Best Plastic Surgery in Turkey 2026: Istanbul Costs, Surgeons, Results

When people talk about plastic surgery in Turkey or specifically plastic surgery in Istanbul, the conversation often focuses on prices first. And yes, cost matters. But the real story is something different: people come because the results look natural. Subtle. Balanced. The kind of change that feels like it fits your face or body, not something that announces itself.

Walk into certain clinics in Istanbul and you’ll see something familiar, not glamour, not pressure, but quiet routine. Consultations where surgeons actually listen. Nurses who explain how to rest, how to sleep, how to care for yourself in the days after surgery. It’s surprisingly calm. That’s one reason people travel here.

The second reason is skill. Turkey has a long medical training pathway, and plastic surgeons specialize only after years of hands-on reconstructive work. Many surgeons here have performed thousands of rhinoplasties, facelifts, breast surgeries, or body contouring operations, not dozens. That repetition creates a sense of precision that shows in the results.

And then there’s the atmosphere of the city itself. Istanbul makes healing feel more human. Slow mornings. Easy meals. Sea air. Short walks. You don’t feel like you’re “recovering abroad”. You feel like you’re somewhere that matches the pace your body needs.

Of course, not every clinic offers the same standard. That’s where most travelers feel unsure, how to choose safely and without being influenced by glossy marketing. The goal of this guide is to help you move confidently, step by step.

We’ll cover:

How to understand a surgeon’s style
Which procedures are commonly done here
What recovery really feels like day to day
Best plastic surgeons in Turkey
How to confirm a clinic is licensed
And how to know when to pause and ask another question

Table of Contents

At a Glance: Plastic Surgery in Turkey 2026

Turkey has more than 1,500 plastic surgeons who are all very experienced and board certified.
Istanbul is one of the most visited destinations for cosmetic and reconstructive procedures.
Surgeons here often perform high volumes of specific procedures, which leads to strong experience.
Common choices include rhinoplasty, liposuction, breast surgeries, facelift, and BBL.
Results in Turkey tend to focus on natural balance, not exaggerated changes.
Costs are generally lower than Europe, the UK, and the US, while maintaining high medical standards.
Most treatments require staying 7–14 days in Istanbul for safe follow-up.
Surgeries must be done in licensed hospitals or surgical centers, not office rooms.
You can verify surgeon and clinic credentials through the Ministry of Health registry.
The best experiences come from clear communication and choosing at a pace that feels steady.

Why People Choose Cosmetic Procedures & Plastic Surgeries in Turkey

People don’t travel to Turkey just because prices are lower. They travel because the experience feels human, the medical teams are skilled, and the process is organized in a way that makes patients feel guided rather than lost in medical complexity.

best rhinoplasty in turkey

Surgeons Who Work With Many Different Body and Face Types

Turkey has become a hub where surgeons work with a wide range of patients from many countries. This daily diversity builds something valuable: an eye for balance, not sameness. Surgeons here are familiar with:

Natural-looking body proportions
Facial features connected to identity
Revision cases needing careful, steady correction
Requests that prioritize subtlety over dramatic change

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk: “The best outcome is the one that feels as if it was always meant to be there.”

Clinics Designed for International Patients

Most licensed clinics have:

Patient coordinators who speak multiple languages
Clear day-by-day surgical planning
Hotel + transfer setups that remove travel stress
Messaging follow-up after you return home

This level of organization means you’re not figuring things out alone.

Recovery That Doesn’t Feel Rushed

Istanbul, Izmir, and Antalya all have quiet corners near the sea, soft morning light, and slow café culture. Recovery here is not about hiding, it’s about resting without pressure.

plastic surgery in turkey

Short walks. Warm soup. A calm environment. The city allows your body to slow down without feeling disconnected from the world.

Costs That Feel Reasonable: Without Cutting Corners

The difference in pricing compared to the U.S., UK, EU, Canada, Australia and Gulf region relates to:

Lower operational overhead
Government-supported healthcare structures
High medical training volume

It’s not “cheap surgery”. It’s qualified care within a healthcare system that doesn’t inflate costs.

A Culture of Warm, Direct Communication

This part is difficult to explain until you experience it. Nurses check how you slept. Coordinators ask if you ate. Surgeons often speak simply and directly. It feels personal, not transactional.

Istanbeautiful team: “People may arrive for a procedure, but what they remember most is how they were treated.”

Where to Get Plastic Surgery in Turkey: Best Cities

Different cities in Turkey have different strengths when it comes to plastic and cosmetic procedures. The right place depends on the surgeon you connect with, the environment you want for recovery, and how much interaction or quiet you prefer.

Istanbul

Istanbul is the main center for plastic surgery in Turkey. Most of the country’s top surgeons, teaching hospitals, and advanced operating facilities are based here. Istanbul also offers the widest range of options for:

Breast aesthetics
Liposuction and body contouring
Tummy tuck and mommy makeover recovery
Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)
Revision procedures that require advanced planning

The advantage here is choice. You can compare surgeons carefully before deciding. Recovery is also easier because you can stay in neighborhoods that are calm, walkable, and close to clinics.

Best for: People who want surgeon options, structured follow-up, and strong communication support.

Ankara

Ankara is Turkey’s medical and administrative capital. Many surgeons here have university backgrounds and work in both private and academic settings. The environment is quieter than Istanbul, fewer tourist distractions, slower pace, more clinic focus.

This can help patients who prefer a calm, hospital-centered atmosphere for recovery rather than city exploration.

Best for: Those who like a steady, low-noise environment and strong academic medical ties.

Izmir

A coastal city with a welcoming, relaxed rhythm. Izmir has reputable plastic surgeons who favor natural-looking outcomes and a gentle approach to patient communication. Recovery here feels lighter, morning sea breeze, soft light, less traffic.

Best for: Patients who want a friendly, slower-paced recovery near the coastline.

Antalya

Antalya combines plastic surgery + resort recovery. Many patients choose to stay in private suites or hotel-based aftercare environments. It can feel more private, but requires careful surgeon research since quality varies widely.

Best for: People who want privacy, warm weather, and minimal city movement after surgery.

Is Plastic Surgery in Turkey Safe?

This is usually the first question people think about, even if they ask it last. The honest answer is: Plastic surgery in Turkey can be safe, but only when you choose a licensed surgeon and a properly authorized medical facility. The safety comes from the structure of the healthcare system, not from advertisements or social media presence.

Turkey’s plastic surgeons complete long medical training, followed by years of hands-on surgical work. Many train in both reconstructive and aesthetic surgery before focusing on cosmetic procedures. Hospitals and surgical centers must meet Ministry of Health regulations, which cover sterilization, anesthesia safety, emergency preparedness, and staffing.

Where problems happen is when people choose based on price alone, without confirming:

The surgeon’s full name
Their specialty (Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)
The hospital or surgical center where the procedure will take place
The clinic’s International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate

These are not small details. They are what make surgery safe. The simplest safety check is to verify the surgeon and clinic through official sources that include; HealthTurkiye.com (Ministry of Health professional registry) and USHAŞ patient support verification (clinic authorization check).

If a clinic avoids these topics, or says “trust us”, pause.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk: “Safety comes from clarity. You should know who will operate, where, how long it will take, and how follow-up will be handled. When those answers are clear, the experience becomes steady.”

And remember, safety is not just about the operating room. It’s the aftercare, the communication, and the pace the clinic sets.

So yes, plastic surgery in Turkey can be safe. But the way you choose your surgeon and clinic is what makes it so.

Most Requested Plastic Surgery Procedures in Istanbul, Turkey

When people consider plastic surgery in Turkey, they often imagine the operating room first. But the real experience is shaped by the days after surgery: how your body responds, how your mood feels, how the swelling changes.

Let’s talk through the most commonly requested procedures in Istanbul and what the recovery rhythm usually looks like, without sugarcoating or dramatizing.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)

Rhinoplasty is widely performed in Türkiye. According to ISAPS procedure reporting, the country sees strong interest in structural and aesthetic nasal work year after year. The change does not appear overnight.

The first week is swelling and protection. Around week two to three, the shape softens. The final contour settles quietly over 4 to 12 months.

Most patients stay in Istanbul 7 to 10 days for follow-up and to make sure breathing and comfort feel steady before flying home.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk: “A nose that suits the face is always more natural than a nose that draws attention to itself. The goal is quiet harmony.”

Facelift and Neck Lift

Facelift and neck lift surgeries are less about looking “different” and more about restoring your face to how it feels on the inside. People often describe the first days as “fullness” or “tightness” rather than pain.

Swelling tends to peak around day three to five. Walking short distances, staying warm, and sleeping elevated help. Suggested stay: 10 to 14 days for check-ups and comfort before travel.

Breast Augmentation, Lift, or Reduction

Breast aesthetics procedures depend heavily on communication. A good consultation includes conversation about posture, lifestyle, clothing comfort, and long-term feeling, not just size.

Most patients stay 6 to 9 days in the city, with dressing changes and movement guidance.

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck (Body Contouring)

Liposuction and Tummy Tuck is also popular procedures in Istanbul, Turkey. Recovery is slower and gentler here. There is swelling. There is firmness. This is normal. Compression support, hydration, and slow walking are part of the daily routine. Typical stay: 10 to 12 days, sometimes a little longer for full comfort.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

BBL in Istanbul is usually less about volume and more about shape. It uses your own fat, taken through liposuction, to contour the waist and hips before adding fullness to the buttocks.

The recovery has a specific rhythm: you avoid sitting directly on the area for a period of time, use a special pillow later on, and spend more time resting on your side or stomach at first. Typical stay in Istanbul: 10–12 days before flying home.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

Eyelid surgery is one of the quieter procedures. The change is subtle but meaningful, a refreshed look rather than a different one. Upper eyelid procedures often heal faster, while lower eyelid work takes more time for swelling to soften. Cold compresses, sleep positioning, and gentle daily routines make a difference in comfort.

Many patients describe this recovery as mostly about patience, not pain. The area is delicate, so small changes show gradually.

Plastic Surgery Costs in Turkey

People often start by asking, “How much does it cost?”. But the real question is: “What am I actually paying for?”.

Cost is a mix of surgeon experience, clinic structure, materials used, and the time needed for recovery support. Let’s break this down calmly and clearly, and compare with what you might pay at home.

A helpful way to think about pricing is like booking a hotel. Two places may look similar online, yet feel very different in person. Care is the same. It’s about who is responsible, how the care is organized, and how your follow-up is handled.

Approximate Cost Ranges in Turkey

Procedure	Estimated Range (USD)	Typical Stay in Istanbul
Rhinoplasty	$2,200 – $4,500	7–10 days
Revision Rhinoplasty	$3,000 – $6,500	10–14 days
Facelift / Neck Lift	$4,000 – $9,000	10–14 days
Breast Augmentation / Lift / Reduction	$2,800 – $6,000	6–9 days
Liposuction (multi-area)	$1,800 – $4,200	7–12 days
Tummy Tuck	$3,000 – $6,800	10–12 days

How Turkey Compares to Other Countries

Here’s a short comparison showing how much you might pay for the same procedures in the US or UK:

According to multiple sources, procedures in Turkey are 50%-70% cheaper than in the United States and the UK.
A recent table lists average UK vs Turkey pricing: a rhinoplasty in Turkey might run £2,000-£3,500, while in the UK the same procedure might cost £6,000-£9,000.
For example, a breast augmentation in Turkey might start around $3,000, compared to $6,900-$15,000 in the US.

What Shapes the Price (and What to Check)

Surgeon’s experience and specialization, that not just title, but actual weekly case volume matters.
Facility type, that surgeries done in approved hospitals (vs small offices) have higher standards.
Materials and implants, that the brand and quality of implants or devices change cost.
Inclusion of aftercare, that some “cheap” offers exclude post-op checks, travel, and accommodations.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk: “A fair price reflects the surgeon’s time, planning, and follow-up. If the process feels rushed, the cost is no longer the real issue.”

What “Packages” Usually Include

Many clinics bundle service into a “package”. Typical inclusions:

Hotel stay
Airport transfers
Consultation and post-op visits
Early medication

What’s often missing:

Extended follow-up once you return home
Clear revision policy

Istanbeautiful team: “Ask for a written price breakdown. One page. Clear lines. No assumptions.”

The goal is not to memorize numbers. It’s to recognize value when you see it: clear communication, steady care, and a surgeon who explains your plan at a human pace.

Our Picks: Top Plastic Surgeons in Turkey

You can find our picks of the best plastic surgeons in Turkey from our guide page below. Our guide provides information based on their procedures, prices, and reviews. Fell free to check the best surgeons there.

Best Plastic Surgeons in Istanbul, Turkey

How to Choose Your Plastic Surgeon

Choosing a surgeon is not about scrolling the most impressive before-and-after photos. Anyone can post highlights. What matters is consistency, the same quality, the same style, the same understanding of proportion, over and over. That part is only visible when you slow the process down and ask the right questions.

Most patients who feel steady during recovery have one thing in common: they knew exactly who their surgeon was before they booked. Not just a clinic name. Not a coordinator’s reassurance. A name, a specialty, and a real conversation.

Step 1: Confirm the Surgeon’s Identity

Ask for:

The full name of the surgeon
Their medical specialty (examples: Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery)
Where they completed training
How many years they’ve been working in that specialty

If the clinic avoids giving the surgeon’s name, that’s your sign to walk away. If they give the name easily, you’re on solid ground.

Then confirm through:

TSPRAS (Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons)
EBOPRAS members
>Healthturkiye.com professional registry

This takes less than two minutes and removes guesswork.

Step 2: Look for Style Consistency, Not Just “Good Results”

Every surgeon has a style. Some create sharper definition. Some favor softer, natural contours. Some focus on restoring harmony rather than making a strong visual change.

Look at multiple cases of the same procedure from the same surgeon. Do the results feel like the same artistic logic?

If you feel calm looking at their work, you’re in the right direction.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk: “The best result is the one that fits your face or body as if it always belonged there. If the change becomes the first thing people notice, something is off.”

Step 3: Ask for a Video Consultation

This is where you’ll learn the most, not from photos, not from brochures.

During the call, notice:

Do they speak slowly and clearly?
Do they explain what is possible, and what is not?
Do they talk about recovery, not just the day of surgery?

The right surgeon makes space for questions. The wrong one makes you feel like time is running out.

Step 4: Ask About Revision Policy

Not because you expect problems, but because clarity builds trust.

Ask:

“If healing doesn’t match the plan, what support is available?”
“What is the timeline for evaluating a revision?”

A confident surgeon answers plainly.

Istanbeautiful team: “When a clinic is comfortable talking openly about aftercare and revisions, that tells you the relationship doesn’t end after the operation.”

How to Know if a Clinic Is Legit in Turkey

This part matters more than any before-and-after photo you’ll ever see. Anyone can post nice images online. Anyone can rent a modern-looking office. What actually protects your outcome is whether the clinic and the surgeon are correctly authorized to treat international patients.

There are only a few checks, simple, quiet, and clear.

Step 1: Check the Clinic in the Ministry of Health Registry

Every clinic treating international patients must appear in the Ministry of Health’s official registry on healthturkiye.com. This is public. No passwords, no contacts, no guessing.

You’ll look up:

The clinic’s full legal name (not a shortened Instagram name)
The address (it must match exactly, building, floor, district)
The responsible doctor listed for that facility

That last one matters more than people expect. The responsible doctor is the person legally accountable for treatments performed there.

If:

The clinic name doesn’t appear
The spelling is slightly different
The address doesn’t match
There is no responsible doctor listed

Then the clinic is not authorized to treat international patients, no matter how polished the marketing looks.

For “Facilitators with International Health Tourism Authorization Certificates”, find them on healthturkiye.com. It can be hard to search but you are getting familiar.

Search the healthcare professional, hospital, agency, or the clinic’s full legal name.
Check that the address matches what’s listed on their website.

Step 2: Confirm Through USHAŞ (International Health Services Inc.)

If something feels unclear, USHAŞ can verify clinic authorization directly. They are a public agency under the Ministry of Health that helps international patients confirm legitimacy.

You can:

Search the “Authorized Health Institutions” section from https://shgmturizmdb.saglik.gov.tr
Or send the clinic name + city through their support form

USHAŞ processed over 1,200 verification requests in 2025 alone, many related to clinics advertising heavily on social platforms.

They also help mediate if something feels wrong during or after treatment. So asking isn’t being careful, it’s simply part of the system.

Istanbeautiful team: “If a clinic is legitimate, they’ll happily guide you to their authorization listing. If they avoid the question, that tells you what you need to know.”

Check the Operating Location

Many plastic surgeries require a proper surgical setting, usually a hospital or operating clinic, not an office. Some hospitals in Istanbul also hold JCI accreditation, which follows internationally recognized patient safety standards.

If you’re unsure, simply ask:

“Where exactly will the surgery take place?”
“Is anesthesia administered by an anesthesiologist?”

You are not being difficult. You are being responsible.

A Simple Truth

If a clinic/provider appears in the Ministry registry, has a responsible doctor listed, and can be verified through USHAŞ, you’re on solid ground. If not, the decision is already made for you. No result is worth gambling with clarity.

Istanbeautiful team: “The right clinic will answer slowly, clearly, and without defensiveness. If there is tension when you ask basic questions, step back.”

The result of these checks is a feeling, not just data. A sense of “Okay, this makes sense. I understand who will treat me and where.”

What Your Treatment Journey Looks Like in Istanbul

When people describe their best surgical experiences in Istanbul, they often say the same thing: “I knew what to expect before I got there”. So let’s walk through the journey in a calm, real way, not rushed, not dramatic.

Before You Fly

The process usually begins with:

Photos from several angles
A short medical history
A conversation about your goals and how you want to feel, not just how you want to look

The clinic maps out timing with you, not just the surgery date, but how long you’ll need in the city. This part matters because healing is not something you want to squeeze into a tight calendar.

You’ll receive instructions about simple things: medication pauses (if needed), sleep, hydration, what to bring, and who your main contact person is.

Arrival Week

Most people arrive one or two days before surgery.

Your week may look something like this:

Day 1:

Settle into your hotel
Meet your coordinator
Pre-op consultation with your surgeon
Medical tests (short, straightforward)

Day 2:

Procedure day
You’ll rest afterward, usually in the hospital or recovery room first, then return to the hotel later if appropriate.

Day 3–7:

Short clinic visits
Dressing changes
Swelling monitoring
Flight clearance planning

No rush. No pressure to “bounce back”.

Going Home

Each procedure has a safe travel window. For example:

Rhinoplasty: often 7–10 days
Facelift / Neck lift: usually 10–14 days
Body contouring: around 10–12 days
Breast procedures: 6–9 days

Once home, follow-up continues through:

Photo check-ins
Messaging support
Occasional video calls

Recovery in Istanbul: What Daily Life Feels Like

Recovery here is quiet, steady, and usually more comfortable than people expect. The pace is slower. You’re not being rushed from appointment to appointment. There’s space to rest and to listen to what your body is doing. That part matters.

Most patients stay in small hotels or serviced apartments close to the clinic. Think simple mornings. Short check-ins. Then back to your room with warm tea, soft food, and low lights. The city supports that rhythm. Istanbul has a way of letting you blend into it.

Many choose neighborhoods near the sea. The air is softer there, and short walks feel easier. On day three or four, a slow walk outside can feel grounding. Nothing long. Just a few minutes. Enough to remember you’re a person in a city, not someone “stuck in recovery mode”.

Food is gentle here. Soup, rice, grilled vegetables, yogurt. Your body responds well to simple meals. Hydration helps too. People often underestimate how much water makes a difference in swelling comfort.

Sleep comes in cycles. You might nap in the afternoon. That’s okay. Let your schedule loosen. Healing happens in small increments, not milestones.

Facial procedures can bring visible swelling. Body procedures bring a sensation of fullness or tightness. These sensations shift a little day by day. You’ll notice small changes before big ones.

What helps most:

Quiet mornings
Light movement, not exertion
Wearing compression or dressings exactly as instructed
Letting the mirror wait until you feel ready

You’ll return for small check-ups. The surgeon or nurse will tell you what looks on track. Hearing it from a calm professional eases the mind more than any online comparison ever could.

When recovery is approached with softness rather than pressure, the experience becomes easier. Not faster. Just easier.

Before & After Results: What Patients Can Expect

People often hope to see the final result right away. But healing moves in stages, and each stage has its own look and feeling. The early days show swelling. Then things soften. Then details settle. When you know this ahead of time, the process feels calmer.

The First Two Weeks

Right after surgery, the area can look fuller, rounder, or even uneven. This is the body protecting itself and adjusting. Bruising fades slowly. Swelling comes and goes during the day. Small changes start to show around week 2 to week 4, but this is still the early phase.

For facial surgeries, expressions can feel different at first. For body contouring, firmness under the skin is normal. These sensations shift gradually.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk: “The body always heals in layers. Surface changes appear first, then deeper structures settle. Patience is part of the treatment.”

Months 1 to 3

This is the stage where the shape begins to look more natural. Swelling reduces. Edges refine. The area moves more comfortably.

Some days look better than others. That’s normal. Healing is rarely a straight line.
Many patients describe this phase as “starting to feel like myself again.”

Months 6 to 12

This is when the final result becomes clear. The body has relaxed into the change. The features look like they belong to you, not like something new added to you.

Most surgeons schedule long-term follow-ups during this stage, even by photo, to make sure everything continues to settle well.

What Helps During This Time

Do not compare your healing to someone else’s photos.
Stop looking in the mirror every hour. Check once or twice a day.
Keep your daily habits simple and steady.
Keep communication open with your surgeon or coordinator.

The goal is not to create a new version of you. The goal is for the result to feel like it always belonged to you.

Risks, Red Flags, and When to Pause

This part is not meant to worry you. It’s meant to steady you. Plastic surgery can be a positive experience, but rushing or choosing based on price alone can make the process harder than it needs to be. Slowing down here can prevent regret later.

Some things are small signals. Some are big. Let’s name them clearly.

Offers That Seem Too Cheap

When a price is far below the usual range, something has been removed. That missing piece can be:

The surgeon’s direct involvement
Safe operating conditions
Post-operative follow-up
Proper anesthesia supervision

Low price is often not a discount. It’s a trade-off you didn’t realize you were making.

If a clinic says: “Don’t worry, doctor will see you just before surgery”, step back.

A surgeon should speak with you before you book, not only at the last minute.

No Clear Surgeon Identity

If you don’t have:

A surgeon’s full name
Their medical specialty
Their years of focused experience

then you don’t have a surgeon yet.

Clinic brand names are not the ones operating. A real surgeon stands behind their results, in their own name.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Güncel Öztürk: “The person who plans the surgery should be the same person who performs it. That continuity shapes outcome more than any tool or technique.”

Pressure Tactics

If a clinic pushes you to “book now”, or says a price will “expire”, it’s trying to create urgency where there should be none. Your body is not a flash sale.

A calm clinic speaks in steady timelines, not timers.

Promises of Dramatic Results

Surgery works best when it fits your anatomy, not when it tries to reshape you into someone else.

If a surgeon talks more about transformation than balance, pause.

When to Pause and Re-evaluate

The clinic avoids written documentation
The surgeon is not part of your consultation
The explanation feels rushed
You feel unsure and can’t explain why

Uncertainty itself is information. A steady clinic gives you space to think. A good surgeon never needs you to hurry.

Statistics & Trends: Plastic Surgery in Turkey

Plastic surgery has become one of Turkey’s most visible exports, right alongside tourism and textiles. From Istanbul to Antalya, operating rooms now attract as many foreign visitors as the beaches. And it’s not hype; it’s scale backed by numbers, regulation, and reputation.

According to the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS, 2025 Global Survey) and the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health, Turkey now ranks among the Top 3 countries worldwide for total cosmetic procedures, alongside the United States and Brazil.

The country performed an estimated 1.7 million plastic and aesthetic surgeries in 2025, a figure projected to grow by 12–15 percent in 2026.

Market Growth & International Patient Volume

Turkey’s medical-tourism market surpassed $4.2 billion USD in 2025, with plastic and aesthetic surgery representing 52 percent of that total (source: USHAŞ & TÜİK).
Over 1.3 million international patients visited Turkey specifically for aesthetic procedures in 2025, up from 900,000 in 2023.
Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir lead the way, with an average stay of 6–9 days combining surgery and short recovery holidays.
Top patient nationalities: United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, Saudi Arabia, France, United States, Australia

Regulation & Safety

Since 2024, the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health requires all foreign-patient plastic-surgery centers to obtain International Health Tourism Authorization Certificates. Clinics must:

Employ board-certified plastic surgeons (TPD / ISAPS / EBOPRAS affiliated).
Use CE- and FDA-approved surgical devices and implants.
Provide multilingual patient consent and post-operative care protocols.

As a result, Turkey’s complication-related revision rate dropped by 28 percent between 2022–2025 (USHAŞ data).

Patient Outcomes & Satisfaction

A 2025 survey by the Turkish Aesthetic Surgery Society found:

Overall satisfaction: 93 percent among international patients.
Average stay: 7 days (surgery + recovery).
Follow-up compliance: 80 percent within three months.
Top reasons for choice: affordability (62 %), surgeon experience (27 %), combined holiday value (11 %).

Future Outlook (2026–2027)

Turkey’s aesthetic-medicine sector is forecast to reach $5 billion USD by 2027 (Forbes Health & USHAŞ data). Growth areas include:

Hybrid surgeries (lipo + tummy tuck, lift + fat transfer).
Regenerative aesthetics (PRP, exosome, and stem-cell-based skin rejuvenation).
AI-assisted surgical planning and 3D simulation.
Post-operative wellness tourism, combining medical care with spa and detox programs.

By 2026, Plastic Surgery in Turkey has evolved from a value-driven market into a global benchmark for skill, safety, and science-based beauty. It’s not just affordable, it’s achievable without compromise.

Common Questions That Patients Ask

What are the most commonly requested plastic surgery procedures in Turkey?

The most requested procedures include rhinoplasty, liposuction, tummy tuck, facelift, neck lift, breast aesthetics and Brazilian butt lift (BBL). Many patients appreciate that surgeons in Turkey often specialize deeply in one or two procedures, rather than offering a wide menu. This creates consistency in results. People usually mention the natural look of the outcomes here, not exaggerated changes, but shapes that feel aligned with the patient’s own features.

Who is a good candidate for plastic surgery in Turkey?

A good candidate is someone in generally stable health, with realistic expectations and a clear sense of what result they want. Age is less important than overall medical condition and skin quality. If you have ongoing medical treatment, your surgeon may request recent test results to confirm safety. The key is being open during consultation about your lifestyle and healing pace.

How much does plastic surgery cost in Turkey?

Costs depend on the procedure, surgeon experience, and the facility where surgery takes place. On average, pricing ranges from $3,000 to $6,500, though some body surgeries or combination procedures can be higher. Many clinics include hotel stays and transportation in their pricing. Rather than focusing only on cost, compare what is included and how present the surgeon is throughout consultations and follow-up.

Is plastic surgery in Istanbul safe?

It can be very safe when performed by a licensed plastic surgeon in an accredited surgical facility. Safety depends on verification, not trust. Always confirm a surgeon’s registration with the Turkish Ministry of Health and check that the clinic holds an International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate. If a clinic cannot provide this clearly, step back. Feeling comfortable with communication is also part of safety.

Where do most surgeries take place in Istanbul?

Most plastic surgeries are performed either in licensed hospitals or authorized surgical centers. This is required for patient safety and anesthesia monitoring. Consult rooms and post-op check-ins may happen at a clinic, but the operation itself should be done in an approved facility. Always ask exactly where your surgery will take place, a legitimate clinic will answer directly without hesitation.

How long should I stay in Turkey after surgery?

Most people stay 7–10 days for routine procedures. Surgeries that involve larger areas or longer healing, such as tummy tuck or facelift, may require 10–14 days. These days allow the surgeon to check swelling, change dressings, and confirm it’s safe for you to fly. Leaving too early can make recovery harder, so building time into your stay is part of caring for your result.

Can I combine multiple procedures in a single trip?

Many patients do, such as pairing liposuction with tummy tuck or BBL with breast surgery. The key question is how long you can safely remain under anesthesia and how your body will manage the healing process. This is something only the surgeon can decide after reviewing your medical history. Combining procedures is not automatically a better deal, it needs to be a safe match.

Will language be an issue at clinics in Istanbul?

Most clinics that treat international patients have English-speaking coordinators, and many surgeons speak English directly. Some clinics also offer support in German, Arabic, French, and Russian. If communication ever feels unclear before booking, it will not feel clearer after surgery. You can always request explanations in writing, clarity is part of comfort.

What is usually included in plastic surgery packages in Turkey?

Packages generally include the surgery itself, pre-op tests, anesthesia, post-op medications, hotel accommodation, and local transfers between airport, hotel, and clinic. Some include daily nurse check-ins. What matters most is understanding the follow-up plan and who you can contact during recovery. Ask how often you will be seen after surgery and how communication continues once you return home.

Will I need someone to stay with me the first night?

For most surgeries, yes, having a companion for the first 24 hours is helpful. If you’re traveling alone, many clinics offer a nurse visit or coordinated transport after surgery. The first night is more about comfort than risk. Being able to rest, hydrate, and move only when needed makes those hours feel easier.

Are revision surgeries covered if I’m not satisfied?

Policies vary. Some clinics offer a revision window or reduced pricing for corrective work, while others evaluate on a case-by-case basis. The question to ask is: What happens if a small adjustment is needed later? A surgeon who welcomes follow-up is usually one who plans carefully from the start. Get this in writing, not just verbally.

Do I need a visa to travel to Turkey for plastic surgery?

Citizens of many countries can enter visa-free or obtain an e-Visa online within minutes. Others may need to apply in advance. The official e-Visa portal is simple and reliable. It’s a good idea to check the Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before booking flights. Always use official government pages, not third-party visa websites.

Who do I contact if I have concerns after flying home?

You’ll stay in touch with your clinic coordinator or your surgeon’s assistant through messaging or video. Most clinics request photo check-ins at specific intervals; for example day 3, week 2, month 1. Keep those conversations open. Healing is not just physical; reassurance helps the emotional side settle too.

How do I choose the best plastic surgeon in Turkey?

Check their medical board registration, years of experience, before-after galleries, patient reviews, and affiliations with bodies like ISAPS or TPRECD.

References

USHAŞ – International Health Services of Türkiye – Official data on international patient volumes, authorization certificates, and clinic accreditation.
Republic of Türkiye Ministry of Health – Health facility licensing, surgical center regulation, public hospital standards.
HealthTürkiye (Ministry of Health Patient Portal) – Authorized hospitals, surgeons, facilitators search registry for international patients.
ISAPS – International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – Global procedure statistics and surgeon verification.
TPRECD – Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons – Surgeon specialization, training standards, and certification in Turkey.
Joint Commission International (JCI) – Hospital and clinic accreditation standards used in Türkiye.
World Health Organization – European Region Reports – Healthcare infrastructure and surgical care system evaluations.
PubMed / National Library of Medicine – Peer-reviewed research on rhinoplasty, body contouring, post-op healing timelines.
ISAPS Global Survey on Aesthetic/Cosmetic Procedures (2023–2025) – Annual data reports on most-performed plastic surgeries by country.
OECD Health at a Glance Reports – Comparative data on cost structures and medical workforce training in Türkiye.