Last fact checked: 19 November 2025

Thinking about traveling to Phuket for medical care? You’re in the right place. This long-form guide walks you through the most popular procedures (excluding dentistry), how to choose a clinic, when to travel, where to stay, what recovery looks like on the island, and how to book safely with Medical Departures. We’ve also included easy price comparisons across Thailand, Mexico, and Turkey to help you spot value at a glance.

Phuket offers a rare combination: internationally recognized private hospitals and specialty centers, an island environment that encourages gentle recovery, and serious cost savings versus private care in the US, UK, or Australia. From cosmetic surgery to hair restoration, dermatology, fertility, ophthalmology, cardiology, and orthopedics, Phuket is a proven hub for global patients seeking quality care without the premium price tag.

• Vetted, quality-checked clinics and hospitals. Medical Departures lists facilities and surgeons with verified credentials, site photos, and patient-reported outcomes. For example, Bangkok Hospital (Phuket) is a multi-specialty hospital with international patient services.
• Strong savings. Typical savings range from 40%–70% versus private prices in the US/UK/Australia—without compromising on modern facilities or experienced specialists.
• English-speaking care. International departments and English-speaking staff are common; translation support is widely available for other languages.
• Easy access. Fly into Phuket International Airport (HKT) and transfer by taxi or clinic shuttle to major beach zones within an hour, depending on traffic.
• Recovery-friendly environment. Resorts with elevators, in-room dining, blackout curtains, and private villas make rest days more comfortable.

All links below open Medical Departures profiles with photos, verified reviews, and transparent pricing where available:

• Bangkok Hospital (Phuket) — multi-specialty hospital with International Patient Center, covering cardiology, orthopedics, general and plastic surgery, eye center, wellness, and more.
• Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute (PPSI) — well-known for breast, body, and face procedures.
• Apex Medical Center (Phuket) — leading minimally invasive aesthetic center for body shaping and rejuvenation.
• Healthy Skin Clinic — popular for dermatology and laser-based skin care.

Here’s what international patients most often book in Phuket (links go to Medical Departures info pages):

Cosmetic & Plastic Surgery

• Breast Augmentation (Enlargement)
• Breast Lift
• Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
• Liposuction
• Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck) — see clinic pages for current pricing and surgeon profiles.

Hair Restoration

• Hair Transplant (FUE/FUT)

Bariatrics & Metabolic

• Sleeve Gastrectomy
• Gastric Bypass

Fertility

• IVF

Ophthalmology

• LASIK/PRK — search availability via Bangkok Hospital (Phuket).

Dermatology & Aesthetics

• Wrinkle Treatments / Botox®
• Skin Rejuvenation & Lasers

Departures info pages (final quotes depend on your case, technique, surgeon seniority, facility, and any extras). Currency shown in USD for easy cross-border comparison.

Sources: Breast Augmentation Phuket; Breast Augmentation Cancun; Turkey pricing ranges summarized in The Ultimate Guide to Clinics in Turkey; Breast Lift Phuket; Breast Lift Mexico; Breast Lift Prices (Global); Liposuction (Global); Liposuction Mexico.

Quick Snapshot for Australians (AUD)

• Breast Augmentation: Phuket ≈ AUD $6,650 vs Australia ≈ AUD $16,500
• Facelift: Phuket ≈ AUD $6,120 vs Australia ≈ AUD $26,000
• Lip Augmentation: Phuket ≈ AUD $865 vs Australia ≈ AUD $3,800

See the destination hub for more: The Ultimate Guide to Clinics in Phuket Province.

• Patong / Jungceylon: Lively, walkable, lots of amenities; best for short, non-surgical visits or light touch-ups.
• Karon / Kata: More relaxed beach areas; popular among patients staying 1–2 weeks post-procedure.
• Laguna / Bang Tao / Surin: Villa and resort zone—quiet, upscale, ideal for privacy and longer recoveries.
• Phuket Town / Chalong: Budget to boutique; shorter clinic commutes; straightforward for day procedures and follow-ups.

Hotel checklist: Elevators, blackout curtains, in-room dining, step-free showers, flexible housekeeping, and proximity to pharmacies. Many clinics coordinate airport and clinic transfers—ask when you request your quote.

Getting There & Around

Airport: Phuket International Airport (HKT) supports wide regional connectivity and frequent domestic links from Bangkok. From HKT, expect 45–75 minutes to most beach zones by taxi, rideshare, or clinic shuttle depending on traffic.

Visa basics: Many travelers enter Thailand visa-exempt or via Visa on Arrival/E-Visa. Always check the latest rules for your passport before booking. Keep your return ticket, hotel address, and clinic confirmation to hand for smooth immigration processing.

Medical Departures vets all clinics listed on this site by:

• Verified surgeon credentials (training, certifications, professional memberships)
• On-site clinic inspections for hygiene and safety
• Real patient reviews and continuous quality monitoring
• Transparent quotes and itemized breakdowns

Start with these popular, well-reviewed partners:

• Bangkok Hospital (Phuket)
• Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute
• Apex Medical Center (Phuket)
• Healthy Skin Clinic

Language, Payments & Accessibility

• Language: International departments and English-speaking staff are common. Translation help is usually available (Japanese, Arabic, Russian, Dutch, and more).
• Payments: Thai Baht is standard. Major cards and bank transfers are widely accepted (ask about card surcharges and any deposit rules). For larger procedures, clinics may request a prepayment to secure operating time.
• Accessibility: Hospitals and modern hotels are generally accessible, but sidewalks and steps can be uneven outside. Use clinic shuttles/hotel cars when possible and ask staff for assistance.

How to Book with Medical Departures

1. Compare options: Start at The Ultimate Guide to Clinics in Phuket Province and explore clinics, photos, and reviews.
2. Request a free quote: Share your target dates and preferred procedure(s). Upload relevant reports or photos for pre-assessment.
3. Review your plan: You’ll receive transparent pricing, availability, and any package inclusions (transfers, hotel nights, lab work).
4. Confirm & coordinate: Lock in your date, confirm airport pickup and transfers, and receive pre-op instructions.
5. Travel & treatment: Attend consultation, proceed with treatment, and complete follow-ups before flying home.

Recovery tips in Phuket:

• Take it slow—gentle room walks and short lobby strolls at first.
• Protect incisions from sun and water until cleared by your surgeon.
• Hydrate and prioritize protein-rich meals; avoid alcohol during initial healing.
• Use hotel room-service and in-room entertainment on early recovery days.
• Time follow-ups before optional sightseeing; choose short, air-conditioned transfers.

Balanced Risks & Realistic Expectations

All surgery carries risk and outcomes vary. This guide is for logistics and general education only and is not medical advice. Your surgeon’s consultation, imaging, and examination determine candidacy, techniques, anesthesia, and recovery timelines. Always follow your clinician’s instructions.

You can book your treatment at any time of the year, but many patients make arrangements to visit based on the local weather conditions in Phuket. The province has a tropical monsoon climate due to its close proximity to the equator, and visitors should expect an average annual temperature that ranges from 25°C (77°F) to 32°C (90°F).

The dry season runs between December and March when the weather is cooler and drier, and this tends to be the high season for tourists. The wet season covers the rest of the year, although, like many tropical cities, there can be some rainfall even during the dry season. Generally speaking, you should expect conditions to be warm and intermittently rainy, depending upon the time of year that you travel.

1) What procedures are most popular for international patients in Phuket?

Short answer: Cosmetic surgery (breast, body, face), hair transplants, bariatrics, IVF, dermatology/aesthetics, ophthalmology, orthopedics, and cardiology.

More detail: Common choices include breast augmentation or lift, liposuction or tummy tuck, facelift, rhinoplasty, FUE/FUT hair transplants, gastric sleeve, IVF, skin rejuvenation/laser, and LASIK. Multi-specialty hospitals add orthopedics and cardiology diagnostics for those combining treatment with a relaxing island stay.

2) When is the best time to visit Phuket for treatment?

Short answer: Dec–Mar is driest and busiest; Jun–Oct is quieter and great value.

More detail: Book earlier for the peak dry season. Shoulder months balance weather and rates. During the green season, expect showers but enjoy fewer crowds and easy appointment slots—often ideal for a restful recovery.

3) How long should I stay after my procedure?

Short answer: From a few days to two weeks depending on the treatment.

More detail: Minor aesthetic procedures may take 1–3 days total. Breast/body procedures and rhinoplasty often require 7–14 days for checkups and clearance to fly. Combined surgeries and bariatrics may require longer. Your surgeon provides the definitive timeline.

4) Do Phuket clinics offer warranties or guarantees?

Short answer: Many do—ask for the written policy in your quote.

More detail: Medical Departures partners often outline revision windows, eligibility, and what’s included (e.g., surgeon fees vs. OR costs). Clarify timeframes, coverage, exclusions, and whether follow-up must occur at the original clinic.

5) Are staff English-speaking?

Short answer: Yes—international departments are the norm.

More detail: Private hospitals and specialist centers in Phuket typically serve English-speaking patients daily. Other languages can be arranged with prior notice.

6) What other destinations are popular if my Phuket dates are limited?

Short answer: Thailand (Bangkok, Pattaya, Chiang Mai), Turkey (Istanbul/Antalya), and Mexico (Tijuana/Cancun).

More detail: Compare availability and pricing across hubs on Medical Departures. It’s easy to toggle between destinations, surgeons, and dates to secure the plan that fits your schedule.

7) How do payments work?

Short answer: Thai Baht is standard; major cards and bank transfers are common—ask about surcharges.

More detail: Some clinics require a deposit to secure OR time. Always request an itemized quote and receipt; bring a backup card and confirm daily withdrawal limits if using ATMs.

8) Is Phuket accessible if I have reduced mobility?

Short answer: Hospitals/hotels are generally accessible; streets can be uneven—use clinic shuttles.

More detail: Request step-free rooms, shower seats, elevator access, and door-to-door transfers. Staff are typically helpful—don’t hesitate to ask for assistance.

Tourists should be wary of strong currents when swimming in the sea along many of the beaches in Phuket, especially during the summer monsoon season. You should also be vigilant when out and about at night as there are pickpockets that will target the unwary. It is also advisable to only use only metered taxis and, where possible, ask the hotel to call on your behalf.

If you do have any issues, there is a Tourist Police Hotline that can be contacted. They do speak English, unlike some of the local Thai police, so always insist on involving this special Tourist Police branch if you are unfortunate to encounter any disputes.

Plan & Book Your Phuket Trip

Ready to compare clinics and get a personalized quote?

• Browse clinics in Phuket (destination hub)
• Bangkok Hospital (Phuket)
• Phuket Plastic Surgery Institute
• Apex Medical Center (Phuket)
• Healthy Skin Clinic

Responsible Travel & Practical Notes

• Travel health: Review official travel-health guidance for Thailand and discuss vaccines/medications with your local clinician.
• Visa & entry: Check whether you qualify for Visa Exemption, Visa on Arrival, or E-Visa and carry return tickets and hotel/clinic confirmations.
• Airport tips: HKT has clear wayfinding and multiple transfer options. Confirm your pickup point with your hotel or clinic.

• CDC Travelers’ Health: Thailand (2025).
• Joint Commission International – Find Accredited International Organizations (2025).
• Thailand Official E-Visa – Ministry of Foreign Affairs (2025).
• Phuket International Airport (HKT) – Official (Airports of Thailand, 2025).
• CDC Yellow Book: Thailand (2025).

Note: Clinic pricing and availability change over time; always rely on your written quote and surgeon consultation for exact costs, timelines, candidacy, and aftercare.