Surgeon, hospital, package scope, flight timing and follow-up: questions to ask when planning aesthetic surgery abroad.
Türkiye has become a favoured destination for aesthetic surgery worldwide, but having surgery abroad needs more preparation than at home. The price difference can be attractive, but safety and process quality should come before price. The list below consists of questions every patient should ask before deciding.
Surgeon and hospital
- Are the name, specialist certificate and registration number of the operating surgeon clearly given?
- Will surgery take place in a licensed hospital with intensive care and 24-hour doctors?
- Who is the anaesthetist, and are pre-operative tests and an ECG done?
- Will I meet and be examined by the surgeon in person before surgery?
Package scope and price
- Does the price include hospital, anaesthesia, medication, check-ups, hotel and transfers?
- Are extra items (blood tests, extra night, garment) written down?
- Who covers additional hospital and revision costs in case of complications?
- Do the contract terms clearly state the payment plan and refund conditions?
Flight and recovery
Flying after surgery can raise the risk of deep vein thrombosis. For tummy tucks, liposuction and body surgery it is generally recommended to stay 7–10 days in Türkiye, obtain the surgeon's approval before flying and move often on the flight. After rhinoplasty and eyelid surgery flying is usually safe once the splint is removed.
Follow-up after you return
- Is free remote follow-up with the surgeon (photo/video) provided?
- Are the operative report and care summary provided in your own language?
- Is there an emergency line if you suspect a complication?
- Can information be shared with your local doctor?
At Selenya we give the answers to all these questions in the written contract. By filling in our free photo assessment form you can receive a written preliminary opinion from your surgeon in 48 hours.
Warning signs
- Agencies that set the price very low, reveal extra costs later and give no contract
- Firms that do not say who the surgeon is and only say 'our team'
- Accounts that show only 'before-and-after' on social media and do not explain risks
- Clinics that plan and accept surgery without seeing or examining you
- Sales language that pressures you to operate the very next day
In a safe health-tourism process you are always given time to decide; the contract, scope and surgeon details must be in your hands in writing before surgery.
In summary
Before deciding on aesthetic surgery abroad, see in writing the surgeon's identity, the hospital's licence, the package scope, flight timing and follow-up plan. Reject offers that rush you, fail to explain risks and reveal fees later.
This article is for general information and is not medical advice; make your decision after a surgeon's examination.