Anonymous • Penile implant surgery
United Kingdom
Mar 15, 2026
Verified review.
I travelled to Istanbul for a penile implant procedure with Dr. Buğra Çetin, and overall my experience has been very positive.
Like many men, I had been struggling with worsening ED for some time. Lifestyle improvements and medication helped for a while but eventually stopped being effective. My partner and I have a loving relationship and we both felt that a penile implant would allow us to maintain an active and satisfying intimate life for many years to come. After researching options internationally, I was introduced to Dr. Çetin through Bookimed.
I was initially cautious about medical tourism, but once I spoke directly with Dr. Çetin and his team I felt much more comfortable. The overall package was clearly explained and included hospital care, accommodation, transfers and translation services. Compared with prices in the UK the cost was still significant but far more reasonable.
The hospital itself was excellent. All pre-operative tests were carried out efficiently and the facility and staff were highly professional. My surgery was scheduled the same day after consultation.
There were a few organisational bumps along the way (for example transport and hotel booking confusion on arrival). These things were resolved quickly but can feel a little unsettling when you are travelling in a different country. That said, everything promised in the package was ultimately delivered and the medical care itself was excellent.
The first 24 hours after surgery were quite painful, which I think is important for patients to know beforehand, although the pain was well managed in hospital and improved significantly after the first day. One thing that surprised me was that the implant remains fully inflated for the first few days after surgery. That period can be uncomfortable but it is temporary and part of the process.
A few practical tips for anyone travelling for this procedure:
Bring supportive close-fitting underwear to protect the area after surgery.
Satin or very smooth pyjama shorts can help when turning over in bed, as they reduce friction and make movement easier during the first few days.
Pack very loose trousers or tracksuit bottoms rather than jeans.
Slip-on shoes are much easier than trainers that require bending down.
Consider bringing simple pain relief such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
It is also helpful to have some local cash, as pharmacies may not accept cards for small purchases.
These are small things, but they can make the recovery period much easier.
I am currently about ten days post-surgery and recovery has been progressing well. The swelling and pain have reduced significantly and things improve a little each day. Full healing takes several weeks, but so far I am very pleased with the outcome and the care I received.
Dr. Çetin was professional, reassuring and clearly very experienced in this field. For anyone considering this procedure and researching options internationally, I would certainly recommend speaking with him and his team.
I always felt cared for and understood through a process which for me was a big deal. I was never belittled nor misunderstood. My concerns were always addressed.
It is really, really minor and others may not be concerned, but there were some 'surprises' I was not expecting such as the immediate post-surgery would require me to remain fully erect for 3 days. For me, I prefer to know all the detail up front. It would not have stopped me making a decision, but I would have preferred to know those details first.
About Bookimed service
I am naturally suspicious of booking services, especially those with overseas consultants.
It took a while to overcome my hesitancy while I built confidence, but everyone was patient, open and kind.
I never felt I was being pushed.