For patients in South Africa

Abdominal Contouring Package in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

This package combines a tummy tuck with liposuction of one chosen area, in a single operation. It concentrates on the abdomen: loose skin, separated muscles and one pocket of stubborn fat. This page is for patients travelling from South Africa.

What the package combines

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) — removes loose abdominal skin, repairs separated muscles and can reposition the belly button. See tummy tuck in Turkey from South Africa.
• Single-area liposuction — a thin tube (cannula) removes local fat from one area: the waist or flanks, lower abdomen, lower back or upper abdomen. See liposuction in Turkey.

If you also carry fat round the flanks and back, the Full Abdominal Contouring Package with 360-degree liposuction is likely to be the closer fit. Full details are on the treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with loose abdominal skin or muscle separation after pregnancy or weight loss
• People with one localised fat deposit near the abdomen
• People whose weight is already stable
• People in good general health who can stop smoking before surgery

Send photographs and our team will tell you which of the two abdominal packages applies to you.

How the operation is done

Both procedures are normally done in the same session under general anaesthesia, and the operation can take several hours. The tummy tuck removes the loose skin and tightens the muscles, liposuction refines the chosen area, and the wounds are closed with stitches. A tummy tuck leaves a scar, which is placed where it is less visible when possible. You will be asked to stop smoking beforehand.

How long to stay, and the flight home

The surgeon gives you a stay length at consultation. For a tummy tuck alone, most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, and adding liposuction can extend that. A ten-hour flight soon after abdominal surgery raises the risk of blood clots (DVT), so the surgeon decides when it is safe to fly and what precautions to take.

• Direct flights from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, then a short hop to İzmir; you need an e-Visa (see the e-Visa guide)
• Wear your compression garment on the flight, walk when you can and drink water
• Tell us about any history of blood clots, smoking or hormone medication
• Book a return ticket you can change

Recovery at home

Expect swelling, bruising and tightness across the abdomen, with limited movement at first. You will wear compression garments, walk gently to help circulation and avoid strenuous activity until cleared. Most people return to normal daily activities over several weeks.

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team; Turkey is only one hour ahead of South Africa. Keep your GP informed. Other combinations are in the body contouring guide for South African patients. Our treatment guarantee covers medical complications and clinically necessary revisions for one year from treatment; flights and accommodation for a return visit are your own cost. See also clinic facts and our complaints process.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, we will not promise a result, and we will not operate if your weight or health makes it unsafe. We will not add liposuction areas that the surgeon does not think you need.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tummy tuck and liposuction be done together?

In many cases, yes, in the same session, depending on your health and surgical plan.

Which areas can the liposuction treat in this package?

One area, such as the waist or flanks, lower abdomen, lower back or upper abdomen. If you need several areas round the waist, the Full Abdominal Contouring Package is the closer fit.

Is liposuction a way to lose weight?

No. It removes localised fat to improve shape, and results hold best when your weight is stable before surgery.

How long after this surgery can I fly home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides, based on how you are healing. Plan for at least the stay a tummy tuck alone needs, and book a return ticket you can change.

Will my medical aid pay for the Abdominal Contouring Package?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective cosmetic surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery. Check with both before you book; we cannot promise either will pay.

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