Istanbul receives patients from the UK, Ireland and across Europe every week, and the number of clinics can make the choice feel overwhelming. Lists of the “best clinic in Istanbul” rarely explain what they are based on. This New City Clinic guide sets out the checks that genuinely matter, so you can compare offers on facts rather than promises.
Check the licence first
In Türkiye, international patients may only be treated by institutions holding a health tourism authorisation certificate from the Ministry of Health, and surgery must take place in a licensed hospital or surgical centre. Ask which hospital your operation will be performed in and look it up yourself. An intermediary such as New City Clinic must also be registered; you can ask for the registration document at any time. An offer that cannot name the hospital is a reason to walk away.
Know who will operate on you
Ask for the full name of the surgeon and their specialty. Aesthetic operations should be performed by a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery; weight loss surgery by a general surgeon experienced in bariatric surgery. A proper assessment happens before you travel, on your photographs and medical history, and you should be able to put your questions to the physician directly. Be cautious where a salesperson, not a doctor, decides which operation you need.
Read what the quote covers
A trustworthy quote is written and itemised: hospital, surgeon and anaesthesia fees, tests, medication, garments, hotel nights, transfers and interpreting. Compare like with like, since a low headline price often leaves out the hospital stay or the tests. Ask what happens if you need an extra night, and how a revision would be handled. No reputable clinic promises a guaranteed result; honest consultations talk about risks and limits as well as benefits.
Ask about aftercare before you book
Recovery continues long after the flight home. Find out how many check-ups you will have in Istanbul, when you are allowed to fly, and who answers your questions afterwards. New City Clinic gives each patient a coordinator who stays in touch after the return home and passes questions to the physician. It is also sensible to tell your GP about your plans and to arrange travel insurance that covers planned treatment abroad.
Plastic surgery in Istanbul with New City Clinic
New City Clinic is an authorised health tourism intermediary registered with the Turkish Ministry of Health and HealthTürkiye. When you contact New City Clinic about plastic surgery in Istanbul, a physician first reviews your photos and medical information, and you then receive a written treatment plan with an itemised quote. Once you arrive in Istanbul, the New City Clinic team organises your airport welcome, accommodation, hospital appointments and interpreting. Your procedure is performed by a specialist physician at a Ministry of Health approved partner hospital, and follow-up continues after you return home.
Aftercare
Medication and check-ups
Take the medication your physician prescribes as directed and attend your planned check-ups.
Smoking and alcohol
Both slow healing; avoid them before and after the procedure for the period your physician advises.
Movement and rest
Short walks support circulation; wait for your physician’s approval before strenuous exercise or heavy lifting.
When to get in touch
Contact your New City Clinic coordinator straight away in case of high fever, increasing pain, redness or anything unexpected.
Frequently asked questions
Is plastic surgery in Turkey safe?
Safety depends on the hospital, the surgeon and your own health, not on the country. Choosing a licensed hospital, a specialist surgeon and a realistic length of stay reduces the risks considerably. Every operation carries risks, which your physician should explain before you decide.
How do I recognise a reliable clinic in Istanbul?
It names the hospital and the surgeon, holds a Ministry of Health authorisation, assesses you before quoting, gives a written itemised quote and explains risks openly. Pressure to pay a deposit quickly is a warning sign.
How long should I stay in Istanbul after surgery?
It varies by procedure: around a week for most facial and breast operations, and 7–10 days or more for combined body procedures. Your surgeon confirms the date you can fly at your check-up.
Deciding on plastic surgery in Istanbul is a confident step when it is taken with the right information and the right team. You can book a free consultation with the New City Clinic team for your questions.
This article is for general information; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.
