How to use this checklist
Going abroad for surgery feels complicated mostly because you're doing several unfamiliar things at once. Break it into phases and it becomes a simple sequence. Work through each section below; where you want the detail, follow the link.
Phase 1 — Choose your surgeon (before anything else)
- Confirm a named, board-certified plastic surgeon who will personally assess and operate on you.
- Verify credentials (e.g. FEBOPRAS, FACS) and that surgery is in an accredited hospital.
- Have a proper consultation — share photos and your full medical history honestly.
- Agree the procedure(s), the realistic recovery time, and the aftercare plan in writing.
This is the decision everything else rests on — see choosing a surgeon and is it safe.
Phase 2 — Book the trip
- Passport: check it's valid with at least 150 days remaining and is less than 10 years old. British citizens don't need a visa for a stay this short — see visa rules for UK citizens.
- Confirm your length of stay with the clinic (most procedures need 5–7 nights) before booking anything — see how long to stay.
- Book flights around your surgery and follow-up dates, ideally a direct flight. See when to book flights and direct vs connecting.
- Sort accommodation and transfers — confirm what the clinic arranges. See where to stay and airport transfers.
- Travel insurance: arrange cover that's appropriate for travelling for a planned procedure — see travel insurance.
Phase 3 — Before you fly
- Follow your surgeon's pre-operative instructions (medications, smoking, fasting, blood tests).
- Tell your GP what you're having done, especially if you take regular medication.
- Pack smart — documents, medication, loose comfortable clothing and anything your procedure needs. See what to pack.
- Decide whether a companion is travelling with you — see bringing a companion.
Phase 4 — Arrival and surgery
- At the airport: straight through passport control (no e-visa queue for British citizens), collect your bag, meet your transfer. See arriving at Istanbul Airport.
- Pre-op assessment and final consultation with your surgeon confirm the plan before you proceed.
- Surgery, then your first night or two resting close to the clinic under care.
Phase 5 — Recovery in Istanbul
- Rest — this is recovery, not a holiday. No sightseeing, alcohol, sun or swimming.
- Attend your post-operative check-up before you're cleared to travel.
- Don't book your return flight too tight — you fly home only when it's safe.
Phase 6 — Flying home and UK aftercare
- Fly home only when cleared, and take the in-flight steps that lower clot risk. See flying home after surgery.
- Bring home your operation notes and implant details.
- Arrange any local aftercare and stay in contact with the clinic. See aftercare back home.
- Know who to call — your surgeon's team first, your GP for routine matters, and emergency services if you're acutely unwell.
A realistic timeline
For most UK patients the whole trip is a planned 5–7 nights: arrive, pre-op assessment, surgery, a few days of monitored recovery, a final check-up, then fly home. Bigger or combined procedures may need a little longer, and your surgeon confirms the exact length before you book so you can plan flights and time off work. The golden rule running through every phase: choose well and don't rush the recovery — those two things prevent the vast majority of problems.
Once you've worked through these six phases, you've covered everything that matters. If you'd like the specifics for your own city and procedure, start with your nearest departure city or get in touch via the contact page.