For patients in South Africa

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

This package combines a tummy tuck with breast reduction. It is meant for people with loose abdominal skin who also have large, heavy breasts that cause discomfort. 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 stretched or separated muscles. See tummy tuck in Turkey from South Africa.
• Breast reduction — reduces the size and weight of the breasts, improves their shape and moves the nipples higher if needed, which can ease back, neck and shoulder pain. See breast surgery in Turkey.

Combining them means one general anaesthetic and one recovery period instead of two, but the surgeon weighs the total operating time against your health before recommending it. Full details are on the treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with excess abdominal skin and large breasts that cause discomfort
• People who have finished major weight loss and are at a stable weight
• Women who are not planning further pregnancies
• Non-smokers, or people able to stop for a period around surgery

Surgery may be postponed for uncontrolled medical conditions, severe obesity, while breastfeeding, or if expectations are not realistic.

How long to stay, and the flight home

After an online consultation and a check-up on arrival, including blood tests and imaging if needed, the operation is done under general anaesthesia. You then spend one to three nights in hospital, with any drains usually removed 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

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

Final results take several months. Scars are permanent but usually fade, and can take up to eighteen months to mature; South African sun is strong, so ask the surgeon how to protect them.

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 makes it unsafe. A long journey is not a reason to add more procedures to one operation than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

Can a tummy tuck and breast reduction be done at the same time?

Yes, for suitable patients after a medical assessment. The surgeon decides based on your health and the total length of the operation.

How long should I stay in Turkey for the Body and Breast Reshape 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.

Will breast reduction affect breastfeeding?

It may, depending on the technique and how much tissue is removed. Raise it at consultation if it matters to you.

Will I lose weight with this package?

No. These operations reshape the body; any change on the scale is usually small.

Will my medical aid pay for the Body and Breast Reshape 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. Ask about breast reduction specifically.

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