How to choose a reputable clinic in Türkiye: 12 checks before you book
How to recognise a reputable clinic in Türkiye: authorisation, surgeon, contract, aftercare and red flags – the checklist to use before you book.
Antalya has become one of the most popular destinations for cosmetic surgery, obesity surgery and dental treatment. There are very good clinics there – but also providers whose focus is mainly on price and sales. Use this checklist to compare offers before you book.
1. Is the clinic authorised for health tourism?
Stricter rules have applied in Türkiye since 2025: clinics and agents that treat or refer international patients need authorisation (Yetki Belgesi) from the Ministry of Health and must be registered on the state HealthTürkiye platform. Ask for proof – a reputable clinic will send it without hesitation.
2. Who is the agent?
Many patients book through agencies or social media contacts. Agents also need their own authorisation and must be reachable around the clock in at least two foreign languages. Ask for the agency’s name, where it is based and whether it is authorised.
3. Who will operate on you – and with what training?
Get the name of the operating surgeon in writing and ask about their specialty. For breast, body and facial procedures it should be a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery; for obesity surgery, a general surgeon with experience in bariatric surgery. The title “Op. Dr.” shows that the doctor is a specialist in a surgical field.
4. Speak to the surgeon beforehand
A consultation with the doctor who will operate on you is essential – in person or by video. It should cover your goals, the risks and realistic results. If you only meet the surgeon on the day of the operation, that is a red flag.
5. Who will give the anaesthetic?
A general anaesthetic belongs in the hands of a specialist anaesthetist. Ask who will be responsible for the anaesthetic and how you will be monitored after the operation.
6. Where will the operation take place?
Major procedures should take place in a hospital with an intensive care unit or with clear emergency arrangements. Ask which hospital you will be operated in and what happens in an emergency.
7. A written quote covering everything
Get a written quote: what is included in the price (surgery, implants, anaesthetic, hospital stay, medication, compression garments, hotel, transfers, follow-up checks)? What would a corrective operation cost? A strikingly low price without a clear description of what is included is a risk.
8. Consent and documents in your language
You should receive the information about the procedure and the consent form in a language you understand – ideally before you travel. After the operation you are entitled to the surgical report, an implant card (if you have implants) and a discharge summary.
9. Is there complication insurance?
Authorised clinics must take out complication insurance for surgical procedures carried out as part of health tourism. Ask whether it covers your procedure and what it pays for. Also check whether you need your own insurance for the planned operation – standard travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery.
10. What does aftercare look like?
Clarify how many check-ups take place on site, who your contact is after you return home and whether follow-ups by video are possible. Under the 2025 regulation, a responsible staff member must be assigned to each patient.
11. Enough time before your flight home
Flying soon after surgery increases the risk of blood clots. UK specialist bodies generally advise waiting 5–7 days after breast surgery or liposuction and 7–10 days after facial surgery or a tummy tuck. The exact date should be set by your surgeon – not the agency.
12. Watch out for red flags
- Time pressure: “this price is only valid today” or discounts for an immediate deposit.
- Several major procedures at once, without an honest discussion of the risks and length of the operation.
- Guaranteed results or before-and-after photos as the main selling point.
- Advice only via WhatsApp from sales staff, without a consultation with a doctor.
- No clear answers to the questions above.
A good clinic will be happy to answer these questions – and will take the time to do so.
Frequently asked questions
How can I tell whether a clinic is authorised for health tourism?
Ask the clinic for its authorisation certificate (Yetki Belgesi) from the Turkish Ministry of Health for international health tourism and have them send you the document. The same applies to agents and facilitators.
What does 'Op. Dr.' before a doctor's name mean?
In Türkiye, 'Op. Dr.' (Operatör Doktor) indicates a specialist in a surgical field. Still ask which specialty they trained in – for breast surgery it should be plastic surgery.
Is it a bad sign if I can't speak to the surgeon before the operation?
Yes. A consultation with the operating surgeon before the procedure – in person or by video – should be a matter of course. Advice from sales staff alone is not enough.
How long should I stay in Antalya after surgery?
It depends on the procedure and should be discussed with your surgeon. UK specialist bodies generally advise waiting 5–7 days after breast surgery or liposuction and 7–10 days after facial surgery or a tummy tuck before flying home.