📍 Nişantaşı, Istanbul 🕓 Mon–Fri 09:00–18:00 USHAŞ Certified
Medical tourism

Istanbul as a medical destination

Istanbul has the largest concentration of internationally-trained plastic surgeons in Eurasia, alongside major hospital infrastructure and direct flights from virtually anywhere in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa.

Doç. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal
Doç. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal Associate Professor of Plastic Surgery
MD · FACS · FEBOPRAS · Associate Professor
✓ Medically reviewed · Last updated: May 18, 2026

Why Istanbul specifically

  • Direct flights from over 300 destinations worldwide via Istanbul Airport (IST), one of the world's largest hubs
  • Concentration of expertise — Istanbul hosts the country's leading plastic surgery training centers (Hacettepe, Marmara, Acıbadem, İstanbul University)
  • Hospital infrastructure — JCI-accredited international hospitals (Acıbadem, Memorial, Florence Nightingale) capable of any surgical or critical-care intervention
  • Medical tourism infrastructure — translation services, transfers, accommodation specifically oriented to international patients
  • The city itself — for patients who want a few days to explore before or after surgery, Istanbul offers depth of culture, food, and history

Nişantaşı specifically — why this district

Our clinic is in Nişantaşı, in the European-side Şişli district. Nişantaşı is historically Istanbul's most exclusive residential and commercial neighborhood — analogous to London's Knightsbridge or Paris's 16th arrondissement.

Practical implications:

  • Walking distance from major hotels (St. Regis, Le Méridien, Hilton, Conrad)
  • 30–40 minutes from Istanbul Airport by car
  • Quiet residential streets — recovery walks possible without crowds
  • Pharmacies, cafés, restaurants all within 5 minutes' walk
  • Modern medical infrastructure (private pathology labs, imaging centres) within the district

Frequently asked questions

How safe is Istanbul as a medical destination?

Very safe in the central districts (Şişli, Beşiktaş, Beyoğlu, Kadıköy) where international medical tourism is concentrated. Standard urban precautions apply (don't display valuables, use registered taxis or Uber). Most medical tourism patients describe Istanbul as easier to navigate than expected.

Can I see the city while recovering?

Light walking and café visits from day 3–5 are fine and actually beneficial. We don't recommend extensive sightseeing in the first week — the swelling and bruising are still settling. Either come a few days early to explore before surgery, or plan a return trip when you're fully healed.

Medical disclaimer: This page provides general information about blepharoplasty and reflects the clinical opinions of Doç. Dr. Erdal. It does not constitute medical advice for any individual patient. Results vary; all surgery carries risk. Blepharoplasty in some cases produces irreversible changes to eyelid anatomy. Suitability is determined only through personal consultation with full medical history disclosure.

Not sure if you're a candidate?

Blepharoplasty is most successful when patient anatomy, age, and goals align with what surgery can realistically deliver. Send three facial photos (front, profile, eyes-closed) and Doç. Dr. Erdal will give you an honest, no-pressure suitability assessment before you commit to anything.

Ready to discuss your case?

Doç. Dr. Erdal personally reviews every enquiry. Honest assessment of whether blepharoplasty is right for you, with no pressure to book.

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