Breast Surgery Turkey — Implants, Lift & Reduction Istanbul

Breast augmentation at MedProper is suitable if you:

• Want to increase breast size by one or more cup sizes
• Have lost breast volume after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss
• Want to correct mild asymmetry between your breasts
• Desire a fuller, rounder breast profile
• Are in good general health with realistic expectations

Results are visible immediately after surgery, though the final shape settles over three to six months as swelling resolves and the implants drop into their natural position — a process surgeons refer to as "drop and fluff."

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

A breast lift, or mastopexy, repositions the nipple and areola higher on the chest wall, removes excess skin, and reshapes the remaining breast tissue to create a firmer, more youthful contour. Unlike augmentation, a lift does not significantly change breast size — it corrects sagging (ptosis) that occurs naturally with age, gravity, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and weight fluctuation.

The degree of lift required determines the incision pattern:

• Crescent lift: A small incision along the upper half of the areola, suitable only for very mild sagging
• Peri-areolar (donut) lift: An incision around the entire areola circumference, for mild to moderate ptosis
• Vertical (lollipop) lift: An incision around the areola and vertically down to the breast crease, for moderate sagging
• Anchor (inverted-T) lift: An incision around the areola, vertically down, and along the breast crease, for significant ptosis

The procedure takes approximately 90 minutes to two hours. A breast lift is particularly popular among women who are happy with their breast volume but unhappy with drooping, elongated shape, or nipples that point downward.

Breast Reduction

Breast reduction surgery removes excess breast tissue, fat, and skin to achieve a breast size more proportionate to your body frame. Beyond cosmetic improvement, reduction is a functionally transformative procedure — it relieves chronic neck, back, and shoulder pain caused by the weight of overly large breasts, eliminates skin irritation beneath the breast fold, improves posture, and makes physical exercise far more comfortable.

The procedure uses an anchor-shaped incision pattern in most cases, takes two to three hours, and typically removes 300 to 1,000 grams of tissue per breast. Your surgeon will also reposition the nipple and areola to sit at a natural height on the newly shaped breast.

You may be a candidate for breast reduction if you experience:

• Chronic back, neck, or shoulder pain directly related to breast weight
• Deep grooves in your shoulders from bra straps
• Skin rashes or infections beneath the breast fold
• Difficulty exercising or participating in physical activities
• Self-consciousness about breast size disproportionate to your frame
• Numbness or tingling in the hands due to nerve compression from bra straps

Many women describe breast reduction as the single most life-changing cosmetic procedure they have undergone. In the UK, the NHS sometimes covers breast reduction for medical reasons, but waiting lists can extend beyond 12 months and referrals are frequently declined. Travelling to Istanbul for a private breast reduction at MedProper eliminates the wait and provides immediate access to an experienced surgeon.

Breast Augmentation with Lift

A combined augmentation and lift is the ideal solution for women who have both lost volume and developed sagging — a common situation after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or significant weight loss. The procedure adds an implant to restore fullness while simultaneously lifting and reshaping the breast envelope for a perkier, more youthful result.

Performing both procedures in a single operation means one anaesthetic, one recovery period, and a lower overall cost compared to staging the procedures separately. The combined operation takes approximately two to three hours.

This is one of the most technically demanding breast procedures because the surgeon must balance the tension of the lift with the volume of the implant. Choosing a surgeon with extensive experience in combined breast surgery is essential — at MedProper, our plastic surgeons perform hundreds of augmentation-mastopexy combinations annually.

Fat Transfer Breast Augmentation

Fat transfer breast augmentation (lipofilling) uses your own body fat — harvested via liposuction from areas such as the abdomen, flanks, or thighs — to increase breast size by approximately half a cup to one full cup. The fat is purified and then injected into the breasts in small amounts to achieve a natural, soft result.

Advantages of fat transfer:

• No implants, no foreign material in your body
• Simultaneously slims the donor area (liposuction benefit)
• Very natural look and feel
• No risk of capsular contracture or implant rupture
• Minimal scarring (small liposuction entry points only)

Limitations to be aware of:

• Size increase is modest (typically one cup size maximum)
• Not all transferred fat survives — approximately 60 to 80 percent is retained long-term
• Requires adequate donor fat, so very slim patients may not be suitable candidates
• May require a second session for optimal results

Fat transfer breast augmentation at MedProper is performed by surgeons experienced in both liposuction harvesting techniques and precision fat grafting, ensuring the highest possible fat survival rate.

Breast Implant Guide: Brands, Shapes and Sizes

Choosing the right implant is one of the most important decisions you will make during your breast augmentation journey. At MedProper, we use only CE-marked, FDA-approved implant brands with established long-term safety records. Your surgeon will guide you through the options during your consultation, but understanding the basics in advance helps you make a more confident, informed decision.

Implant Brands: Mentor vs Motiva vs Natrelle

Which brand does MedProper recommend? There is no single "best" implant — the right choice depends on your body type, desired outcome, and personal preferences. Mentor offers the most extensive long-term safety data. Motiva Ergonomix implants are increasingly popular for their natural movement and feel. Natrelle provides the widest range of customisation with over 200 size and projection combinations. Your MedProper surgeon will discuss all three brands during your pre-operative consultation and recommend the option best suited to your anatomy and goals.

Round vs Teardrop (Anatomical) Implants

Round implants are symmetrical and provide equal fullness across the top and bottom of the breast. They create noticeable upper-pole fullness — the "pushed up" look many patients desire. Because they are the same shape in every direction, there is no risk of rotation causing visible distortion.

Teardrop (anatomical) implants are shaped like a natural breast, with more volume concentrated at the bottom and a gentle slope at the top. They produce a subtler, more natural-looking result, particularly in patients with minimal existing breast tissue.

Implant Placement: Over vs Under the Muscle

Subglandular (over the muscle): The implant sits between the breast tissue and the pectoral muscle. This placement involves a shorter recovery, less post-operative pain, and avoids animation deformity (implant movement when you flex your chest). However, the implant edges may be more visible in very slim patients.

Submuscular (under the muscle): The implant sits partially or fully beneath the pectoral muscle. This provides an additional layer of tissue coverage, making the implant less visible and palpable, particularly in patients with limited natural breast tissue. It also slightly reduces the risk of capsular contracture. Recovery is somewhat longer, and patients may notice implant movement when contracting their chest muscles.

Dual plane: A hybrid approach where the upper portion of the implant sits beneath the muscle while the lower portion is covered only by breast tissue. This technique is favoured by many MedProper surgeons because it combines the coverage benefits of submuscular placement with a more natural lower-pole shape.

Your surgeon will recommend the optimal placement based on your existing breast tissue thickness, skin elasticity, chosen implant size, and desired aesthetic outcome.

Choosing Your Size: What Does 300cc, 400cc, 500cc Look Like?

Implant size is measured in cubic centimetres (cc), not cup sizes, because cup sizes vary significantly between bra manufacturers. Here is a general guide to how implant volumes translate to approximate cup size increases — keeping in mind that your frame, chest width, and existing breast tissue all influence the final result:

At MedProper, we use a sizing system during your pre-operative consultation. You will try on sizers inside a surgical bra so you can see and feel the approximate result in the mirror before your operation. Your surgeon will also take detailed chest measurements — base width, breast height, skin-to-nipple distance, and tissue thickness — to recommend the size range that will look proportionate and sit well on your frame long-term.

The most commonly chosen size at MedProper is between 300cc and 400cc for UK patients, which typically achieves a 1.5 to 2 cup size increase with a natural, balanced result.

Breast Surgery Turkey Cost 2026

One of the primary reasons British and American women choose Turkey for breast surgery is the substantial cost saving compared to private clinics at home. At MedProper Istanbul, all prices below are all-inclusive — meaning your surgeon fee, anaesthesia, hospital stay, implants (where applicable), hotel accommodation, airport transfers, and post-operative care are included in a single package price.

Prices valid for 2026. All figures shown in GBP, USD, and EUR. Final pricing depends on the specific procedure plan, implant brand selected, and any additional techniques required. A personalised quote is provided after your free video consultation.

Why is breast surgery more affordable in Turkey? The lower cost does not reflect lower quality — it reflects lower operating overheads in Turkey, favourable exchange rate, and the sheer volume of procedures performed. Turkish plastic surgeons perform more breast augmentations annually than surgeons in almost any other country, and operating costs (staffing, facilities, supplies) are substantially lower than in the United Kingdom or United States while medical standards at JCI-accredited hospitals meet or exceed international benchmarks.

Turkey vs UK vs USA: Full Cost Comparison

Understanding exactly where your money goes helps you compare like for like. Below is a transparent breakdown of what each element costs at MedProper versus typical UK and US private clinics:

What you need to budget separately:

• Return flights London to Istanbul: approximately £100-£250 (budget airlines regularly offer fares under £150 return)
• Return flights from major US cities to Istanbul: approximately $400-$700 (Turkish Airlines offers direct flights from New York, Miami, Los Angeles, Chicago, Houston, and Washington DC)
• Travel insurance with medical cover: approximately £30-£60 / $40-$80
• Personal spending money for meals and sightseeing

Even after adding flights and insurance, the total cost of breast augmentation at MedProper Istanbul — including a 5-star hotel stay and private transfers — remains approximately 50 to 65 percent less than the procedure alone at a UK or US private hospital.

What Is Included in Our All-Inclusive Package?

The MedProper all-inclusive breast surgery package is designed to eliminate hidden costs and logistical stress. Here is precisely what is covered from the moment you land in Istanbul:

Surgery and Hospital:

• All surgical fees (lead surgeon and assisting team)
• General anaesthesia administered by a board-certified anaesthesiologist
• Operating theatre and equipment at our JCI-accredited hospital partner
• One night of in-patient hospital stay with 24-hour nursing care
• All surgical supplies, dressings, and drains (if required)
• CE-marked, FDA-approved implants from Mentor, Motiva, or Natrelle (for augmentation procedures)
• Manufacturer implant warranty (lifetime replacement in case of rupture, depending on brand)
• Post-operative compression bra or surgical garment
• Prescription medications: antibiotics, painkillers, anti-nausea, anti-inflammatory

Accommodation and Transfers:

• 5 to 6 nights in a 4 or 5-star partner hotel (private room, breakfast included)
• Private VIP airport pickup upon arrival in Istanbul
• All transfers between hotel, hospital, and clinic throughout your stay
• Private VIP airport transfer for your departure

Aftercare and Follow-Up:

• Pre-operative consultation and physical examination in Istanbul
• Pre-operative blood tests and ECG
• Implant sizing session with your surgeon (for augmentation patients)
• Daily wound checks during your hotel recovery stay
• Final post-operative check-up before you fly home
• Detailed written aftercare instructions in English
• Direct WhatsApp access to your patient coordinator
• 12-month remote follow-up programme with photo review at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 12 months post-surgery
• Medical fitness-to-fly certificate for your airline

What Is NOT Included:

• International flights to and from Istanbul (we recommend booking flexible tickets)
• Travel insurance (strongly recommended — ensure your policy covers cosmetic surgery abroad)
• Meals outside of hotel breakfast
• Personal spending and sightseeing expenses
• Any additional procedures not discussed and agreed during your consultation

Why Choose Turkey for Breast Surgery?

Turkey has become the leading global destination for cosmetic surgery, and breast procedures represent a significant share of the approximately 1.2 million medical tourists who visit the country annually. Here is why:

Cost savings of 50 to 65 percent versus UK prices. A breast augmentation that costs £5,500 to £9,000 at a UK private clinic starts from £2,700 at MedProper — and our price includes the hotel, transfers, and aftercare that you would never receive in the UK.

Surgeon experience and volume. Turkish plastic surgeons are among the most experienced in the world, performing far more procedures annually than their UK counterparts. This volume translates directly into refined technique, shorter operating times, and consistently excellent results. MedProper surgeons have collectively performed over 3,000 breast procedures.

JCI-accredited hospital facilities. Joint Commission International accreditation is the gold standard for hospital safety worldwide. It requires rigorous compliance with over 1,000 standards covering patient safety, infection control, medication management, and clinical outcomes. MedProper operates within a JCI-accredited hospital — the same accreditation held by the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, and Massachusetts General Hospital.

All-inclusive medical tourism packages. Unlike the UK, where you pay separately for the surgeon, anaesthetist, facility, implants, follow-up appointments, and compression garments, Turkish clinics bundle everything into one transparent price. You know exactly what you are paying before you travel.

Short travel time from the UK. Istanbul is just 3.5 to 4 hours from London — shorter than flying to many European holiday destinations. Multiple daily flights operate from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Edinburgh, and other UK airports.

A chance to recover in a world-class city. Istanbul offers a unique combination of history, culture, and modern luxury. Many of our patients combine their recovery with gentle sightseeing, shopping, and dining during their stay.

Am I a Good Candidate?

The right procedure for you depends on your anatomy, your goals, and your overall health. Below is a guide to candidacy for each breast surgery type.

Breast Augmentation Candidates:

• Aged 18 or over (most patients are between 25 and 50)
• In good general health with no uncontrolled medical conditions
• BMI ideally below 30 (higher BMI increases surgical risk and may affect results)
• Have fully developed breasts
• Have realistic expectations about the outcome
• Non-smokers, or willing to stop smoking at least four weeks before and after surgery
• Not currently pregnant or breastfeeding (wait at least six months after stopping breastfeeding)

Breast Lift Candidates:

• Breasts that sag or have lost shape and volume (Grade 2 or 3 ptosis)
• Nipples that point downward or sit below the breast crease
• Stretched areolae that appear disproportionately large
• Happy with current breast volume but unhappy with position and firmness
• Ideally at a stable weight — significant future weight changes may affect results

Breast Reduction Candidates:

• Breasts that are disproportionately large relative to body frame
• Chronic physical symptoms: back pain, neck pain, shoulder grooves, skin irritation
• Difficulty finding clothes that fit properly
• Limitation of physical activity due to breast size
• No minimum age, though surgeons recommend waiting until breast development is complete (usually age 18)
• BMI below 35 is strongly recommended — your surgeon may advise weight loss before surgery if BMI is higher

Combined Augmentation and Lift Candidates:

• Loss of both volume and position (common after pregnancy, breastfeeding, or weight loss)
• Desire for a fuller, perkier result that neither procedure alone would achieve
• Willing to accept slightly more scarring than augmentation alone

Breastfeeding Considerations:

If you plan to have children in the future, discuss this with your surgeon. Breast augmentation with submuscular placement generally does not interfere with breastfeeding. Breast lifts and reductions involve repositioning the nipple, which may affect milk duct integrity in some cases. Your surgeon will use techniques that preserve as much duct tissue as possible, but complete preservation cannot be guaranteed.

When to wait:

• If you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding — wait at least six months after stopping
• If you plan significant weight loss — achieve your target weight first, as major weight changes alter breast shape
• If you have an active breast infection or unresolved mammogram findings
• If you are currently taking blood-thinning medications that cannot be paused safely

Your Breast Surgery Journey: Day by Day

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul

Your MedProper patient coordinator arranges your entire trip. A private VIP driver meets you at Istanbul Airport (IST) with a name sign and drives you directly to your 4 or 5-star partner hotel. The drive takes approximately 30 to 45 minutes depending on traffic.

You will receive a welcome message via WhatsApp with your schedule for the following days, the name and contact details of your coordinator, and answers to any last-minute questions. The rest of the day is yours to settle in, rest after your flight, and explore the hotel facilities.

Day 2: Pre-Operative Assessment and Implant Selection

Your private transfer collects you from the hotel and drives you to MedProper. Your day includes:

• Detailed consultation with your surgeon. You will discuss your goals, medical history, and any concerns. Your surgeon will examine your breasts, take measurements, and recommend the best procedure, implant type, size, and placement for your anatomy.
• Implant sizing session. For augmentation patients, you will try on different implant sizers inside a surgical bra to visualise the approximate result. Your surgeon will guide you through the options and help you select the volume that best matches your goals.
• Pre-operative blood tests and ECG. A full panel of blood work (complete blood count, coagulation, liver and kidney function, infectious disease screening) and an electrocardiogram are performed on site.
• Anaesthesia consultation. You meet your anaesthesiologist, who reviews your medical history, allergies, and current medications to plan your anaesthetic.
• Consent and pre-operative photography. Standardised medical photographs are taken for your surgical record. You review and sign your informed consent documents.
• Surgeon markings. Your surgeon draws precise surgical guidelines on your breasts with a marker while you are standing upright — this step is critical for symmetry and ensures the planned incision lines and implant pocket boundaries are accurate.

After your assessment, your transfer returns you to the hotel. You will receive fasting instructions: no food for at least eight hours before surgery and no water for at least two hours before.

Day 3: Surgery Day

Your transfer arrives at the hotel early in the morning. At the hospital:

• You change into a surgical gown and your surgeon reviews the markings one final time
• An IV line is placed and you are taken to the operating theatre
• General anaesthesia is administered — you will be asleep and feel nothing during the procedure
• Surgery duration: approximately 60 to 90 minutes for augmentation, 90 to 120 minutes for lift, two to three hours for reduction or combined procedures
• You wake in the recovery room with nursing staff monitoring your vitals, pain levels, and drain output (if applicable)
• After a few hours in recovery, you are moved to your private hospital room for overnight observation
• Your surgeon visits you in the evening to check on your progress and answer questions

You spend one night in the hospital with 24-hour nursing care. Pain is managed with intravenous and oral medication, and you will be encouraged to take short walks to promote circulation.

Days 4-5: Hotel Recovery

You are discharged from hospital the following morning and transferred back to your hotel. Your recovery routine includes:

• Daily wound checks by a MedProper nurse or coordinator who visits you at the hotel or at the clinic
• Wearing your compression bra 24 hours a day (you will be given this at the hospital)
• Light walking around the hotel and nearby areas to promote blood flow
• Prescribed medications taken on schedule (antibiotics, painkillers, anti-inflammatory)
• Elevating your upper body when sleeping (two to three pillows, or a wedge pillow)
• No heavy lifting, stretching, or raising your arms above your head

Most patients feel well enough to leave the hotel for gentle walks, light meals at nearby restaurants, and even easy sightseeing by Day 4 or 5. Taxis and our transfer service are available if you prefer not to walk far.

Day 6-7: Final Check and Fly Home

Before you depart Istanbul:

• Final post-operative appointment. Your surgeon examines your incisions, assesses healing, removes any drains if still in place, and confirms you are fit to fly.
• Medical fitness-to-fly certificate. MedProper provides a signed medical letter confirming your procedure and fitness for air travel, which airlines may request.
• Detailed aftercare pack. You receive written instructions covering wound care, medication schedule, compression bra duration, activity restrictions, and follow-up milestones.
• Your coordinator schedules your first remote follow-up (typically one week after surgery, via WhatsApp photo review).
• Private VIP transfer to Istanbul Airport for your flight home.

Recovery Timeline: Week by Week

Recovery varies by procedure. The table below compares typical milestones for breast augmentation, breast lift, and breast reduction:

Week 1 (in Istanbul and first days home): Swelling and bruising are at their peak. Breasts will feel tight, swollen, and sit higher than their final position. Mild to moderate pain is normal and well controlled with prescribed painkillers. Wear your compression bra at all times. Sleep on your back with your upper body elevated.

Weeks 2-3: Swelling reduces noticeably. Most patients return to desk-based work. You may begin gentle lower-body walks and daily activities. Avoid any upper-body strain, lifting anything heavier than a kettle, or reaching above your head.

Weeks 4-6: The majority of swelling has resolved. You can gradually return to light exercise. Your compression bra transitions from 24/7 wear to daytime only (your surgeon will advise). Incision scars are pink or red at this stage — this is completely normal.

Months 2-3: Implants settle into their final position. The initial firmness softens. You can resume all exercise including upper-body workouts, swimming, and running.

Months 3-6: Your final breast shape emerges. Scars continue to fade from pink to pale.

Months 6-18: Scars mature to their final appearance — typically thin, pale lines that are well concealed within the breast crease or around the areola.

When Can I Fly Home?

Flying after breast surgery is safe for most patients within five to seven days, provided your surgeon confirms fitness to travel at your final post-operative check-up.

Short-haul flights (under 4.5 hours — e.g., Istanbul to London):

• Generally safe from Day 5 post-surgery
• Wear your compression bra throughout the flight
• Move your feet and ankles regularly to promote circulation
• Stay well hydrated and avoid alcohol
• You may request an aisle seat for easier movement
• Carry your medication in your hand luggage with a copy of your prescription
• Your MedProper fitness-to-fly certificate covers airline requirements

Long-haul flights (over 5 hours):

• Your surgeon may recommend waiting 7 to 10 days for longer flights
• Consider booking a premium economy or business class seat for additional space
• Wear compression stockings as well as your compression bra
• Walk through the cabin every one to two hours

The compression bra must be worn during the entire flight — cabin pressure changes can increase swelling, and the bra provides essential support. Do not remove it for comfort during the flight.

Airline notification: Most airlines do not require advance notice for passengers recovering from cosmetic surgery, but carrying your medical fitness-to-fly certificate from MedProper is recommended in case cabin crew have questions about your surgical bra or any visible dressings.

Is Breast Surgery Safe in Turkey?

This is the most important question you can ask, and at MedProper we believe you deserve a completely transparent answer.

Addressing NHS and BAAPS Concerns Directly

British media and professional bodies including the NHS and the British Association of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (BAAPS) have raised serious concerns about cosmetic surgery abroad. The statistics they cite are alarming: at least 25 British nationals have died following cosmetic surgery abroad since 2019, and the NHS has reported a 94 percent increase in corrective procedures for patients returning from overseas with complications, costing the NHS an estimated £15,000 to £20,000 per corrective case.

We do not dismiss these concerns. We take them extremely seriously. And we believe you should too. Here is what the data actually shows:

The vast majority of complications and deaths occur at unaccredited, unregulated facilities. Turkey has over 1,500 clinics and agencies offering cosmetic surgery, but only a fraction hold international accreditation. Many of the tragic outcomes reported in UK media involve:

• Clinics operating without JCI, ISO, or Turkish Ministry of Health accreditation
• Procedures performed in hotel rooms, office suites, or unlicensed "clinics" rather than accredited hospitals
• Surgeons without board certification in plastic surgery (general surgeons or non-specialists performing cosmetic procedures)
• Package-deal agencies that prioritise volume over safety, scheduling multiple surgeries in a single day with inadequate surgeon attention per patient
• Absence of proper anaesthesia monitoring, on-site intensive care facilities, or post-operative nursing
• No aftercare plan beyond discharge — patients left to manage complications in a hotel room without medical support

This is not the standard of care at MedProper. We operate within a JCI-accredited hospital with full intensive care facilities, board-certified anaesthesiologists, 24-hour nursing, and strict patient-to-surgeon ratios. Our surgeons are certified by the Turkish Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, hold ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) membership, and have 15 or more years of specialist experience.

The question is not whether Turkey is safe for breast surgery. The question is whether the specific clinic you choose is safe. A JCI-accredited hospital in Istanbul operating at international standards is demonstrably as safe as a CQC-regulated UK private hospital. The danger lies in choosing a facility based on the lowest price alone, without verifying accreditation, surgeon credentials, or hospital standards.

JCI Accreditation and What It Means for You

Joint Commission International (JCI) is the global leader in healthcare accreditation, operating in over 100 countries. To achieve and maintain JCI accreditation, a hospital must:

• Pass a rigorous on-site survey covering over 1,000 measurable standards
• Demonstrate compliance with International Patient Safety Goals (IPSG)
• Maintain documented protocols for infection prevention, surgical safety, medication management, and emergency response
• Submit to unannounced inspections and re-accreditation every three years
• Report and analyse all adverse events through a structured quality improvement system

Only approximately 30 hospitals in all of Turkey hold JCI accreditation. The MedProper hospital partner is among them. For a UK patient, choosing a JCI-accredited facility in Istanbul means you are receiving care that meets the same measurable standards as top hospitals in the United States, Europe, and the UK.

Our Surgeons

Breast surgery at MedProper is performed by plastic surgeons who meet every one of the following criteria:

• Turkish Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery certification — the equivalent of being on the GMC Specialist Register in the UK
• ISAPS membership (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery) — the leading international body for qualified aesthetic surgeons worldwide
• Minimum 15 years of active practice in breast and body aesthetic surgery
• Over 3,000 breast procedures performed collectively across the surgical team
• Ongoing professional development — attendance at international congresses, published research, and continuous training in emerging techniques
• Sub-specialisation in breast aesthetics — not general surgeons who occasionally perform cosmetic procedures, but dedicated aesthetic plastic surgeons

During your free video consultation, you will meet the surgeon who will perform your operation. You can ask about their training, experience, complication rates, and view examples of their previous results.

How to Choose a Safe Clinic in Turkey

Whether you choose MedProper or another provider, here is a checklist to protect yourself:

1. Verify JCI, ISO, or Turkish Ministry of Health accreditation. Ask for the certificate number and check it on the JCI website (jointcommissioninternational.org).
2. Confirm your surgeon is board-certified in plastic surgery. In Turkey, this means certification from the Turkish Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. General surgeons, dermatologists, or ENT doctors performing breast surgery are a red flag.
3. Check ISAPS or TSAPS membership. These are voluntary professional societies that verify their members hold specialist plastic surgery qualifications.
4. Ask where the surgery will be performed. It should be in a licensed hospital with an operating theatre, anaesthesia team, recovery room, and on-site intensive care — never in a clinic room, hotel, or office.
5. Request the name and credentials of your anaesthesiologist. They should be a separate, qualified specialist — not the surgeon managing anaesthesia alone.
6. Ask about their complication rate and revision policy. Any reputable clinic will answer this question openly.
7. Confirm a written aftercare plan. What happens when you return home? Who do you contact? How are follow-up reviews conducted?
8. Be cautious of prices that seem too good to be true. If a package is significantly cheaper than the market average (below £2,000 for breast augmentation, for example), question what has been cut to reach that price.
9. Read independent reviews. Check Google, Trustpilot, RealSelf, and social media for genuine patient experiences.
10. Trust your instincts. If a clinic is pressuring you to book quickly, offering unrealistic guarantees, or unwilling to provide documentation, walk away.

What Happens If Something Goes Wrong?

No surgical procedure is without risk, and part of choosing a responsible clinic is understanding what happens if complications arise.

MedProper complication management protocol:

While in Istanbul (Days 1-7):

• 24-hour on-call access to your surgeon and the hospital medical team
• Immediate re-admission to hospital if required, at no additional cost within the first seven days
• On-site intensive care and emergency surgical facilities available around the clock

After returning to the UK:

• 12-month remote follow-up programme. You submit photographs via WhatsApp at structured intervals (1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, 12 months). Your surgeon personally reviews each submission and provides written feedback.
• Direct WhatsApp line to your patient coordinator — available for questions, concerns, or symptom reports throughout your recovery
• If a complication requires surgical revision within 12 months and is determined to be related to the original procedure, MedProper covers the cost of the revision surgery. You would need to arrange travel back to Istanbul and cover your own flights and accommodation.
• UK GP liaison. If you need local medical attention (for example, antibiotics for a minor wound infection), MedProper provides a detailed surgical summary letter for your GP, and our medical team is available to speak directly with your UK doctor to coordinate care.

Implant warranty:

All three implant brands used at MedProper come with manufacturer warranty programmes:

• Mentor: 10-year product replacement warranty. Enhanced MemoryGel warranty covers implant replacement and financial assistance toward revision surgery costs in the event of rupture.
• Motiva: Always Confident warranty provides lifetime implant replacement in the event of rupture, plus financial assistance toward surgical costs.
• Natrelle: ConfidencePlus 10-year programme covering implant replacement plus financial assistance for revision surgery in the event of rupture or capsular contracture (Baker Grade III/IV).

Details of your specific implant warranty are provided in your discharge pack, along with your implant serial numbers and registration information.

Combine Your Breast Surgery

Many patients choose to combine their breast procedure with one or more additional surgeries to achieve a comprehensive transformation during a single trip to Istanbul. Common breast surgery combinations at MedProper include:

Breast Surgery + Tummy Tuck (Mommy Makeover): The most popular combination. A breast augmentation or lift combined with abdominoplasty addresses both the breast changes and abdominal laxity that typically follow pregnancy and childbirth. This combination is performed in a single operation lasting three to four hours, with one recovery period instead of two.

Breast Surgery + Liposuction: Adding liposuction to flanks, abdomen, or thighs alongside breast augmentation or reduction creates a more refined overall silhouette. The fat harvested during liposuction can also be used for fat transfer breast augmentation, effectively combining two procedures without implants.

Breast Surgery + Rhinoplasty: For patients who want to address both breast and facial concerns during the same trip, combining breast augmentation with rhinoplasty is safe and efficient. The two surgical sites do not interfere with each other, and recovery timelines are comparable.

Breast Reduction + Liposuction: Women undergoing breast reduction often also wish to address other areas of unwanted fat. Combining the two procedures is common and does not significantly extend recovery time.

Important safety note on combinations: Not all combinations are appropriate for every patient. Your surgeon will assess whether your health, body composition, and procedure goals allow for safe combination in a single session. The total anaesthesia time must remain within safe limits — typically under five to six hours. If your desired combination exceeds this, your surgeon may recommend staging the procedures across two separate visits.

Risks and Complications

All surgical procedures carry inherent risks. At MedProper, we discuss every potential complication openly during your consultation so you can make a fully informed decision. Breast surgery risks include:

Capsular contracture: The body forms a natural capsule of scar tissue around any implant. In some cases (approximately 5 to 10 percent over a lifetime), this capsule tightens and hardens, causing the breast to feel firm, appear distorted, or become uncomfortable. Treatment ranges from massage and medication to surgical capsulectomy (removal of the capsule) and implant replacement.

Infection: Occurs in approximately 1 to 2 percent of breast augmentation cases. Symptoms include increasing redness, swelling, warmth, pain, and fever. Early treatment with antibiotics is usually effective. Rarely, the implant may need to be temporarily removed to clear the infection.

Haematoma and seroma: A collection of blood (haematoma) or fluid (seroma) around the implant. Small collections usually resolve on their own. Larger collections may require drainage.

Asymmetry: No two breasts are perfectly identical, even after surgery. Minor asymmetry in size, shape, or nipple position is normal. Significant asymmetry that develops during healing may require revision.

Changes in nipple or breast sensation: Temporary numbness, tingling, or increased sensitivity is common in the weeks following surgery. In most patients, normal sensation returns within three to six months. A small percentage (approximately 5 to 10 percent) experience permanent changes in nipple sensation.

Scarring: All breast surgery produces scars. The location and extent depend on the procedure and incision type. Scars are placed in natural creases and around the areola where they are least visible. Most scars fade significantly over 12 to 18 months, though individual healing varies. Hypertrophic or keloid scarring is uncommon but possible, particularly in patients with a personal or family history.

Implant rupture: Modern cohesive silicone gel implants are highly durable, but rupture can occur due to trauma, manufacturing defect, or natural wear over many years. The risk is approximately 1 percent per year. A ruptured cohesive gel implant does not deflate like older models — the gel holds its shape — but the implant should be replaced. MRI screening can detect silent ruptures.

Implant malposition: The implant may shift from its intended position — upward, downward, or to the side — during healing. Mild malposition often resolves as swelling settles. Significant malposition may require revision surgery.

BIA-ALCL (Breast Implant-Associated Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma): A very rare type of lymphoma (not breast cancer) that has been associated with textured-surface breast implants. The estimated lifetime risk is approximately 1 in 30,000 for textured implants. BIA-ALCL is highly treatable when detected early. MedProper uses predominantly smooth and micro-textured (SmoothSilk) implants, which carry a significantly lower risk profile. Your surgeon will discuss the latest evidence and your specific implant options in detail.

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and pulmonary embolism: A risk associated with any surgery involving general anaesthesia and immobility. MedProper protocols include compression stockings, early mobilisation, and pharmacological prophylaxis (blood thinning injections) where indicated to minimise this risk.

Anaesthetic risks: General anaesthesia carries a small but non-zero risk of adverse reaction. Your anaesthesiologist assesses your individual risk profile, and continuous monitoring throughout surgery ensures immediate response to any changes.

Before and After Results

Visual results are one of the most important factors in choosing your surgeon and clinic. At MedProper, we maintain a comprehensive gallery of breast augmentation, lift, reduction, and combination procedure photographs showing real patient outcomes.

Due to patient privacy (GDPR compliance), our before and after gallery is shared during your personal consultation rather than published publicly on our website. During your free video consultation, your surgeon can show you results from patients with a similar body type, breast shape, and desired outcome to yours — giving you the most relevant visual reference for what your own results may look like.

If you would like to see examples of breast surgery results from our surgeons, request a consultation and let us know the procedure you are considering. We will prepare a tailored selection of before and after photographs for your review.