo internships in American and European institutions. Patients from Japan, China, Myanmar and the Middle Eastern countries prefer treatment in Thailand to other places.
Highly developed medical centers and first-rate therapeutic services at affordable prices attract people from all over the world. Over 2.5 mln international patients travel to Thailand annually. So Thailand is among Top 10 countries with the most developed medical tourism sector.
Thailand is a top destination for medical tourists because of low-costs. You may save up to 75% on services compared to European countries or the USA due to the average local citizens' income and general price policy within the country.
What hotel service is provided here?
In the Kingdom of Thailand, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. The level of Thai hotels is comparable to hotels in Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
When is the best time to travel to Thailand?
The main advantage of Thai resorts is the long beach season. On the east coast and west coast the climate features are different, so take it into account when planning the trip. The best time to travel is during the cool and dry season between November and early April. A large influx of tourists is in March-May, when the air temperature is +30°C.
Do I need a visa?
Today the Kingdom of Thailand requires different visa regimens for diverse states. Some foreigners can stay in the country 60 days without visa control, some of them — only 14 days.
How long you can stay in Thailand and what countries can cross the border easy read here.
What documents are required to apply for a visa to Thailand for treatment?
Visas for travel to Thailand require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes:
- ID card
- confirmation of online registration and filling out the questionnaire
- certificate of income and availability of funds (20,000 baht per person/40,000 baht per family)
- insurance policy for a stay in Thailand (original and copy)
- 2 photos (4x6)
- visa receipt
- booking of round-trip air ticket (paid in full) and hotel
- medical opinion about the need for treatment.