For patients in South Africa

Body and Breast Lift Package in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

This package combines a tummy tuck with a breast uplift, to treat loose abdominal skin and breasts that have dropped, often after pregnancy or major weight loss. This page is written for patients travelling from South Africa and covers what is included, who it suits, how long to stay in Turkey and what recovery looks like.

What the package combines

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) — removes loose skin and fat from the abdomen and tightens weakened or separated muscles. See tummy tuck in Turkey from South Africa.
• Breast uplift (mastopexy) — raises and reshapes the breasts and moves the nipples higher if they have dropped. See breast lift in Turkey.

An uplift can sometimes be combined with implants, depending on your anatomy and goals. If you are also thinking about liposuction, the mummy makeover may be worth comparing. Full details are on the treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with loose abdominal skin and sagging breasts
• People after major weight loss or pregnancy, at a stable weight
• Non-smokers, or people willing to stop before and after surgery

It is usually not recommended if you plan further pregnancies, have uncontrolled conditions such as diabetes or heart disease, or have a high BMI that raises surgical risk.

How long to stay, and the flight home

After a medical history review, examination and blood tests on arrival, the operation is done under general anaesthesia. You spend one to three nights in hospital, and any drains usually come out within the first week. Most patients stay in Turkey for seven to fourteen days in total. A ten-hour flight after combined body surgery raises the risk of blood clots (DVT), so the surgeon decides when it is safe to fly and what precautions you need.

• 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

• First two weeks: swelling and bruising; rest and limited movement
• Weeks three to six: light activities, compression garment and supportive bra, no heavy lifting
• After six weeks: most normal daily activities, with exercise reintroduced gradually

Final results take several months. Scars are permanent but usually fade over twelve to eighteen months; protect them from strong South African sun as the surgeon advises.

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 health or BMI makes it unsafe. A long journey is not a reason to combine more than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Body and Breast Lift Package one operation or two?

It is two procedures, done in the same session or staged close together, depending on what is medically suitable for you.

Can a breast uplift be combined with implants?

Sometimes, depending on your anatomy and goals. Discuss it with the surgeon at consultation.

How long should I stay in Turkey for the Body and Breast Lift Package?

Most patients stay seven to fourteen days, including one to three nights in hospital. The surgeon decides when you can fly home to South Africa.

Is recovery harder when the two procedures are combined?

The first weeks can feel more demanding, but you have one recovery period instead of two, which many patients prefer.

Will my medical aid pay for the Body and Breast Lift 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.