PROCEDURE OVERVIEW
Surgery: Breast Lift (Breast Up-Lift)
A breast lift surgery can lift and firm the breasts as well as reposition and improve the projection of the nipples so that they point outward rather than down.
There will be scars to the breast from this procedure. The placement of the scars will depend on the technique used which is determined by the degree of sagging. Following surgery the breast size will be smaller.
A breast augmentation with an implant to replace a loss of breast volume or fullness can usually be performed at the same time as a breast lift surgery if required.
This Procedure is available at:
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How old do I have to be to have this surgery?
You must be at least 20 years of age to have elective surgery in Thailand. Patients under the age of 20 years need to provide a signed Consent Form from their parent/guardian if the surgeon accepts the case.
How soon can I have this surgery?
We can secure priority appointments for our clients subject to the surgeon’s availability. However it is best to request an appointment well in advance so that the surgeon can advise you about the steps to take before coming for surgery.
How soon after breast feeding can I have this surgery?
Usually, the surgeon will only perform a breast surgery 12 months after you have stopped lactating. Your surgery cannot proceed if there is still milk in the ducts. You can test this by squeezing the breast.
How long does the operation take and will I be asleep?
The procedure takes about 4-6 hours under general anaesthetic.
Where will the incisions be?
The incisions will depend upon the surgeon’s recommendation based on the degree of sagging. Commonly, an “anchor” incision is made. It is called this because it resembles a ships anchor. There is an incision around the areola, then another from the bottom to the areola vertically to the breast fold and then another horizontally along the breast fold. However, other techniques may be used if you are a suitable candidate. This may include an inverted “T” incision or a peri-areola procedure. Please take advantage of our complimentary surgeon’s opinion service to find out about your options. Click here
Will there be scaring?
Scaring will be present where the incisions were made. These may fade to fine lines or may remain obvious after healing is completed. How your scars will appear depends on how your body heals.
How long will I be in hospital?
1-2 nights in hospital may be required subject to the surgeon’s recommendation based on your case.
How long do I have to stay in Thailand?
The surgeon usually recommends a stay of at least 12 nights in Thailand in total. (based on having surgery the day after arrival). This is to allow you time to recover and to have a follow up consultation with the surgeon and removal of sutures. The surgeon may change the recommended time overseas based on age, medical conditions or where more than one surgery is being performed.
Why can’t I leave sooner?
For your own safety you should observe the recommendation. Air travel presents risks such as deep vein thrombosis. To leave sooner would present an unnecessary risk. If you cannot stay the recommended time it is best not to have surgery overseas.
Will I have a consultation with the surgeon before surgery?
Yes, the surgeon will examine you and take various measurements before your surgery. He will show you implant types and sizes and answer any questions you may have.
What are the risks associated with a breast lift?
There are always risks in having surgery. This applies whether you have surgery overseas or at home. The Risks include unfavourable scarring, bleeding or hematoma, infection, poor healing of incisions, temporary or permanent changes in nipple or breast sensation, breast contour and shape irregularities, breast asymmetry, skin discoloration, permanent pigmentation changes, swelling and bruising, damage to deeper structures such as nerves, blood vessels and muscles, tissue necrosis, fluid accumulation, excessive firmness of the breast, potential partial or total loss of nipple and areola, pain which may persist, possibility of revisional surgery and risks associated with anaesthesia. Breast lift surgery can interfere with diagnostic procedures. Breast lift surgery does not normally interfere with pregnancy, but the normal breast changes that accompany pregnancy and lactation may negate the results of surgery. Because of the removal of some breast tissue, this procedure may also interfere with breast feeding. Smokers may experience a delay the healing process and are at a higher risk of complications. Please talk to the surgeon about all of the risks before proceeding with surgery.
How should I prepare for surgery?
When we have your case assessed by the surgeon before you travel overseas, you may be given some specific instructions by the plastic surgeon about preparing for surgery. Generally, you will be asked to stop some medications and all vitamin supplements, alcohol and smoking. You must not stop any prescription medications without first consulting your prescribing physician or instruction from the surgeon.
What should I do after surgery?
The surgeon will provide post-operative care instructions at your follow up consultation.
When can I start exercising?
Usually exercise and normal physical activities can resume in about 1-2 months after surgery however please ask your surgeon about this as it can vary from case to case.
How much does this surgery cost?
To get a free estimate for this surgery please click here
How can I get a surgeons opinion before travelling overseas?
To get a free surgeons opinion and estimate for this surgery please send your photos and complete the questionnaire by clicking here
Can I see before and after photos?
Due to privacy laws, before and after photos are not available online. The surgeon may provide these to you once you have your case reviewed. To have a free review of your case please send your photos and complete the questionnaire by clicking here
Can I talk to a past patient?
Yes, many of our clients are very happy to talk to others that are planning surgery through Stunning Makeovers. Before we can put you in touch, please send your photos and complete the questionnaire by clicking here.
TESTIMONIALS
When I decided to do my surgeries overseas, I sent out a lot of queries to various agents....Paul from Stunning Makeovers got back to me so quickly. He was so helpful and answered my MANY questions without apprehension and very professionally.
I would highly recommend Stunning Makeovers, their professionalism, efficiency, caring and helpful response to my needs was greatly appreciated.
Paul, thank you for all your help through the long process of organising my surgeries, hospitals, the accommodation and my general well being.
It was great to feel that I was truly being looked after not only from Thailand but from you and Stunning Makeovers as well.
When arriving at the Hospital, I met Dr Witoon and his lovely and so helpful nurses. He was so friendly and instantly made me and my mum (who came over for support) to feel at ease.
He laughed with us and made the whole experience of getting drawn on enjoyable rather than daunting.
The hospital in Phuket was 10 star (if that existed).....the most beautiful, clean and biggest hospital I have ever seen. I had a suite hospital room which allowed my mum to stay as well and all I can say about this room was that is was gorgeous and bigger then my hotel room.
Mum had her own lovely bed with plasma TV and so did I. Two bathrooms, full kitchen, dinning table and a lounge. We were stunned at how fantastic the experience at the hospital was.
The nurses and reception staff at Bangkok Hospital were also amazing, so friendly and helpful.
After the surgery they were always around and if I needed anything I pressed the buzzer and in 10 sec they were there. Such beautiful girls.....loved them all :)
The service was amazing, couldn't fault the care or service that I received from Dr Witoon or the nurses at Bangkok hospital. Fantastic!!!!!
10 star facilities......I still can't believe the amazing hospital.
I would return for more surgery and would recommend Stunning Makeovers to others for the reasons stated above.
I definitely needed a support person to go.....I couldn't have done it alone, thank God my mum was there and I would definitely recommend that people having surgery book a spa room at the resort as it was very difficult to go in the pool with all the kids splashing.
We changed rooms after one week so that we could enjoy some water as it was so hot there and I just couldn't risk getting into the pool.
I just want to say thank you for all you support Paul.
Thanks again Paul xx
The reason I chose Stunning Makeovers was because the initial response I got was very quick and also polite without being pushy. I had contacted others but they were too “fluffy”.
The prices were also the best I had seen after looking around on the net.
The follow up to my initial enquiry was good and although at first I did not go ahead with it, I was not ‘hounded’ like I was by other companies so then when some months down the track when I decided I really did want to go ahead with it I only went back to Stunning Makeovers.
I also liked the website because it was comprehensive and seemed genuine without trying to hide information like other websites.
I also liked the current currency converter – again this helped to give quick honest information. The website again was not “fluffy” like others – meaning it was down to earth which helped make this a realistic experience for me.
I initially had doubts as I did not know who was behind the website, especially if I was to send photos of myself but the emails I exchanged with Paul and his professional and calm (not pushy and over the top) manner helped put me at ease.
I am completely satisfied with the service from Stunning Makeovers.
Paul McGowan was basically on hand whenever I had an enquiry and believe me I had a lot of enquiries. Even if he was away he would email as soon as he possibly could and would offer an explanation.
I did get anxious prior to my trip to Thailand and was a little overwhelmed and in my opinion at least, demanding.
Paul was very calm and helpful and helped me through this with emails and phone conversations and by requesting further information and second opinions from surgeons – even from other hospitals.
He did not try to push me at all or offer me promises to simply ease the situation or just tell me what I wanted to hear but genuinely offered me honest sound advice and information.
I felt he was by my side rather than behind me pushing me.
While in Thailand he was very accessible and again helpful and sincere.
He arranged for me to meet other ‘Kiwis’ up there and that was great. I had the best experience in every way with my trip, surgery and the service from Stunning Makeovers and this has continued weeks and weeks post surgery.
My surgeon was amazing. He was a quiet sober man who showed me his work on his laptop when I had my consultation. I was amazed!!!
He did not up-sell and in fact very much the opposite. I wanted implants with my breast lift but he suggested a lift only as he was convinced he could make them look firm and round (unlike any pictures I had seen on the net by surgeons in the US, prior to my trip).
He showed me other results he had had with other women and I was thrilled. He showed me images and the procedure itself in a medical textbook. My surgery was going to be very long as I was having a lot done.
I was worried as to whether he could understand me but he understood everything even though he was quiet. There was something I wanted done and said just in passing and yet he had heard this and did it.
…… I saved money and I didn’t have implants, as I wasn’t too sure about how I would feel having them. And if I do want them someday I can always go back and do so as the cost is so good.
He would visit each day and would not say much but only that which was necessary. He would offer me some advice on different things and then be back the next day.
I have remained in touch with the nurse I had in Thailand. In the ward I was on they have a lot of Filipino nurses who speak perfect English. They were there in a flash to help me.
Like I have mentioned I have trained as a nurse and have been in hospital in NZ and they treated me how I would treat patients – incredibly well and with total respect and care.
They were not like nurses I have personally experienced in NZ where I would fear to ring the bell as they would be too busy and would be in tears due to the stress this would in turn cause me.
The Thailand nurses would answer my bell immediately. They were more than willing to help and went beyond the call of duty. My regular nurse even ran home to her apartment in her lunch break to get me something I needed that I didn’t have with me at the hospital and required.
The International Support staff were so warm and helpful and I did have a hiccup with my bank back home and accessing my money and they helped me sort this out with the hospital – with such kindness and care.
I just want to mention also that I took my laptop and the Internet at the hospital was cheap and very good. It was wireless so I could sit in my bed and converse on Skype or on Facebook or by email with my family and friends – even my new kitten.
We had also bought DVD’s at MBK mall the day before my surgery and so my daughter and I were able to watch on my laptop, hours and hours of Grays Anatomy and movies that were on at theatres back in NZ – top quality too.
When my Internet would run out I would simply ring the bell and within a very few minutes it was back on.
The hospital had a fantastic pharmacy and so I was able to buy some things I needed very easily and cheaper than back home. The hotel also has two pharmacies downstairs so I bought dressings from there also. The hospital did give me instructions and a lot of medications to take with me.
My room at the hospital was large and well stocked with soft drinks and water, a roomy bathroom and basic supplies including slippers. I had a fantastic view over the river and it was much like a hotel room. I had complete privacy but the nurses would chat to me if I wanted that.
I lived on McDonalds McFlurries and these would be ordered for me by the staff and then delivered to my bedside – I was thrilled. I also bought some NZ cheese and crackers from a supermarket at the hotel to take with me, as I didn’t think I would be up to eating much. However the food was good and the room service food was delicious.
I felt well cared for and the week I was in hospital flew by. I really needed that time and care and felt sad leaving.
My daughter also wants breast implants and we are more than happy for her to do so and especially as I and she knows what to expect.
I see cosmetic surgery as no different from changing my hair color or style, to having artificial nails or wearing make up and to have it done in a place that is not focused on vanity but more about improvement or enhancement made me feel completely comfortable doing so unlike in NZ where there is a certain stigma and perception that goes with it.
When going to the surgeon in NZ for a consultation the staff were all dolled up with every bit of cosmetic surgery flashing off them like a neon sign – they were mutton dressed as lamb and very glamorous. This made me feel uncomfortable and like I didn’t belong.
I was not out to look like a Playboy Mansion bunny but just to feel like a beautiful woman without the damage caused to my body through pregnancy of 5 children.
The experience in Thailand made it feel very natural and down to earth much like going to the dentist or for a haircut – not like I was about to join some elite group off some American Reality TV show.
It is difficult for me to describe what I mean but I feel that I want to mention that.
The recovery is a long process and yes it does hurt and a lot of rest is needed and that would be one of the main reasons I would go to Thailand and through Stunning Makeovers again.
I was concerned prior to leaving for Thailand that I was going to be over there for so long when I had so much work to do back home. I had had a consultation with a very reputable surgeon here in Remuera, Auckland and he had told me I could go back to work a few days later as I work at a computer.
There is absolutely no way this could have happened due to the pain and the rest that my body required. To have a week in hospital with a number of people looking after me was just what I needed.
In NZ I would have been in hospital for one night and sent home the next day with no care. My partner has his own business and could not have taken care of me.
My teenage daughter came to Thailand with me and she stayed at the hospital with me also. She too enjoyed it as she made friends with the nurses and was able to get McDonalds delivered as well as room service (at the hospital) and it was just lovely.
My daughter also spent a night back at the hotel and I felt totally comfortable with this as it was safe and we were able to call for the driver Paul McGowan uses and for a small cost he picked her up and then dropped her back the next day.
The staff at the hotel was wonderful to her and through Paul we had met some Kiwis there who also kept an eye out for her.
Post surgery, a week after and back at the hotel we were able to order room service and go for foot massages, again for such a small cost and just what I needed.
I also had a massage in the hotel spa the night before surgery and this was total bliss – it took away all my tension, flight stress and anxiety about the next day.
These are all things I could not have had at my disposal had I been at home.
We were also able to arrange for Stunning Makeovers driver, Mr T to take us out and about to look at the temples without any stress or hindrance to the way I was feeling.
With saying this I was able to catch the Sky Train (so close to the hotel) and go out shopping in the air-conditioned malls. I found that if I drank plenty of water, got lots of sleep and took my pain medication, I was fine and able to do more than I had expected.
The highlight for me was asking Mr T, your driver to arrange for my daughter and I a dinner at the Vertigo Restaurant – he booked it and drove us there.
This was total indulgence and luxury and fine dining at its best. On a rooftop on one of the highest buildings in Bangkok. I was wearing a dress I had bought months prior but could not fit and new shoes I had bought in Thailand with jewellery and handbag also oh and new make up (all so cheap).
We were chauffer driven by Mr T and felt like an absolute celebrity. While sitting up there I had tears in my eyes with disbelief at how wonderful it had all been and where I was at that moment.
I felt like a new person who literally had the world at her feet – a new beginning. And to share this with my daughter was the cherry on the top.
The next day we flew home and my daughter and I were very somber, as we did not want to leave. I usually get very homesick and miss my fiancé but the time had flown and it was a time that was nothing but truly positive.
We had bonded with the people and city of Bangkok. I felt a very real connection, as it was the place that had helped me become this new person…….
All the people I dealt with including Stunning Makeovers are very real and down to earth.
There is so much I would like to say but all I can really do is summarise with that it was an incredibly positive experience …….. I had time to focus on me and assess other areas of my life and what I want out of my life.
I got to experience another country and culture, not just the surgery side of it. I got to experience things that I can’t afford back home.
I was well looked after and felt very special. Any concerns and worries were swiftly dealt with and I was always given open and honest advice and opinions.
Everything has turned out EXACTLY how I was told – I was not given any false promises and in fact it has all turned out better than I thought.
I can’t think of any areas of improvement but I will be in touch if I think of any.
I would highly recommend Stunning Makeovers and have done so already. I will be using them again and am already beginning to plan my return trip.
Satisfaction out of 10 --- 11.. was an awesome experience! Thanks!
My recovery has been fantastic! Everything is now healed and just continuing scar treatment. I am extremly happy with my result as well as my experience with Dr Pongsatorn, PPSI and Stunning Makeovers.