Why travel with Gorgeous Getaways?

High Quality – Our experienced team has reviewed and screened the credentials of the doctors, dentists, hospitals, clinics and other healthcare providers to ensure that they meet international standards and clinical best practices. We look for doctors, dentists and surgeons who have experience in the procedures and treatments that are in demand. Many, if not most, of the doctors are internationally trained and pride themselves on keeping their skills up to date with the latest technology, techniques and trends.

Rest and recovery – Traveling for cosmetic, health and wellness, and anti-aging procedures allows you to focus on yourself, away from the numerous distractions and demands on your time that you deal with every day. By receiving your services away from home, you have the privacy and relaxation you need to help you recovery quickly, refreshed and renewed before returning home.

Great Service – Whether appreciating the personalized care delivered by the healthcare providers available to you through Gorgeous Getaways or enjoying the wonder services delivered by our team, pamper yourself. Our team is ready to help you every step of the way – before you depart, while you are in country and after you return home.

Great Value - Of course, one of the main reasons that people travel with us is the great value. We offer affordable treatments – the fantastic exchange rates, no taxes and lower prices makes cosmetic surgery, dental and optical extremely affordable.

Step 4: Scheduling

​Following receipt of desposit we will prepare your personalized itinerary and send it to you, including the following information with regards to your cosmetic plastic surgery and your stay in your destination:

Your personalized Itinerary includes the following:

• Receipt of payment
• Pre-operative medical consultation dates and of the required medical tests
• Dates of your cosmetic plastic surgery
• Hotel reservations while having cosmetic plastic surgery overseas
• Local transportation transfer details in your chosen destination
• Lists of pre-operative cosmetic plastic surgery instructions
• Schedule of your package
• Surgery post-operative information

Step 5: Arrival at your Destination

​When you arrive at the airport, a driver will be waiting for you and will take you to your hotel accommodation. Your Gorgeous Getaways Client Service Manger (CSM) will call you if your flight arrives before 3pm local time, otherwise they will phone you first thing in the morning and arrange to meet with you (although our CSM’s are very caring and often do call in the evening to make sure you are okay if you arrive late). Exceptions to this rule will be for those clients who are having a late consultation on the date of arrival.

All Customer Service Managers are dedicated employees of Gorgeous Getaways and will look after you during your entire stay. They will review all aspects of your itinerary and reconfirm all your scheduled appointments. On the day of surgery you will be picked up from your hotel accommodation and taken to the hospital. All administration and patient admission details will be taken care of. Your service manager will visit you each day, and will be there to pick you up when you are discharged after your surgery. You will then be driven back to the hotel accommodation for complete rest and relaxation to fully recover from your surgery. Our ground services team are there to provide comfort and support while in your destination. 

Rhinoplasty Photos must include:

• Left Profile
• Right Profile
• Front On
• Head Tilted Backwards
• Head Tilted Downwards

Tummy Tuck Photos must include:

• Left Profile
• Right Profile
• Front On
• Back On

Thigh Lift Photos must include:

• Left Profile – Showing Inside Thigh
• Right Profile  – Showing Inside Thigh
• Left Profile – Showing Outside Thigh
• Right Profile  – Showing Outside Thigh
• Front On
• Back On

Arm  Photos must include:

• Left Arm Raised At Side Of Body
• Right Arm Raised At Side Of Body

Reserving a Surgery Date

​Once you receive a Firmquote you can request a surgery date. To reserve your date, complete the Booking form​. Once received our scheduling department will send you a payment link for 10% of your total.  This can be done online via paypal or credit card. Once you confirm your flights please let us know so we can complete your booking. 

Making a Booking

Once you have your flights you can complete your booking. The easiest and cheapest way to pay for your surgery is with prepayment wire/direct deposit. This has the lowest fees and everything can be done by internet from home. No credit card fees, no stress before surgery! If you wish to pay in advance by bank transfer, please let your consultant know and we will send you our account details.  

We will make the payment for you in advance, so you do not need to be concerned about your payment being processed on arrival. It is important that this payment is made 30 days in advance so that we can confirm that your payment has been received by the hospital. We will reference your date of surgery, the surgeon and most importantly your name on the transfer so we can issue you a receipt.  All payments are completely refundable less 20% for administration costs.

Variations and Changes 

All our providers have international and/or national accreditations that are your assurance that they comply with the best clinical and business practices in the world. Gorgeous Getaways also requires that hospitals and clinics comply with all local regulations regarding proper licensing of facilities, as well as licenses and certifications of all clinical staff. Our doctors have trained at the world’s leading medical and dental institutions and they have extensive surgical and clinical experience in each of the procedures we offer. 

In addition, Gorgeous Getaways visits each facility to confirm that it meets the very highest standards of comfort, convenience, and services that our patients expect.

AAAASF

The American Association for Accreditation of Ambulatory Surgery Facilities, AAAASF, “was established in 1980 to standardize and improve the quality of health care in outpatient facilities. AAAASF accredits thousands of facilities world-wide, making it one of the largest not-for-profit outpatient accrediting organizations”.
Source: www.aaaasf.org

AABB ACCREDITATION

AABB is a US based organization that accredits hospital laboratories, independent laboratories, and other providers to establish best practices and “standards of transfusion medicine and cellular therapies to optimize patient and donor care and safety”. AABB’s Accreditation is designed to improve the “quality and safety of collecting, processing, testing, distributing and administering blood and blood products”, in part by assessing the operational systems in place within the facility.
Source: www.aabb.org

ACREDITAS GLOBAL FORMERLY AAAHC INTERNATIONAL

Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, AAAHC, “is an organization that identifies, measures, and shares best practices in quality and patient safety” with Acreditas Global as its international arm. Acreditas Global helps international healthcare organizations raise the bar for safety and quality care, with a focus on elevating the patient experience through various channels including supporting unique cultural norms and values”.
Source: http://acreditasglobal.org

ACCREDITATION CANADA INTERNATIONAL

Accreditation Canada International: Accreditation Canada is an “independent, not-for-profit organization that has been accrediting health care organizations in Canada and internationally with its comprehensive accreditation program” that fosters quality improvement through evidence-based standards and a rigorous external peer review. Through Accreditation Canada International (ACI), Accreditation Canada brings a range of state of the art programs and services to improve the quality of health services and patient safety internationally.
Source: http://www.internationalaccreditation.ca

ACHSI CERTIFICATION

ACHSI Certification: The Australian Council on Healthcare Standards International (ACHSI) provides “accreditation services focused on the specific needs of each organization, utilizing internationally recognized standards that are focused on the key attributes of a health care organization that is committed to the concept of continuous quality improvement”.
Source: http://www.achs.org.au/achs-international

HA THAILAND

HA Accreditation is a health care facility accreditation awarded by Thailand’s Institute of Hospital Quality Improvement and Accreditation (HQIA) as part of an initiative for quality improvement in Thai public and private hospitals. HQIA operates independently in order to evaluate standards of medical care on a national basis and awards accreditation to medical facilities in Thailand applying quality standards and processes that are a combination of Canadian, US and European styles.
Source: https://www.health-tourism.com/ha-accreditation-thailand

ISO CERTIFICATION

ISO Certification is different from accreditation. “ISO is an independent, non-governmental international organization with a membership of 163 national standards bodies. Through its members, it brings together experts to share knowledge and develop voluntary, consensus-based, market relevant International Standards that support innovation and provide solutions to global challenges…ISO has published more than 21,000 international standards” including those that relate to healthcare, patient safety and laboratory practices”. These standards are used by

accreditation organizations and individual providers to demonstrate compliance with international best practices.
Source: http://www.iso.org

ISQUA

The International Society for Quality in Health Care, ISQua, is the organization that accredits accreditation programs. “International Accreditation Programme (IAP) provides a mechanism for external evaluation and standards setting organisations to assure themselves that their standards, their surveyor training programmes and that they themselves, as an external evaluation organisation, meet international best practice requirements and to demonstrate this to their clients, funders and other stakeholders”.
Source: http://www.isqua.org/accreditation-iap/what-is-the-iap

JCI ACCREDITATION

Joint Commission International (JCI) “identifies, measures, and shares best practices in quality and patient safety with the world. We provide leadership and innovative solutions to help health care organizations across all settings improve performance and outcomes”. In addition to accrediting hospitals, JCI also accredits Ambulatory Care Centers, Clinical Laboratories, Medical Transport providers, and Primary Care Centers.
Source: http://www.jointcommissioninternational.org

NATIONAL ACCREDITATION BOARD FOR HOSPITALS & HEALTHCARE PROVIDERS (NABH)

The “National Accreditation Board for Hospitals & Healthcare Providers (NABH) is a constituent board of Quality Council of India, set up to establish and operate accreditation programme for healthcare organisations. the board is structured to cater to much desired needs of the consumers and to set benchmarks for progress of health industry”. NABH is the accrediting entity for hospital, clinics, dental practices, laboratories and other health care entities.
Source: http://nabh.co

THE COMMISSION ON ACCREDITATION OF REHABILITATION FACILITIES (CARF)

“CARF provides accreditation services worldwide at the request of health and human service providers. Whether you are seeking rehabilitation for a disability, treatment for addiction and substance abuse, home and community services, retirement living, or other health and human services, you can have confidence in your choice. Providers that meet our standards have demonstrated their commitment to being among the best available”.
Source: http://www.carf.org

THE MALAYSIAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY IN HEALTH (MSQH)

The Malaysian Society for Quality in Health, MSQH, is a professional not-for-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of the country of Malaysia’s health care through voluntary accreditation and is national accreditation organization for healthcare facilities and services in the country. MSQH is dedicated to improving the quality of the nation’s health care through voluntary accreditation by continuous, systematic improvement in an organization's performance and the outcomes of care.
Source: http://www.msqh.com.my

TRENT ACCREDITATION SCHEME (TAS)

QHA Trent is a fully independent accreditation programs for hospitals, clinics and other providers of healthcare. “QHA Trent establishes independently and impartially if individual hospitals, clinics and other types of healthcare providers (both public sector and private sector) are genuinely safe and fit for purpose, and

The most popular surgeons in Malaysia for multiple procedures are Dr Jalil and Dr Nasir. Dr Tan is more popular for breast augmentations, while Dr Wong specializes in twilight sedation facelifts. The delicate work of these surgeons are the biggest draws for new and referral clients, making Malaysia a much preferred destination in the region. Read more about Malaysia and your surgeons here.​

Thailand

​Touted as one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations, Thailand has long been accustomed to receiving foreign travelers. In the big cities, English is widely understood everywhere, especially in private medical facilities. Compared to the West, cosmetic surgery in this Land of Smiles equates to about a third or half of the cost of a flight ticket, food and accommodation and the procedure itself.
The affordable prices combined with high levels of quality care in a country rich in culture, natural beauty and amazing food all combine to make Thailand the first choice for many seeking cosmetic procedures abroad. In fact, Thailand is one of the world’s preferred destinations for all types of treatment including cosmetic and dental procedures.

All Thai hospitals must be licensed by the Thailand Ministry of Health and Thai

doctors must have medical licenses. Many are licensed by the medical associations of two or more countries, including the USA and Thailand has it’s own Medical Council which is the equivalent of the American Medical Association (AMA). Many Thai hospitals have already achieved the International Standards Organization's ISO 9001:2000 accreditation. Leading hospitals have their own quality assurance department which regularly audits the health care facility and other related departments.

Our featured surgeons in Phuket, Thailand are Dr Sanguan, Dr Rushapol and Dr Veerawat of Phuket International Hospital. All 3 surgeons are highly skilled in facelifts, breast augmentations and tummy tucks alongside other popular procedures,with Dr Sanguan as our choice surgeon for multiple procedures. In Bangkok we have equally amazing surgeons. Read more about our Phuket​ and Bangkok​ surgeons here​​

Each destination we offer has unique and very specific differences to cater for different needs and different budgets. The destination you choose depends on what surgery treatments you are having, the experience of the surgeon and your budget.

Whatever your needs and budget, we have the right package for you - all combining high quality, experience with affordable prices.

Malaysia

​One of our most popular choices since 2004 is Malaysia, offering many experienced surgeons, high-quality, care and value for your surgery holiday. This should be the choice for those considering multiple/combined surgery treatments, from an extremely experienced surgeon, medical team and hospital.

Most private hospitals in the country have internationally recognised quality standards MS ISO9002 or accreditation by the Malaysian Medical Society for Quality of Health (MSQH). All private medical centres must be approved and licensed by the Ministry of Health. The rising number of hospitals and dental clinics along with various medical courses offerings have enhanced country’s image as a preferred destination for health related treatments.

Cosmetic surgeons are highly qualified professionals with extensive qualifications from the UK, Australia and USA and are supported by well-trained English-speaking staff and state-of-the-art, private medical centres. Surgeons also need to be members of the Malaysian Association of Surgeons and the Malaysian Association of Plastic Surgeons.

Each destination we offer has unique and very specific differences to cater for different needs and different budgets. The destination you choose depends on what surgery treatments you are having, the experience of the surgeon and your budget.

Whatever your needs and budget, we have the right package for you - all combining high quality, experience with affordable prices.

Malaysia

​One of our most popular choices since 2004 is Malaysia, offering many experienced surgeons, high-quality, care and value for your surgery holiday. This should be the choice for those considering multiple/combined surgery treatments, from an extremely experienced surgeon, medical team and hospital.

Most private hospitals in the country have internationally recognised quality standards MS ISO9002 or accreditation by the Malaysian Medical Society for Quality of Health (MSQH). All private medical centres must be approved and licensed by the Ministry of Health. The rising number of hospitals and dental clinics along with various medical courses offerings have enhanced country’s image as a preferred destination for health related treatments.

Cosmetic surgeons are highly qualified professionals with extensive qualifications from the UK, Australia and USA and are supported by well-trained English-speaking staff and state-of-the-art, private medical centres. Surgeons also need to be

members of the Malaysian Association of Surgeons and the Malaysian Association of Plastic Surgeons.

The most popular surgeons in Malaysia for multiple procedures are Dr Jalil and Dr Nasir. Dr Tan is more popular for breast augmentations, while Dr Wong specializes in twilight sedation facelifts. The delicate work of these surgeons are the biggest draws for new and referral clients, making Malaysia a much preferred destination in the region. Read more about Malaysia and your surgeons here.​

Thailand

​Touted as one of the world’s top medical tourism destinations, Thailand has long been accustomed to receiving foreign travelers. In the big cities, English is widely understood everywhere, especially in private medical facilities. Compared to the West, cosmetic surgery in this Land of Smiles equates to about a third or half of the cost of a flight ticket, food and accommodation and the procedure itself.
The affordable prices combined with high levels of quality care in a country rich in culture, natural beauty and amazing food all combine to make Thailand the first choice for many seeking cosmetic procedures abroad. In fact, Thailand is one of the world’s preferred destinations for all types of treatment including cosmetic and dental procedures.

All Thai hospitals must be licensed by the Thailand Ministry of Health and Thai doctors must have medical licenses. Many are licensed by the medical associations of two or more countries, including the USA and Thailand has it’s own Medical Council which is the equivalent of the American Medical Association (AMA). Many Thai hospitals have already achieved the International Standards Organization's ISO 9001:2000 accreditation. Leading hospitals have their own quality assurance department which regularly audits the health care facility and other related departments.

Our featured surgeons in Phuket, Thailand are Dr Sanguan, Dr Rushapol and Dr Veerawat of Phuket International Hospital. All 3 surgeons are highly skilled in facelifts, breast augmentations and tummy tucks alongside other popular

Cosmetic surgery treatment with holidays in Bangkok

Welcome to Bangkok; cultural phenomenon, shopping heaven and tourist treasure, one of the most cosmopolitan, contrasting and, compelling of Asian cities. A big metropolis of more than ten million – intense at first, but very addictive. Come to Bangkok and enjoy visiting the dazzling temples, eclectic markets, gleaming palaces, ritzy shopping malls, and a famous nightlife.

You can also enjoy a memorable dinner cruise adrift the Chao Phraya River and bask in the city’s warm, affluent glow at a skyscraping rooftop bar. Experience all the things – tuk-tuk ride, ladyboy show, Muay Thai (kickboxing) match or a Thai massage.

About Bangkok

Bangkok is the capital and the most populous city of Thailand. It is known in Thai as Krung ThepMahaNakhon. The city occupies 1,568.7 square kilometres (605.7 sq mi) in the Chao Phraya River delta in Central Thailand, and has a population of over

Phuket, Thailand is a full-fledged bustling holiday island crammed with an abundance of beaches, rich history and culture to discover. The only thing lacking is the time you’ll have to explore this fascinating destination.

​

An island where almost every international cuisine is represented, Phuket’s variety of cuisine continues to grow in sophistication. Alongside fabulous food, Phuket is also a shopaholic’s paradise from open-air village food markets, noisy night markets, street stalls and local shops to western style department stores and upmarket specialist shops.

Thailand is famed for its people’s graciousness and hospitality – a fact that every

For any questions at all, please don't hesitate in contacting us at Gorgeous Getaways. We are completely independent, and are not paid by any one surgeon or hospital, which allows us to freely choose the best surgeons and hospitals based on their experience and record of results.

We encourage you to call the surgeon to ask any questions on any surgery treatments, and also past clients. Please email us for enquiries for a specific surgeon or past client: [email protected]​

For individuals considering cosmetic surgery, a thorough, informative consultation with a qualified surgeon is the best way to reach your ultimate decision—no matter what stage you're at in the game. When interviewing any doctor, certain questions are especially worth asking. Many people are intimidated by the prospect of questioning authority, and who is more of an authority figure than a plastic surgeon? After all, your surgeon is the person who could potentially hold your life (not to mention your looks) in his or her hands.

To help you in your search, here is a convenient checklist you can bring with you during your first physical consultation. The important thing to remember is that this is a life-changing service, and the doctor should be convincing you of his/her abilities. Don’t be afraid to ask questions!

Are you Board Certified?

You may ask, what exactly does it mean to be a board certified plastic surgeon? The truth is, there are several certifying boards for plastic surgeons, as well as surgical societies of which any given surgeon may be a member. In Malaysia, the gold standard is Malaysian Association of Plastic, Aesthetic, and Craniofacial Surgeons (MAPACS). Certification by this organization indicates that a surgeon has completed extensive specialized training that not only shows his superior knowledge and experience, but also speaks of his commitment to excellence in the field. Ask the question. Then verify the answer by checking with MAPACS online at www.mapacs.org. Please keep in mind, though, that there other certifying boards and medical societies, and many other factors to consider.

How many times have you done this procedure?

​​ No one wants to be any surgeon’s first nose job. Beyond that, most people probably wouldn’t even want to be one of the first fifty patients Dr. X uses to perfect his technique. You will want a surgeon who has worked out all the kinks in his previous 200 times performing the procedure. Yet so many people don’t think to ask this question, either because they are embarrassed, don’t want to be rude, or are simply uncomfortable at the very thought of questioning a doctor about his experience. Better rude, embarrassed, and uncomfortable …or worse.

​What other staff will assist with the procedure?

 It is important to know who is a part of the surgeon’s surgical support team, and what their qualifications are. Who will be assisting? Is your surgeon using nurse-anesthetist or a board-certified anesthesiologist? Is there emergency staff available in case of a problem? If the procedure is being performed at a teaching hospital, will there be any medical students or interns involved in your care?

Where will the procedure be performed? 

Some procedures are performed in a hospital, others in clinic with an Operating Theatre, and still others are routinely performed as in-office procedures. The complexity of your procedure, as well as any health issues specific to your case (your age, overall health, etc.), should always be considered when determining where it would be best for your surgery to take place.

What procedures do you specialize in? Most doctors do have procedures that are their "favourites."

While this does not mean the quality of a procedure that is not their specialty would be sub-par, it's good to know a doctors area of specialization. A board-certified plastic surgeon who trained in reconstructive surgery and specializes in hand reconstruction, for example, probably isn't the best person to perform your face-lift. You may ask your surgeon what his or her fellowship was in, and what he or she specializes in.

What type of anesthesia will be used during the procedure?

The biggest risk is from general anesthesia, and this type of anesthesia requires highly trained specialists to administer and monitor its effects on the patient. IV sedation (sometimes called "twilight sleep or sedation") is a bit safer and usually less expensive option---one which can be utilized   for many single-procedure surgeries. The safest option is usually local anesthetic, and this may be recommended if the surgeon will have any reason to need to communicate with you during the surgery. However, many procedures are not possible or advisable with only local anesthetic.

What are the possible risks or side effects associated with this procedure? 

With any surgical procedure, there are risks. You'll want to make sure you understand these risks and how often they are associated with the procedure you're interested in. A well respected doctor will be forthright with this information and give you a reasonable explanation to this question. The most serious risks usually have to do with excessive blood loss, infection, or adverse reactions to general anesthesia, and the result of any of these could prove fatal. Other risks vary widely from patient to patient and from one procedure to another. There are some procedures that are riskier than others, although recent advances continue to make complications more and more unlikely. The truth is that since plastic surgery is elective, surgeons will usually refuse to operate on any patient for whom they feel the risk is too great. Therefore, serious complications with plastic surgery are actually relatively rare.

Can I see multiple before and after pictures of patients on whom you have performed the same or similar procedures? 

Communicating comfortably with your surgeon should not be the only indicator that he will have the skills necessary for what you would like to achieve. Seeing real patient photos will prove that he or she is capable of realistic results you are looking for or vice versa. It helps to ask for photos of patients with similar physiological attributes or facial structure, patients whom you resemble, so that you can get the best fit for your results.

Surgery holidays have become an increasingly popular travel trend, particularly for the quality, price and comfort it provides. While many surgery "vacationeers" take real time off to enjoy their holiday as well as partake in surgical improvements, others see it as a quick makeover holiday. Clients always comment that their time in these beautiful tropical locations are shortlived. They either wished they came earlier or stayed longer afterwards, for our destinations have so much to offer for any shopping, sightseeing and food enthusiast.

If you plan to have surgery abroad, you may want to think about the length of holiday necessary to recuperate - corresponding to the procedure and the healing process. You should stay long enough for the wound to heal. Then, once the healing process has ended or in final stages, spend some a few days relaxing in the travel destination because after all, you are in a tropical paradise. Proper planning will allow you to come back home feeling refreshed and fully recovered.

Our standard recommendations for length of holiday were designed based on adequate healing and recovery periods, based on our surgeons' recommendations. And you can and should only return home once the surgeon has given the green light. 

We encourage you to plan your time off - from work and family, based on these suggested standard minimum time  (popular single and multiple procedures) for your holiday.

Multiple Procedures

• ​Ultimate Makeover - 21 days (Body lift with Facelift or Breast lift)
  
• Yummy Mummy Package- 14 days (Breast Augmentation, Tummy Tuck or Liposuction)
  
• Designer Vagina Package - 10 days (Vaginoplasty, Labiaplasty)
• Tummy Tuck, Arm lift, Thigh lift, Liposuction - 21 days
  
• Breast lift, Tummy Tuck - 21 days
  
• Gynecomastia, Tummy Tuck - 21 days
  
• Lower Facelift, Breast Augmentation - 14 days
  

Recovery time varies widely, some heal quicker than others, particularly if you are engaged in wellness activities at least 2 months prior to surgery. A healthy diet and exercise regime can help your body bounce back much faster post surgery. If you can build a healthy lifestyle pre and post surgery, allow enough time for yourself to recuperate during and after your holiday, you'll be sure to have a successful procedure and an enjoyable holiday.

Years ago, improving life quality was not one of the reasons for plastic/cosmetic surgery - it is certainly not the case today. Of the many reasons for having cosmetic surgery in the past, today's candidates note the following as their main drive to get 'fixed':

• ​Gaining an improved appearance and a more active lifestyle
  
• Emotional and psychological rewards
  
• Notable happiness and renewed self-esteem and and confidence
  
• Daily benefit of being more attractive
  
• Though not uncommon for candidates to bring photos of celebrities or models for surgeons to emulate, it is important that to understand your main need to get cosmetic surgery.
  

Do You Really Need It?

​ In most developed nations across the globe, culture places a lot of emphasis on body weight, size and appearance. We are conditioned from a very young age that 'self-worth' is derived from these aesthetic characteristics.

Our media sets unrealistic standards of what body type and weight that is considered 'normal'. These stereotypes of being slim or fat, muscular or skinny, toned or flabby is reinforced many times over not just by the media, but by our family or friends, and even health professionals. It's a fact that nobody (not many anyway) look like that, not even the celebrities or models themselves. Only about 5% of people have the genetic makeup of the ultra lean and long body type - hardly a major statistic. But that is probably the only body type that men and women compare themselves with because we really cannot underestimate the pervasive influence of the media in our lives. 

In our desperate attempts to conform to societal pressure, many will resort to restrictive dieting, fat burning products and/or smoking to get rid of fat and unwanted calories.

Bad eating habits, sedentary lifestyles and poor health and fitness undoubtedly reflect on weight measurements and overall body image. Choosing cosmetic surgery to improve your appearance while not improving these ingredients isn't really going to work.

Engaging in a fit and active lifestyle has its obvious benefits. Refraining from processed foods and getting more healthy and wholesome food in your diet not only maintains your desired weight and shape, but also provides more energy for fitness. Including some cardio and strength training for at least 20 minutes daily gets your heart pumping and provides overall toning. Besides, exercise releases endorphines into your bloodstream giving you the natural high for life on a daily basis.

Just How Much Do You Need?

​ In a Glamour magazine survey, 75% of women between 18 -35 believed they were fat, while in reality only 25% were medically overweight - the same percentage as overweight men (Beauty Myth by Naomi Wolf). This kind of exaggerated self-criticism is called Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), can severely affect your self-image as you're always obsessed with a body or facial trait. This anxiety disorder usually starts in adolescence, a time when looks can be everything, and affects both men and women. BDD is real and can impair work and social functioning to a point of withdrawal or isolation.

Many times, a person with BDD may perceive a defect that no one else does. While many candidates do require multiple procedures for the physical improvement they seek, BDD sufferers go overboard for the sake of looking like someone or something else - from Michael Jackson to a tiger.

Treatment is available today for people with BDD. Recent reports show that people respond well to oral medication and cognitive therapy, learning to replace thoughts of perceived defect with positive habits.

The decisions involving cosmetic surgery can be a tremendous effort for some people. Emotions range from nervousness in anticipation for surgery to recovery 'blues' from bruising and swelling. Recovery comfort and emotional support cannot be underrated during this period of emotional highs and lows.

This adjustment period can sometimes prove daunting as final results may take up to 6 months. The surgeon does not wave his magic wand and you magically transform overnight. As you wait in anticipation for your body to adapt, some people may slide into depression, particularly those with unrealistic expectations. Post operative depression is not uncommon with any surgery. Similar to symptoms of post partum depression, this may arise out of emotional and social challenge from gazing eyes, doubting and disapproving looks or simply just by expecting too much.

People who are predisposed to depression, personality, anxiety disorders and other psychological issues are more likely to experience an emotional letdown. It is important to bear in mind that physical changes from cosmetic surgery comes pre-packaged with emotional changes - positive or negative.

Managing Your Expectations

​ Not everyone is suitable from cosmetic surgery. We have to have clear guidelines to select suitable candidates and weed out those who will not benefit greatly from surgery.

Having realistic expectations is key. Do not have surgery if you want to look exactly like someone else because that fixation will probably be as fleeting as your decision to change. Though the purpose of cosmetic surgery is to improve self-image, almost all people with a stronger self-image will eventually lead to an even stronger self-image and positive attitude about life.

If you wish to talk to people about the procedures you desire, talk to someone who've had similar work done - not with your disapproving sister, mother or friend. You may obtain pictures of the look you wish to achieve and your surgeon will advise you on the viability of your options. He/she will review your desired look and advise you how best these will fit your features and body type. So as important it is to be candid with your surgeon, it is equally important to accept his Ma

Planning, Preparation and Aftercare

​What do you need to know and prepare for to get the most from your surgery holiday?

We have asked the advice and recommendations from the experts: straight from the surgeons, nurses and past clients.

Health and Psychological considerations

​ It has been shown that the most important factor to achieve patient satisfaction following surgery is proper patient selection. This means that not everyone is suitable for cosmetic surgery. We have to have clear guidelines to select suitable candidates and weed out those who will not benefit greatly from surgery.

The ideal candidate for cosmetic surgery is an adult who is physically and mentally healthy, free of any physical or mental illness, and is of normal body weight. She or he must have realistic expectations and is highly motivated for the procedure and aware of what the surgery entails. The candidate must seek surgery only for self-improvement and not for any unrelated relationship goals.

(You may also want to share your plans for surgery with your medical professional so that they are aware of your intentions.)

Health status and preparation

​ Cosmetic surgery is only offered to patients free of any major health problems, such as: diabetes, heart disease, respiratory, kidney and liver diseases. The key to faster, seamless recovery is simple - engage in simple fitness, eat healthily and take some supplements that works.

Smoking

​ Smokers have a higher chance of developing wound complications and tissue breakdown following surgery. Therefore it is important to discontinue the use of nicotine completely for at least 2 weeks before and 2 weeks after surgery. This includes cigarettes, cigars, nicotine gum, and patches. Nicotine decreases blood flow to the skin after surgery and drastically reduces the body's response towards healing.

Medication/Herbs

​ Aspirin and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications prior to (and after) surgery thins the blood and can produce excess bleeding and bruising. It is highly recommended to stop taking Aspirin 2 weeks before surgery.

Be sure to read the labels of any over the counter remedies you regularly take as many commonly-used medications contain aspirin. (e.g., Alka Seltzer) For the same reason, also avoid Vitamin E supplements and red wine prior to surgery.

Stop all herbal medications before surgery. The most common herbs used are Echinacea, Ephedra, Garlic, Ginseng, Ginkogo, Kava, St. John’s Wort, and Valerian. They may adversely effect anesthetic drugs, prolong bleeding and impair healing after surgery.

Diet

​ It is best to prepare your body and mind for surgery, and to be in the best possible before your surgery. It is best to prepare your immune system and health by eating fresh, wholesome and non-fatty foods, and exercising every day for a minimum 20 minutes per day. A short walk around the neighborhood, taking your dog for a brisk

walk or even some light aerobic/cardio exercise is the best way to improve your fitness levels prior to surgery. You may also consider vitamin and herbal supplements in the months before surgery to ensure your body is at its peak form for proper healing and recovery.

Oral and Topical Supplements

• ​ Arnica - Begin using an Arnica supplement at least 7 days prior to surgery and continue for two weeks following surgery. Arnica is a naturopathic remedy that not only helps prevent bruising but also aids in clearing bruising that has occurred faster after surgery. Many clients have recommended Arnica as it helps repair tissue damage, swelling and bruising and promotes healing.
  
• Fish Oil - Omega-3 fatty acids from fish oil may help maintain the body's healthy response to inflammation, preventing the immune response from getting out of hand. Fish oil produces specific anti-inflammatory mediators that 'cool down' the inflammatory process and allow blood vessels to heal themselves better.
  
• Zinc - Apart from strengthening the immune system and stimulating the body's natural healing systems, Zinc is responsible for assisting with over 200 zinc- dependent enzyme functions in the body. Zinc supplements also promotes the healing of skin wounds - something recognised centuries ago by the ancient Egyptians who reportedly used it in a salve on burns. We recommend zinc sunscreens particularly for post face procedures, as it doesn't get absorbed so quickly into the skin.
  
• Multivitamin - You may begin a good multivitamin supplement at least two weeks or more ideally one month, prior to surgery. A normal dose of vitamins and minerals combined with a diet high in protein provides the necessary building blocks for wound healing.
  
• Vitamin C - A high dose of Vitamin C supplements (minimum 2 grams per day)

• both before and after surgery is highly recommended. This is the key nutrient needed for making collagen after surgery, which is what heals your tissues together. Because Vitamin C is water-soluble, there is no risk of overdosing on it. What is not used by your body will be excreted in your urine. Though it is possible to obtain high doses of Vitamin C from citrus fruits and vegetables (you'll have to consume a large quantity), the next alternative to obtain this vitamin intravenously (IV therapy). Vitamin C in intravenous dosage is helpful when fighting acute and chronic infections, fatigue, pre and post surgery and to generally boost the immune system. You can get intravenous Vitamin C when

• you return home, there are usually doctors in the major cities who will consult with you.
• Retin A - The main ingredient in Retin A is tretinoin, which is the acid form of vitamin A. It works to improve abnormal cell production, often caused by sun damage. The use of Retin A as a topical cream to reduce the appearance of scars has been widely accepted especially for acne scars. Results can usually be seen after just 2 weeks and continuous use of up to 8 weeks later, scars are visibly diminished. As this is a precription drug, it is important that you discuss and that you follow your doctor's directions precisely.
  
• Vitamin K - You might also consider adding Vitamin K to your diet. This fat-soluble vitamin plays an important role in blood clotting and can be found in whole foods such as spinach, broccoli, and kiwi.
  
• Vitamin E and Bio Oil - Topical applications of Vitamin E and Bio Oil are popular remedies that help improve the appearance of scars, stretch marks and uneven skin tone. Vitamin E creams are touted to minimize scarring and reduce inflammation and can be applied before and after surgery for best results.

Preparation and planning - what you need to know and take

Medical Garments

For your comfort and better support and results, we recommend you purchase a medical compression garment. We have a very high quality brand from the USA.  You can place an order before you travel if you know exactly what you want, or you can wait until the surgeon recommends what garments are best for you. If you do not want to purchase these, please take good quality sports bras if you are having breast surgery, and long compression tights in a couple of different

sizes. You will be fitted with these by a specialist and you can pay her by cash or credit card.

Dentistry and Non-Surgical Treatments

There are lots of other treatments that you can have throughout your holiday. Most prices for these are 50-75% of the prices that you pay at home.

Currency and Spending money

​ We advise you to prepay your holidays in advance to avoid carrying a large amount

of cash or having any bank issues on arrival. Please review payment options to see the different forms of payment available. We also recommend only carrying a small amount of cash at all times and to change only a small amount of money before your surgery, just to cover small expenses, for any meals or taxis you want in the first day. After your surgery, you can change more money at the hotel or in the shopping centres. Nearly everywhere takes credit card – Visa or MasterCard – for shopping, however you will need cash shopping in the markets or taking taxis.

Debit and Credit Cards

Although we do reommend pre-paying before you depart, you can pay for your surgery on arrival with debit and credit cards. Although the hospital and most places do not add fees to credit card transactions, your bank may, so it is important to check with your bank before you depart what the fees and currency conversion rates are.

Before you depart your country, please inform your bank that you will be traveling, as many banks can stop international transactions thinking it is fraud. You are not able to go ahead with surgery until all fees are paid to the hospital, the administration will assist you if you are having problems with your bank, but it is in your interest to ensure that your credit card is approved so not to delay your surgery.

You can avoid this stress completely by choosing to make an international money transfer and save hundreds of dollars.

Weather conditions at your destination

Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Phuket, Thailand, and Bangkok, Thailand

Packing - Tips for packing for your holiday:Don't pack much, the shopping is great and you will probably come back with too muchPack light clothing: t-shirts and long shorts, long skirts, button-up tops are best for easy removal. Natural fibres and casual clothing are best to keep you cool for hot, tropical destinations. You may refer to the links on weather conditions above for your destination to help you pack accordingly.Malls, restaurants and night spots are all air-conditioned, so you can dress up when you go out. Cover-up is necessary to keep scars out of the sun: make sure you have your hats, sunscreen, scarves.If you are having any face

treatments, bring a scarf for your head and face and big dark sunglasses.

Culture
Our destinations receive many tourists year round and are fully accustomed to foreign visitors. From Malaysians to Thai, they are extremely friendly people, and you will find they go out of their way to help you. However, you must be aware that all cultures are different in some respects, especially in regards to the understanding of time. For example, you may find that they are not focused on specific appointment times, as they are people orientated rather than time orientated. Please be patient and understand that this is not a reflection on the quality, it is simply a cultural difference.

Along with this, your appointments may be changed at short notice, especially surgery consultations, due to emergency surgeries that the surgeon may have to do. Do not worry about this, your appointment may just be delayed, not canceled, and you will always get your consultation as soon as the surgeon becomes available. All our surgeons are extremely flexible, working at nights and on weekends, so you will always been seen, although not always given a specific time. This flexibility is also beneficial to you, so you can make or change your appointment should you wish at short notice.

Important information on Surgeons

Consultation cut off is 8pm, so for flights arriving later than 5pm, your appointment will be the following day, even if the following day is your surgery day. There is a possibility that surgeon time and even date may change occasionally due to emergencies or sickness. Post surgery appointment times can change as well.

If you come during the major/national holidays like Christmas, Easter, Chinese New Year then please expect delays or less consultations than normal. For full services from GG and no interruptions, please DO NOT book around these days. You may check with your manager regarding the exact days for your destination as it varies year to year, or read this list of public holidays for your destination.

 ​What to take to the hospital?

• ​Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring with you:
  
• Nightgown
  
• Toiletries: toothbrush and paste, towel (most hospitals provide handy disposables now unless you prefer to use your own toiletries)
  
• No valuables, small amount of money needed only for snacks and drinksReading material - magazines
  
• Any medicationsContact lenses or glassesHealthy snacksBottled water

​Before Surgery

Do not take Vitamin E, Aspirin or Aspirin containing product (some medication such as Motrin and Advil) which could result in excessive bleeding. Some dietary supplements - herbs, mixing herbal medications may cause similar problems.Do not smoke or take Nicorette gum and nicotine patchesDo not eat or have any fluids the night before the surgery.

Aftercare

​Depending on the treatments that you have, you will stay between 1-4 nights in hospital. If you are having a tummy tuck, you may have drains for the duration of your stay, which are taken out before discharge. On discharge from the hospital you will be given take home medications, which include:AntibioticsAnti-swelling tabletsPain relieversSleeping pillsIt is important to take your medications as directed, if you are unsure or require more, please ask your surgeon at your follow up consultation or ask one of the GG managers. The surgeon will also suggest the following for optimal recovery:

Rest and relaxation is a definite MUST in the days after surgery - ensure that you don't do anything too strenuous, including shopping in the first few days - there will be lots of time for this!

• Saunas and heat/cold packs - this is recommended to drain excess fluids naturally. Patients who have 1 or 2 saunas a day    and are diligent with applying heat packs (or hot towels) to the affected areas tend to recover quicker than those who do  not.
  
• Gentle walking - it is important to move the body everyday to keep the blood circulating and your spirits up!
  
• Phoning home and meeting others - in the days after surgery you may feel down with the pain and medication, so it is important in these days to keep your spirits up by meeting other people - the great thing about travelling with GG is that there will be other ladies and men who are going through the same as you! It is great to share a laugh and stories of your adventure, many people have become great friends on their holiday. Don't hesitate to tell our managers your feelings, they are experienced and can help you should you require.
  
• Scar fading creme -there are a number of scar healing cremes on the market, you can ask your local chemist or GP about these before you leave. One of the best on the market is Cica-Care - which is a gel combined with patches. The surgeon can also prescribe you a creme and you can purchase this from the hospital or pharmacy. You may also try products from the company Cellex-C. Also, it is best to purchase your Arnica Gel/Creme prior to departing.
  

Preparation For Your Surgery Day Our Gorgeous Getaways team will assist you throughout your surgery holiday; there are some important guidelines to ensure your surgery day is hassle free.

Be prepared on time
We will give you a time in the morning to pick you up from you hotel, please do be prepared at this time, with your bags packed.

Freshen up
Make yourself as fresh as possible, as it may be difficult to have long showers after your surgery. This will help relax you if you have any last minute nerves!

• ​Please do not wear any lotions, deodorant powders, perfumes, make-up.
  
• Wear comfortable, easily-accessible, loose-fitting clothing with slippers.
  

Fasting:
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the evening prior to your surgery (unless your surgeon advises otherwise). Unless your surgery is an evening surgery.  You should always abide by your surgeon or anesthesiologist's instructions.

Pack your hospital bag
Bring to the hospital with you:NightgownToiletries: toothbrush and paste, towel No valuables, watches, rings, etc. small amount of money needed only for snacks and drinks, Reading material - magazines. Any medicationsContact lenses or glassesHealthy snacks Bottled water.

One of the prime concerns of all our patients is what they can do before and after surgery to promote healing. As we all want the most natural result, we want to know what we can do to improve the recovery and healing process and reduce scarring. Although bruising, swelling and scarring is inevitable with most surgeries, there are many things that can be done to minimize these effects; 

• Before Plastic Surgery, 
  
• During Plastic Surgery, 
  
• Post Plastic Surgery 
  

Before Surgery

Supplement
Prior to surgery, a lot of our past patients have prepared their body by taking key nutritional and herbal supplements. Many clients have had excellent results taking the homeopathic/herbal supplement “Arnica”, as it reduces swelling and bruising after surgery. This can be purchased from your local pharmacy. For controlling nausea, headaches or just as a general stress reliever, we suggest some good ol' peppermint oil. Rub or dab on your temples or reflexology/pulse points or put some on tissue to sniff - it works great.

Body Weight and Diet
One indicator of ideal body weight is BMI or Body Mass Index, which is a ratio of body weight in kilograms to height in metres squared. Normal BMI is between 18 to 25. If your BMI is over 25 you are considered overweight. If it is over 30 you are classified as obese. However if you carry a lot of muscle this marker will be higher

and appear to make you ‘fatter’ than you are. A better indicator of excess fat weight is the waist/hip ratio (waist at navel divided by hips at buttocks). For women this ratio needs to be below 0.8 and for men below 0.95. Those who are more than 15kg over the ideal body weight are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery such as liposuction or abdominoplasty. These procedures are designed only for body sculpting after weight loss and are definitely not suitable as a weight reduction method where more than 5 kilos weight loss is required.

Doing surgery on overweight or obese patients will not achieve desired goals and will only result in patient dissatisfaction and a higher chance of complications. Overweight patients should first lose weight to near normal levels to become suitable candidates.

Quitting Smoking
Smoking delays healing, increases risk of scars becoming raised or lumpy and can cause necrosis (death) of both surface skin and of fat lying beneath the skin. In addition, smoking increases the risks associated with anesthesia. These include collapse of lower part of lungs, pneumonia, heart attack, stroke (especially if you’re taking oral contraceptives), deep vein thrombosis plus increased risk of blood clots travelling to lungs. Therefore our surgeons recommend that you give up smoking completely for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery. You should not take Nicorette gum or nicotine patches either for 3 weeks prior to and after surgery.

No sun!
Whatever treatment that you have, one thing is essential - keep all scars out of the sun! All good surgeons will advise you to do this - it is absolutely necessary for proper scar healing. Exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun may damage the skin and lead to bad healing. So, bring your sunscreen and a good hat.

Massage and Treatments
If you are considering liposuction, past clients have found it beneficial to get their skin in peak condition, with massages of oils and crèmes. This may also reduce cellulite after your surgery in the hips and thigh regions. A session of Endermologie the day before the operation can also help to circulate the blood and prepare the body for liposuction. Endermologie is an intense treatment for cellulite reduction –

if you would like more information, please contact your representative. Lymphatic drainage massage can be extremely beneficial after liposuction. See how this benefits Liposuction below.

During Surgery

The surgeons are aware of a patient’s need to minimize scars, and therefore will do their best to place incisions in inconspicuous places and in the natural creases of the skin.

• ​For breast augmentations, the surgeons almost always recommends the incision under the breast, for a better shape, as well as hiding the scars underneath the breast folds. But other incision options are available - through the areola and under the armpit.
  
• For Abdominoplasties (Tummy Tucks), a long scar is necessary, often from hip to hip, however, the surgeon always plans to place the incisions as low as possible, close to the panty line, so these can be covered with clothing. If you have had a C-Section, then he will try to follow that same scar, so you will be left with no additional scars.
  
• In the case of Facelifts, scars are kept minimal and mostly in the hair line. There will be a small usually imperceptible scar in front of the ears, but with a brow lift, the scars are usually well within the hairline. There will be swelling and bruising around the eyes, and along the jaw line. The surgeon recommends cold ice packs to reduce the swelling, which you can apply several times a day. Frequent short saunas can help relieve the tension of healing skin as well. The length of time of healing after a facelift varies a lot from person to person, the average time of healing for the final result is from 21 days to 3 months.
  
• For Liposuction, there will be a couple of small scars, depending on the extent of your liposuction. These will be red for a couple of months, but then fade and be hardly noticeable in most cases.
  

Post Surgery

​ Remember it may take a couple of weeks to a couple of months for swelling and bruising to go down and you to feel normal again. Until then you may get different sensations, from numbness to ‘pins and needles’ and soreness in the areas. If there are stray stitches that come to the surface, this is OK as well, just see your medical practioner to get them removed.

If your scarring or results look a little uneven, this could be swelling or bruising under the skin, this is normal and nothing to worry about, it will all go down with time. Some people do take longer than others to completely recover, anywhere between 3-6 months for complete swelling to go down.

Healing is an individual process. The answer lies in our body’s ability to heal - some faster than others, depending on age and general health. Genetic make-up does play a major role in the recovery process, and also the size, position and depth of the wound.

Breast Augmentation
Swelling is unavoidable post-operative but is likely to dissipate from a few days to a few weeks. Bruising is uncommon but varies from patient to patient. Scars are usually hidden under the breast folds, the armpit, or around the areola.

Facelift
The major swelling and bruising lasts for at least a week. Outdoors, you can wear sunglasses and scarves. It is very important to always apply sun screen to protect the scars from the sun, as they are photo-sensitive after surgery. After a week, the residual bruising and swelling can be covered with makeup, but the final result may not be seen for a couple of months.

We also can recommend a post-facelift treatment program, which promotes healing, reduces the scarring and bruising. Please ask your representative for more information and for prices.

Liposuction
After liposuction, you will be recommended to wear a compression garment for a couple of weeks to reduce swelling and bruising. After a couple of days, you may remove the garment for bathing and showering, and during this time, you can gently massage the area with vitamin e crème. This will help with circulation and healing. The small stitches will be removed after about a week. After a week or 2, massaging becomes important to drain the scar tissue underneath the skin. It is also important to drink lots of water to re-hydrate the body, and this will also help with eliminating toxins and reducing cellulite.

We also recommend a special post-liposuction treatment program – specialized machines will detox the areas treated, drain away the fluids, and reduce the swelling. These are very relaxing treatments also, and patients say that they notice immediate improvements. Please ask your representative for more information and for prices.

Tummy tuck
Even though tummy tucks will leave a long scar, there are many things that can help healing. Swelling and bruising will last a couple of weeks, and expect the scar to look like a fresh incision. Many patients say that this can be helped with silicone crèmes or patches, which your GP can prescribe or pharmacist can recommend.

After a few weeks, the scar will gradually fade, and most people feel back to normal completely after 6 months. People who opt for a tummy tuck will ‘trade off’ the scar for a flatter stomach.

Fraxel Aftercare 

• Don't: Scratch, rub or peel skinEngage in exercise that results in heavy perspirationSwimming (chlorine or salt water may irritate skin)Get under direct prolonged sun exposureDo exfoliative facialsUse exfoliative products, toners that contain alcohol or acids
• Do:Moisturize regularlyUse at least 30 SPFAvoid sunlight
  

• Normal reactions include: Swelling or redness for 1 or 2 days

• Bronze/tan discoloration for 1 to 2 weeks

Do's and Don'ts of Surgery HolidaysBased on past client feedback and interviewing the surgeons, we detail 10 essential points to keep in mind before you travel on a surgery holiday.

DO Have Realistic Expectations

The biggest factor that determines what you will look like after surgery is what you look like before!

We are all different, so the same surgery will look different for 2 different people, even if you are the same age, shape and size. Likewise the same size implant will look completely different in 2 different breasts, as all nipples and chest shape and sizes are completely different. Therefore, you cannot hope that your breasts will look like Angelina Jolie's and your bottom will not look like Jennifer Aniston’s! Judging yourself on others is just a recipe for disappointment and regret.

Do your homework, but be prepared for improvement, not perfection. Also remember that surgery will not change your life, that is up to you.

DON'T smoke!

Smoking promotes poor healing and bad scarring, therefore our surgeons recommend that you give up smoking completely for at least 4 weeks before and 4 weeks after surgery. You should not take Nicorette gum or nicotine patches either.

 Note: The chance of developing keloid scars are greatly increased if you do smoke.

 DON'T fall prey to the trends of new surgery methods

Plastic surgery methods are sophisticated now, and available the world over. However, occasionally new names crop up for old methods, which are particularly favoured by the more expensive surgeons at home to portray that they are inventors of new methods! More often than not, these 'new' methods are dressed up from traditional procedures, and all that has changed is the name! 

e.g. Liposculpture = Liposuction and "Feather Lift" is simply APTOS threads.

Beware of surgeons and websites that throw fancy words at you and then charge double!

DON'T feel pressured by the opinions of others

There should be only one reason that you are getting the surgery done - because YOU want to! Well-meaning friends and family will have their own comments, but don't be swayed into or out of making a decision based on the opinions of others. People have surgery for a million reasons, but make sure that this is YOUR reason!

DO get your body into tip top condition before your holiday

A good diet and regular exercise in the weeks leading up to surgery can benefit healing and recovery. The goal is to get your body in optimal health, the blood and oxygen circulating. We have consistently found that the clients who are in good health and condition prior to surgery have the best healing and less obvious scarring in the months after surgery.

The measure of ideal body weight is BMI or Body Mass Index, which is a ratio of body weight in Kg to height in metres squared. Normal BMI is between 18 to 25. Candidates who are more than 15kg over the ideal body weight are not good candidates for cosmetic surgery such as liposuction or abdominoplasty, because these procedures are designed only for body sculpting and are definitely not for weight reduction.Doing surgery on overweight or obese patients will not achieve the goals and only result in patient dissatisfaction and higher chance of complications. 

Overweight patients should enter an exercise and diet regime to lose weight to near normal level and become suitable candidates.

DO get yourself some advice before you leave on wound/scar healing

Some scars can be treated with compression therapy, and some with topical creams. The creams are applied to reduce scarring and to speed up the healing process. Rose hip, aloe vera and some Vitamin E lotions have been found to help speed recovery. Massaging these creams helps soothe and soften the scars. The surgeon can also prescribe a specialized crème for reducing the appearance of scars. This must be applied morning and evening.

DO ensure you have a thorough consultation

The consultation is the most important part of the surgery, it is when you can ask all the questions that you have before the surgery. The surgeon will have as much time for you as you need, so use this time and don't be shy to ask all the questions that you need.

DO cover up from the sun

Whatever treatment that you have, one thing is essential - keep all scars out of the sun! All good surgeons will advise you to do this - it is absolutely necessary for proper scar healing. Exposure to the harmful UV rays of the sun may damage the skin and lead to bad healing. So, bring your sunscreen and a good hat.

DON'T be afraid to ask questions!

Before you go, when you get to Malaysia, and after surgery, never hesitate to contact one of your team at GG to ask any questions. We will pass all medical questions to the surgeon and get back to you as soon as possible. We will be in touch with you after your holiday, we also like to ask if you can send across photos regularly so the surgeon can see wound healing and how the results are forming.

The following is a list of vitamin supplements that we recommend you stop taking two weeks prior to any surgery. Some of these have the effect of thinning the blood, whilst others react adversely with anesthetic agents. If you have any queries regarding any medication or vitamin supplements you are currently taking, please inform your manager, surgeon and nursing staff.

​