Last fact-checked: 19 November 2025

Want smaller, lighter, and better-proportioned breasts—plus a calm place to recover? Phuket pairs experienced surgeons and modern private hospitals with beachside recuperation, often at prices far below many patients’ home countries. 

This guide covers costs, clinic selection, travel, recovery, and FAQs in plain language for international patients.

Breast Reduction in Plain English

Breast reduction (reduction mammaplasty) removes extra breast tissue, fat, and skin to create a smaller, lighter breast that’s lifted and more proportional to your frame. Surgeons also reposition and resize the nipple–areola so it sits naturally on the reshaped breast.

Anesthesia & Time: Usually general anesthesia; 2.5–4 hours depending on technique and amount of reduction.

Recovery Snapshot: Observation the day of surgery (some stay overnight). Many return to desk work in 10–14 days. Avoid heavy lifting and high-impact activity for ~6 weeks. Scars and shape mature over 6–12 months.

Every case is unique—your final plan is set after an in-person consult and physical assessment.

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most popular medical tourism hubs, known for experienced surgeons, modern private facilities, and calm, recovery-friendly neighborhoods close to pharmacies and clinics.

Who should rethink travel: patients with poorly controlled medical conditions, anyone unable to pause nicotine use, or those who cannot stay for the recommended post-op follow-ups.

These ranges reflect typical private-care fees. Your quote depends on technique, case complexity, facility, and surgeon seniority.

What Your Quote Usually Includes

• Surgeon’s fee
• Anesthesia and operating theatre time
• Standard pre-op labs and tests
• Post-op garments and routine medications
• Follow-up visits and dressings

Money-Saving Tips

• Travel in low/shoulder season (May–Oct) for better hotel rates and potential clinic promotions
• Only combine procedures when your surgeon confirms single-stage safety
• Book flexible airfare after your surgery date is confirmed
• Send full health history and clear photos for accurate e-quotes

Ready to compare inclusions? See Thailand-wide breast reduction packages.

Choosing a Verified Clinic & Surgeon

Booking through Medical Departures adds extra reassurance. Verified clinics and surgeons undergo checks designed to help you make an informed decision.

• Professional licenses and active registration
• Facility standards and infection control processes
• Malpractice coverage where applicable
• Patient feedback and case evidence (when available)
• Surgeon training, memberships, and procedure volume

Your Shortlist Checklist

• How often does the surgeon perform breast reductions each month?
• Which incision and pedicle technique do they recommend for your anatomy—and why?
• What target size or volume reduction is realistic?
• What’s included in the quote (garments, after-hours support, revision policy)?
• Will drains be used? Overnight stay? How many follow-ups are planned?
• When will you be cleared to fly and to resume exercise?

Browse Phuket clinics and request breast reduction quotes.

Airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT) with both long- and short-haul routes. Many clinics offer optional pickup.

Typical Flight Times

• Sydney → Phuket: ~9–9.5 hours (nonstop/1-stop)
• Melbourne → Phuket: ~9.5–10.5 hours (1-stop typical)
• Singapore → Phuket: ~1.8 hours nonstop
• Kuala Lumpur → Phuket: ~1.5–2 hours nonstop
• Dubai → Phuket: ~6.5–7 hours nonstop (seasonal)
• London → Phuket: ~12.5–14.5 hours (1-stop typical)
• Los Angeles → Phuket: ~18–20 hours (2 stops typical)

Ground Transport

• Metered taxis and airport limousine counters at HKT
• Clinic shuttles (often included in packages)
• Grab rideshare in most tourist areas
• Hotel cars/minibuses for comfortable post-op trips

Where to Stay

• Phuket Town / Old Town: Quieter streets, cafés, quick clinic access
• Patong: Tourist hub—choose a quieter, higher-rated hotel for recovery
• Kata / Karon: Beach areas with mid-range, recovery-friendly resorts
• Laguna / Bang Tao: Upscale, calm, ideal for longer stays

Visa & Entry

Many nationalities receive a visa exemption or Visa on Arrival. Rules change—check official guidance before booking.

Authoritative guidance: CDC travel health for Thailand and the UK government’s travel advice.

Local Tips

• Carry a passport copy and clinic contact card
• Use licensed transport; confirm meter/fare
• Drink sealed bottled water in the first recovery week
• Keep incisions dry and out of sun until cleared

Common Payment Methods

• Major credit/debit cards
• Bank transfer (often used for deposits)
• Cash in Thai Baht (THB)
• Occasional third-party financing—ask your coordinator

Warranties & Revisions

• Ask if your quote includes a limited, time-bound revision policy for medical issues
• Clarify exclusions (preference changes, major weight shifts, new pregnancies)
• Confirm who pays for flights/hotels if a revision is required and how aftercare works

Medical Departures can help confirm coverage details, document terms, and support communication after you return home.

What to Pack

• Front-closure, non-underwire post-op bras (2–3 sizes for swelling changes)
• Button/zip-up loose tops and soft pants/shorts
• Light scarf or small pillow for chest support on flights
• Compression garment(s) if recommended by your surgeon
• Alcohol-free wipes and waterproof bandage protectors as advised
• Written medication list and allergy card
• Universal power adapter and phone charger
• Slip-on shoes and a small crossbody bag

Documents & Backups

• Saved quotes, consent forms, and clinic contacts
• Travel/complication insurance if purchased
• Return flight and hotel confirmations

What a Reduction Can and Can’t Do

• Creates smaller, lighter, and lifted breasts with improved proportions
• Scars are necessary and permanent, but typically soften and fade
• Perfect symmetry is unrealistic; natural differences remain normal

Possible Risks

• Bleeding, infection, or delayed wound healing
• Changes in nipple/skin sensation (often temporary; sometimes longer)
• Seroma (fluid), fat necrosis (firm areas that usually soften)
• Poor scarring or keloids if predisposed
• Rarely, partial/total nipple–areola compromise (risk varies with technique and magnitude of reduction)
• Need for revision if healing/outcomes vary

Smart Safety Steps

• Stop nicotine before/after surgery as instructed
• Share a complete list of medications and supplements
• Follow garment and activity limits closely

Explore general patient safety principles via the World Health Organization. Private facilities in Thailand operate under the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

Recommended stay: 12–16 days for a straightforward reduction; a few extra days may be suggested for very large reductions or combined procedures.

1. Day 1–2: Arrival, in-person consult, measurements, pre-op labs
2. Day 3: Surgery day; observation/overnight as needed
3. Day 4–6: First dressing change, gentle walks, hotel rest
4. Day 7–10: Check-up; short local outings if comfortable
5. Day 11–16: Final check before international flight home

How long should I stay in Phuket after a breast reduction?

Short answer: Plan 12–16 days.

Expanded: This allows for checkups, early healing, and safe clearance to fly. Very large reductions or combinations may need more time.

What warranties or guarantees are typical for breast reduction?

Short answer: Policies vary; many clinics offer limited, time-bound revision terms.

Expanded: Ask whether revision for medical issues is included, how long it lasts, and what exclusions apply. Confirm who covers travel if you need to return.

What ground transport options will I have in Phuket?

Short answer: Grab, metered taxis, clinic shuttles, and hotel cars.

Expanded: Many packages include airport pickup and appointment transfers. After surgery, a hotel or clinic car often feels more comfortable.

What payment methods are accepted by Phuket clinics?

Short answer: Major cards, bank transfer, and cash in THB.

Expanded: Confirm card brands and any surcharges. Deposits often use bank transfer; balances may be paid by card or cash.

Will breast reduction affect breastfeeding?

Short answer: It can; no technique guarantees breastfeeding.

Expanded: Some techniques preserve more ducts. If future pregnancy is likely, discuss timing and method with your surgeon.

When can I fly after breast reduction?

Short answer: Often after your final check—commonly 12–16 days.

Expanded: Clearance depends on your healing and whether drains were used. Wear garments, hydrate, and walk periodically during long flights.

Will I have visible scars?

Short answer: Yes, but scars usually fade with time and care.

Expanded: Incision patterns (lollipop vs. anchor) depend on reduction amount and skin tightening needs. Protect scars from sun and follow your clinic’s care plan.

Can I combine a reduction with liposuction or a lift?

Short answer: Yes, if safe and appropriate.

Expanded: A reduction inherently lifts. Liposuction or contouring can be added if helpful. Your surgeon will advise whether to combine in one stage or stage procedures.

• CDC – Traveler Health: Thailand
• UK Government – Foreign Travel Advice: Thailand
• WHO – Patient Safety
• Thai Ministry of Public Health

Prices are indicative for planning only and vary by case, surgeon, and facility. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions before and after surgery.