1. Research research research
Ok so you found this list on a Plastic Surgery Forum, the biggest forum of its kind in the Asia Pacific, so researching is kind of a given. Never the less, you need to research the hospital, the hotel and most of all your surgeon. Trawl the threads for other members experiences, our community are happy to share their advice and stories so ask away.
2. Have a back up plan
You always need to go with your gut, no matter where you are having your surgery and so it is essential that you have a back up plan – Most patients will be meeting their surgeon for the first time when they arrive for their consultation and wont see them again until their surgery so you need to be 100% comfortable with your surgeon, hospital and procedure – Tentatively book in a consultation or two with some other surgeons in other hospitals. It cannot hurt to have options – Better still, have a consultation with a local surgeon before you leave. It might cost you a little extra but you will at least have something to compare your surgery recommendations with.
3. Pre arrange your post op garments
So the hospital and your surgeon will usually provide this for you, but it is still a good idea to organise a spare just in case. If you require a post op garment for tummy tuck surgery or liposuction, go into a store and get properly fitted if you can.
4. Antibacterial soap
You are going to a foreign country so it is important you look after yourself and your skin as best you can. Washing yourself with an antibacterial soap pre op will help prepare the skin and post op will help avoid infection.
5. Loose fitting clothing
Presumably you are travelling to an exotic country like Thailand or the Philippines and whilst tight fitting clothing might look fashionable, its going to get hella annoying to get in and out of after you have had surgery. Loose fitting clothing will keep you cool and will be easier to get on and off.
6. Paying for your surgery
Plan how to pay for your surgery before you leave. A pre loaded money card, or Visa/Mastercard are the most popular payment methods. – It is not advised to carry large cash amounts around with you. – Most reputable hospitals let you pay for the surgery on the day of your consultation but you can pay for your surgery in advance.
7. Packing essentials
An iPad or laptop is a must. Your going to want to watch movies whilst your recovering and more importantly, so you can update everyone on the forum – You will also need a power adapter so you can plug all your electrics like hair dryer and phone charger – A travel pillow for your neck is a must, particularly for your flight home – Compression stockings are usually recommended post surgery, particularly if you are flying – Dry shampoo can be a lifesaver although having your hair washed and blow waved by a local salon tends to be an affordable option.
8. Pack light
Everything you leave with you will need to haul back home. Not an easy exercise after you have had surgery – You can usually pay locals at the airport to help move your luggage for you. After all, your not going to want to load and unload your luggage even if it does have wheels – Speaking of luggage, you want a suitcase that has wheels. Much much easier to manoeuvre around.
9. Stay safe
Remember you have just had surgery. Whilst the jet boats and white water rafting might look like a whole lot of fun, you need to make sure you rest, recover and recuperate – Make sure you listen to your surgeons recommendations and don’t get your incisions wet before you are supposed to – On the topic of incisions, if you are going to be soaking up the sun, it is imperative that you adequately protect your surgery incisions from the sun.
10. Be prepared
Arm yourself with as much information about your desired procedure as possible.You will often have a day or less between your consolation and your procedure, so be proactive and write a list of questions that you want answered in your consult – Be clear on your desired outcome and expectations. Pictures speak a thousand words especially when you may be faced with language barriers, so bring plenty of pictures to show your surgeon what you want – Prearrange your aftercare back home. Surgery is some serious stuff, you want to organise to have a local Plastic Surgeon or GP to oversee your recovery when you arrive home.