Sun, Sand and Cosmetic Surgery

We live in an age where the silhouette we desire is only a surgeon’s knife away.  A nip here, a tuck there used to be women’s territory, but Australian men, formally the planet’s macho men, are going under the knife in increasing numbers.

The most commonly requested procedures are liposuction around the abdomen and love handles; the removal of “man boobs” or gynecomastia; rhinoplasty; tummy tucks; hair transplants; eyelid lift; brow lifts; face and neck lift and Botox.

In part encouraged by a celebrity trend to not only have work done, but happily admit it, there has been a make-over of the Aussie man.

Men generally see cosmetic surgery differently to women. Men don’t see the work they get done as pampering, they see it as a results-orientated process.

Jeff isn’t the ‘typical man’ that comes to mind when you think of cosmetic surgery.  “I would love to do the stomach abs sculpting thing, he says. “I’m in reasonable shape, but would be great to get this.”

There is a lot of pressure on men to look good, and they see the costs of cosmetic surgery money well spent. Especially when combined with a holiday in beautiful Phuket where they could re-charge their batteries and come home looking and feeling refreshed and revitalized. And keep their privacy with a greater degree of anonymity.

Paul returned back from Phuket with his wife last year after two weeks of what his friends thought he was lazing by the pool and soaking up the magic of an island getaway- with a flatter stomach, a more defined chest and a sleeker silhouette.

You would be forgiven for thinking that this trend in cosmetic surgery is common among young heterosexuals and the gay community, however it is happening more and more in regional Australia, with inquiries and men travelling from all overAustralia.

Social attitudes are changing, and cosmetic surgery for men has been de-stigmatised and largely accepted. Throw in the strong fitness and diet messages in the media that seem to appear with almost as much frequency as the alarming stories about the rise in obesity.

The pressure is on for men to step up.

Are Australian men becoming lazy and couldn’t the same results be achieved with good old hard yakka of diet and exercise?

The problem is that once a man reaches 40, his hormonal make-up alters, making it difficult for him to shift the weight, especially around the mid-section. For some men, surgery is the only answer.

Steve, 51, from the Gold Coast, has turned to cosmetic surgery a few times over the past ten years. He  has had liposuction on his upper and lower abdomen and love handles, the was so impressed by the surgeons and hospitals in Phuket he went back for more to fix a crocked nose and an eyelid lift to look “refreshed”.

‘Everyone wants to be noticed and complimented” he said. “Particularly when you get to my age and everyone you know is having a mid-life crisis.”

Steve attributes part of the male cosmetic surgery trend to the increased fussiness of women. “It’s become tougher to go out and attract a partner, as women are becoming far fussier about appearance,” he said.

I believe the rise in cosmetic surgery among men is the results of three factors.

The Global Financial Crisis has seen people take a good look at their lives, and focus more upon themselves. While they cannot control the world around them and the GFC, they can control their own bodies.

Secondly, job pressure. Men feel compelled to look younger in the workplace.

Finally, lots of procedures are the result of a wife or girlfriend wither having a procedure, which makes them consider what they could have done to improve their appearance or change something about themselves they have never liked.  Or their wife or girlfriend urging them to do something about it.

As the three traditional barriers to cosmetic surgery of price, availability and social acceptance, continue to come down, we can probably expect this trend to continue…..

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A very common inquiry from women is if they require a breast augmentation (implant) or a breast lift and implant.

The correct procedure is determined by a plastic surgeon who will identify the correct procedure to achieve the best results for your individual needs.

 

Breast augmentation

A breast augmentation is suitable for women who wish to enhance the size and contours of her breasts, and is perfect for a woman who feels her breast size is too small or not in proportion to her body.

A breast augmentation will balance the breast size if any difference exists or is used as a reconstructive technique to correct a reduction in breast volume after pregnancy, with the size of the implant determined in discussion with a plastic surgeon and the patient taking into account the following:

• Personal desire
• Expectations
• Adequate padding to achieve natural breast appearance and enhance cleavage
• Breast and chest wall dimensions
• Skin quality and elasticity
• Nipple position and breast asymmetry

 A breast lift and implant

 

This is a very common procedure for women who  believe their breasts are “empty”, big enough but not high enough and very common for big busted women, after weight loss and pregnancy.

Contrary to popular belief and some false advertising- an implant alone will not magically lift or raise the breasts.  If there is any degree of breast ptsosis (sagging) as determined by a plastic surgeon, or the nipples are not in a good position (which is very common and occurs in approximately 50-60% of women) a breast augmentation alone will not give a good result.

To achieve the best results, the more complex reconstructive surgery of a breast lift & implant is required. Confirmation of suitability for this procedure is determined by our team of plastic and reconstructive surgeons with prices. This is  based upon the degree of breast sagging and the length of time required in theatre to achieve the best result, based upon the following:

The degree of breast ptosis (sagging)

• The size and shape of the breasts
• The asymmetry of the breasts
• The quality and elasticity of the skin
• The size and shape of the nipple and areola

 

 

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“Cosmetic surgery in Thailand- what I wonderful experience! ” says Jane after returning back from Phuket with Claire and the ladies on the  on the group tour having dental work, a breast implant and lift.

“I was amazed at the care and consideration offered by the doctors, nurses and dental staff.” It was Jane’s first time overseas so she didn’t quite know what to expect, but loved the experience. “The results of my surgery have generated so much response that no-one wants to know about my dental work. I am happy with both- I saved a small fortune having the dental procedures there!”

 

“I met some wonderful women on the group tour and the support from Claire was fantastic!”

Michelle just raved about her experience….

It was a lovely experience to have Dr Piyapas  as my surgeon. He had a lovely friendly manner and listened so well to what I was wanting, then explained my options clearly.  I nearly changed my mind, but his  reassurance was good.
And secondly I am so delighted with the result It is wondeful!  I’m so glad the surgeon listened during the consultation and decided to make my implant smaller than he initally suggested as now I have the perfect breasts for me!
My recovery is good and I have been doing the massage  and stretching chest muscles as suggested.
So thankyou and your lovely staff ( especially the anaesthatist ) for a lovely experience at te amazing hospital, and thankyou especially for being such a fabulous surgeon.

Simone says…..

My experience at the hospital in Phuket was phenominal. The care of the staff from the transport crew through to administration and nursing was incredible. The surgeons are above all of the standards I have  ever encountered. Dr Piyapas is a true gentleman and brilliant surgeon- his genuine kind, caring and gentle nature makes him an absolute stand-out.

My operation had unforseen complications and I spent 10 hours in theatre , which he was happy to do, to ensure perfection. And perfection is what I received.

These tours are perfect for men and women of all ages from all different backgrounds.  If you are young and want to party- Claire is the woman that will party with you…

 

 

 

yet she respects the privacy of those  a quieter, more relaxing holiday and recovery.

For the business woman who simply does not have the time or want the hassle of organising all of the details for flights, hotels, surgery, Claire will simply take this off your hands and arrange everything  for you to the last detail, leaving you to simply pack and turn up, have the surgery and recover without the hassles and worry of transfers, follow-up appointments or anything!

 

I highly recommend it to men and women of all age groups- this is a first-class service!

 

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A vision of moonlight overlooking the beach is probably the last thing on the mind of anyone considering dental work, yet it is an association people are more and more starting to make.

For a little more than the price of one dental implant in Sydney, people are travelling to Thailand  and taking wide trips to the Grand Place and the Tiger Temple, Bangkok and the floating markets mixed in with much shopping.

All flights transportation and accommodation is arranged, with people returning with the perfect smile and a great holiday.

Medical tourism is growing.    Many will also opt for a recuperative holiday to round out their stay.

 

The growth of medical tourism allows patients to regain some of the control lost to them in their local public systems, as well as slash the cost of specialist fees. Global tourism can simply mean affordable healthcare.

It also allows health-care practitioners in developing countries to compete with health providers in developed countries while boosting national tourism earnings.

“Why not Thailand?”  ”I can  take care of everything,” says Claire  ”We create tour packages around the dental work.”

 

Government internet sites such as www.tourismthailand.org offer links to detailed information about medical services and procedures in their countries. I work with Singapore Airlines and Thai Airways was packaging medical and dental packages and and check-ups into holiday programs.

Marie took a month to research dental options before deciding on Thailand.  She says cost was of great importance because of the amount of dental work that was needed.

“Going toThailandsaved me about a third to a half in costs, and that included all fares and accommodation.”

A single porcelain crown at one of Singh’s clinics costs about $550, compared with up to $1,500 inAustralia. Implants around $2,000 compared to $7,000 inAustralia. The cost of some medical treatments in Asia can be one-tenth of those in Europe or the United States.

But what about quality of care? With our surgeons and dentists we go out of our way to provide patients with personal care and services such as VIP travel from the airport to the hospital.

Marie’s own experience backs this up: “Outside the door there is poverty and dirt everywhere, inside it’s just like every other dental surgery.”

It is unlikely that medical tourism will ever overtake the level of care people access in their own countries, but for anyone with a passport and a sense of adventure it could be a viable alternative.

Marie thinks so, and is planning another trip to Thailandf or cosmetic surgery in the future.

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When she came back to work, the guys told Liz she looked a bit “different”. “I have had the same bus driver for about 7 years now, “Liz says, “We never talk, apart form saying Good morning….. until I got back. He said I looked “different!”  So I told him, I couldn’t help. Even when she came to work- everyone said how good she looked .”I wasn’t going to tell people but I couldn’t help it. I was so happy and on cloud nine still I just couldn’t keep it to myself.”

On her holiday toThailand, Liz had a breast augmentation and a rhinoplasty, or nose job and dental work done.

“I wanted to do it for years and years,” Liz says, “So I did. I am so pleased with the results. “I look and feel better than I have in over ten years.”

Liz used to come home at night and take off layers of loose clothing and padded bra; she saw the uncamouflaged truth – a flat chest. Liz thought she could never afford breast augmentation. In Australia she couldn’t, but when she learned that a young woman at her gym had it done much cheaper. “My nose I always hated. I avoided looking into the mirror because I just hated my profile. I am so happy now, AND a got all of my fillings and teeth whitening in Thailand so cheap. “I am so happy with the results- it is even better than I imagined!” The scars from my breast surgery are subtly located behind my armpits so my breasts look untouched and very natural. I have received great compliments from friends and family when I got home. I finally look balanced and in proportion and my body confidence has soared since the surgery. “It’s definitely one of the best things I have ever done for myself.”

Plastic surgery for cosmetic reasons is on a terrific upswing. People want younger faces, rounder breasts, and straighter noses.

The trends for the ideal bodies have evolved. In the 1960s it was Twiggy-the thin body was the ideal. In the 1980s it was a rounder, healthier trim looking shape. Today, the curvier model is back in, with implants.

From a women’s point of view it is simple- they want to feel more like a woman, more feminine. Perfect breasts that are in proportion to a woman’s shape will do that.

According to the American Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons (ASPRS), there has been a 60 percent increase in cosmetic surgeries in the last three years. The reasons:

Women past the age of 50 or 60 are not sitting at home anymore just being Grandparents. They are out there and may not want to look her age.

Everyone wants the experience of age – but no-one wants to be though of-or look- older.

A common case for a breast augmentation surgery patient is either in her early 20s, and has given up on her breasts ever growing. Or after kids. The husband usually says Hamilton says his usual “I love you the way you are” ‘ He married her the way she was. But once the wife has had the implant, her self-image goes up and her personality improves. The husband is then very happy, even though he didn’t care. That’s got to be good!”

“It gives you a good ease on life” says Deborah, mother of two. “I am thrilled. The overall trip was a great experience. The hospital and staff were of the highest standard and I know I would not have received that standard of care in Australia. The other women on the group were fantastic. I am completely happy with my procedure, the results and the entire trip to Thailand!”

Many patients, like Deborah say cosmetic surgery has made them feel much better about themselves.

“It doesn’t change your life,” Deborah says thoughtfully, “but it sure changes the way you feel about yourself.”

 

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Day 1:

We all met together at the airport. It was so fun for everyone to put faces to the names and friendships that had already begun over the phone and Facebook.

We all checked in and boarded the flight to Phuket, with a stop-over at Sinapore on the way.

 

At the stroke of midnight t was Jessica’s 24^th birthday and as a surprise , her best friend Kristie called her at the airport to tell her that she had booked a flight to Phuket- and she would be there Monday!   Kristie came with Jess to the airport, and jjust loved the bond the girls had already made, and wanted to be a part pf it (as well as be there for her best friend Jess).

We got to Phuket in the morning, stiff from the long flight and pretty tired-but excited- excited to be here. The hospital had a birthday cake especially made for Jess and we all celebrated by singing happy birthday.

Jess, Michelle and Amy and I all went to the hospital for their pre-op tests, and Lexy, Joanne and Sasha checked into the hotel in Patong Beach.

We got back the hotel in the afternoon, and met up with the ladies before freshening up before dinner together. It was so much fun. WE all enjoyed a delicious meal together at the hotel, had a laugh, got to know each other and together, made a list of all the things the girls wanted to do while they were here in Phuket from cooking classes yoga on the top of the hill I Phuket Phi Phi Island, elephant riding, days at the beach and hotel getting a tan and shopping.

Megan arrived in on the later flight just as we were finishing dinner, and we all went for a walk and had the most devine Thai massages . ‘That was so divine” said Sasha, “pure heaven” and some girls hit the shops.  Magic. And it had only just begun…

Day 2:

We were picked up bright and early at 6.30am. Megan, Jess and Amy were scheduled for surgery today. The ladies were about to meet their surgeons and they were so excited. After their consultation, they were admitted to their room. Jess’s bests friend Kristy dropped her off at the airport a few days ago, and when she met everyones, she surprised us all with her booking flights toThailandto be there with us for the holiday and be there for her best friend. She arrived this morning about 11am, just before Jess’ surgery.

After the ladies went into surgery I came back to the hotel to see the girls. Sasha and Jane had spent the day elephant riding, and a half day trip to see monkeys rainforests and baby elephants.  We had dinner together at the hotel and endulged in Thai massages, again.

Day 3:

Sasha and Lexy for surgery today. The ladies had a tinge of nerves, but very excited!!

Megan went into surgery late last night about 7pm, and was up and dressed at 11 ready to check out feeling perfectly fine. No pain at all! Amy was recovering from her breast surgery and Michelle also checked out early.

Ridicilously quick recovery- she totally bounced back!

We are in Thailand, I can’t wait to see everything” said Megan.

Jess was feeling good, happy it was done and looking forward to exploring Phuket.

Amy was so very impressed with the standard of care inThailand. “I just can’t believe how caring, kind and professional they are. The nurses are all so sweet, I just love them. I am going to buy them all chocolates and flowers before I go home- they looked after me so well.”

Jane was waiting to see if the specialist would confirm she was ok for surgery tomorrow and spent the day relaxing and shopping. Megan and Amy relaxed the night away and Jane and I caught up for an early dinner.

Day 4:

So many things to do in Phuket! After Breakfast together after our morning check-ups at the hospital the  Restored Beauty Getaways Queensland group  spent the afternoon in a cooking class at our hotel cooking (and eating) some delicious Thai food.

Three hours of learning he secrets to our favourite Thai dishes so we can share some of ourThailandexperience back home  with our families. Oh my Godness we were so, so full!

 

The other ladies went and did some more shopping, had some clothes made by a tailor in Phuket- work shirts, suits, you name it!!

Everyone was feeling pretty good after surgery- so thrilled with their new breasts.

Jess is thrilled with her results! “I have just had breast surgery, git my teeth whitened and straightened. Yeah, finally!  I am having a wonderful time. I would like to not have to come home- I could literally spend my life away here. Surgery and everything else is so easy here!”

“I am so happy- my boobs look great and I have a nice big white smile. Now spending the rest of the day relaxing by the pool.”

Day 5: 

Morning follow-up at the hospital with Sasha for the unveiling of her new breasts, then we were going to a secret and remote local spot off the tourist track to swim with and play with some baby elephants at a remote little spot out of the tourist track.

 

We had an amazing day hanging out, spending time with each other, having lunch and a play with the elephants. It was great!

Day 6: 

We had morning beach walks on the deserted beached, frolicked on the sand so happy with our new assets, and got some sun and relaxed on the beach. Chilled out day.

                                                                                                                                              

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 7

 

We had breakfast together again in the morning, then spent the day relaxing and being pampered with massages, pedicures and the some more  shopping. We are going to be struggling to fit everything into the suitcases! Some of the ladies stepped out and explored the nightlife and the infamous Bangla Road, while the others went into town to shop and see the amazing Phuket Town markets.

 

 

Day 8

Follow-ups at the hospital. Jane had finally recovered enough to have her surgery tomorrow! Thank Goodness. All her prays had been answered. Chilled out today in paradise and dinner at the Hard Rock Cafe before a wonder through the streets for more shopping and exploring.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Day 9

Natasha arrived a few days ago and went into surgery today after completing her dental work. She was a little nervous, and appreciated so much having me there with her  going into surgery, as well as the other girls around. “Thank you so much Claire,” said Natasha, “I wouldn’t have gone through with it unless you were here with me- it’s made the world of difference.”

Jane went in for her surgery today. We had to delay her flight so she is staying another week, which worked out well because it gave her the chance to complete all dental that she was planning on coming back for at the end of the year. Unfortunately it had begun to rain, so we had to change our plans for Phi Phi Island for more relaxing and shopping.

Day 10

Breakfasts, messages  and getting ready to go home tomorrow. Kristy, Jess’s best friend who made the surprise last minute visit to come to join us, was leaving this afternoon. so we are having lunch together today. We are very excited to see our friends and family, but so so sad to leave. We could easily stay another week here, soaking up the magic.

 

 

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A breast augmentation is a woman’s right. It’s her choice. It’s her body. The trend, then, is for increasing numbers of women to alter their bodies through surgery.

Nowadays, plastic surgery has become not only for the rich and famous anymore. The number of people having cosmetic plastic surgery has tripled since 1992 (breast augmentation increasing 533 percent and liposuction increasing 313 percent) according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons.

And breast augmentation- by far the most common request and procedure before tummy tucks, liposuction and facial surgery including rhinoplasty (nose jobs) eyelid surgery and face and neck lifts.

It seems everyone on the Gold Coast wants a boob job. Why are boob jobs so common? Well, they can improve a woman’s appearance, self-esteem and help her buy clothes and swimwear to fit that she was previously unable to fill. And women are more accepting of cosmetic surgery than men, and young people more accepting than older people, according to research commissioned by theAustralianCollegeof Cosmetic Surgery.

So, with cosmetic surgery becoming more mainstream, it makes me ask, so why do people want to have a plastic surgery? Quite simply I think to become more confident and happier with gains including increased self-esteem, confidence, and vitality. And this is nothing new- people have always wished to change their appearance and bodies through diet, exercise, make-up and clothes. Cosmetic surgery is just anther tool.

From my experience, people who express a desire to have plastic surgery are often trying to improve physical characteristics that they feel are awkward or flawed. Let’s be honest, everyone has something about themselves that they wish to improve or change. And this is a way to fix the problem.

According to plasticsurgery.com, some people undergo plastic surgery to look younger and more vigorous so that they can demolish age limits on a job and work longer. There is a huge growth in the numbers of men interested in what was considered the exclusive female domain of cosmetic surgery. Procedures such as eyelift and face-lifts to make men look years younger, to liposuction to shift those kgs off the mid-section.

 

Our society seems to have the belief that attractiveness is a necessary part of success, with our society sometimes valuing appearance over ability. So, people if people that have cosmetic surgery are happy with the results and acquire self-esteem, happiness. How can anyone argue with a work culture often equates youth with energy and ambition.

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The September tour from the Gold Coast has just over a week to leave. And wow, the ladies are excited. For everyone, it’s their first time to Thailand and the first time they will have cosmetic surgery and there are emotions from excitement, nerves, butterflies, scared and can’t believe this is all happening all rolled into one!

Ladies from their early 20s to mid 40s are all about to have the surgery that has been dreaming about for some time. It is about wanting to look better and feel better, with the transformation both physical and emotional.

For some, the cosmetic surgery and/or breast procedure is something that will give them a boost to their confidence and self-esteem, for others, the decision to have cosmetic surgery coincides with a major life change and represents a new beginning. This has the power to give the confidence that gives promise of new beginnings.

This experience is starting on such a high, with bags being packed early in anticipation of such an incredible experience and adventure. The ladies have already got to know each other by talking on the phone and Facebook “We feel like best friends already” says Lexy. We are going to have some fun!

Information provided about the surgery, the expected recovery, the expectations, the same details about the travel and even the currency.  “It’s every comprehensive,” said Jane, “the information provides everything you need to know. I can’t wait!”

It’s Jessica’s birthday on the day we arrive in Phuket and another reason to celebrate. “I have told all of my friends and family and everyone is so excited for me, ” says Jessica.  ” So very excited.”

9 more sleeps to go…..  I cannot wait!

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The group of Gold Coast ladies on Queensland’s “medical tourism group tour” all met with me at Brisbane International Airport to board the flight to Phuket for their exciting, life-changing adventure!
The flights were busy, as it seemed a lot of people in Queensland were desperate to escape our winter in the paradise of Phuket. We arrived in Phuket at 9.35am and went straight to the hospital for our consultations with our surgeons before checking into our hotel in Patong.

The ladies freshened up and the ladies relaxed for a while, while I went back to the airport with our amazing hospital staff to greet the second part of my group who arrived at 4.30pm- with a few more lucky ones on the group also being upgraded to business class. Nice……

The ladies, and one boyfriend who was coming along for the ride, were all really excited to finally be here after months of anticipation.

Sue said: “Going overseas for surgery is daunting in itself, but the quality and care of the surgeons and staff were fantastic that I would not hesitate to recommend the to everyone.”

After we all checked into our rooms, we all went out to dinner and a walk along the streets of Patong before falling into bed exhausted for an early pick-up from the hospital for surgery.

Day 2:  Surgery day- last minute anxiety was replaced with excitement.

Lisa said: “I was very impressed with the hospital and the hospital staff. They were very helpful and my doctor, Dr Jib was excellent! He thoroughly explained the procedure to me and answered all of my questions promptly. I highly recommend him to my friends and family.”

 

The first lady on our group surgery was already completed and ready to check out of hospital. Thrilled, and glowing with happiness at her results by which she described as “having the perfect breasts” she had always wanted. She just looked so beautiful, and so happy!

After elephant riding in the morning, it was back to the hotel to relax with massages, room service & DVDs while the other ladies did some retail therapy. Tonight some of the girls and I headed out to watch the Muay Thai!

Day 3: Another surgery this morning, and everyone was recovering well and soaking up the 24/7 care they were receiving from the nurses and our hospital team.

 

Day 4: Some of the ladies were blazing the tourist track in Phuket and went to the Zoo while the others recovered well from their surgery and checked out at lunchtime and spent the rest of the day relaxing.

Day 5: As the weather drizzled, again it was a lazy day of shopping, massages, room service and drinks at the bar……. Just what the doctor ordered!
The last lady in the group was scheduled for surgery today, and all the rest had checked out of hospital after their luxurious recovery.

Day 6 –Day 11: All of the days all melted into each other in this magical land, and the ladies spent their days relaxing, shopping and soaking up the beauty of the islands, unspoilt caves and villages and islands.

 

Day 12: Half of the group were departing Phuket today, returning home with a suitcase full of treasures, friendships, experiences and brand new assets.

Day 13: The rest of us left this morning with some of the ladies suitcases almost bursting and we all boarded the flight filling out the back seat just like the cool kids on the school bus as we laughed, talked and shared stories and adventures. It was so much fun! At our stop-over in Singapore we did some last-minute duty-free shopping on make-up and perfume and shoes, and boarded our flight home with a new vitality, confidence and memories that will last a life-time.

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