Turkey, and Istanbul in particular, has a large number of experienced plastic surgeons and internationally accredited hospitals, which is why many patients from the UK and Europe choose it. But quality varies between providers. The checklist below helps you compare clinics on the things that matter for your safety, not just the price.
The checklist
1. A Ministry of Health licence for health tourism
Companies that organise treatment for international patients in Turkey need a Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health. Ask for the licence number and check it. (MAYCLINIK’s licence number is AK-0086.)
2. A named, qualified surgeon
You should know who will operate on you before you book. For cosmetic surgery, that means a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Ask about their training, how often they perform your procedure and whether they are a member of a professional body such as the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
3. A consultation with the surgeon, not only a salesperson
A coordinator can organise your trip, but your suitability for surgery must be assessed by a doctor: first from photos and your medical history, and then face to face before the operation.
4. An accredited hospital with intensive-care backup
Surgery under general anaesthesia belongs in a licensed hospital with an anaesthetist and intensive-care facilities. International accreditation, such as JCI, is an extra sign that the hospital meets recognised safety standards.
5. Honest medical screening
A good clinic asks detailed questions about your health, medicines, smoking and BMI, and will tell you if surgery is not right for you, or not right yet.
6. A written, all-inclusive quote
The quote should list exactly what is included: surgeon and anaesthesia fees, hospital nights, tests, garments, medication, hotel and transfers. Be cautious of prices far below the market, and of “extras” that appear only after you arrive.
7. Enough time before flying home
Rushing home increases the risk of complications, particularly blood clots. For major body surgery such as a tummy tuck, plan to stay around a week, and only fly after your surgeon has checked you.
8. Aftercare when you are back home
Ask who you contact if you have a problem after returning, whether follow-up appointments are possible near your home and how quickly someone answers. A 24/7 contact and a clear plan matter more than a free extra night in a hotel.
9. A plan for complications
Even with excellent care, complications can happen. Ask how they are handled and who pays for any additional treatment. Some providers offer complication insurance as part of the package.
10. Real reviews and realistic photos
Look for reviews on independent platforms such as Trustpilot or Google, and before-and-after photos that show similar body types to yours. Every result is individual: no clinic can guarantee a specific outcome.
Questions to ask at your consultation
Your consultation is the moment to judge the surgeon, not only the clinic. Plastic surgeons in Turkey complete several years of specialist training before they can practise, but experience with your particular procedure still varies. Write these questions down and take notes on the answers, whether you are planning a facelift, a tummy tuck or a breast operation:
- 1Are you a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery, and which professional bodies do you belong to?
- 2How often do you perform this procedure, and can I see before-and-after photos of your own patients with a similar starting point?
- 3Am I a suitable candidate, and what result is realistic for me?
- 4Which technique do you recommend for me, and why? (For a facelift, for example: how deep is the lift, and where will the scars be?)
- 5In which hospital will I be operated on, and who gives the anaesthetic?
- 6What are the main risks in my case, and how would a complication be handled?
- 7How long should I stay in Istanbul before flying, and what will recovery look like?
- 8Who looks after me once I am home, and how do I reach them?
Clear, specific answers are a good sign. Vague replies, a surgeon you never actually speak to, or pressure to decide on the spot are reasons to keep looking.
Red flags
- You cannot find out the name of your surgeon, or it changes at the last minute
- Pressure to book quickly with “today only” discounts
- No questions about your medical history
- Surgery and flight home planned only a few days apart
- No written quote or no aftercare plan
Frequently asked questions
It can be, if you choose a licensed provider, a qualified and named plastic surgeon and an accredited hospital, allow enough recovery time before flying and follow your aftercare plan.
Ask for the provider’s Health Tourism Authorisation Certificate number from the Turkish Ministry of Health and check it with the official Health Türkiye portal.
