WANT A BRIGHTER SMILE, BETTER EYESIGHT OR A NEW NOSE? A NEW NOSE? THE PHILIPPINES OFFERS HEAD-TO-TOE OPTIONS FOR YOUR MEDICAL AND AESTHETIC NEEDS, REPORTS CHARMAINE BAYLON
With the country’s developing medical tourism industry, you don’t have to go far to have quality procedures and consultations. You needn’t have to fork out a fortune, either — the packages in the Philippines are about 35 to 75% less expensive than those in the US, according to the government-accredited Philippine Medical Tourism, Inc (PMTI). But why else would people from the US, Japan, Europe, South Korea and Australia opt to come here? Our hospitals are internationally accredited, and our doctors are trained by as well as affiliated with renowned hospitals. Finally, we speak English and have a wide range of facilities as well as vacation destinations to make a stay here as comfortable as possible. Here’s a look at some of the treatments and services you can choose from.
FOR YOUR CROWNING GLORY
J Go for… a hair transplant L What it is “This surgical hair restoration plan involves the removal of a strip of hair-bearing skin from the back of the head. Surgical assistants will separate and divide the follicular units, and the doctor employs a lateral slit technique to mimic the natural alignment and distribution of hair. They then place the grafts onto the sites, which results in 70 to 90 hairs per cm2,” says Janice Macapagal, operations manager of Philippine Medical Tourism, Inc ë Downtime This outpatient procedure includes a five-day/four-night stay at a reputable hotel $ Price PHP115,000 ( Contact Philippine Medical Tourism, Inc, Penthouse, Goodwill Building, 393 Sen Gil Puyat Avenue, Makati City, tel: +63 (2) 897 5813, www.philmedtourism.com
FOR BETTER VISION
J Go for… LASIK (Laser-Assisted In Situ Keratomileusis) surgery L What it is LASIK involves the reshaping of the cornea for better eyesight. It helps correct myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, especially for those advanced grades ë Downtime This outpatient procedure includes a four-day, three-night hotel stay $ Price PHP66,000 for both eyes ( Contact Philippine Medical Tourism, Inc, tel: +63 (2) 897 5813, www.philmedtourism.com
FOR IMPROVED HEARING
J Go for… some Oticon dual and streamer hearing aids L What it is The new Oticon Dual system helps eliminate that “plugged” feeling in your ear so you enjoy clearer and more natural sounds. “It also feels comfortable, as it is a small device,” explains Liza Abano-Robles, chief clinical audiologist of Manila Hearing Aid. “The Oticon Streamer enables you to talk on the phone and hear the TV with the same ease that everyone else can.” $ Price PHP160,000 Contact www.manilahearingaid.com.ph
FOR “REFRESHING” YOUR FACE
J Go for… a minor aesthetic surgery retreat L What it is “You can have: augmentation rhinoplasty (silicone noselift), upper blepharoplasty (eyelid creation/ reconstruction), lower blepharoplasty (eyebag removal), chin augmentation, or liposuction in one area (arms, neck, upper or lower tummy, or small flanks),” says Dr Al Jaafar, head surgeon of The Asian Tropics Advanced Aesthetic and Wellness Center. The package includes a nine-night stay at The Oracle Residences, post-operative medications, a treatment at the Tropics Spa and one diamond peel session, among many others ë Downtime Two to three days $ Price US$1,200/PHP57,279 ( Contact The Asian Tropics Advanced Aesthetic and Wellness Center, 3/F, Oracle Residences, 317 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, tel: +63 (2) 928 1888, www.asiantropics.com, dr.aljaafar@ asiantropics.com.ph
FOR AN EXTREME MAKEOVER
J Go for… a major aesthetic surgery retreat L What it is “You can choose any one of the following procedures: breast augmentation, whole tummy liposuction, tummy tuck or full face lift,” says Dr Al Jaafar of The Asian Tropics Advanced Aesthetic and Wellness Center. There is a range of choices and options, depending on what you need. With this package, you get a 15-night stay at The Oracle Residences, special nurse services, pre-operative blood work-up as well as trips to the Tropics Spa for body treatments and one diamond peel session, just to name a few. ë Downtime Seven days $ Price US$3,800/PHP181,384 ( Contact The Asian Tropics Advanced Aesthetic and Wellness Center, 3/F, Oracle Residences, 317 Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City, tel: +63 (2) 928 1888/913 1888, www.asiantropics.com, dr.aljaafar@asiantropics.com.ph
FOR AN IMPROVED SMILE
J Go for… cosmetic teeth bonding L What it is A procedure to improve the appearance of teeth. “Composites made of acrylic resins and inorganic fillers are sculpted to a proper shape,” says Dr Joseph Jagoring, cosmetic, restorative and aesthetic dental specialist who heads the team at Estetico Manila. “Pigments will match your tooth color.” ë Downtime This outpatient procedure can last from one to several hours depending on the case. Procedures of PHP250,000 come with a complimentary five-day hotel stay and free breakfast $ Price PHP5,000 per tooth ( Contact Medical Tourism Philippines, tel: +63 (2) 523 9731/400 6305, www.. philippinedentaltourism.com and www.. philippinewellnesstravel.com, mtp.rxpinoy. com, help@rxpinoy.com
FOR A HEALTHY HEART
J Go for… a coronary artery bypass grafting L What it is “The three- to five-hour surgery involves taking an artery or vein on your body and using it as a graft for the bypass,” says Janice Macapagal of Philippine Medical Tourism, Inc ë Downtime Seven days at the hospital, with a 14-day/13-night stay at a hotel $ Price PHP895,000 ( Contact Philippine Medical Tourism, Inc, tel: +63 (2) 897 5813, www.philmedtourism.com
FOR BETTER BODY DEFINITION
J Go for a… liposculpture L What it is “VASER Hi Def (VHD) is an advanced body sculpting technique for fit men and women who want more. It entails the precise removal of superficial and deep fat to enhance musculature visibility,” says Dr Claudine Roura, medical director of Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute ë Downtime Three days $ Price Available upon request ( Contact Contours Advanced Face and Body Sculpting Institute, 2/F, South Park Plaza, Paseo de Magallanes, Makati City, tel: +63 (2) 556 4878 / 489 8526, www.rouradermsurgery.com
FOR OVERALL WELLNESS
J Go for… a stress buster program L What it is A three-hour spa package to unkink your tight nerves and muscles. “The program alleviates your anxiety and stress with herbal steam, a chromotherapy hot bath, luxury chocolate and 120 minutes of Devarana Massage and yogic therapy. Your body is re-balanced and energized and your mind is rejuvenated,” says Sudaporn Prasertsang, the spa manager at Devarana Spa in the Dusit Thani Hotel $ Price PHP6,500++ ( Contact Devarana Spa, Ayala Center, Makati City, tel: +63 (2) 867 3333, spamanila@devaranaspa.com
THE PERKS OF HIRING A HEALTH TRAVEL PLANNER
According to the Philippine Medical Tourism, Inc (PMTI), getting a health travel planner or medical tourism provider is similar to getting a travel agent — only instead of handling your vacation, the provider will help you find the right doctor, hospital, flight and amenities to suit your health needs, budget and lifestyle. The PMTI even has a medical concierge in case of emergencies or changes in arrangements. The best thing about these services is that they are free — the costs are borne by the airlines, hotels, hospitals, doctors and resorts.
ONE MAN’S TESTIMONY
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“Aside from changing the look of my nose, the procedure changed my features. I now see a bridge and my eyes appear different. I am more confident now.” – Hektor Baluyot, who had augmentation rhinoplasty with Dr Al Jaafar of The Asian Tropics |
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