For patients in South Africa

Body feminisation surgery in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

Body feminisation surgery is a set of body contouring procedures that narrow the waist, add curves at the hips and buttocks and soften overall body lines. It is often part of gender-affirming care, and some people have it for other reasons. This page explains the options and what to plan from South Africa.

What body feminisation can include

• Liposuction — removes fat from the abdomen, flanks, waist and back to define the waist; it is often the foundation of the plan
• Fat transfer to the buttocks (Brazilian butt lift) — uses your own fat to add volume and shape
• Buttock implant or hip augmentation — adds width and contour at the hips
• Tummy tuck — removes loose skin and tightens the abdominal muscles
• Thigh liposuction — refines the thighs and the transitions between body areas
• Breast augmentation — adds breast size and shape

Procedures can be done individually or combined, as the surgeon judges safe.

Who it may suit

• People seeking gender-affirming body surgery, or wanting more curved contours
• People whose fat sits mainly around the middle
• People at a stable weight, in stable general health, and non-smokers or able to stop
• People with realistic expectations

Planning includes your medical history, an examination, and an assessment of fat distribution, skin elasticity and your goals. You will be asked to keep your weight stable, stop smoking and avoid medicines that increase bleeding.

The operation and recovery

Surgery is under general anaesthetic. Liposuction typically shapes the waist and flanks, then fat is transferred or implants placed, and excess skin is removed where needed. Expect swelling, bruising, discomfort and limited movement at first. You will wear compression garments and avoid strenuous activity. Initial recovery takes several weeks, and the shape keeps improving after that.

Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry and partial absorption of transferred fat. If implants are used, take the implant details home with you.

The flight home

A long-haul flight soon after body surgery raises the risk of blood clots. Wear your compression garment on the flight, choose an aisle seat, walk regularly and drink water. Tell us at the start about any clot history and about hormone treatment.

Your wider care

Hormone treatment, mental health support and any other ongoing gender-affirming care stay with your own team at home; surgery in Turkey does not replace them. Tell us about any hormones or other medicines you take, and tell your team at home about your plans.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, then a short domestic flight to İzmir, where treatment takes place
• 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
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa, which makes follow-up calls easy
• Cover: medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, so check with yours; travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery

Follow-up at home

Follow-up continues by photograph, message and video call with the same team. Medical complications and clinically necessary revisions within one year are covered by our treatment guarantee, which does not cover preferring a different look when the result is within what was discussed. Keep your GP informed and take your discharge notes home. See the clinic facts page and our complaints process; the full procedure page is body feminisation surgery.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, promise a particular result, or operate if your health makes it unsafe. We make no assumptions about your identity or goals; you tell us the terms you use. A long journey is no reason to add more procedures than the surgeon judges safe.

Body feminisation is one part of our gender-affirming surgery guide. You may also want to read about Facial feminisation surgery in Turkey.

Frequently asked questions

Is liposuction always part of body feminisation?

Usually. Liposuction is often the foundation, used to shape the waist and reduce fat from the abdomen, flanks and back, before other procedures add curves.

How long does body feminisation surgery take?

It depends on how many procedures are combined; a combined plan can take several hours.

How long should I stay in Turkey before flying home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides. A ten-hour flight soon after body contouring raises the risk of blood clots, so book a return ticket you can change in case you are asked to stay longer.

Are the results permanent?

Many results are long-lasting, but weight changes and ageing can affect them. Transferred fat can also be partly absorbed by the body.

Will my medical aid cover body feminisation surgery abroad?

South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery. Check with your scheme and insurer directly before you book.

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