From inquiry to 12-month follow-up

The complete journey for international breast lift patients with Dr. Erdal
Summary

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

01
Pre-arrival · Stage 1

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.

02
Pre-arrival · Stage 2

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.

03
Pre-arrival · Stage 3

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
04
Day 0 · Arrival

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
05
Day 1 · Pre-operative

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.

06
Day 2 · Surgery

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
07
Day 3-5 · Recovery

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
08
Day 6-7 · Departure

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
09
Months 1-12 · Follow-up

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

What's not included

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 →