For patients in South Africa

Full Abdominal Contouring Package in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide

This package joins a tummy tuck with 360-degree liposuction in one operation, so the front, sides and lower back of the midsection are treated together. This page explains, for patients travelling from South Africa, what it includes, who it suits and how to plan the stay.

What the package combines

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) — removes loose abdominal skin, tightens separated muscles and, if needed, repositions the belly button. See tummy tuck in Turkey from South Africa.
• 360-degree liposuction — removes fat from the abdomen, waist and flanks, love handles and lower back, so the torso is shaped all the way round. See 360 liposuction in Turkey.

The difference from the Abdominal Contouring Package is the liposuction all the way round. A wider treated area also means more bruising and longer in compression garments. Full details are on the treatment page.

Who it suits

• People with loose abdominal skin or muscle separation who also carry fat around the flanks and lower back
• People whose weight is stable, not still falling
• People in good general health who can stop smoking before surgery

From your photographs, our team can say whether the smaller package would do.

How the operation is done

Both procedures are normally done in one session under general anaesthesia: liposuction first, then the tummy tuck, then the contour is smoothed and the wounds closed. Before surgery you will be asked to stop smoking, avoid medicines that increase bleeding and arrange help at home.

How long to stay, and the flight home

The surgeon gives you a stay length at consultation. For a tummy tuck alone, most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days, and a combined operation can need longer. After abdominal surgery, a ten-hour flight raises the risk of blood clots (DVT), so the surgeon decides when it is safe for you to fly and what precautions to take.

• 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

Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and limited movement at first. Walk gently, wear compression garments and avoid strenuous activity until cleared. Most people return to normal daily activities over several weeks.

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

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between this and the Abdominal Contouring Package?

Both include a tummy tuck. This package adds liposuction all the way round the waist, including the flanks and lower back, while the Abdominal Contouring Package treats a single area.

Is the Full Abdominal Contouring Package a way to lose weight?

No. It reshapes the midsection by removing loose skin and local fat. It works best when your weight is already stable.

How long after this surgery can I fly home to South Africa?

The surgeon decides, based on how you are healing. A combined operation can need a longer stay than a tummy tuck alone, so book a return ticket you can change.

Will I have to wear a compression garment on the flight?

Usually, yes. Along with walking and drinking water, it is a general precaution on a long flight after body surgery; the surgeon tells you what applies to you.

Will my medical aid pay for the Full Abdominal Contouring 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.