The patient journey
The international medical tourism experience can feel opaque from the outside. This page describes — in honest detail — the nine stages of becoming a patient at Dr. Erdal's practice. Direct surgeon access is a defining feature: every stage from first message to long-term follow-up is with Dr. Erdal personally, not a coordinator.
Initial Enquiry
You message Dr. Erdal directly via WhatsApp with a brief description of your concerns — and ideally 4 photos: front view, both side profiles, and back view. Within 24 hours, you receive a response from Dr. Erdal himself (not a coordinator) with: an initial impression, the technique most likely to fit your anatomy, an indicative cost range, and an invitation for a video consultation.
Video Consultation
A video call with Dr. Erdal personally — not a sales coordinator. The consultation covers: detailed assessment of your photos and goals, technique recommendation with rationale, realistic expectations, scar position, recovery timeline, and your specific medical history. You ask any questions. There is no pressure to book; many patients consult and decide weeks or months later.
Pre-operative Workup
Once you decide to proceed, you receive a detailed pre-operative document covering: required laboratory tests (full blood count, comprehensive metabolic panel, coagulation, ECG, COVID screen if applicable), medications to stop and continue, smoking cessation requirements (mandatory 4-6 weeks pre-op), nutritional optimisation, and travel arrangements. Tests are typically done in your home country and emailed to the practice.
Arrival in Istanbul
VIP airport transfer from Istanbul Airport (IST) directly to your hotel — Antwell Suites or equivalent partner accommodation in Şişli/Nişantaşı, walking distance from the clinic. You meet Dr. Erdal in person at the clinic for final marking, photographs, and any remaining questions. Pre-operative blood work is reviewed. You sign informed consent. Your last meal is at the time specified by anaesthesia.
Surgery Day
VIP transfer to the JCI-accredited hospital. Pre-operative anaesthesia consultation. Surgery typically begins mid-morning. The operation lasts 3-7 hours depending on procedure complexity. TAP blocks are placed before the patient leaves the operating theatre. You are transferred to a private room with one-on-one nursing care for the first night.
First 48 Hours
You stay in the hospital for 1-2 nights with nursing observation. Pain management uses ERAS protocols — multimodal analgesia with paracetamol, NSAIDs, and TAP block effect, with opioid only as rescue. Early ambulation begins within 6 hours. Compression garment is applied. Drains (if used) are monitored. You eat a normal diet by Day 1. Discharge to hotel on Day 1 or 2.
Recovery in Istanbul
5-7 nights total stay in Istanbul covering the highest-risk early period. Daily check-in messages with Dr. Erdal via WhatsApp. Clinic visits on Days 3 and 6 (or as needed) for wound assessment, drain check/removal, garment fit. Drains removed before flight home (typically Day 5-7). You receive cleared-for-flight confirmation from Dr. Erdal before departure.
Return Home & Early Recovery
VIP transfer back to Istanbul Airport. Compression stockings worn during flight. WhatsApp follow-up continues — Dr. Erdal personally responds to your questions and concerns, typically within hours. Photo follow-ups at scheduled intervals (Day 14, Day 21, Week 4). UK GP coordination for any local issues. Most patients return to office work Week 2-3 and full activities by Week 6.
Long-term Follow-up
Scheduled photo follow-ups at Months 1, 3, 6, and 12 — these contribute to long-term outcome tracking and identify any developing issues early. Many international patients return to Istanbul for the 6 or 12-month visit (often combining with leisure travel). Annual check-ins thereafter. Direct WhatsApp access continues indefinitely; Dr. Erdal's relationship with patients does not end at the airport.
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Send your photos via WhatsApp · Direct response from Dr. Erdal · No coordinator filter
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