Health Tourism: Plastic Surgery in Turkey — Notes from the Hamburg Visit

In the past months, we met in Hamburg with patients whose surgeries we had previously performed in Türkiye. This visit was much more than a mere "control" meeting. We talked about the post-operative processes, their return to daily life, their expectations and satisfaction. It was extremely valuable for us to see them not only on the operating table, but in their lives.

This experience is also health tourism It kept my thoughts fresh on the subject. In this article, I would like to share what health tourism is, Türkiye's position in this field and how we manage this process as a surgeon.

What is Health Tourism?

Health tourism is when people travel to other countries to access medical services that they cannot access or cannot afford in their own countries. This trend in the field of plastic and aesthetic surgery has increased significantly, especially in the last decade.

Türkiye; It is among the prominent countries in plastic surgery health tourism with its quality medical infrastructure, internationally accredited hospitals and competitive prices compared to European countries. Antalya offers a distinct advantage in this process, especially with its climate, ease of transportation and tourism infrastructure.

Plastic Surgery in Türkiye: Advantages

• Experienced surgical teams: A significant portion of plastic surgeons in Türkiye were trained in Europe and America and work at international standards.
• Accredited hospitals: Institutions with JCI accreditation provide a strong reference in compliance with global health standards.
• Short waiting times: Waiting lists, which can last months in some European countries, may be much shorter or non-existent in Türkiye.
• Affordable price: The price paid for the same quality of service can be significantly lower compared to Germany, France or the UK.
• Climate and healing environment: Antalya's sunny weather and relaxing environment support the healing process.

"Health tourism is not just an operation process. It requires trust, follow-up and sustainable communication. Meeting our patients in Hamburg showed once again that this relationship is not limited to surgery. It is valuable for us to see my patients not only on the operating table, but in their lives."

—Dr. Mustafa Keleş

What Should Be Considered in Health Tourism?

Some critical questions for those considering plastic surgery abroad:

Research the Surgeon's Credentials

The diploma, certificate of expertise and experience of the surgeon who will perform the operation should be questionable. Social media presence, publications, and patient testimonials are valuable indicators; However, the main determinant is certification and clinical experience.

Contact and Accessibility

Being able to communicate directly with the surgeon before and after surgery is vital to getting your questions answered. Processes managed only through a "coordinator" can lead to serious problems, especially in cases of complications.

Postoperative Follow-up Plan

Who will follow you after you return to your country? How will follow-up appointments be scheduled? These questions should be clarified before surgery. We follow up regularly with our patients via video call; We meet for on-site checks when necessary.

Emergency Protocol

Who and where will meet you in your country in case of complications? What documents will be prepared? Working with a team that provides clear answers to these questions is the main indicator of safety in health tourism.

Summary of Doğru Health Tourism

Health tourism offers extremely meaningful results when done with the right planning and the right teams. But surgeries performed in un-researched clinics with the motivation of "getting it cheap" cause serious complications around the world. Planning surgical travel; It is not about planning a holiday, but about making a decision that entrusts your health and quality of life.

We manage an individual process for each patient. Communication continues uninterrupted from consultation to surgery and from surgery to long-term follow-up. The Hamburg meeting was a good example that embodied this.