From inquiry to 12-month follow-up
Initial WhatsApp inquiry receives a clinical response from Dr. Erdal directly within 24 hours. After photo review and video consultation, you arrive in Istanbul for a 5–7 day stay covering pre-operative tests, surgery at a JCI-accredited hospital, hotel-based recovery with daily clinic check-ins, drain removal, and return flight. The 12-month follow-up programme includes structured photo and video reviews at month 1, 3, 6, and 12 with unlimited WhatsApp support throughout the recovery year.
The 9 stages of your journey
WhatsApp consultation with Dr. Erdal
Send 4 photos via WhatsApp — frontal, both oblique (45°), and lateral. Dr. Erdal personally reviews your photos and responds within 24 hours with:
- Initial technique recommendation (lollipop vs anchor vs donut, with or without implants)
- Ptosis grade assessment (Grade I, II, III, or pseudoptosis)
- Expected outcome description
- All-inclusive quote in your preferred currency (GBP, EUR, USD, AED)
- Recovery timeline tailored to your work and life context
This first response is from Dr. Erdal directly — not a coordinator or agency. The pattern continues throughout the entire journey.
Video consultation
30–45 minute video call with Dr. Erdal to discuss:
- Your specific aesthetic goals (size, shape, projection, scarring tolerance)
- Technique selection: lollipop (vertical), anchor (inverted-T), donut (periareolar) — based on ptosis grade
- Whether to combine with augmentation (implants) — single-stage vs two-stage decision
- Implant type, size, and profile selection if applicable
- Future breastfeeding considerations if relevant
- Recovery requirements and timeline
- Pre-operative preparation: medications to stop, smoking cessation, supplements to avoid
This is where the real surgical conversation happens. Bring all your questions; the consultation is unhurried and clinical, not sales-driven.
Booking and travel preparation
Once you decide to proceed:
- Surgery date confirmed (typically 4–8 weeks ahead)
- Coordinator team coordinates flights, transfers, and hotel
- Pre-operative requirements list provided: blood tests timing, medication stops (4 weeks before surgery), smoking cessation (4 weeks minimum, 8 weeks ideal)
- Hotel booked at premium recovery residence near the clinic
- Detailed itinerary sent: Day 0 through Day 7 timeline
VIP airport pickup and hotel check-in
Arrival day:
- VIP transfer driver waits at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) arrivals — black sedan or SUV
- Direct transfer to hotel (40–90 minutes depending on airport and traffic)
- Hotel check-in coordinated for early arrival; companion accommodated in same suite
- Light dinner at hotel restaurant or local Turkish cuisine
- Early rest — pre-operative consultation begins next morning
Hospital tests and in-person consultation
The full pre-operative day:
- Morning transfer to JCI-accredited hospital
- Standard pre-operative blood tests (CBC, coagulation, biochemistry)
- ECG and chest X-ray (over age 40 or as indicated)
- Anaesthesiology consultation with the consultant anaesthetist who will manage your case
- Return to clinic for in-person consultation with Dr. Erdal
- Surgical markings done with you standing — the most important pre-operative step in mastopexy
- Final surgical plan confirmed; consent forms signed
- Pre-operative photographs taken for records
- Return to hotel for evening rest
Total time: approximately 4–5 hours including transfers.
Mastopexy at JCI hospital
Surgery day:
- Morning transfer to hospital, fasted from midnight
- Pre-operative preparation: changing into surgical gown, IV line, anaesthesiologist re-assessment
- Surgery: 2–4 hours under general anaesthesia (mastopexy alone 2–3h; augmentation-mastopexy 3–4h), performed by Dr. Erdal personally — not a junior surgeon
- Recovery room observation 2–3 hours post-operatively
- Transfer to private inpatient room for overnight observation
- Pain managed with regular analgesia; nausea prevention protocol active
- Surgical bra applied; drains may be in place if used
- Companion stays with you in the inpatient room overnight
Hotel-based recovery with daily clinic check-ins
Hospital discharge typically morning of Day 3:
- Discharge to hotel with detailed post-operative instructions
- Daily wound check at clinic (5 minutes from hotel)
- Drains removed when output decreases (typically days 2-5)
- Surgical bra worn 24/7
- Pain management continues; most patients comfortable with paracetamol by Day 4
- Light activities (walking, reading, light meals) resume
- Companion encouraged for support and meal preparation
- Local SIM cards available for international communication
Final consultation and return flight
Final days in Istanbul:
- Final clinic visit: comprehensive wound check, scar care protocol explained in detail, surgical bra fitted properly for travel
- Final consultation with Dr. Erdal — written aftercare instructions, scar care protocol, follow-up schedule
- Photographs taken for records and follow-up comparisons
- VIP transfer to airport for return flight
- Surgical bra worn during flight; aisle seat recommended; DVT prevention essential
12-month follow-up programme
Continued surgeon access throughout the recovery year:
- Month 1: structured photo and video review with Dr. Erdal via WhatsApp. Major bruising fully resolved; significant swelling persists.
- Month 3: photo review. Most external swelling resolved; scars are typically pink/red and most visible.
- Month 6: photo review. Approximately 60-70% of final shape emerged; scars beginning to fade.
- Month 12: final photo review. Approximately 90% of final shape; scars continue maturing for additional 12+ months.
- Throughout: unlimited WhatsApp access to Dr. Erdal for questions, concerns, or unexpected changes
What's included in the package
- All surgical fees (surgeon, anaesthesia, theatre time)
- JCI-accredited hospital fees (pre-op, surgery, post-op)
- Implants if combined augmentation-mastopexy (no extra charge for brand)
- 5–7 nights at premium recovery residence
- VIP airport transfers (arrival and departure)
- All pre-operative blood tests and consultations
- Daily post-operative clinic check-ins
- Surgical bra and post-op care kit
- Drain removal if applicable
- 12-month online follow-up programme with structured reviews
- Unlimited WhatsApp surgeon access throughout recovery year
What's not included
- International flights to/from Istanbul
- Travel insurance with elective surgery cover (recommended)
- Personal incidentals (meals beyond hotel breakfast, shopping, sightseeing)
- Companion accommodation in additional room (companion stays in your suite at no charge)
- Revision surgery if needed (rare; revision quote provided separately if indicated)
Why this transparency matters. Many medical tourism packages have hidden costs that emerge only after arrival — supplementary tests, anaesthesia upgrades, hotel extensions, "implant upgrades," "VIP" add-ons. The all-inclusive package above is fixed: the quoted price is the full price. Anything not included is explicitly listed above.
Start your journey
Send 4 photos · Personalised technique recommendation · All-inclusive quote within 24 hours
WhatsApp Dr. Erdal →