For patients in South Africa

360 tummy tuck in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

A 360 tummy tuck treats loose skin and fat all the way round the waist. As well as tightening the abdominal muscles and removing skin from the front, it contours the flanks and lower back. It is a bigger operation than a standard tummy tuck, usually chosen after major weight loss. This page explains who it suits and how South African patients can plan the trip.

How it differs from a standard tummy tuck

• Standard tummy tuck: loose skin on the lower abdomen, with an incision from hipbone to hipbone
• 360 tummy tuck: loose skin on the lower abdomen, sides and back, with an incision all the way round the waist

The 360 version gives more waist definition and a smoother contour from every angle, but it is more extensive. If your concern is only the front of the lower abdomen, a standard tummy tuck is often more appropriate; if loose skin reaches the hips but not the back, ask about an extended tummy tuck. For loose skin higher up the back, see back lift. More detail is on the 360 tummy tuck treatment page.

Who it suits

• People who have lost a major amount of weight and been left with loose skin
• People with loose skin on the lower abdomen, flanks and lower back
• People who accept a long scar around the waistline, front to back
• People at a stable weight, in good health and not smoking

If you take a weight-loss injection, say so at the start: the surgeon needs to know before anaesthesia.

Getting there

South Africans need an e-Visa. Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town reach Istanbul in around ten hours, then a short domestic flight takes you to İzmir. Surgeons are board-certified, and nothing is confirmed until a surgeon has reviewed your photographs and history.

How long to stay, and the flight home

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, but this is the surgeon’s decision. A long flight soon after extensive body surgery raises the risk of blood clots, so South African patients may be asked to stay longer, and the surgeon will set out the precautions. Book a return ticket you can change.

• Wear your compression garment on the flight, as the surgeon advises
• Choose an aisle seat, stand and walk regularly, and drink water
• Ask for help with luggage rather than lifting it yourself
• Tell us at the start about any history of blood clots, smoking or hormone medication

Recovery at home

Initial recovery takes around two to three weeks, a little longer than a standard tummy tuck. Light walking helps, but heavy lifting and strenuous exercise wait until the surgeon clears you, so plan for time off work and help at home. Scars soften and fade over the following months.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. Keep your GP informed. Complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are covered by our treatment guarantee. Our body contouring guide for South African patients sets out the related operations.

What decides the cost

The extent of the operation and the length of stay shape the quote, which is transparent and given in writing after review. South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic surgery abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a 360 tummy tuck before a surgeon has reviewed you, promise a result, or combine more procedures in one operation than the surgeon judges safe because of the journey.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a standard and a 360 tummy tuck?

A standard tummy tuck treats the lower abdomen through an incision from hipbone to hipbone. A 360 tummy tuck also treats the flanks and lower back, with an incision all the way round the waist.

Who is a 360 tummy tuck for?

Mainly people who have lost a major amount of weight and have loose skin on the lower abdomen, sides and back.

How long after a 360 tummy tuck can I fly home to South Africa?

Most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, but the surgeon decides. Because the flight home takes around ten hours, you may be asked to stay longer.

Is the scar bigger than after a standard tummy tuck?

Yes. The incision runs right round the waistline from front to back, so the scar is longer. It softens and fades over the following months.

Will my medical aid pay for it?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Check with both before you book.

Start with a free online consultation. Planning the trip? Read the guide for South African patients and the e-Visa guide.