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Medical Tourism Checklist: Turkey Plastic Surgery Trip

A complete pre-trip checklist for anyone planning aesthetic surgery in Turkey — what to confirm, carry, and prepare before you travel.

6 min read·12 April 2024
Key Takeaways
  • →Confirm your surgeon's name, credentials, and board certification number before paying any deposit.
  • →Obtain written confirmation of everything included in the package: hotel, transfers, medications, and post-op checks.
  • →Arrange travel insurance that explicitly covers medical complications abroad before booking — standard travel policies typically exclude elective surgery.
  • →Carry printed copies of all medical documents, blood test results, and the clinic's 24-hour emergency number.
  • →Book return flights with flexibility — recovery timelines can shift; avoid non-refundable tickets.

How to Use This Checklist

This checklist covers the 6-week window before your procedure. Work through each section systematically. Arriving in Turkey with unresolved items on this list creates unnecessary stress during recovery when your full attention should be on healing.

6 Weeks Before — Clinic and Surgeon Verification

  • [ ] Confirm your surgeon's name, board certification, and licence number
  • [ ] Verify clinic licence on the Turkish Ministry of Health registry (saglik.gov.tr)
  • [ ] Review the clinic's before/after portfolio — run reverse image searches on at least 3 photos
  • [ ] Confirm whether the clinic holds JCI or ISO 9001 certification
  • [ ] Receive and review the full procedure quote in writing (what is and is not included)
  • [ ] Confirm the exact facility where surgery will take place (not just the consultation clinic)
  • [ ] Book your pre-operative video consultation

4 Weeks Before — Medical Preparation

  • [ ] Schedule pre-operative blood tests with your GP (clinics typically require: CBC, coagulation, metabolic panel)
  • [ ] Disclose all medications to your surgeon — many must be paused 2 weeks before surgery (NSAIDs, blood thinners, some supplements)
  • [ ] Stop smoking. Nicotine significantly impairs wound healing and increases complication risk — most surgeons require 4+ weeks cessation
  • [ ] Confirm alcohol cessation timeline with your clinic (typically 2 weeks before)
  • [ ] If taking hormonal contraception, discuss DVT risk with your surgeon (some procedures require a pause)
  • [ ] Obtain a letter from your GP confirming fitness for elective surgery if your clinic requests it

3 Weeks Before — Logistics

  • [ ] Book flights with sufficient flexibility around your return date (build in a 3-day buffer for potential recovery delays)
  • [ ] Book recovery accommodation — confirm it is close to the clinic and quiet
  • [ ] Arrange a companion if your procedure is major (facelift, tummy tuck, BBL) — you should not be alone post-operatively
  • [ ] Confirm airport transfer arrangements with the clinic
  • [ ] Purchase travel insurance that explicitly covers medical treatment complications abroad

2 Weeks Before — Packing and Admin

Documents to carry:

  • [ ] Passport + travel insurance documents
  • [ ] Clinic booking confirmation and contact numbers
  • [ ] Written pre-operative instructions from the clinic
  • [ ] Blood test results
  • [ ] List of all current medications

Recovery items to pack:

  • [ ] Loose, front-opening clothing (buttons, zips — not over-the-head)
  • [ ] Compression garments if prescribed (confirm sizing before travel)
  • [ ] Neck pillow for flight home
  • [ ] Arnica gel (reduces bruising in some patients)
  • [ ] Saline spray for nasal procedures
  • [ ] Entertainment for recovery downtime (books, downloaded content)

48 Hours Before Surgery

  • [ ] Confirm fasting instructions — typically nil by mouth from midnight before morning surgery
  • [ ] Remove nail polish (pulse oximetry requires access to nail beds)
  • [ ] Shower with antibacterial soap the night before
  • [ ] Remove all piercings and jewellery
  • [ ] Arrange to have your phone charged and accessible post-operatively
  • [ ] Brief a trusted contact at home with clinic emergency contact details

Day of Surgery

  • [ ] Arrive at clinic at the time specified — do not be late
  • [ ] Bring ID and booking confirmation
  • [ ] Do not wear makeup, perfume, or skincare products
  • [ ] Confirm with the anaesthesiologist any allergies or previous reactions to anaesthesia
  • [ ] Sign consent forms only after reading and understanding them — ask questions if anything is unclear

Before Flying Home

  • [ ] Attend all scheduled post-operative appointments
  • [ ] Receive written discharge instructions and a 24-hour emergency contact
  • [ ] Obtain a medical clearance note for flying if required (ask your surgeon)
  • [ ] Confirm what follow-up is needed with your GP at home
  • [ ] Know the warning signs that require urgent attention (fever, unusual swelling, wound opening, difficulty breathing)

The Non-Negotiables

Two items that are not optional:

Travel insurance with medical coverage: Standard travel insurance excludes planned medical procedures. You need a policy that covers complications arising from elective surgery. Read the policy, do not assume.

Written emergency protocol from the clinic: Before you travel home, you must have in writing what to do and who to call if a complication emerges after your return. "Come back to us" is not acceptable — you need a protocol your home country GP can follow.