Your journey to Istanbul

International patients

From your first message to follow-up at home, each step of your reconstruction journey is planned and coordinated with you.

The Bosphorus Bridge in Istanbul at sunset
Istanbul, TürkiyePlanned before you travel — cared for after you return

Step by step

How the journey works

Five clearly defined stages, each coordinated by our international patient team.

  1. 01

    Online Assessment

    Contact our international patient team and share your medical information, previous operation details and relevant photographs.

  2. 02

    Individual Surgical Planning

    Your case is reviewed personally by Dr. Fatih Kılıç. Suitable reconstruction options are discussed according to your history and needs.

  3. 03

    Arrival in Istanbul

    Our team helps coordinate the steps around your treatment — appointments, pre-operative tests and practical arrangements.

  4. 04

    Surgery & Recovery

    Your procedure and recovery plan are shaped by the chosen technique and your individual medical circumstances.

  5. 05

    Follow-Up

    Follow-up continues after your procedure — including remote check-ins once you have returned home.

A patient and doctor talking during a consultation
Time to ask questions — your options are explained clearly and without pressure.
A nurse checking on a patient recovering in hospital
Close monitoring and support while you recover in hospital.
A woman relaxing at home with a warm drink
Most women return to light daily activities within days to a few weeks.
The personal assessment processFive steps from sharing your medical history and photographs to a personal surgical plan, surgery in Istanbul and follow-up at home. 01 Your history
Reports, dates of surgery and radiotherapy
 02 Photographs
Front and side views, sent privately
 03 Surgeon review
Individual assessment of options
 04 Your plan
Technique, stages and length of stay
 05 Istanbul & follow-up
Surgery, recovery and remote checks
Figure 1The personal assessment: what you send, how your case is reviewed and how your plan is prepared.

Before you travel

A preliminary plan before you fly

Your case is reviewed in advance so that you arrive with a clear, preliminary plan. Final decisions are confirmed after an in-person examination in Istanbul.

How to photograph your chest for an online assessmentThree standard views — front, left side and right side — taken from the neck to the waist in good light against a plain background. Front Left side Right side Neck to waist · plain background · daylight · arms relaxed
Figure 2Photographs for your online review: front and both side views, neck to waist, in daylight.
  • Online review of your reports and photographs
  • A video consultation when helpful
  • Guidance on stopping smoking and medications that affect healing
  • An estimated length of stay based on the planned procedure

In Istanbul & after

Care that continues

  • Pre-operative consultation and examination
  • Required blood tests and imaging before surgery
  • Coordination of appointments and hospital admission
  • Post-operative checks and dressing changes
  • A written summary of your operation for your doctor at home
  • Photo and video follow-up once you have returned home
  1. 01Implant / expanderAbout 7–10 days
  2. 02Latissimus dorsi flapAbout 10–14 days
  3. 03DIEP / free flapAbout 14 days
  4. 04Fat grafting, nippleAbout 4–7 days
Figure 3Suggested length of stay in Istanbul by procedure.

Please keep your oncology team informed of your reconstruction plans — coordinating with them is part of safe care.

Questions

About travelling

What should I send for the online assessment?

Your pathology report, a summary of your cancer treatment (surgery, chemotherapy, radiotherapy dates), current medication, any relevant imaging, and photographs of the chest from the front and both sides.

When can I fly home after surgery?

Flight timing depends on the procedure and your recovery. As a general guide, around 7–10 days after implant-based procedures and about two weeks after microsurgical flap reconstruction.

Should someone accompany me?

It is strongly recommended to travel with a companion, particularly for larger procedures, so that you have support during the first days of recovery.

How does follow-up work after I return home?

Follow-up continues through scheduled photo and video check-ins. We also encourage you to keep your local doctor informed and can provide a written summary of your surgery.

Information & application

Start your online assessment

Send your medical history and photographs securely. Your case will be reviewed individually before your visit to Istanbul.

  • Individual review by Dr. Fatih Kılıç
  • Reply from our international patient team
  • Your details are kept confidential
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