Your Istanbul journey: day by day
International patients ask two questions: how long do I need to be there, and what does each day look like. Here is the honest itinerary for a bra-line back lift — 6–8 nights, with the reasons behind each day.
- Before you fly: photo assessment, free video consultation, written all-inclusive quote, blood tests at home, nicotine-free 4+ weeks.
- Day 1: arrival, private transfer, in-person consultation and marking in your own bra, pre-op tests.
- Day 2: surgery (2–3 hours), one hospital night.
- Days 3–6: recovery suite, daily clinic checks, drains out, walking, front-opening wardrobe.
- Day 6–8: final check, fit-to-fly clearance, flight home with clot precautions; remote follow-ups continue.
Before you travel
Send photos of your back from behind and both sides, arms relaxed and raised, plus your height, weight and weight history. Dr. Erdal reviews them personally and schedules a free video consultation within 24 hours. You receive a plain recommendation and a written, all-inclusive quote. Blood tests can be done at home or on arrival; nicotine stops at least 4 weeks before; blood-thinning supplements stop 2 weeks before.
Day 1 — arrival and pre-op
A private transfer meets you at Istanbul Airport. Same day or next morning: in-person consultation with Dr. Erdal, pre-operative marking with you standing in your own bra or bikini top, anaesthesiology consultation and tests at the accredited hospital.
Day 2 — surgery
Bra-line back lift under general anaesthesia, 2–3 hours (longer with liposuction or combined procedures). You wake in the compression vest, walk the same evening, and spend one night in the hospital with monitoring and clot prevention.
Days 3–6 — recovery at Antwell Suites
Back to a recovery-friendly 1+1 suite minutes from the clinic — separate bedroom, full kitchen, walk-in shower. Daily checks at the ground-floor clinic: wound review, garment fitting, drain monitoring and removal. Short walks, front-opening tops, no reaching or lifting — a companion is encouraged and stays at no extra charge.
Luggage rule: you cannot lift anything above 3–5 kg or raise your arms overhead for 2–3 weeks. Pack in a wheeled case, ask for airport assistance on the way home, and don't plan to lift your carry-on into a locker.
Day 6–8 — fit to fly
Final check and clearance. Compression stockings and hourly aisle walks on the flight; the flying article covers the clot-prevention plan. Written aftercare, the scar protocol and the follow-up schedule go home with you.
After you return
Photo and video follow-ups with Dr. Erdal through the first year, WhatsApp support throughout, and your own GP for routine checks. The scar protocol runs 12–18 months; the recovery timeline covers each stage.
Questions patients ask
6–8 for a bra-line back lift alone; 8–10 for combined upper body procedures. Drains come out and the first follow-ups happen in person before you fly.
Yes, but a companion is encouraged for the first week — you cannot reach, lift or pull, and a second pair of hands makes the hotel days easier. Companions stay in the same suite at no extra charge.
WhatsApp Dr. Erdal's team with photos — that is how remote follow-up works. Wound concerns are answered the same day; routine reviews follow the schedule you take home.
Free consultation with Dr. Erdal
Send photos of your back on WhatsApp · Direct surgeon access · Honest recommendation within 24 hours
WhatsApp Dr. Erdal