Stage 01
WhatsApp contact & photo assessment
First contact via WhatsApp +90 544 850 72 32. Send 5 photographs (frontal, both lateral 90Β°, both oblique 45Β°). Personal photo assessment by Dr. Erdal directly within 24 hours. Initial assessment includes anatomic candidacy (which surgery is appropriate), implant suggestions, approximate cost, and questions. No commitment β this is information for your decision.
Stage 02
Detailed video consultation
After photo assessment, schedule video consultation with Dr. Erdal β typically 30-45 minutes. Detailed discussion of surgical plan, implant specification options (type, shape, profile, surface, brand), expected outcomes, risks and recovery, and your questions. Conducted in English with comprehensive coverage of all aspects of your specific case. Multiple consultations available if needed.
Stage 03
Treatment plan & package details
Detailed written treatment plan with: confirmed surgical procedure, implant specifications, all-inclusive package contents and cost, hospital and hotel accommodation, transfer arrangements, follow-up schedule. Time to consider β no rush. Questions answered via WhatsApp throughout decision process. Many patients consult with family or local healthcare providers before commitment.
Stage 04
Pre-operative tests at home
Standard pre-op tests completed in your home country: complete blood count, coagulation studies, comprehensive metabolic panel, hepatitis screening, ECG, pregnancy test if applicable. Specific test list provided based on your medical history. Results sent electronically. Review by Dr. Erdal and anaesthesia team before travel confirmation. Patients with specific medical conditions may need additional pre-op evaluation.
Stage 05
Travel arrangements
Once treatment is confirmed and pre-op tests cleared: book your travel to Istanbul. VIP airport transfer arranged from Istanbul Airport (IST) to your hotel. Hotel accommodation 5-7 nights depending on procedure. Specific arrival timing coordinated with surgical schedule. Companion accommodation included in package. Daily contact during travel arrangements.
Stage 06
Arrival & in-Istanbul consultation
VIP airport transfer to your hotel on arrival day. Day after arrival: in-clinic consultation with Dr. Erdal β physical examination, final treatment plan confirmation, photographs for surgical planning, signing informed consent documents, anaesthesia consultation. Complete preparation for next-day surgery.
Stage 07
Surgery day
Hospital admission morning of surgery. Pre-op preparation and final markings by Dr. Erdal. Surgery in JCI-accredited hospital with full plastic surgery anaesthesia team. Operative time depends on procedure (60-90 min for standard augmentation; 2.5-3.5 hours for combined or revision cases). Recovery in PACU then private hospital room. 1-2 night hospital stay typical.
Stage 08
Hospital discharge & hotel recovery
Hospital discharge after Dr. Erdal's review. VIP transfer back to hotel for ongoing recovery. Daily WhatsApp check-ins with surgical team. Two follow-up clinic visits during 5-7 day stay: typically Day 3-4 and Day 6-7 for evaluation, dressing changes, and any questions. Most patients are quite mobile and comfortable by Day 3-4 post-op.
Stage 09
Return home & 12-month follow-up
VIP transfer to airport for departure flight. Standard date: typically Day 7. Direct WhatsApp surgeon access throughout 12-month follow-up program. Scheduled photo check-ins at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Any concerns addressed promptly. The relationship with your surgeon continues through the full year of healing.
How long does the entire patient journey take from first contact to surgery?
Typically 4-6 weeks for the standard pathway. First WhatsApp contact and photo assessment: same day or 24 hours. Detailed consultation, treatment planning, package details: 3-7 days. Travel arrangement, pre-op tests at home: 2-3 weeks. Surgery and 5-7 day stay: 1 week. Some patients move faster (2-3 weeks total) if they're decisive and travel logistics align; others take longer if they prefer extensive deliberation. The pace is patient-driven β there's no urgency from the practice.
Can I have a video consultation with Dr. Erdal before traveling?
Yes β video consultations are standard for international patients. After photo assessment, video consultation with Dr. Erdal is scheduled (typically 30-45 minutes) covering: detailed surgical plan, implant specification options, expected outcomes, risks and considerations, and your questions. The video consultation provides personal connection with your surgeon before commitment to travel. Conducted in English. Multiple consultations available if needed before final decisions.
What pre-operative tests do I need?
Standard pre-op tests can typically be completed in your home country, simplifying the Turkey visit. Tests include: complete blood count, coagulation studies (PT, PTT, INR), comprehensive metabolic panel, blood type and Rh, hepatitis B and C screening, HIV screening, ECG, pregnancy test if applicable. For patients over 40 or with specific medical history: chest X-ray, additional cardiac evaluation. The clinic provides specific test list for your situation. Results sent electronically before travel.
Will I have a private room during my hospital stay?
Yes β all surgical patients have private hospital rooms in the JCI-accredited operating hospital. Private rooms with attached bathroom, comfortable accommodation for one companion, full medical team access, multilingual nursing staff. The hospital stay is typically 1-2 nights post-operation depending on the specific procedure. After hospital discharge, hotel accommodation 5-7 nights with regular check-in calls and on-site visits as needed.
How is follow-up handled after I return home?
Comprehensive 12-month follow-up program. Direct WhatsApp surgeon access for questions and photo updates throughout the year. Scheduled photo check-ins at 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months. Any concerns addressed promptly via WhatsApp. If any issues arise that require examination, recommendations for local plastic surgeons in your area can be provided, or return visits to Istanbul can be arranged. The follow-up is personal β you communicate directly with your surgeon, not a customer service representative.
What if I have complications after returning home?
Complications are uncommon with proper technique but can occur. The 12-month follow-up program includes specific complication management. Common minor concerns (scar healing, asymmetry questions, swelling) handled via WhatsApp consultation with photo. If significant concerns arise: (1) immediate WhatsApp evaluation by Dr. Erdal, (2) recommendations for local plastic surgeon evaluation if needed, (3) potential return visit to Istanbul for evaluation or revision if necessary. Most complications when they occur are minor and resolved with conservative management; major complications are uncommon.