Before Traveling to Turkey

For long-haul (overseas) flights: please arrive in Istanbul at least 2 days before surgery.
For short-haul flights: please arrive at least 1 day before surgery.
We recommend bringing a companion to stay with you during the first few days after surgery. If this is not possible, we can refer you to external professional nursing/companion services (extra cost) for your hotel stay.
Passport & Visa: Check visa requirements at the official website: https://www.mfa.gov.tr/visa-information-for-foreigners.en.mfa
Eligible patients can apply for an e-Visa online: https://www.evisa.gov.tr

Medical Preparation

Reaching and maintaining your ideal weight is mandatory before surgery. Weight fluctuations after surgery may negatively affect the results.
Weight-loss medications: must be discontinued at least 6 weeks before surgery.
Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) and oral contraceptive pills: must be stopped 6 weeks before surgery.
Blood thinners & herbal supplements (aspirin, ibuprofen, omega-3, vitamin E, ginkgo, ginseng, etc.): stop 7–10 days before surgery.
Smoking/nicotine: must be stopped at least 3–4 weeks before surgery.
Alcohol: should be avoided at least 1 week before surgery.
Breast reduction/uplift: mammogram or breast ultrasound is mandatory. These examinations can also be arranged at our hospital with an extra charge.
Facelift patients: any facial fillers must be dissolved at least 2 months prior to surgery.
Herbal teas (such as green tea, lemon tea, etc.) can increase the risk of bleeding. Please avoid them for 1 week before and 1 week after surgery.
Black tea is safe and can be consumed.
Certain foods — including cherries, sour cherries, garlic, fresh or dried grapes, and watermelon — contain natural salicylic acid and may act like aspirin, slightly increasing the risk of bleeding. It is best to avoid consuming these in large amounts during the week before surgery.
Leave all jewellery at home (including wedding rings, necklaces, and earrings).
Wear front-opening clothes (with buttons or zippers). Avoid tight clothing or items that must be pulled over the head.
Take a warm shower the evening before surgery.
On the day of surgery, do not use hair products such as spray, gel, or mousse.

Medical Records & Documentation

Detailed medical history form (allergies, medications, past illnesses, smoking/alcohol habits).
Previous surgical reports or discharge summaries.
If you have comorbidities (heart disease, diabetes, clotting disorders, etc.), a medical clearance letter from your physician is required.
Preoperative tests (especially for combined or long surgeries): Complete blood count, Biochemistry (liver, kidney, electrolytes), Coagulation tests (PT, aPTT, INR).
Patients must complete these tests in their home country before arrival and send us the results. We will review and provide further recommendations based on the findings.
Any known infectious disease (HIV, Hepatitis B/C, etc.) must be reported to us in advance.

Online Consultation

All international patients are required to have an online consultation before surgery.
During this session we will discuss your expectations, what can/cannot be achieved, surgical risks, recovery process, and travel planning.
Note: The online consultation has a fee, but this amount will be deducted from the total surgery fee.

During the Flight (DVT Prevention)

Walk frequently: move around the cabin at least once per hour.
Perform calf and ankle exercises while seated.
Drink plenty of water; avoid alcohol and caffeine.
Compression stockings may be recommended for high-risk patients.

What to Bring

Comfortable, front-opening clothes.
Postoperative garments/corset/surgical bra (our clinic will guide you).
Bring your regular prescribed medications with you.
Personal hygiene items.

Upon Arrival in Istanbul

Depending on the surgery, you will usually stay 1–2 nights in the hospital.
If you do not have a companion, we can refer you to external professional nursing/companion services during your hotel stay (extra cost).
Postoperative check-ups will be arranged. After returning to your country, follow-up can be continued online.