By A.J. Griffiths-Jones
From time to time, Turkiye receives bad press regarding cosmetic surgery that has gone wrong. However, in truth, there are some very reputable surgeons and clinics in the country performing excellent procedures, making Turkiye a rising star in these somewhat controversial operations.
Inevitably, many of the reported cases of complications are related to overseas patients who have been lured here by online advertising offering large discounts, an airport-to-clinic shuttle service and free all-inclusive accommodation, although the rise in non-invasive procedures, such as Botox and fillers, requested by Turkish residents has increased ten-fold in recent years.
Personally, I am on the fence when it comes to cosmetic surgery, as it’s not something that I would consider for myself unless, for example, it was reconstructive surgery after an accident. But I do understand that some people feel happier in themselves after having a few tweaks.
What I do fail to understand is how someone living overseas can select a surgeon to perform such an operation without having done extensive research.
When it comes to buying clothes, I have always believed that if you buy cheaply, you will probably end up buying twice, as quality lasts. So, why would anyone think that a bargain price for a facelift is going to give the best results?
Of course, there are very professional hospitals and clinics that provide exceptional service, but it’s very hard to know where to turn without a first-hand recommendation. There is also the concern of flying home too soon after surgery, with the risks including infection, deep vein thrombosis, and post-anaesthetic symptoms, with more deaths being caused from complications rather than the surgery itself.
Currently, Turkiye ranks fifth in the world rankings for best plastic surgery, with South Korea surprisingly being hailed as number one, followed by Brazil, Thailand and the United States. It is understandable why flying to Turkiye for a tummy tuck or facelift might sound preferable for many Europeans.
It is a much shorter flight and the weather is perfect for a few days of relaxation whilst recovering, although for many it is usually only the inside of their hospital room that they get to see whilst here.
Although the majority of medical facilities in Turkiye offer a very high standard of treatment, from rhinoplasty to breast enlargement, the risks involved sometimes outweigh the benefits.
People with underlying health problems such as asthma, diabetes, heart problems and high cholesterol, should think twice before booking themselves in for cosmetic surgery. Look at it this way, if your doctor recommended orthopaedic surgery for a knee replacement, for example, there would be a full check-up and consultation weeks before the procedure and a full pre-operative examination a few days leading up to the surgery with full blood tests, blood pressure and other factors being taken into consideration to ensure that you are in the best physical health prior to your operation.
If cosmetic surgery in Turkiye does appeal to you, ensure the medical facility has reputable reviews, the surgeon is board-certified with extensive experience in the specific type of surgery that you require and that a reasonable recovery period is included in your stay.
Remember too that scars will be with you forever and, although it is possible to sue should you be unhappy with the results, legal procedures in Turkiye are both lengthy and costly.
It is also worth remembering that dental practitioners, who are trained in administering Botox injections, may offer a very professional alternative to going under the knife, something to consider if you are thinking about a more subtle change to what Mother Nature provided.