Tummy tuck for United States patients
Practical information for patients travelling from United States to Istanbul for abdominoplasty surgery — cost, credentialing equivalence, follow-up, travel logistics.
Cost comparison
US patients consider abdominoplasty in Istanbul primarily for cost transparency. US private tummy tuck typically $10,000-$18,000; Istanbul all-inclusive €4,500-€6,500 (~$5,000-$7,000).
Surgeon credentialing equivalence
ABPS equivalent: Turkish MoH plastic surgery board + FACS + FEBOPRAS provides directly comparable credentialing. FACS Fellowship is the same fellowship as held by US plastic surgeons. JCI-accredited hospital meets AAAHC/AAAASF surgical centre standards.
FACS at facs.org Fellow lookup · FEBOPRAS at UEMS Plastic Surgery Section · JCI hospital at jointcommissioninternational.org · 30+ peer-reviewed publications at PubMed.
Follow-up after you return home
PCP aftercare: US primary care physicians comfortable with post-op wound assessment. Discharge summary in English. For complications: local urgent care or ER, plus surgeon WhatsApp coordination.
Flight options
New York / Boston / DC → Istanbul: 9-10 hours direct, $700-$1,400 return economy. Turkish Airlines, US carriers. West Coast: typically 1 connection, 14-16 hours total.
Visa requirements
US passport: visa-free entry up to 90 days. 6+ months passport validity from travel date.
Typical Istanbul stay
| Day | Activity |
|---|---|
| Day 0 | Arrival, VIP airport transfer to clinic, pre-op consultation and tests |
| Day 1 | Surgery (3-4 hours under general anaesthesia), 1 night JCI hospital |
| Day 2-3 | Hospital discharge, transfer to recovery hotel, drain check (if used) |
| Day 4-6 | Recovery hotel, light walking, daily wound checks |
| Day 7-10 | Final wound check, surgeon clearance, return flight home |
Communication during recovery
Direct surgeon WhatsApp protocol designed for distance follow-up. Photo updates at scheduled timepoints (Days 14, 21, Months 1, 3, 6, 12); concerns raised any time with typical response within hours; video calls available for any visual assessment needed. Time zone differences typically cause minor delays only — non-urgent messages may have a few hours response time.
Free consultation — United States patients
Send photos on WhatsApp · Direct surgeon access · Personalised technique recommendation
WhatsApp Dr. Erdal