Choosing to travel abroad for cosmetic surgery opens up a world of opportunity.

But, if you’re to find the very best that’s out there, research is key.

You want to make sure the clinic is safe, the surgeon is skilled, the procedure is top-quality and the aftercare is supportive.

So, what exactly are the questions you need to ask before boarding that plane?

Here’s your very own checklist to get the information you need:

Questions about the country

How are surgeons and clinics regulated?

e.g. How are surgeons and clinics regulated in Turkey?

Surgeons must be members of the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery. To perform cosmetic dentistry, dentists must be a member of the Turkish Academy of Aesthetic Dentistry.

Clinics and hospitals in Turkey are regulated by the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Health. The Turkish equivalent to the British Medical Association is the Turkish Medical Association.

Questions about the clinic

Is the clinic accredited?

e.g. Are MedicoTrips hospitals accredited?

The Acibadem Healthcare Group is accredited by the Joint Commission International (JCI), a global leader for quality of care and patient safety.

 

Can I speak to previous patients?

e.g. Can I speak to previous patients that have had surgery in Turkey?

Our patients have shared their thoughts and feedback on:

• The procedure - before, during and after
• The facilities
• The hotel and tranfers
• The results
• The advice they would give to others
• Whether they would recommend

 

Where will the procedure take place?

e.g. Where will my procedure take place with MedicoTrips in Turkey?

Your procedure will take place in one of our 22 hospitals or 15 outpatient clinics.

Established in 1991, Acıbadem Hospitals Group is now the world’s second largest healthcare chain.

 

What consultations are offered before surgery and are they with the person who will be carrying out the procedure?

e.g. What consultations are offered before cosmetic surgery in Turkey and are they with the person who will be carrying out the procedure?

When choosing MedicoTrips for cosmetic surgery, consultation is offered at our office in Birmingham or virtually with a MedicoTrips patient coordinator. You’ve also got the option to have a phone consultation with the doctor or dentist.

When you arrive in Turkey your first appointment will be a consultation.

 

What’s included in the aftercare package?

e.g. What’s included in the aftercare package when you get cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

Caring for patients should be top priority for clinics, offering support and reassurance at every stage. MedicoTrips’ aftercare package includes any medication you need, plus a consultation with the doctor before you head home to get key advice, guidance and answers to any questions you have.

 

What happens if there are complications once I’m back in the UK?

e.g. What happens if there are complications once I’m back in the UK after getting cosmetic surgery in Turkery?

The MedicoTrips team endeavour to solve any complication. Depending on the problem, this may mean another trip to Turkey. Each surgery comes with a guarantee, meaning if there are any complications with the procedure, patients will travel back to Turkey free of charge.

 

What do I do if I have questions before or after the procedure?

e.g. What do I do if I have questions before or after the procedure I’m getting in Turkey?

If you have any questions or queries, you can contact one of the MedicoTrips team who are always on hand to help.

 

Questions about the surgeon

What qualifications, training and experience do the surgeons have?

e.g. What training, qualifications and experience do the MedicoTrips surgeons have?

Dr. Abdullah Etös

MedicoTrips works with the experienced surgeon, Dr. Abdullah Etös, associate clinical doctor of Plastic Surgery at Acıbadem Hospital Groups in İstanbul for their cosmetic procedures.

Dr. Abdullah Etös studied at Selçuk University School of Medicine, completing his surgical residency at Uludağ University. With many years of experience in the industry, Dr Etöz provides high-quality results time and time again, along with the support of the MedicoTrips team at every step of the process.

Dr. Eren Koluaçık

Dr.Eren Koluaçık studied at Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry.

Dr.Eren Koluaçık has also taken the VDW Reciproc Blue Niti System, Dentsply Protapernext, Waveone Gold Niti, Simple Safe and Swift Endodontics with 2Shape, Revo-S - Protaper - Protaper Next One - Protaper Next One Gold Rotary courses.

Dr Anılcan Aygün

Dr Anılcan Aygün studied at Konya Selcuk University Faculty of Dentistry, with his final thesis focusing on the Properties of Sonic and Ultrasonic Systems used in Endodontics. Dr Anılcan Aygün has worked at Papatya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinics since 2018.

Dr İlhan Altınsoy

Bringing a wealth of knowledge and expertise, Dr İlhan Altınsoy completed his first degree in 2013 at Istanbul University Faculty of Dentistry, after which he attended Akdeniz University Faculty of Dentistry, Department of Prosthodontics, graduating in 2018.

Dr Fatih Bayır

Specialist doctor Fatih BAYIR graduated in 2004 from Hacettepe University. Having completed his military service as an assistant at Naval Forces Command, Cumhuriyet University Medico Social Dental Clinic, Dr Fatih Bayır went on to work for 7 years in Gaziantep Dental Hospital. Dr Fatih Bayır now works at Papatya Dental Clinic.

Dr Ahmet Göktaş

Dr Ahmet Göktaş graduated from Ege University Faculty of Dentistry in 2008, having completed his thesis on Imaging Methods in Dental Implant Applications.

From 2008 to 2010, Dr Ahmet Göktaş worked as a dentist in Mardin Kızıltepe State Hospital. In 2010, Dr Ahmet Göktaş began working as a clinician at İzmir Vakıf University, after which he became founder Physician of Spident Oral and Dental Health Policlinic. Since 2016, Dr Ahmet Göktaş has been the founding physician of Antalya Papatya Oral and Dental Health Polyclinic.

 

Can I see before and after photos of the procedures they’ve performed?

e.g. Can I see before and after photos of procedures done in Turkey?

Before and after photos of all our procedures are available on our website for you to see the results achieved.

 

Do they speak English?

e.g. Do the MedicoTrips team speak English?

Doctors can speak English, plus a patient coordinator who is fluent in both Turkish and English will be on hand throughout your journey.

 

Can I have written information on the procedure, including medicines and devices?

e.g. Can I have written information on the cosmetic surgery procedure I’m getting in Turkey, including medicines and devices?

The MedicoTrips team is happy to provide any written information you need.

Questions about the procedure

What’s the cost?

e.g. What’s the cost of cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

Turkey is world-renowned for offering high-quality cosmetic procedures at a fraction of the cost, typically 2-3 times cheaper than in the UK.

Choosing MedicoTrips for your procedure means accommodation and transfer are included in the cost.

What are the risks?

e.g. What are the risks of cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

Cosmetic surgery always comes with risks and any high-quality surgeon should clearly outline these to you before your procedure. General risks include infection, bleeding, reaction to anaesthesia and scarring. Certain procedures come with specific risks, so be sure to find those out before making a decision.

What type of anaesthetic will I need?

e.g. What type of anaesthetic will I need for cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

Depending on the procedure, you’ll either be given:

• Local anaesthetic
• General anaesthetic
• IV sedation

A trained anaesthesiologist should administer this and monitor how you respond.

 

What pain can be expected afterwards?

e.g. What pain can be expected after getting cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

It all depends on the procedure you get and your tolerance to pain. Speak to your doctor about effective pain management so you’re prepared and can be as comfortable as possible after the procedure.

How long will recovery be?

e.g. How long is recovery for cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

Recovery can last anywhere between a week and a few months. Knowing how long recovery is for your specific procedure will enable you to put plans in place, such as taking time off work or having a relative help out.

What precautions should I take after the procedure?

e.g. What precautions should I take after having cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

To get back to normal as soon as possible means first taking time to rest and recover. There will be specific post-op instructions for each procedure, but generally speaking after surgery you should:

• Relax to heal
• Stick to a healthy diet
• Have people ready to help out
• Prepare for time off work
• Avoid strenuous exercise
• Stay hydrated with lots of water
• Avoid too much sun

Will the procedure have to be repeated in the future?

e.g. Will the procedure have to be repeated in the future if I get cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

This will depend on the procedure. Knowing how long results will last is a key consideration to make sure your expectations are met and you can budget accordingly.

 

Questions about insurance

What insurance does the clinic and surgeon have, and what will I be covered for?

e.g. What insurance does the MedicoTrips clinic and surgeons have in Turkey, and what will I be covered for?

Each surgery comes with a guarantee, meaning if there are any complications with the procedure, patients will travel back to Turkey free of charge.

 

What will be covered by my travel insurance?

e.g. What will be covered by my travel insurance if I’m getting cosmetic surgery in Turkey?

Cosmetic surgery is not covered by standard travel insurance policies. If the trip is for the sole purpose of medical treatment, then a standard policy may not cover any problems that arise, medical or otherwise.

Some companies offer specialist medical travel tourism policies, but note they still exclude anything that happens as a direct result of your treatment.

You could look into getting medical cost over-run insurance which covers you if, through no fault of the clinic, the treatment is more expensive than you were quoted.

If you want to make sure you’re covered for both standard and medical-related elements then it is worth seeking out medical travel insurance. These policies aren’t widely available, but are provided by some, such as Medical Travel Shield.

All this might be a bit daunting, but know you don’t have to take it on alone.

We’re on hand to answer these questions.

Get the clarity you need and give us a call today on +(44) 0121 288 4552.