For patients in South Africa

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

Facial feminisation surgery (FFS) is a set of procedures that reshape bone and soft tissue to give the face softer contours. Many people have it as part of gender-affirming care. This page explains the options and what to arrange from South Africa.

What facial feminisation surgery can include

The surgeon chooses from these, alone or together:

• Temporal brow lift — lifts the outer part of the brows to open up the eyes and soften the upper face
• Deep plane facelift — repositions deeper facial tissues, not just skin, to soften contours
• Rhinoplasty — refines the size and shape of the nose
• Jaw contouring — reduces the width and prominence of the jaw
• Chin reduction or reshaping — reduces projection or changes the shape of the chin
• Cheek augmentation — adds volume and shape to the cheeks
• Lip lift or enhancement — improves the shape and balance of the lips

Procedures can be done separately or combined; the surgeon may suggest stages.

Who it may suit

• People seeking gender-affirming facial surgery or softer features, including a less prominent brow, jaw or chin
• People in stable general health, and non-smokers or those able to stop before surgery
• People with realistic expectations of what surgery can change

Planning includes your medical history, an examination, imaging or facial analysis and your goals. You will be asked to stop smoking and avoid medicines that increase bleeding.

The operation and recovery

FFS is done under general anaesthetic. Incisions are placed discreetly, for example at the hairline or inside the mouth, and bone and soft tissue are reshaped. Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and some numbness. Keep your head raised and return to activity gradually. Initial recovery takes several weeks; the final result shows as swelling settles.

Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, nerve sensitivity or numbness, and asymmetry. The surgeon will go through how these apply to your plan.

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; expect some swelling on the journey and keep your head raised
• Sun: healing scars and bruised skin need protecting from strong South African sun; ask the surgeon what to use and for how long
• 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 facial 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.

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

Frequently asked questions

Which procedures are part of facial feminisation surgery?

It depends on your face and your goals. Options include a temporal brow lift, deep plane facelift, rhinoplasty, jaw contouring, chin reduction or reshaping, cheek augmentation and lip lift or enhancement. The surgeon recommends a combination after reviewing you.

How long does facial feminisation surgery take?

It depends on how many procedures are combined: from several hours up to a full day.

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

The surgeon decides, based on what was done and how you are healing. Swelling and bruising are normal and the flight home takes around ten hours, so book a return ticket you can change.

Will there be visible scars?

Incisions are placed discreetly, such as at the hairline or inside the mouth, though scarring is a risk of any surgery.

Will my medical aid cover facial 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.