Treat Yourself, and Your Skin, to a Holiday in Thailand
www.ThailandMEDTourism.com
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INTRODUCTION As in many countries, Dermatology is a highly-developed field of medicine in Thailand. Skilled, often Western-trained doctors employ the latest techniques in modern stand-alone clinics, and in both private and public hospitals. And, dermatologists do a brisk business in the Land of Smiles, where professional skin care is extremely popular with Thai people who place a high priority on taking care of themselves and looking good.
As a result of this popularity, dermatology centers abound in Thailand, making it a top medical tourism destination for anyone seeking skincare treatment with excellent results and affordable prices. In fact, medical travelers can expect to save as much as 75% off what they would pay for dermatological care in the West. And for patients from other Southeast Asian countries, the quality of care, array of options, and availability in Thailand is frequently better than what they can get at home. Romrawin Skin Body Rejuvenation Clinic
WHAT MAKES THAILAND A TOP CHOICE FOR DERMATOLOGY?
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And, Thailand’s leading hospitals - which often include dermatology facilities - meet or even exceed the highest of Western standards, and many stand-alone clinics are famous for their specialization in certain areas. For example, in the Asia-Pacific region, Apex Profound Beauty has been the #1 provider of Botox treatments for eight years running, performed the most Thermage procedures two other years, and received a coveted award recognizing their high success rates in Ulthera treatments in 2010. Also, Siam Laser has received awards in excellence for their expert implementation of Fraxel - the advanced skin reproduction procedure, VASER LipoSelection, and Botox injections.
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In Thailand the standards are high, but the costs are not. Dermatology clinics all over the country - especially in tourist destinations like Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai, and Pattaya - offer top-notch service for all kinds of treatments at unbeatable prices from respected, often award-winning doctors. In fact, there are actually over 500 physicians practicing in Thai medical facilities who are American Board Certified. For Westerners, particularly Americans who are dealing with increasing healthcare costs at home, this is a real boon.
Aside from the fact that there is an abundance of dermatology clinics, what makes Thailand such an attractive destination for skin-care procedures? For one thing, this kind of treatment is highly compatible with the travel aspect of medical tourism, as appointments are usually done on an out-patient basis with few side effects and little in terms of recovery time. Consider the prospects: facial rejuvenation treatment mid-morning, a tour of Bangkok’s wonderful historic temples that afternoon.
Romrawin Skin Body Rejuvenation Clinic
Romrawin Skin Body Rejuvenation Clinic
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POPULAR DERMATOLOGICAL TREATMENTS IN THAILAND
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Skin Resurfacing
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Treatments include CO2 or Erbium Laser Resurfacing for the removal of acne scars and wrinkles; Fraxel Laser Treatment (FLT), which is a recent breakthrough in the fight to restore aged and sun-damaged skin to its youthful appearance; Microdermabrasion, which involves refreshing the skin through gentle abrasion and suction simultaneously in an effort to correct fine lines, wrinkles, age spots, and dull skin; and Iontophoresis (a technique where electrically charged ions deliver chemicals through the skin) and Phonophoresis (using ultrasound to improve the absorption of medicine applied directly to the skin) to promote facial rejuvenation, reduce melasma or hyperpigmentation, and combat post-acne redness.
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Thanya Clinic
For medical tourists, the most common dermatology treatments include Skin Resurfacing by microdermabrasion and chemical peel, Age Defying Treatments like injectable dermal fillers or platelet rich plasma (PRP), Non-surgical Facelifts using various new technologies, and Cellulite Removal. These are all on offer in Thailand, where state-of-the-art clinics can accommodate any medical traveler’s skin-care needs:
Age-Defying Treatments One way to regain a youthful appearance is through Facial Dermal Fillers, which are injections of natural or synthetic materials intended to “plump up” frown lines and wrinkles. There are several kinds of injectable fillers available in Thailand including Collagen, Hydroxylapatite, Hyaluronic Acid, Autologous Fat Grafting, and PMMA which is used when longer-lasting results are desired. Dermal fillers are one of the most popular and effective treatments for reducing or correcting the effects of ageing.
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Fraxel Laser Treatment (FLT) is a recent breakthrough in the fight to restore aged and sun-damaged skin to its youthful appearance
Weight Loss and Cellulite Reduction
Non-surgical Facelift Procedures For medical tourists looking to completely renew their countenance, but who are unsure about committing to facelift surgery, there are several non-surgical options to consider. Non-surgical facelifts are performed in a variety of ways. One is called Thermage, which is a completely non-invasive technique that uses radio-frequency therapy to raise sagging or loose skin. Another is Ulthera. It gradually tightens and tones the face and neck with ultrasound, the ultrasonic waves penetrating into muscle tissue to form new collagen and lift loose, sagging skin. Finally, Botox is a well-known treatment for the reduction of wrinkles, frown lines, and crow’s feet, and is now being used for lifting brows and opening up the eyes for a “lift” effect. These non-invasive cosmetic procedures can help restore your youthful appearance with no surgery whatsoever.
As in the West, many dermatologists in Thailand specialize in cellulite removal. Cellulite can be unsightly, on young and old bodies alike, and there are several ways to treat it. Mesotherapy was developed to treat inflammatory skin conditions by injecting vitamins and minerals into the tissue just beneath the skin. It turns out that this process breaks down fat and reduces the appearance of cellulite. CoolSculpting by Zeltiq (pronounced “Zel’teek”) is regarded as the most effective non-surgical cellulite removal in Thailand. It is known as “Freeze Liposuction” in some places due to its freezing of fat cells to ensure their destruction, and it does no harm to any other cells during or after the procedure. Zerona is a body-contouring procedure that removes excess fat nonsurgically by low-level cold-laser technology that allows fatty material to exit cells and be excreted from the body naturally.
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Other treatments offered by the many excellent skin-care clinics in Thailand include Facial Revival & Nourishment, Skin Lightening and Color Correction, Skin Pores Tightening, Acne Cure and Treatment, Scar and Blemish Removal, Hair Implantation, and Permanent Hair Removal.
CoolSculpting by Zeltiq is regarded as the most effective non-surgical cellulite removal in Thailand.
FAVORED SKIN-CARE HOLIDAY HOTSPOTS
CHIANG MAI Located 700km northwest of Bangkok, Chiang Mai is the culturally-rich Northern capital, with over 300 ornate Buddhist temples, a busy arts scene, outstanding handicrafts shopping, delicious Northernstyle cuisine, and close-proximity to many natural splendors like majestic Doi Suthep mountain and a variety of strikingly beautiful waterfalls. For visitors, many chic Thai-style boutique hotels have emerged in Chiang Mai, as have numerous topflight medical clinics and hospitals. In the area of dermatology, several modern skin-care clinics specialize in all facets of facial-rejuvenation and hair and cellulite removal.
BANGKOK For most people it goes without saying that The City of Angels is a teeming, quintessentially Asian metropolis. The exciting, modern capital of Thailand offers visitors just about anything they could desire, from nightlife to shopping to rich history, and nowadays that includes top-notch medical care in world-class healthcare facilities at big-time savings to what most Westerners pay at home. For medical tourists seeking skin-care treatments, Bangkok offers an endless selection of clinics and procedures to choose from.
KOH SAMUI Fly to gorgeous Koh Samui from Bangkok in under an hour and experience gentle ocean breezes, white sand, and lush tropical gardens during your healthcare holiday. This is truly an island that has something for everyone, of all budgets, and that holds true for healthcare, too. Several clinics on Koh Samui provide laser treatments and a host of other procedures for improving your skin’s vitality, a perfect complement to a laid-back beach holiday. Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa
HUA HIN Simply put, this is a beach town, but it is sophisticated in its own special way. Close enough to BKK to feel near the action (about 150km south of the capital), but far enough away to ensure you’re out of the city environs, Hua Hin is known for its laid-back pace and pristine beaches, and it is home to
Chiva-Som International Health Resort
several exclusive Health & Wellness resorts, some of which incorporate dermatological treatments into their rejuvenating spa packages. This provides overseas guests with the ultimate in medical tourism: medical care, spa, and beach all in one shot.
PHUKET The crown jewel of Thailand’s beach destinations, Phuket is a getaway like no other. It attracts people from all walks of life with its blend of relaxing Thai resorts and cosmopolitan lifestyle, and the stunning ocean views just keep coming and coming. Visit Patong Beach for a Pattayalike party vibe, Phuket town for the markets and old-school shops, or any of the island’s less-traveled beaches for an unforgettable, heavenly vacation. Like Bangkok, Phuket is modern and developed, and as such offers just about any kind of medical tourism treatments that you’d desire, including a wide array of skin-care and derma-spa options.
Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa
PATTAYA Another beach nearby Bangkok is Pattaya, but it couldn’t be any more different from Hua Hin. The basics are similar, in that there’s sand and sun and beachside fun for everyone, but Pattaya is about the nightlife, and it’s a scene to behold. It’s a place to indulge the hedonistic side of your personality and really let loose. At the same time, it is modern and provides a comfortable home for countless Westerners who have found paradise. Consequently, the hospitals and clinics there are second-tonone in Thailand, and feature many dermatology centers for locals and medical tourists alike.
SKIN DERMATOLOGY CLINIC DIRECTORY
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SKIN DERMATOLOGY CLINIC DIRECTORY BANGKOK APEX Profound Beauty A: 208/1-3 Thonglor (Soi 8), Sukhumvit 55 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: (66) 2 713 8331, (66) 2 713 8332, (66) 2 713 8445, (66) 2 713 8446 www.apexprofoundbeauty.com/en/ index.asp Bangkok Laser Surgery A: 6/2-3 Soi Promsri (Sukhumvit 39), Sukhumvit Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: (66) 2 260 2561, (66) 2 260 2562, (66) 2 260 2563, (66) 81 308 0220, (66) 86 770 6685 www.bangkoklaser.com/index.asp Doctor Youth Medical Laser Clinic A: 423 - 425 Sukhumvit Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: (66) 2 258 4849, (66) 2 258 5967 www.doctoryouth.co.th/index.php? Genesis skin klinik A: 946, The Dusit Thani Building, Rama IV Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 T: (66) 2 636 3740, (66) 2 636 3741, (66) 2 636 3742 www.genesisklinik.com Hertitude Aesthetic Clinic A: 64/98 Praditmanutham Road, Ladpraow, Bangkok 10230 T: (66) 2 515 0625, (66) 86 336 3342 www.hertitude.com
Le Bangkok Clinic A: 18-19 Tessabansongkao Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 T: (66) 2 591 1699, (66) 82 822 8222 www.lebangkokclinic.com/pages/index. php?lang=en Naravee Aesthetic Center A: 16 soi Udomsuk 30, Sukhumvit Soi 103 Road, Bangna, Bangkok 10260 T: (66) 84 499 4470 www.naraveesurgery.com Nida Skin & Cosmetic Surgery Centre A: 432/6-7 Siamsqure Soi 9, Patumwan, Bangkok 11120 T: (66) 2 252 2121, (66) 2 251 2552 www.nidaskincosmetic.com/about_ us.php?lan=en Nirunda Infinity Skin Clinic A: 523-524 Rama 1 Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 T: (66) 2 658 0544, (66) 2 658 0545 www.nirundaclinic.com Pareto’s Clinic A: 20/261 Prachachun Road, Pakkred, Bangkok 11120 T: (66) 2 574 5389, (66) 2 574 5390 www.paretosclinic.com/index.php?l=en Ponsarin Beauty Clinic A: 275 Soi. Thonglor 13 Sukhumvit 55 Road, Bangkok 10110 T: (66) 2 712 7822, (66) 80 188 0808 www.ponsarin.com
Thanya Clinic A: 1397 Charoen Krung Road (New Road) Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 T: (66) 2 234 5879, (66) 86 020 5628 www.thanyaclinic.com/#
Thaniya Medical Center A: 52 Silom Road, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 T: (66) 2 231 2100 www.thaniyacenter.com/en/index.php
Puntip Clinic (Sukhumvit 26) A: 323/1 Thoglor Soi 15, Sukhumvit 55 Road, Wattana, Bangkok 10110 T: (66) 89 801 5557, (66) 2 712 7045 www.puntipclinic.net/eng/index_eng. html
The Skin Clinic ( Major Cineplex Pinklao) A: 7/222 Baromratchachonani Road, Bangkok Noi, Bangkok 10700 T: (66) 2 435 5818 www.theskin.co.th/eng/index.php
Radiance Skin Clinic A: 518/5 Ploenchit Road, Patumwan, Bangkok 13000 T: (66) 2 255 5912, (66) 2 255 5913 www.radianceskinclinic.com Romrawin Skin Body Rejuvenation Clinic A: 22 Chidlom Tower, Soi Somkid, Pleanchit Road, Lumpini, Bangkok 10330 T: (66) 80 153 9000,(66) 80 154 9000, (66) 2 655 7612 www.romrawin.com/index.php?ch_ lang=En Skin Hospital A: 18 Asoke-Dindang Road., Huaykhwang, Bangkok 10310 T: (66) 2 246 5111 www.skinhospital.co.th/en SRC Clinic A: 425 Gampaengpetch Road, Chatuchak, Bangkok 10900 T: (66) 2 272 4220 www.srcclinic.com
The Skin Clinic (Central Plaza Rama ll) A: 160 Rama 2 Road, Bangkhuntian, Bangkok 10150 T: (66) 2 872 4402 www.theskin.co.th/eng/index.php The Skin Clinic (Central Plaza Rama lll) A: 79/3 Sathupradit Road, Yannawa, Bangkok 10120 T: (66) 2 673 5931 www.theskin.co.th/eng/index.php The Skin Clinic (Royal Garden Plaza Jarernnakorn) A: 257/1-3 Charoen Nakhon Road, Thonburi,Bangkok 10600 T: (66) 2 877 8916 www.theskin.co.th/eng/index.php The Skin Clinic (The Platinum Place Ramintra) A: 21, 21/1, 21/2 Watcharaphon Road, Bangken, Bangkok 10230 T: (66) 2 793 4517, (66) 2 793 4518 www.theskin.co.th/eng/index.php
The Skin Clinic (Top Market Place Audomsuk) A: 100, 101/1, 101/2, 101/3, 101/4 Chalermprakiat Road, Pravet, Bangkok 10250 T: (66) 2 398 1335 www.theskin.co.th/eng/index.php Yoskarn Clinic A: 53-55 Rachadamri Road, Pathumwan, Bangkok 10330 T: (66) 2 253 8901, (66) 2 254 7679 www.laser-surgery-bangkok.com
CHIANG MAI Prima Donna A: 24/8 Nimmanhaemin Road, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 T: (66) 53 400 861, (66) 53 400 862, (66) 53 400 863 www.primadonnaclinic.com/main Ratika Skin & Health Care Clinic A: 33 Sirimangklajarn Road, Soi 9, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 T: (66) 53 895 201 www.ratikaclinic.com/newweb/?file=home.php&lg=en
La Nitivadee Dermatology & Aesthetic Laser Center A: 262/1 NauticalInn Plaza, Beach Road, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 T: (66) 38 422 039, (66) 38 422 119, (66) 83 014 0519, (66) 81 862 1717, (66) 81 982 3957 www.lanitivadee.com Rinrada A: 370/13-14 Moo 9 Pattaya 2nd Road, Banglamung, Chonburi 20150 T: (66) 38 362 310 www.rinradaclinic.com
PHUKET Face2Face Skin & Aesthetic Centre A: 20/64 Thepkasattri Road, Muang, Phuket 83000 T: (66) 76 239 525, (66) 76 239 526 www.dc-one.com
Sarinya Clinic (Skin Care, Slimming and Laser Center) A: 34/3 Soi 7 Sirimungkarajarn Road, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200 T: (66) 53 216 924 www.sarinya-clinic.com/en
PATTAYA Jankamol Clinic A: 565/130-4 Banglamung, Pattaya Chonburi 20150 T: (66) 38 375 000, (66) 85 095 0999 www.jankamolclinic.com/en
Romrawin Skin Body Rejuvenation Clinic
THANKS TO OUR PARTNERS
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to offer special thanks to: iIlustrations contributors (in alphabetical order) Anantara Bophut Resort & Spa, Apex Profound Beauty, Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Mission Hills Phuket Golf Resort & Spa, Romrawin Skin Body Rejuvenation Clinic, Thanya Clinic Find more information about Thailand Medical Tourism at www.ThailandMEDTourism.com TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND 1600 New Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan, Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400, THAILAND Tel: (66) 2250 5500 Fax: (66) 2250 5511 E-mail: info@tat.or.th Website: www.TourismThailand.org