Turkey, Istanbul
Mehmet Alp
33 years of experience
| Turkey | The UK | The USA | |
| DIEP Flap Reconstruction (Deep Inferior Epigastric Perforator Flap Surgery) | from $25,300 | - | - |
Many clinics offer access to counseling services or support groups specifically for international patients. Additionally, maintaining open communication with family and friends can provide emotional support during your recovery journey abroad.
Patients are generally advised to stay in Turkey for at least 2 weeks following surgery. This duration allows adequate time for initial recovery and necessary follow-up appointments before traveling back home.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction is performed under general anesthesia administered by certified anesthesiologists. Discuss any concerns or medical history related to anesthesia with your surgical team prior to the procedure.
Pain management typically involves prescribed medications such as analgesics or anti-inflammatory drugs. Following your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully can also help alleviate discomfort during recovery.
Coverage for international procedures varies by insurance policy; many do not cover elective surgeries abroad. Contact your insurance provider beforehand to understand your policy's specifics regarding overseas medical procedures.
Hidden costs may include additional hotel stays beyond the package offer, meals, local transportation, and unforeseen medical expenses. It's essential to have a clear understanding of what your package covers and budget for these potential extras.
Post-operative care includes monitoring for signs of infection, managing pain, and attending follow-up appointments. Many clinics offer virtual consultations for international patients, allowing you to maintain contact with your surgeon once you return home.
Ensure the hospital or clinic is accredited by international organizations such as JCI. Accreditation ensures adherence to high standards of patient care and safety, which is crucial for undergoing complex procedures like DIEP Flap Reconstruction.
Many Turkish clinics catering to international patients employ English-speaking staff or provide translation services. It's important to confirm this with your chosen clinic beforehand to ensure clear communication throughout your treatment.
Recovery from DIEP Flap Reconstruction typically takes 6 to 8 weeks, with initial hospital stay lasting about 5 to 7 days. It's advisable to plan for a stay in Turkey for at least 2 weeks post-surgery to ensure proper initial healing and follow-up care before traveling back home.
To verify a surgeon's qualifications, check if they are members of international bodies like the ISAPS or have certifications from recognized medical boards. Additionally, request to see before-and-after photos of previous surgeries and read patient testimonials to gauge their experience and success rate.
DIEP Flap Reconstruction carries risks such as flap loss, infection, bleeding, and complications related to anesthesia. While Turkey has highly qualified surgeons, it's crucial to discuss these risks thoroughly with your surgeon beforehand. Ensuring the facility is accredited by organizations like ISAPS can help mitigate some risks.
Healthcare is the key development sector of the Turkish government. The Turkish authorities are convinced that care for the citizens' health should be an absolute priority of state policy and spend about 77 billion liras for healthcare annually.
As a result, 28,000 medical facilities provide excellent medical care in the country. About 50 centers have certificate of JCI (Joint Commission International), the international improver of healthcare quality and safety across the globe. The index of certificates obtained is the largest. To compare, Israel has 20 JCI-accredited facilities, and Germany — only 10 clinics of this type.
| Currency | lira (you also can pay for services in dollars and euros) |
| Best period for the trip | May-October |
| Language | Turkish (most of medical staff speaks English fluently) |
| Visa | is not required for a trip of at least 30 days per visit |
| Time difference with Europe | 3 hours |
| Time difference with the USA | 8 hours |
| Capital | Ankara |
| Medical tourism center | Istanbul |
| Popular resorts | Alanya, Antalya, Kemer, Marmaris |
In Turkey, hotels of different price ranges and service levels are presented. The level of Turkish hotels is comparable to hotels in Tunisia, Morocco or Egypt. Most tourists choose 4 and 5 star hotels with all-inclusive meals. Such hotels have everything for a comfortable stay: varied food, a large well-groomed territory, animation for children and adults. Some hotels have their own water park, which guests can use for free. Budget travelers can afford to book an economical 3-star hotel with half board or no meals at all.
The main advantage of Turkish resorts is the long beach season. On the Mediterranean coast, it starts in April and lasts until November. In the resorts of the Aegean Sea — from May to October. The most comfortable time for swimming is from mid-June to the end of October. A large influx of tourists is in July-August, when the air temperature is +38°C, and the water warms up to +27°C.
In 2020, the Republic of Turkey has visa-free agreements with 89 states. Some foreigners are exempted from obtaining entry visas, others are required to receive an electronic visa (e-Visa), and still others must apply for a visa at Turkish missions abroad.
What states need a visa for treatment in Turkey and what countries can cross the border free and easy read here.
Visas for travel to Turkey require a number of documents. The necessary papers can be submitted 90 days before the planned departure. Lists of documents includes: