Every year many people travel to Istanbul for plastic and aesthetic surgery. Planning surgery in another country raises practical questions: how the first consultation works, what to prepare at home, how long to plan the trip and what happens after you fly back. This guide walks you through the process step by step, the way we plan it with our international patients at Aesthe Surgery.
Step 1: First contact
Most patients first reach us by WhatsApp or phone on +90 544 919 17 37, or through our contact form. Our team speaks English, German, Russian and Turkish, so you can ask your questions in your own language. At this stage it helps to tell us which procedure you are interested in, your general health and roughly when you would like to travel.
Step 2: An online consultation
Before you book any flights, a video consultation can be arranged with the surgeon. You may be asked to share photos of the area to be treated and information about your medical history. This first conversation is used to understand your goals, explain the options and tell you whether the procedure appears suitable for you.
An online consultation is a first step, not a final decision. The definitive surgical plan is always made after an in-person examination in Istanbul.
Step 3: Preparing at home
Good preparation makes your stay smoother and safer. Your surgeon will tell you exactly what is needed for your procedure; in general it is worth preparing the following:
- A list of all medicines and supplements you take, including blood thinners and herbal products
- Information about previous operations, chronic conditions and allergies
- Any recent test results or medical reports you already have
- Honest information about smoking, as it affects wound healing
- Follow the individual instructions you receive before travelling – do not stop or start medication on your own
Step 4: Planning your trip
The length of your stay depends on the procedure and on the follow-up visits your surgeon wants to see you for before you fly home. The travel dates are agreed with you at the consultation, so book flexible tickets if you can and avoid planning a tight schedule.
Many patients prefer to travel with a companion who can support them in the first days after surgery. Our team assists with appointment scheduling, treatment coordination and airport and clinic transfers, so you know in advance who will meet you and where you need to be.
Step 5: Your stay in Istanbul
Your stay usually starts with an in-person consultation and examination. The surgeon confirms the plan with you, explains the possible risks and answers your remaining questions; nothing is decided before you feel fully informed.
Operations take place at our contracted institutions. After surgery you attend the check-ups arranged for you, where dressings are changed and your recovery is assessed. Keep your phone with you: our team stays in contact throughout your stay.
Step 6: Flying home and aftercare
Your surgeon tells you when it is appropriate to fly, based on your individual recovery. Before you leave you receive written aftercare instructions covering wound care, garments, activity and when to return to work and sport.
Recovery continues after you are home. Follow-up can continue by video call, and you can send photos and questions to our team at any time. If something worries you, contact us rather than waiting for the next scheduled check.
A short packing checklist
- Passport and travel documents
- Your medical reports and medication list
- Comfortable, loose clothing – tops that open at the front are easier after face, breast or body surgery
- Any garments or items your surgeon has asked you to bring
- A phone with WhatsApp and international roaming or a local SIM
- Travel insurance details
Why there are no prices online
Turkish regulations on healthcare advertising restrict publishing prices, promotions and before-and-after images. In addition, every treatment plan is individual: the right approach can only be defined after your surgeon has assessed you. You receive detailed information once your case has been evaluated.
Learn more about our procedures
Read our detailed pages on rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, tummy tuck, hair transplantation. Each page explains who the procedure is suitable for, how it is performed, what recovery looks like and the most frequently asked questions.
Start planning
To plan your surgery in Istanbul, call or message us on WhatsApp at +90 544 919 17 37 (Monday–Friday, 10:00–19:00) or use our contact form. Consultations and patient coordination are available in English, German, Russian and Turkish.
This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, the technique and the possible risks can only be determined after an examination by the surgeon.
