Pre-trip: before you arrive
Initial consultation (free, remote)
Send 3 photos of your target area (front view, side view, three-quarter view) via WhatsApp or contact form. Dr. Erdal personally reviews your case and provides a detailed quote within 24 hours. Quote includes: recommended technique (VASER, traditional, 360-degree), estimated operative time, what's included in the package, fixed price in your chosen currency.
Booking confirmation
Once you accept the quote and select your preferred surgery date (typically 4–8 weeks ahead), pay €500 reservation deposit via bank transfer. Required information for hospital admission: passport copy (first page), full address, email, parents' names. Patient coordinator confirms hotel reservation and sends pre-op instructions.
Pre-op preparation (2 weeks before)
- Stop anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin) 2 weeks pre-op
- Stop smoking 4–6 weeks pre-op (mandatory for safety)
- Maintain stable weight; avoid drastic diet changes
- Stay well hydrated
- Continue normal exercise routine until 2 days pre-op
- Pre-op blood tests can be done at home or in Istanbul day before surgery
Day 0: arrival in Istanbul
Airport pickup
VIP transfer driver waiting at Istanbul airport (IST or SAW) with name placard at international arrivals. Direct transfer to Antwell Suites in Şişli/Nişantaşı. Travel time 30–60 minutes depending on traffic and airport (IST further north, SAW on Asian side).
Hotel check-in
Antwell Suites — premium 5-star hotel in Istanbul's Nişantaşı district, walking distance to clinic. Check-in completed by patient coordinator if you arrive late. Welcome package: pre-op instructions, surgery time confirmation, emergency contact numbers, area orientation.
Evening
Light meal at hotel restaurant (or Nişantaşı dining options nearby). Hydration encouraged. Early sleep — pre-op fasting begins midnight before surgery (no food or drink from midnight unless specifically instructed otherwise).
Day 1: consultation and surgery
Morning: clinic consultation
VIP transfer from hotel to clinic. In-person consultation with Dr. Erdal: physical examination, surgical planning confirmation, photographic documentation, surgical markings made on your body, anaesthesia consultation, final questions answered. Patient coordinator provides clinic tour and final logistics.
Pre-op preparation at hospital
Transfer to JCI-accredited hospital. Admission process completed. Pre-op blood tests if not done previously. ECG. Anaesthesia consultation with board-certified anaesthetist. Compression garment fitting in advance. Change to surgical gown. IV access established.
Surgery
Operative time depends on procedure: single area 1.5–2 hours, multi-area 2–3 hours, 360-degree 3–4 hours, combined procedures 4–6 hours. General anaesthesia by specialist anaesthetist throughout. Continuous monitoring of vital signs, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, body temperature.
Post-op recovery room
Wake up in recovery room with nursing care. Initial pain control with prescribed medications. Transfer to private hospital suite once stable (typically 1–2 hours post-op). Family member or companion can visit.
Day 2: hospital morning, hotel afternoon
Morning hospital consultation
Dr. Erdal reviews recovery overnight. Compression garment fitting if not done day before. Drainage assessment (if drains used). Walking encouraged for circulation (helps prevent DVT). Light breakfast.
Hospital discharge
Discharge typically mid-morning. Dressings checked. Prescribed medications collected (pain relief, antibiotics, anti-inflammatory). Discharge instructions reviewed in detail. VIP transfer back to Antwell Suites.
Hotel recovery (afternoon and evening)
Rest at hotel with patient coordinator support. Sleep with slight elevation (pillow under back/legs). Walking around hotel encouraged for circulation. Light meals. Compression garment continuous (except very brief shower).
Days 3-5: hotel recovery
Daily routine
Days 3–5 are the recovery period. Discomfort gradually decreasing. Bruising visible but improving. Walking around hotel and Nişantaşı neighbourhood encouraged for circulation. Hotel breakfast included; lunch and dinner ordered to room or at nearby restaurants.
Day 4: clinic follow-up
Brief follow-up consultation at clinic. Dr. Erdal reviews healing, addresses questions, adjusts medications if needed. Photographic documentation of early recovery. Patient coordinator coordinates timing.
Activities during recovery
Light walking encouraged but no strenuous activity. Recovery-friendly activities: Nişantaşı window shopping, Bosphorus boat trips (if cleared by Dr. Erdal), light café visits, hotel spa (after checking with surgeon — typically days 3+ for non-treatment areas like manicure/facial). Avoid: hot showers/baths until cleared, swimming, sun exposure on treated areas, alcohol.
Day 5-7: departure
Final consultation
Final clinic visit with Dr. Erdal. Confirmation that you're cleared to fly home. Photographic documentation. Detailed home recovery instructions provided in writing. WhatsApp follow-up schedule confirmed (1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months). Final questions answered.
VIP airport transfer
Coordinated departure transfer. Most patients fly home day 5–7. Direct flights preferred for post-op return (avoid transit complications). Hospital discharge documentation, operative report, and emergency contact information provided in case needed during travel.
Flight comfort tips
- Compression garment worn during flight (helps prevent DVT during long-haul travel)
- Hydration before and during flight
- Aisle seat preferred for ability to walk every 1–2 hours
- Light loose-fitting clothing over compression garment
- Avoid alcohol and excessive caffeine during flight
- Take prescribed medications as directed for pain management
Home recovery: weeks 1-12
Week 1-2 at home
Compression garment continuous wear. Most desk workers return to work week 2. Walking encouraged. Avoid heavy lifting, intense exercise, and prolonged sitting. WhatsApp check-in with Dr. Erdal at 1 week.
Week 3-4
Most bruising resolved. Light exercise (walking, gentle yoga). Compression garment continues continuously. Return to most normal activities except strenuous exercise.
Week 5-6: compression garment transition
Compression garment transitions to 12-hour daily wear (during day, off at night) — typically week 4-5 depending on procedure extent. Most patients can stop compression garment entirely by week 6. Garment removal happens at home, not in Turkey — clear instructions provided before departure.
Week 8-12
Return to full activity including weight training and running. Most swelling resolved. Visible body contour transformation clearly emerging. WhatsApp follow-up at 1 month and 3 months — photographic documentation.
Month 3-12: final result
Final contour emerges by month 3-6 as deep tissue swelling fully resolves. WhatsApp check-ins at 6 months and 12 months. Month 12 represents complete final result. Comprehensive photographic comparison documents your transformation.
What to pack
- Loose, comfortable clothing (zip-up or button-up tops easier than pullovers post-op)
- Compression-friendly underwear (sports bras, soft cotton briefs)
- Slip-on shoes (easier than tying laces)
- Phone charger and adapter (Turkey uses Type C/F, 220V)
- Personal medications and prescription documentation
- Passport and travel insurance documentation
- Reading material / entertainment (downloads for offline use)
- Modest amount of Turkish Lira for incidentals (Euros widely accepted but Lira useful for taxis/cafés)
Antwell Suites provides standard hotel amenities. Compression garment provided by clinic (don't bring your own). Most other items needed for recovery available locally if forgotten.