Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey

A snip in time:

An increasing number of ordinary human beings are flocking to far flung places to take advantage of the booming medical tourism industry. A little snip that is heavy on the bags, but easy on the wallet.

Of course, the wealthy have been doing it for years but their choice of surgery abroad is not one of finance but more, a valid excuse as to why they have been on the missing list for a few weeks. On their return they can be heard saying: ‘Oh darlink, we had a fabulous holiday. You know I feel twenty years younger’………. Well, of course they do!

These days however, cosmetic surgery is affordable to the masses and has become as common as a trip to the hairdressers. There are even companies offering ‘payment plans’. Whatever next? Order your implants from the catalogue along with your 3 piece suite?

Rather disturbingly, young girls are saving their pennies for designer vagina’s, their mums are paying for tummy tucks on the credit card and the recently divorced hanker for the boob job and the pulling power of pert double D’s. Such are the times we live in.

The appeal of surgery abroad is the combination of the procedure itself and that of a sun drenched holiday. And why not, it is indeed a fabulous idea and as long as you use the right company you will have nothing but a pleasant experience. Therein lies the biggest problem. How do you chose the right company?

• Well, firstly, you want someone that speaks your language so it’s important there are bi-lingual staff to speak to.
• The service they offer will be geared toward your safety and wellbeing and they will indeed put you, the customer, first.
• They will use an experienced surgeon with checkable history and be able to supply you with references.
• The surgeon will be both a cosmetic and general surgeon and a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
• They will not brag about being the ‘cheapest’ (when it comes to surgery, ‘cheap is a very scary word).
• They will escort you to and from all appointments not leave you stranded with a bus timetable for company.
• Your accommodation will be conducive to recovery, not some budget hotel full of beer swilling tourists who party all night long in the room next door (unless that is what you have requested!).
• They will ensure that you are fit for surgery by performing the necessary health checks and taking full details of your medical history.
• Your surgery will be performed in a fully functional hospital
• They will be available to hold your hand throughout

That’s all well and good but how do you know the difference between a good company and a bad one?

A few things to look out for:

Does the company website offer a multitude of services? For example, the website advertises surgery, tourist day trips, property management, car rentals etc…. If so this should instantly raise the alarm bell as its plain to see it is purely a money making venture with little regard for your health and wellbeing. No doubt you’ve heard the saying “jack of all trades”, well would you really put your life in the hands of one?

Perhaps the website you have found deals specifically with surgery but when you receive a reply to your email it says:

‘Thank yoo foor yur emale wee wuld b vary glad to gıv yoo big brest and can ofer yoo discunt’……….Realy?... Would you?

Then there are the ones that hide behind a shiny website that is glowing with testimonials. They will tell you ‘yes yes of course its fine to have a full face lift and a breast augmentation all at the same time’ (İts not by the way). These are the marketing boys who sit smiling behind big polished desks in the offices of their purpose built operating facilities. The marketing boys who once you are unconscious on the table enlist the services of the cheapest surgeon they can find.

A purpose built building housing a company such as this can look very impressive (think ‘Nip Tuck’). However, you really should not consent to an operation in a building such as this and if you think about it, common sense will tell you why.

The body of each and every one of us is a law unto itself and there are no guarantees as to how one will react to surgery. İts a lottery, lets be honest. Should something go wrong, it is vital that you are having your surgery in a hospital, as it is only there that are sufficient staff with sufficient knowledge and sufficient equipment to save your life. Harsh I know but necessary to point out.

So now you know how to chose the company, how much is it likely to cost you?

The following prices are quoted by 'Roserubedo' and include the consultation, the surgery, all transfers, medical tests, reporting and any medication needed. The prices are subject to fluctuations dependent on the rate of exchange.

NB: Roserubedo are affiliated with an accredited Professor of Cosmetic & General Surgery

For the most common operations, a 2 week holiday is perfect for surgery as in most cases, the bandages come off after just one week.

This leaves you a whole week to relax, recover and get a tan before you return home looking fabulous.

And lastly, why Turkey?

'Turkey is rapidly emerging as one of the most popular destinations in Europe, especially for people from the United Kingdom, for dental and cosmetic tourism.'

'Turkey ranks ninth in the world for its number of plastic surgeons with 700 registered as practising in the country'

'In 2009 they performed 210,861 surgical procedures'

(These facts taken from The Turkish Daily News - Jan 17-23 2011)