Last fact-checked: 20 November 2025 Looking for a rhinoplasty (“nose job”) and an easygoing, recovery-friendly destination? Phuket pairs experienced surgeons and modern private hospitals with beachside recuperation—often for prices well below many patients’ home countries. This guide covers costs, surgeon selection, travel logistics, recovery, and FAQs in clear, friendly language.

Rhinoplasty / Septorhinoplasty Phuket, Thailand International Patient Guide

Friendly reminder: This guide is informational and not medical advice. Final decisions should be made with your surgeon after a formal consultation.

Quick links: Compare rhinoplasty options across Thailand · Browse verified clinics in Phuket Province

Rhinoplasty in Plain English

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to improve appearance, breathing, or both. Cosmetic goals often include smoothing a hump, refining a bulbous or drooping tip, narrowing wide nostrils, or improving symmetry. Functional rhinoplasty—often combined with septoplasty—targets airflow by addressing a deviated septum or weak internal/external nasal valves.

Grafts & Materials: Cartilage from your septum, ear, or rib may be used to support the bridge or tip. Some patients consider implants; your surgeon will discuss long-term considerations, skin thickness, and cultural preferences.

Anesthesia & Time: Usually general anesthesia; 2–4 hours depending on complexity and whether it’s a primary or revision surgery.

Recovery Snapshot: External splint ~5–7 days; many return to desk work in 7–10 days; avoid heavy exercise and glasses pressing on the bridge for ~6 weeks; subtle refinements, especially at the tip, keep improving for months.

Phuket is one of Thailand’s most established medical tourism hubs. Patients appreciate the combination of experienced surgeons, modern private facilities, English-speaking coordinators, and quiet neighborhoods ideal for recovery.

Use the ranges below as a planning starter. Your quote depends on open vs. closed approach, whether grafts/implants are used, primary vs. revision status, and surgeon seniority.

What Your Quote Usually Includes

• Surgeon’s fee
• Anesthesia and operating theatre time
• Standard pre-op labs and tests
• External splint (and internal splints if used)
• Routine follow-up visits and dressing changes

Money-Saving Tips

• Travel in shoulder/low season (May–Oct) for better hotel rates and potential clinic promotions
• Confirm whether an open or closed approach fits your goals to optimize OR time
• Send a full health history and clear photos for accurate e-quotes
• Book flexible airfare after your surgery date is confirmed

Ready to compare inclusions? Compare Thailand rhinoplasty packages.

Booking through Medical Departures adds peace of mind. Verified clinics and surgeons undergo checks designed to help you make a confident choice.

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

Your Shortlist Checklist

• How many rhinoplasties does the surgeon perform each month?
• Open vs. closed approach—what’s right for your anatomy and goals?
• Will grafts (septal/ear/rib) or implants be used? Why?
• Do they offer ultrasonic/piezo tools for bone reshaping?
• What’s included in the quote (splints, meds, follow-ups, revision policy)?
• When will you be cleared to fly and to wear glasses normally?

Browse Phuket rhinoplasty clinics and request quotes.

Airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT). Many clinics offer optional airport 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 across 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 update—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
• Sleep with your head elevated and avoid hot, humid sun exposure
• Avoid pools and the sea until your surgeon clears you

What Rhinoplasty Can and Can’t Do

• Can refine shape and proportion, and improve airflow when combined with functional techniques
• Natural minor asymmetries between sides are common
• Final tip definition can take months—patience is part of the process

Possible Risks

• Bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing
• Septal hematoma or perforation (rare)
• Irregularities or asymmetry requiring minor touch-up
• Changes in smell or sensation (often temporary)
• Need for revision if healing or outcome varies

Smart Safety Steps

• Stop nicotine before/after surgery as instructed
• Avoid blood-thinning meds/supplements unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Follow splint/taping, cleaning, and sun-protection guidance

Learn about patient safety from the World Health Organization. In Thailand, private facilities operate under the Thai Ministry of Public Health.

Common Payment Methods

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

Warranties & Revisions

• Ask if your quote includes a limited, time-bound revision policy for medical issues
• Clarify exclusions (e.g., trauma after surgery, non-compliance with instructions)
• Confirm who pays for flights/hotels if a revision is required and how aftercare works

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

Recommended stay: 10–14 days for a straightforward primary rhinoplasty; add days for revision or complex grafting.

1. Day 1–2: Arrival, in-person consult, photos, pre-op labs
2. Day 3: Surgery; observation as needed
3. Day 4–6: Rest; gentle walks; external splint remains
4. Day 7–10: Splint removal and check-up; swelling keeps improving
5. Day 11–14: Final local check before international flight home

How long should I stay in Phuket after rhinoplasty?

Short answer: Plan 10–14 days; longer for revision or complex grafts.

Expanded: Primary cases typically include splint removal and follow-ups within two weeks. Revision or rib graft cases may benefit from extra days for monitoring and adjustments.

What warranties or guarantees are typical for rhinoplasty?

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

Expanded: Confirm whether revisions for medical issues are included, duration, and exclusions. Ask who covers travel if a return visit is needed and how aftercare will be arranged.

What ground transport options will I have in Phuket?

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

Expanded: Many patients prefer hotel or clinic cars right after surgery for comfort and fewer jostles. Grab is convenient for cashless rides in tourist areas, and metered taxis are available at HKT.

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 are commonly paid via bank transfer; balances can be paid by card or cash. Let your bank know about international charges in advance.

When can I fly after a nose job?

Short answer: Often after your splint check—commonly 10–14 days.

Expanded: Your surgeon will clear you based on healing, swelling, and comfort. On long-haul flights, hydrate, wear your compression socks if advised, and walk periodically.

Will I have visible scars?

Short answer: Open rhinoplasty leaves a small columellar scar; closed has internal incisions only.

Expanded: The tiny external scar from an open approach typically fades well. Your surgeon will explain why one technique suits your anatomy and goals.

Can rhinoplasty improve my breathing?

Short answer: Yes—functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty can be combined with cosmetic changes.

Expanded: Addressing a deviated septum and weak nasal valves during the same operation can enhance airflow while refining appearance. Discuss this during your consultation.

Do clinics in Phuket offer ultrasonic (piezo) rhinoplasty?

Short answer: Many do—ask during your consult.

Expanded: Ultrasonic tools allow precise bone contouring with less trauma, which may reduce bruising for some patients. Not all cases need it; your surgeon will advise.

• 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, technique, surgeon, and facility. Always follow your surgeon’s specific instructions before and after surgery.