- Total stay: 7–10 days in Istanbul.
- Surgery day: Typically day 2 or 3 after arrival.
- Hospital stay: 1–2 nights inpatient.
- Hotel stay: Partner property, 5 minutes from clinic. Companion welcome free of charge.
- Transfers: VIP private vehicle to/from Istanbul Airport.
- Follow-up: Daily by Dr. Erdal during stay; remote video at 1/3/6/12 months after departure.
Before you travel
Step 1 — WhatsApp consultation
Send your photos (front, side, back; abdomen and breasts in close-fitting clothing) to +90 544 850 72 32. The clinic team responds within 24 hours with an initial assessment, recommended combination, and basic questions about your goals and history.
Step 2 — Video consultation with Dr. Erdal
If the WhatsApp assessment matches your goals, a 30-minute video consultation with Dr. Erdal is scheduled — free of charge. He reviews your photos in detail, asks about pregnancy history and breastfeeding, evaluates your goals, and confirms the recommended procedure combination.
Step 3 — Written quote and date
Following video consultation, a written all-inclusive quote is provided. Once you accept, a deposit secures your surgery date. The clinic team handles hotel booking and transfer scheduling.
Step 4 — Pre-travel preparation
- Smoking cessation 4 weeks before surgery (mandatory).
- Stop blood thinners (aspirin, ibuprofen) 10 days before surgery.
- Discontinue herbal supplements (ginkgo, garlic, ginseng, fish oil) 10 days before.
- Continue regular medications unless otherwise advised — list provided in advance.
- Travel insurance arranged.
- Compression stockings for the flight (recommended).
Days 1–10 in Istanbul
Day 1 — Arrival
VIP transfer collects you at Istanbul Airport (IST) on arrival. Driver speaks English. Direct transfer to partner hotel in Şişli (40–60 minutes depending on traffic). Hotel check-in arranged in advance — no waiting. Rest day.
Day 2 — Pre-operative consultation
In-person consultation with Dr. Erdal at the clinic (5 minutes from hotel). Physical examination, photographic documentation, marking of surgical sites discussed in advance. Pre-operative blood work, ECG, anaesthesiology consultation completed at the partner hospital. Final surgical plan confirmed and signed. Evening: light dinner, no food after midnight before surgery day.
Day 3 — Surgery day
Hospital admission early morning. General anaesthesia induction with anaesthesiology team. Operative time 4–6 hours. Recovery in PACU 1–2 hours. Transfer to inpatient room. Walking with assistance to the bathroom within 6 hours of surgery.
Day 4 — Inpatient observation
Walking 4–6 times during the day. Soft solid diet. Pain controlled with multimodal analgesia. Dr. Erdal personally examines you and reviews progress. Discharge to partner hotel late afternoon if recovery is on track.
Day 5 — Hotel recovery, drains in
Light activities at the hotel suite. Companion support helpful (room service, walks in the corridor). Daily clinic phone or photo check-in. Compression garment continuous.
Day 6 — Drain removal
Brief clinic visit (15 minutes). Drains removed. Dr. Erdal reviews healing of all incisions. Showering permitted from this day onwards.
Days 7–8 — Continued hotel recovery
Walking 30–60 minutes daily around the hotel and immediate area (Şişli is dense urban — easy walking with cafes and pharmacies). Light meals at hotel or nearby restaurants. Some patients begin gentle Istanbul exploration (Bosphorus walk, museum visits) — Dr. Erdal advises based on individual progress.
Day 9 or 10 — Final review and departure
Final clinical review by Dr. Erdal. Fit-to-fly certificate issued. Detailed written aftercare protocol provided in English. WhatsApp link for 24/7 access to clinic team. VIP transfer to Istanbul Airport. Compression stockings recommended for the flight.
After you fly home
- Week 2: Photo update sent to clinic via WhatsApp.
- Month 1: Video consultation with Dr. Erdal (30 minutes).
- Month 3: Video consultation, photo comparison.
- Month 6: Video consultation, professional photographs reviewed.
- Month 12: Final video consultation, complete result documentation.
- Anytime: WhatsApp access for any concern, photo assessment, advice.
What the partner hotel offers
The partner property — Antwell Suites or equivalent — is a 1+1 suite (separate bedroom and living area) with:
- King-size bed with adjustable head elevation (helpful for early recovery sleeping).
- Kitchenette for light food preparation.
- Walk-in shower (no high tub edge to step over).
- Daily housekeeping.
- 24/7 reception with English-speaking staff.
- Pharmacy, supermarket, and restaurants within 100 metres.
- Direct access to the clinic on the ground floor.
What about sightseeing?
Istanbul is a remarkable city, but a mommy makeover trip is fundamentally a medical trip. Sightseeing is realistically possible from day 7 onwards if recovery is smooth — the Bosphorus waterfront, Topkapi Palace exterior, and the Spice Bazaar are within reach. We recommend keeping the trip focused on recovery and returning for tourism on a separate visit.
How long should I stay in Istanbul for a mommy makeover?
Plan 7–10 days minimum. This includes pre-operative consultation and tests (1–2 days), surgery day, hospital stay (1–2 nights), early recovery at the partner hotel (4–6 days), drain removal, and a final fit-to-fly clearance from Dr. Erdal before departure.
Can I bring a companion?
Yes — companions are warmly welcomed and stay free of charge in the same suite at the partner hotel. They are also welcome in the VIP transfer vehicle. Companions provide invaluable emotional and practical support during the recovery week, particularly for international patients.
Is the consultation in English?
Yes. Dr. Erdal speaks fluent English. The clinic team — including the patient coordinator — works in English by default. Arabic, German, and French translators are available on request at no additional charge.
What if I need a video consultation before travelling?
Video consultation is encouraged before booking. After WhatsApp photo assessment, a 30-minute Zoom or WhatsApp video consultation is scheduled with Dr. Erdal personally — free of charge. He reviews your goals, anatomy, and questions, and confirms the recommended procedure combination before any commitment.
What documents do I need to bring?
Passport, return flight ticket, travel insurance certificate, prior surgical reports if any (especially C-section operative notes), current medication list, and a list of any allergies. Recent breast imaging (mammogram or ultrasound) for women over 40 is helpful but not mandatory.
What is the partner hotel like?
Patients stay at Antwell Suites or equivalent partner property in Şişli — within 5–10 minutes of the clinic. Suites are 1+1 (separate bedroom and living area), with kitchenette, sufficient space for companion, and proximity to pharmacies and grocery stores. The clinic is on the ground floor of the partner property, allowing quick access for follow-ups.
