For patients in South Africa
Gender-affirming surgery in Turkey from South Africa: a plain guide
This page is an overview of the gender-affirming procedures we arrange in İzmir, written for patients travelling from South Africa. It explains each procedure in a line, how plans are put together and what to arrange for the long flight home. Each procedure has its own detailed South African guide, linked below. We use the terms you use: tell us how you describe yourself and what you want to change.
In short: Gender-affirming surgery in Turkey covers facial feminisation and masculinisation, body feminisation and masculinisation, and top surgery. Every plan follows a surgeon’s review of your history, photographs and goals. South Africans travel with an e-Visa and a direct flight to Istanbul, then a short connection to İzmir. Ongoing care such as hormones and mental health support stays with your team at home.
Last updated: October 2026
Guides for South African patients
- Facial feminisation surgery in Turkey — brow, nose, jaw, chin, cheek and lip procedures that soften facial contours
- Facial masculinisation surgery in Turkey — chin and cheek implants, rhinoplasty, brow repositioning and jawline definition
- Top surgery in Turkey — removes breast tissue and reshapes the chest for a flatter contour
- Body feminisation surgery in Turkey — liposuction, fat transfer, implants and tummy tuck to shape the waist, hips and buttocks
- Body masculinisation surgery in Turkey — liposuction, abdominal etching and contouring for a straighter, more defined shape
Related procedures include breast augmentation and hair procedures. The full list is on the gender-affirming surgery page.
How a plan is put together
You send photographs and tell us what you want to change, in your own words. A surgeon reviews your medical history and goals and recommends which procedures fit. Facial plans may include imaging or facial analysis; body plans look at fat distribution and skin elasticity. Most procedures are done under general anaesthetic, and the surgeon decides what is safe in one operation. You will be asked to stop smoking and to keep your weight stable before body surgery.
Common to every procedure: you should be in stable general health, a non-smoker or able to stop, and have realistic expectations of the result. Recovery always involves some swelling and bruising, and initial recovery takes several weeks.
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, followed by a short domestic flight to İzmir
- Visa: South Africans apply for an e-Visa online before travelling; see the e-Visa guide
- Recovery: top surgery patients recover at Mandarin Grove near İzmir
- Fitness to fly: a long flight soon after surgery raises the risk of blood clots; 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 gender-affirming 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.
Frequently asked questions
Which gender-affirming procedures can I have in Turkey?
Facial feminisation and masculinisation surgery, body feminisation and masculinisation surgery, and top surgery, as well as related procedures such as breast augmentation and hair procedures. The surgeon recommends what fits your goals after reviewing you.
Can I combine several procedures in one trip?
Sometimes. Procedures can be done separately or combined, but more surgery in one operation means a longer anaesthetic and recovery. The surgeon decides what is safe, and may suggest stages.
How long should I plan to stay in Turkey?
It depends on the procedure. For top surgery most patients are cleared to fly after five to seven days; for other procedures the surgeon decides. Book a return ticket you can change.
Will surgery in Turkey replace my care at home?
No. Hormone treatment, mental health support and other ongoing gender-affirming care stay with your own team at home. Tell them about your plans and share your discharge notes when you return.
Will my medical aid cover gender-affirming 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.