Planning surgery abroad should feel clear and reassuring. Here is what to expect, from your first inquiry to the day of your procedure.
Not sure if you’re a candidate yet? See our Patient Selection Criteria first.
Your Journey to Surgery
The Complete Guide
STEP 1 — Consultation & Evaluation
Every journey begins with understanding your goals so our surgeons can give you an accurate, personalized recommendation.
Getting in Touch
Email and WhatsApp are the most reliable ways to reach us. Non-medical questions are handled promptly by our patient relations team; medical questions are reviewed and answered directly by our surgeons.
Your Health Background
As part of your evaluation, please let us know whether you are generally healthy or have any underlying medical conditions, so our surgical team can assess your case appropriately from the start.
Submitting Your Photos
Clear photos allow our surgeons to assess your case accurately — well-lit, unfiltered, in-focus images, including front view, semi-45° views, and side profile views (with a base view added for nose surgery, or top/back views for hair transplantation).
STEP 2 — Confirm Your Surgery Date
Once your treatment plan is set, our patient coordinator will work with you to find a surgery date that fits your timeline, based on surgeon, operating room, and accommodation availability.
STEP 3 — Reserve Your Date
Once your treatment plan is set, our patient coordinator will work with you to find a surgery date that fits your timeline, based on surgeon, operating room, and accommodation availability.
To secure your date and our team’s full attention, a deposit of 20% of your total package is required. Our coordination team will guide you through payment and share the relevant details.
Choosing a Payment Method
We offer several trusted, international-standard options — our team can help you choose the one that fits your timeline:
International Wire Transfer — no processing fee; best if you have time before your deadline (settlement up to 7 working days, depending on your bank).
Wise Transfer — a balance of speed and cost, typically lower fees than card payment.
Online Payment (2C2P Gateway) — fastest option when your date needs urgent confirmation, settled within 24 hours; card processing fees may apply.
Completing Your Documents
Once your deposit is confirmed, we’ll issue your official receipt and guide you through two documents:
Patient Health Information Form — please complete the form below once you reach this step, so our surgical team can begin preparing your care plan.
Booking Confirmation and Policy Agreement — outlining the terms that apply to your booking. Please sign and send it back to confirm.
STEP 4 — Prepare for Your Trip
Laboratory Tests
Complete your required lab tests within two months of your surgery date. Email your lab reports, X-rays, and referral letter/medical clearance (if needed) to info@wihhospital.com as JPEG or PDF.
Preoperative Laboratory Test Requirements by Age Group
| Age Group | Required Tests |
|---|---|
| Under 40 |
Blood Tests: CBC, Anti-HIV, Creatinine, PT/PTT, FBS Imaging: Chest X-ray |
| 40 to 60 |
Blood Tests: CBC, Anti-HIV, Creatinine, PT/PTT, FBS, HbA1C, Lipid Profile, LFT Imaging & Cardiac Tests: Chest X-ray, EKG |
| Over 60 |
Blood Tests: CBC, Anti-HIV, Creatinine, PT/PTT, FBS, HbA1C, Lipid Profile, LFT, Electrolyte Imaging & Cardiac Tests: Chest X-ray, EKG, EST (Exercise Stress Test with cardiologist report) |
- Facial Bone Contouring: an additional Skull Series X-ray (AP view & Lateral view) is required.
- Jaw or V-line Surgery: an additional Skull Series X-ray (AP view & Lateral view) and a Panoramic View of the Mandible are both required.
Visa & Travel
Visa requirements depend on your nationality and length of stay. See our full guide to Visa & Travel Planning for details and application steps.
Plan for Staying at Our Long Stay Recovery Ward
- Single or combined (up to 2) major surgeries (e.g. breast surgery or facelift): minimum 2 weeks stay.
- Multiple procedures (e.g. FFS or multiple face and body surgeries): minimum 3 weeks stay.
- Complex procedures (e.g. gender-affirming surgery): minimum 4 weeks stay.
- Plan to arrive 3–4 days before surgery for consultation, tests, or preparation.
Once you have your flight ticket, please send it to us as soon as possible so we can book your accommodation at the Recovery Ward accordingly. The accommodation cost will be calculated based on your exact length of stay and room type (see details on our Long Stay Recovery Ward page), and will be sent to you as your accommodation expense.
STEP 5 — Settle Your Remaining Balance
To keep your arrival smooth and stress-free, we recommend transferring your remaining balance at least 2 weeks before travel.
We do not recommend bringing cash for settling the large amount of your remaining balance. If any balance remains at the time of your preoperative consultation, it must be settled in full that day, by either:
- Credit Card (3% processing fee) — please check your bank’s daily transaction limit before traveling, or
- Payment Link (3% processing fee)
Please note that international wire transfer is not accepted for payment at the hospital, as it does not clear in time to confirm your surgery slot.
STEP 6 — Arrival & Preoperative Assessment
Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up as part of our complimentary airport transportation service, and handed a welcome letter confirming the time of your preoperative consultation with your surgeon, which typically takes place the following day.
During your consultation:
- Please bring any medications you are currently taking so our pharmacist can review and manage them for you during your stay.
- If any lab tests or X-rays are still outstanding, these will be completed at this time.
- If medical clearance from an internal medicine doctor or cardiologist is required, this will be arranged accordingly.
- Any remaining balance or additional costs will be finalized on this day.
If your surgeon determines any adjustment is needed for your safety, your surgery date may be postponed based on medical judgment.
Book your consultation
Ready to learn more, or need support with your dilation routine? Contact Dr. Chettasak’s team at WIH International Hospital.