The principle
International medical travel works when continuity of care is preserved across countries. The 13 steps below describe how that continuity is structured: direct WhatsApp access to Dr. Erdal from inquiry through 12 months post-op, no handoffs, no agency intermediation, no third-party translators between you and the surgeon making your clinical decisions.
Day -28 to -7 · WhatsApp inquiry
Initial inquiry & photo review
Send three photos to Dr. Erdal directly via WhatsApp: front, oblique, side. Include height, weight, age, current bra size, motivation, smoking status, current medications, any prior breast surgery.
- Dr. Erdal personally reviews the photos and clinical history (not delegated to a coordinator)
- Within 24 hours: technique recommendation, implant size estimate, expected outcome, all-inclusive quote
- Multiple WhatsApp exchanges welcomed — no pressure to commit at this stage
- If WhatsApp inquiry remains unresolved: video call with Dr. Erdal can be scheduled
Day -28 to -14 · Booking
Surgery date confirmed & trip planned
Once you've decided to proceed, surgery date is confirmed and trip logistics planned. Dr. Erdal's clinic coordinator manages all practical arrangements while clinical communication remains directly with Dr. Erdal.
- Surgery date secured (typically 3–8 weeks ahead)
- Hotel reservation at Antwell Suites Istanbul
- VIP airport transfer scheduled (IST or SAW)
- Pre-operative blood work request issued (you complete locally)
- Smoking cessation timeline agreed (minimum 4 weeks pre-op)
Day -14 to -3 · Pre-trip
Pre-operative preparation at home
Pre-operative groundwork completed in your home country, before flying to Istanbul. This minimises Istanbul time used for routine preparation.
- Local pre-operative blood work (we provide the request list)
- Local pregnancy test if applicable
- Smoking cessation maintained (4+ weeks now)
- Stop blood thinners and certain supplements per Dr. Erdal's pre-op instructions
- Pack: loose front-opening clothing, slip-on shoes, button-up tops, recovery essentials
Day 0 · Arrival
Istanbul arrival & hotel check-in
VIP private transfer meets you at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW). Direct transfer to Antwell Suites Istanbul — your recovery accommodation.
- Private chauffeur, English-speaking driver, no taxi or public transport
- Direct route from airport to Antwell Suites (45–90 minutes depending on airport)
- Hotel check-in to your 1+1 suite
- Light dinner, rest
Day 1 · Pre-op
Pre-op tests & in-person consultation with Dr. Erdal
The day before surgery is dedicated to medical preparation and finalising your surgical plan with Dr. Erdal in person.
- Morning: pre-operative blood tests at JCI-accredited hospital
- Anaesthesiology consultation — review of your medical history, medications, anaesthesia plan
- Afternoon: in-person consultation with Dr. Erdal — measurements, photographs, implant sizer trial
- Final implant selection: brand (Mentor / Motiva / Polytech), shape, size, profile
- Surgical plan confirmed: technique (subfascial / dual plane / other), incision approach
- Time for any final questions or clarifications
Day 2 · Surgery
Breast augmentation surgery
Surgery is performed at a JCI-accredited private hospital under general anaesthesia, with overnight observation. Dr. Erdal personally performs the procedure — no resident, no fellow.
- Hospital admission early morning
- Pre-operative markings by Dr. Erdal
- General anaesthesia, 60–90 minutes operative time
- Immediate post-operative recovery in hospital recovery suite
- Transfer to private hospital room for overnight monitoring
- Light meal as tolerated; pain managed with paracetamol
Day 3 · Discharge
Hospital discharge to hotel
Morning hospital discharge to Antwell Suites for ongoing recovery in comfortable accommodation. Surgical bra fitted at discharge.
- Morning rounds with Dr. Erdal — wound check, surgical bra fitted
- Discharge home (to Antwell Suites)
- First shower permitted from this day
- Light walking encouraged (helps DVT prevention and recovery)
- Detailed aftercare instructions provided in writing
Days 4–5 · Hotel recovery
Daily check-ups during recovery
Active recovery period at Antwell Suites. The hotel has a small clinic on the ground floor where Dr. Erdal's team conducts daily wound checks — minimal travel required.
- Daily wound checks at clinic on Antwell Suites ground floor
- Surgical bra worn continuously
- Light walking gradually increased
- Discomfort decreases noticeably each day
- Companion welcomed to assist throughout
Day 4–5 · Departure
Final check-up & flight home
Final check-up with Dr. Erdal in person before departure. Detailed aftercare instructions, return-flight DVT prevention guidance, and continued WhatsApp access throughout the recovery year.
- Final in-person review with Dr. Erdal
- Photo documentation of immediate post-operative result
- Detailed written aftercare instructions
- Compression bra worn during flight; ankle exercises every 30 minutes
- Departure VIP transfer to airport
Week 1 · Home
First week at home
Office work resumes typically around day 7. Surgical bra worn continuously. Daily WhatsApp check-ins encouraged for the first week.
- Office work / desk-based work resumes
- Surgical bra worn continuously (24 hours per day)
- Daily walking continues; no upper-body lifting beyond 5 kg
- Photo updates to Dr. Erdal via WhatsApp encouraged
- Pain typically minimal by week 1 end
Weeks 2–4 · Recovery progresses
Daily activities normalise
Activity progression accelerates. Light cardio resumes around week 3. Sleep typically returns to side sleeping (with chest support).
- Week 2: side sleeping permitted with pillow support
- Week 3: light cardio (stationary bike, treadmill walking)
- Week 4: full cardio (running, cycling)
- Surgical bra still worn continuously
- Photo follow-up at month 1 with Dr. Erdal
Week 6 · Surgical bra removed
Return to full activity
Surgical bra removed at week 6. Underwire bras permitted with proper fitting. Upper-body resistance training resumes.
- Surgical bra removed
- Properly-fitted underwire bras permitted
- Upper-body weight training resumes (gradual progression)
- All daily activities normalised
- Implants begin to 'drop and fluff' into final position
Months 3–12 · Final settling
Long-term follow-up & final result
Implants settle into their final position over 6–12 months. Photo and video follow-ups with Dr. Erdal at month 3, 6, and 12. Unlimited WhatsApp access throughout.
- Month 3: photo & video follow-up — implant position settling visible
- Month 6: implants in final position; scar maturation continuing
- Month 12: final aesthetic result; scar essentially mature
- Long-term: annual breast self-examination recommended; routine breast imaging per local guidelines
- Unlimited WhatsApp access continues indefinitely for any concerns
The all-inclusive package covers every step above except home-country pre-trip preparation and international flights:
Start with a free consultation
Send three photos via WhatsApp (front, oblique, side) for personalised technique recommendation, implant size estimate, expected outcome, and all-inclusive quote within 24 hours. No agents, no third parties — direct surgeon access from inquiry through 12 months post-op.
WhatsApp Dr. Erdal →