Frequently Asked Questions

     1. Will language be a barrier?

     2. What is plastic surgery?

     3. What is the difference between plastic surgery, cosmetic surgery, aesthetic and                  

          reconstructive surgery?

     4. How does a physician become a plastic surgeon and what qualifications should I look for?

     5. How can I know if surgery is for me?

     6. Could the surgeon decide surgery is not for me?

     7. Should I see my GP before going ahead with surgery?

     8. When should I make an appointment for surgery?

     9. What should I expect to see after the operation?

   10. Where will the surgery take place?

   11. What will happen on arrival in Turkey at the consultation

   12. How long will the surgery last?

   13. How long will I have to stay in Hospital?

   14. Will I feel any pain after the operation?

   15. What restrictions will there be on my normal activities after the operation?

   16. Will there be scars after the operation?

   17. What could affect the success of the operation – the factors?

   18. What happens if there are complications and something goes wrong?

   19. What happens if I cancel or change my mind?

   20. What happens if I decide to leave earlier-stay longer?

   21. What about follow up care?

   22. What about medical insurance?

The surgeon himself speaks a number of languages including English.  Heather and Jo are bilingual and having lived here for more than 20 years between them and they are happy to work as your interpreters.  You never need to worry that you won’t be understood.  This is a big advantage of Body Designer – we will help you every step of the way and you can rest assured everything will be done.

Plastic surgery is a surgical sub-speciality that deals with the healing and restoration of a patient with injury, disfiguration or scarring resulting from trauma, disease or congenital defects.  It includes aesthetic or cosmetic surgery to correct, improve or rejuvenate facial and bodily features not pleasing to the patient.  Derived from Greek the word “plastikos”, plastic means moulding or shaping, giving form and does not refer to the use of plastic materials.

All, in fact, refer to the same thing.  “Surgery done to improve ones appearance.”  Plastic surgery is used also in a broader context to refer to all aspects of plastic surgery (i.e. both plastic and reconstructive).  Cosmetic plastic surgery is performed to reshape normal structures of the body to improve the patient’s appearance.  Reconstructive plastic surgery is performed to reshape abnormal structures of the body which has resulted from accidents, injuries, infections, cancers or other diseases as well as congenital or development deformities.

4. How does a physician become a plastic surgeon and what qualifications should I look for?

Training to become a plastic surgeon is a difficult task. To become board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery a physician must complete a specialized post-graduate training course of five to seven years. Background training usually includes a thorough grounding in general surgery however, a background in Ear Nose and Throat or orthopaedics may be acceptable. The final two to three years of training must be in an approved plastic surgery training centre. Prior to official certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery the physician must pass a rigorous set of both written and oral examinations. While numerous physicians use the term "plastic" surgeons only those certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery are true plastic surgeons (please check our surgeon’s accreditations)

5. How can I know if surgery is for me?

Only you can decide if the surgery is right for you. The surgeon’s job is to tell you what surgery can do for you.  It is important that you discuss your situation – reasons for surgery and your goals with the surgeon and this will help determine whether or not you should proceed.

6. Could the surgeon decide surgery is not for me?

Having provided us with your medical history and appropriate photographs prior to your reservation, we will advise at this stage in our reply in advance of your trip to avoid this situation. However in the event the surgeon decides not to operate the reasons will be discussed  while you are in Turkey any refunds will be discussed and will be dependent on costs involved.

7. Should I see my GP before going ahead with surgery?

It may be necessary to obtain a report from your GP either prior to travel or to bring with you. It is recommended that you inform your GP of any surgery in the event that you need a follow up visit upon your return home.  You will be advised if this is the case.

8. When should I make an appointment for surgery?

Once you have received the reply from BIT advising recommended procedures and costs or you are happy to go ahead that is the time to make an appointment.

9. What should I expect to see after the operation?

Have realistic expectations in order to obtain successful results.  Bear in mind that a desired result  is an improvement of your quality of life not perfection.

10. Where will the surgery take place?

At a private luxury, state of the art, new private hospital in Side, with an option to elect Belek or Antalya. 

11. What will happen on arrival in Turkey at the consultation?

You will be met by a friendly BIT coordinator who will accompany you immediately on your first consultation.  It is imperative this is done as quickly as possible as immediate surgery may be required in order for you to recuperate before any return travel commences.  You need to discuss the alternatives and techniques that are best suited to you needs.  There are various types of surgery and to help make a decision your surgeon will ask about risk factors – high blood pressure, cigarette smoking, tendency to scar, blood clotting characteristics.  You will be asked about your medical history and that you your family.  He will also try to get an idea of your emotional and psychological make-up. The surgeon will explain the procedure that is to be performed, type of rest after care and what you can expect from it

12 .How long will the surgery last?

The length of surgery depends on the procedure.  Details of each are shown independently on relevant page.

13. How long will I have to stay in Hospital?

In some cases especially with general anaesthetic it is necessary to stay one night in the hospital.  Rarely is a longer stay required.  In most cases it is possible to leave hospital the same day.

14. Will I feel any pain after the operation?

Each patient will tolerate pain post-operative in a different way and this will be considered.  Whilst some patients may describe the pain as an ache, others experience greater discomfort.  Appropriate pain medication is prescribed for the post-operative patients and these help minimize discomfort. Most facial cosmetics operations have minimal discomfort post-operative, liposuction is slightly more uncomfortable and operations that require elevation or tightening of the muscles – such as an abdominoplasty or bust augmentation have discomfort equal to that of a C-section.

15. What restrictions will there be on my normal activities after the operation?

The length of time it takes to recuperate after plastic surgery varies depending on the procedure performed and the person operated on.  Most patients will require assistance for the first two days.  Then most patients are able to care for themselves, but may still need assistance if they have small children to care for. 

All patients are encouraged to start a slow walking routine on the second postoperative day.  Regular aerobic and more vigorous activities are not allowed during the first 2 weeks in order to decrease the risks of bleeding, swelling and bruising.

16. Will there be scars after the operation?

There will be scars after surgery.  Scarring is an inevitable part of healing – however a very fine scar placed in the correct orientation may be virtually impossible to see.  New developments and techniques mean that surgeons try to make incisions in areas that will not show like under underclothes or along natural creases.  Scars will usually fade over time.  The severity of the scarring varies from person to person.

17. What could affect the success of the operation – the factors?

A medical questionnaire will be forwarded to us from you.  If you have not completed the questions thoroughly and honestly or do not disclose your full medical history as honestly as possible we cannot be held responsible if the outcome of surgery is not as successful as planned.

Cigarettes have a bad effect on tissues and the healing process because of the toxic materials and the smoke directly affects the probability of ……..

18. What happens if there are complications and something goes wrong?

All operations carry some risks and while it is hoped that all procedures will go to plan, however,even with a smooth procedure it is wise to exercise some caution.  Plan properly for the recovery period and anticipate any possible complications.  Allow some flexibility in your schedule – just in case.  Know what to expect – ask the doctor for detailed instructions and to explain what is normal and what is not for the days following surgery

After an operation, complications can arise but immediate postoperative problems will be solved during a patient’s stay in the hospital and in Turkey.  Upon return to the UK’ depending on the procedure a patient might do their own follow up care with their local GP.

19. What happens if I cancel or change my mind?

If you decide to cancel after your deposit has been paid  this cannot be refunded.

If you cancel after paying the full fee but before travelling you will be refunded less the deposit depending how close the cancellation is to your departure date.  If you decide not to go ahead with the cosmetic surgery once you are in Turkey refunds cannot be given as accommodation, transfers, consultation, clinic fees have to be paid.

20. What happens if I decide to leave earlier-stay longer?

The surgeon will recommend a minimum period of recuperation in Turkey. Should you decide to return before this, we cannot be held responsible for any complications which may arise. If you decide to stay longer you should let us know so that we can help you with the arrangements.

21. What about follow up care?

Most cosmetic procedures require little or no follow up care at all but our surgeon would never let you travel unless he was sure that you are ready to do so. Post operative consultation with your Surgeon is included in the cost of your stay if necessary and a personal assistant is available throughout your stay.

22. What about medical insurance?

As a rule most cosmetic surgery is not covered by private health insurance or holiday insurance. You should take out sufficient holiday and health insurance that will cover your travel, stay and other eventualities.