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Facts at a glance |
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| Surgical Procedure |
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 The method of surgery is to tighten the skin of the abdomen by undermining the skin and stretching it. Excess skin and fat is then removed. The incision is placed across the lower abdomen but sometimes is like an upside down T. The scars are concealed by clothing. The operation is done under general anesthetic (you are asleep). Often this is an outpatient operation but many patients choose to stay in the hospital overnight. Patients who are obese or have large amounts of loose skin may need a modification of this operation called a panniculectomy. | |
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| Technique |
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This operation is done to tighten the loose skin of the abdomen and repair the weak muscles of the abdominal wall (rectus muscle). It is sometimes combined with liposuction to smooth the edges and improve the contour. | |
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| Duration of Operation |
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Two to three hours | |
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| Risks and Complications |
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All operations have some risk. The risks of surgery are divided into two groups. First, those that are common in all operations and second, those that are unique to this particular operation. In the first group, the main risks are swelling, bruising, fluid collections, bleeding, infection, scarring and numbness, or a change in sensation. The main problem which is special for this operation is the long and sometimes heavy scar. The incision is sometimes slow to heal and crusting or scabbing along the scar may occur for several weeks. This is a major operation and the risks of major surgery, such as blood clots in the legs, can occur. | |
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| After Care |
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Bed rest for two to three days is recommended. While in bed, your legs should be bent at the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. You will be provided with a firm abdominal binder to offer support to the tightened areas. |
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Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand up straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. |
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Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days upon surgery, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. | |
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| Recovery |
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This is a major operation. The recovery takes at least one to two weeks. Most people are back to work within two to four weeks. | |
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| Results |
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Abdominoplasty, whether partial or complete, produces excellent results for patients with weakened abdominal muscles or excess skin. And in most cases, the results are long lasting, if you follow a balanced diet and exercise regularly. | |
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| Hospital Admission |
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Three nights admission to hospital. | |
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| Anesthetic |
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General Anesthesia | |
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| Pre Operative Care |
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Inform us about any allergies, any serious medical condition(s), and all medications you are taking (both prescription and non-prescription) |
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Avoid aspirin and aspirin-containing medicines for two weeks prior to surgery. | |
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| Post Operative Care |
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You should avoid strenuous activities for several weeks as your body heals, but within 4 to 6 weeks you should be able to resume all normal activities. It’s important to continue wearing the compression garment, which should be easily hidden under your clothing, until your doctor tells you that it is no longer necessary. | | | |
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Preparation |
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| Medical Documents |
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Completed all medical tests (blood pressure, BUN, CBC, prothrombin & partial thromboplastin times, chest x-ray, EKG, HIV) | |
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| Passport and Visa |
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Please forward the copy of your passport to us before the arriving date. |
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US citizens can call San Francisco information (415) 744-4444 or you can search under "U.S. Government offices" in the white pages to find the phone number of your local passport office. |
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For most tourists, a stay of no more than 30 days does not require a VISA. For further information on Thailand's entry/exit requirements, please contact the Thai consulate in your country or your travel agent. | |
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| Flight Arrangement |
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Our recommended airlines are Thai International, Northwest, Lufthansa, Singapore, and EVA which has wide seats. |
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Make request wheelchair on return flight. | |
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| Expenses |
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Surgical fee is $USD 5,000 |
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If you are HIV positive, then you are a risk to hospital personel. For this reason you need to pay an extra 60% to the original charge. | |
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| Airport Immigration and Customs |
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Please present the supporting documents confirming the scheduled operation upon request. Please do not carry any unnecessary drugs or dangerous objects in your luggage. | |
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| Appointment |
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The operation can be arranged once you have all required papers ready. Just inform us of your earliest convenient date prior to arrival, either by clicking here to contact us via e-mail. | |
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| Packing List |
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Pack only loose clothing. |
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If the patient arrives alone, it is essential to travel with light airport baggage/luggage (max. 20 kgs) to avoid risk to injury during the 4-6 week recovery period. | |
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| Image source : www.plasticsurgery.org | | |
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Frequently Asked Questions |
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| FAQ : Surgical Procedure |
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| How much pain is there? |
| For the first few days, your abdomen will probably be swollen and you're likely to feel some pain and discomfort which can be controlled by medication. Depending on the extent of the surgery and the technique used, you may be released within a few hours or you may have to remain hospitalized for two to three days. | |
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| How soon can the patient get back to work? |
| The patient will gradually adapt to the tighter abdomen and, after 10-14 days, can usually perform ordinary light tasks. | |
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| FAQ : Result |
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| What is the long-term outcome like for most people? |
| As long as you keep your weight relatively constant, eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, and follow your surgeon’s instructions about how to resume physical activity, the long-term results from this procedure are generally excellent. | |
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| FAQ : Post Operative |
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| What can I expect after surgery? |
| Bed rest for two to three days is recommended. While in bed, your legs should be bent at the hips in order to reduce the strain on the abdominal area. You will be provided with a firm abdominal binder to offer support to the tightened areas. Your doctor will give you instructions for showering and changing your dressings. And though you may not be able to stand straight at first, you should start walking as soon as possible. Surface stitches will be removed in five to seven days, and deeper sutures, with ends that protrude through the skin, will come out in two to three weeks. |
 See More FAQs of Lipectomy » | | | |
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