The regulatory and training context
Turkish plastic surgery training is rigorous and modeled on European standards. A Turkish plastic surgery specialist completes:
- 6-year medical degree
- 5-year specialty residency in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
- Board examinations under the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery
Many subsequently pursue international certifications: FEBOPRAS (European Board, equivalent to UK/EU standards), FACS (American College of Surgeons), and active membership in international societies (ISAPS, IPRAS, EURAPS).
The Turkish Ministry of Health regulates medical tourism through the USHAŞ (Uluslararası Sağlık Hizmetleri A.Ş.) certification — providers seeing international patients must hold this credential, which involves regulatory compliance, facility inspection, and patient-safety standards verification.
Why the cost difference exists
The legitimate cost differential between Turkey and Western countries reflects:
- Lower surgeon overhead — clinic real estate, staff costs, malpractice insurance all lower than UK/US/Western Europe
- Favorable exchange rates — costs denominated in Turkish lira convert favorably
- Higher case volume — surgeons doing the same procedures more often, with associated efficiency
What it does not reflect (when you're working with a properly accredited surgeon): lower standards of care, inferior facilities, or compromised safety protocols. The same anaesthesia, the same monitoring, the same sterile technique.
Cases where the cost reflects compromise: agent-driven "package tour" providers, off-the-books surgeons without USHAŞ certification, facilities operating outside Ministry oversight. These exist; they are not what the regulatory framework intends; they are visible when you ask the right questions.
What to verify
Before booking a surgeon in Turkey, verify:
- The surgeon's specialty certification — Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, not "cosmetic doctor" or "aesthetician"
- The USHAŞ certificate number — verifiable through the Ministry of Health system
- International credentials — FACS, FEBOPRAS, etc. — these are verifiable through the respective organizations' member directories
- Hospital affiliations — where the surgery is actually performed
- Direct contact with the surgeon — your consultation, your messages, should go directly to the surgeon, not through an agent
Frequently asked questions
What's the difference between an 'agent' and a 'surgeon'?
An agent is an intermediary who books patients on behalf of surgeons — typically extracting a 30–40% commission. Many international patients arrive in Turkey via agent. The downside: pre-op consultation is with the agent (not the surgeon), surgery decisions are scheduled by the agent, and post-op support is mediated by the agent. Our practice operates without agent involvement; every interaction is direct with the clinic.
How do I verify USHAŞ certification?
USHAŞ certificates are issued with a 25-digit identifier. Ours is #2026034015610080000444996. You can verify the format and confirmation through the Ministry of Health's online system at saglikturizmi.gov.tr.
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.