What is Plastic Surgery?

Plastic Surgery is a broad surgical specialty covering various seemingly unrelated subjects in surgery. The word “plastic” refers to a shapable or a mouldable object and Plastic Surgery is the surgery of shaping, reforming or repairing body parts in the most broad sense of the term.

Plastic Surgery can be divided into two main categories; Reconstructive Surgery and Aesthetic Surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery is involved in restoration or reconstruction of malformed or damaged structures whereas Aesthetic Surgery aims to reshape relatively normal body parts to obtain better symmetry, ratios or harmony to achieve an aesthetically appeasing appearance.

Reconstructive Surgery includes hand surgery, microsurgery, craniofacial surgery, burn treatment, maxillofacial surgery, correction of congenital deformities, reconstruction of various body parts and extremities deformed or missing due to congenital defects, tumor resections or trauma.

How doctors become Plastic Surgeons in Turkiye?

Every country has certain qualifications and standards that surgeons should meet in order to take up the position. In Turkiye, to become a plastic surgeon, you should study 6 years of medicine and then an additional 5 years that includes training to specialize in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. In Turkiye, the only medical specialty that legally bears the name “aesthetic surgery” is Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery.

How to choose the right Plastic Surgeon in Turkiye?

In theory, all plastic surgery procedures implement the same technique and therefore the results should not vary. Pushing all that theory aside, the reality is not that simple. Eventhough, the procedure is technically the same the results fall on a spectrum depending on the training and the skill of your surgeon. An up to date surgeon is supposed to be an active member of the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons (TSPRAS). Check the member list.

National Board exams are not compulsory in Turkiye however it is a very good sign if your surgeon has passed the board exam and has a board certificate given by TSPRAS. Check the member list.

What type of post-op care will I need?

Depending on what type of care will be required, you may need to arrange assistance after your surgery. Patients often require help getting dressed, feeding themselves and caring for other personal needs for at least a few days. Ask whether you will need assistance and for how long.

What restrictions will I need to make after surgery?

Activities like swimming, sunbathing are not recommended after surgery. Lifting heavy bags and standing or walking for long periods of time may need to be avoided depending on the procedure. Drinking alcohol is also not recommended.

Where will I stay while I recover?

Patients that operated in general anesthesia generally should stay in hospital for 24 hours. Patients should stay in the area where the surgery was performed for at average one week, depending on the procedure. Traveling too soon after surgery increases the risk of pulmonary embolism and blood clots. Find out in advance where you will stay and if this facility is prepared to care for your post-operative needs.

What about complications and follow-up care?

When surgery is properly performed, complications are a rare possibility. Check in advance who you can reach and which doctor will take care for you if you have complications.

Will language be an issue during my procedure in Turkiye?

No, generally the surgeon and the clinic or hospital staff who will care for you both before and after your surgery can speak common languages( English, German..) You should make sure the surgeon and the clinic or hospital staff who will care for you both before and after your surgery can speak your language.

Is there anything to do about my medical condition before I came Turkiye?

Depending on your medical comorbidies. You should share your chronic diases and medical history with your surgeon. Schedule your surgery with the practice. Determine required lab work and vaccinations. Find out how far in advance you need to arrive to have your consultation.

Is it important which hospital that my procedure will take place?

The Turkish Ministry of Health had REGULATION CONCERNING INTERNATIONAL HEALTH TOURISM AND TOURIST HEALTH. The objective of this Regulation is to regulate the procedures and principles concerning: the establishment of the minimum service delivery standards for healthcare services provided on an international level within the scope of international health tourism and tourist health, the authorization of healthcare organizations and intermediaries that are going to conduct operations in international health tourism services, and the supervision of these operations.

Click Here For The List of Authorized Medical Centers

Click Here For The List of Authorized Hospitals

Click Here For The List of Authorized Private Practices

Click Here For The List of Authorized Facilitators