For patients in South Africa

Combining body procedures in Turkey from South Africa: one trip, planned safely

Many patients want to change more than one area: the abdomen and breasts after pregnancy, or several areas of loose skin after weight loss. Combining compatible procedures into one plan can mean one trip, one anaesthetic and one recovery. For South Africans one trip instead of two is attractive, but what to combine stays a medical decision. See also our body contouring guide for South Africans.

What combining means

Combining is not a set menu. Each plan is drawn up after a medical assessment of your health, goals and anatomy, and it may mean several procedures in the same operation or a planned sequence within one treatment. Combined operations are done under general anaesthesia, and each procedure follows the same surgical standards as if it were done on its own. Where it is safer to stage the work, the surgeon will say so.

Common combinations

• Mummy makeover — a tummy tuck, breast surgery and liposuction after pregnancy; see our mummy makeover guide
• Abdomen and waist — a tummy tuck with liposuction, or VASER liposuction for definition
• After weight loss — skin removal from several areas, as in a body lift
• For men — male breast reduction with liposuction of the chest, abdomen or flanks, and a tummy tuck where there is a lot of loose skin

Our combination packages

Each package has its own South African guide:

Mummy makeover packages

• Reduction mummy makeover package
• Standard mummy makeover package
• Enhancement mummy makeover package
• Signature mummy makeover package

Abdomen and hourglass packages

• Abdominal contouring package
• Full abdominal contouring package
• Hourglass enhancement package
• Hourglass sculpt package
• Sculpt and lift package

Upper body, breast and thigh packages

• Upper body sculpt package
• Upper body contour package
• Breast and thigh package
• Body and breast reshape package
• Body and breast lift package

The original overview is on the body multiple operations page.

Who it suits, and who it does not

• People with several concerns that one procedure cannot address
• People in good general health at a stable weight, who do not smoke or can stop before surgery
• People prepared for a harder first fortnight than after a single operation

Uncontrolled medical conditions, a high surgical risk or unrealistic expectations can rule combined surgery out. Assessment includes your history, an examination, blood tests, BMI and skin quality.

Stay, recovery and the flight home

Patients usually spend one to three nights in hospital, with monitoring, pain relief and early assisted walking, then recover at Mandarin Grove near İzmir. Many stay in Turkey seven to fourteen days in total. The first one to two weeks bring swelling, bruising and tightness, sometimes with drains; light activity usually returns in weeks three to six, with compression garments still on and no strenuous exercise. Final results take several months to settle.

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
• Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
• Fitness to fly: the surgeon decides when you can fly, so book a return ticket you can change
• Blood clots: a long flight after body surgery raises clot risk; follow the surgeon’s precautions, usually your compression garment, regular walking and plenty of water
• Cover: medical schemes and travel insurance usually exclude planned cosmetic surgery abroad

Risks and follow-up

Each procedure carries its own risks, such as infection, bleeding or haematoma and anaesthetic complications. Combining them adds more swelling, a longer recovery, slower wound healing and a higher chance of fluid collection (seroma).

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call; İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa. For one year our treatment guarantee covers medical complications and clinically necessary revisions, not a result within what was discussed; accepted cases are treated in İzmir at no charge, but flights and accommodation are your own cost. See our clinic facts and complaints procedure.

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

Is it safe to combine body procedures in one operation?

It can be for suitable patients when it is carefully planned. The surgeon weighs operating time, blood loss and your health, and may stage procedures instead.

Does combining surgery shorten recovery?

The first weeks are usually harder than after one operation, but the total recovery time is often shorter than having the procedures separately.

How long should I stay in Turkey for combined body surgery?

Many patients stay seven to fourteen days, including one to three nights in hospital. South African patients should expect to stay towards the longer end before a ten-hour flight.

Can I change what is in a package?

Yes. A package is a starting point. The surgeon may add, remove or stage a procedure after assessing you.

Will my medical aid cover combined body surgery?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover cosmetic body surgery done abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment. Ask your scheme and your insurer specifically before you book.

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