For patients in South Africa

Jaw surgery in Turkey from South Africa: what corrective surgery involves

If you are looking into orthognathic surgery from South Africa, this page explains what the operation does, who it suits, why braces are usually part of the plan, and how long you need to stay in Turkey before the long flight home. It is a major operation, so planning matters.

What the operation does

Orthognathic surgery moves the upper jaw, the lower jaw, or both, into a better position. The aim is functional as much as cosmetic: a jaw in the right place can improve the bite, chewing, speech and breathing, and often the balance of the face too. It is used when the problem lies in the jaw bones themselves, so braces alone cannot correct it. The treatment itself is described on our orthognathic jaw surgery page, and other procedures are on the oral surgery guide for South Africans.

Who it is for

The surgeon may recommend it if you have:

• a significant mismatch between the upper and lower jaw, or a severe bite problem
• facial asymmetry caused by the position of the jaws
• difficulty chewing, eating or speaking
• breathing problems, including sleep apnoea, related to jaw position

Each case is planned with 3D imaging, and the oral and maxillofacial surgeons work alongside orthodontic specialists on the plan.

Braces before and after: plan this first

Jaw surgery is usually part of a longer treatment plan. Orthodontic treatment is often needed beforehand to line the teeth up, and it may continue after the operation to settle the bite. For a patient in South Africa, that means deciding early who will look after the orthodontic side and how often you would need to travel. Ask us to set this out in writing before you agree to anything.

The operation and the first days

The operation is done under general anaesthetic, so you are asleep throughout. Afterwards, swelling, discomfort and temporary numbness are expected and are managed with medication. The incisions are usually inside the mouth, so in most cases there are no visible facial scars. You start on a liquid or soft-food diet and move back to normal food only when the surgeon says so.

How long to stay in Turkey

Most patients remain in Turkey for seven to ten days. That time covers hospital care, follow-up appointments and a check before you are cleared to fly. Initial recovery usually takes two to six weeks, so you will still be healing on the ten-hour flight and for some weeks at home.

• Flights: direct flights from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Istanbul take around ten hours, followed by 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
• Time difference: İzmir is only one hour ahead of South Africa, so follow-up calls are easy to arrange
• The flight home: carry liquid or soft food and your medication in your hand luggage, and drink plenty of water
• Records: take home your surgical notes and imaging so your orthodontist, dentist or doctor knows exactly what was done

Aftercare, guarantee and cover

Follow-up continues by message and video call with the same team. Under our treatment guarantee, surgical treatment is covered for one year from the date of treatment for medical complications and any clinically necessary revision; covered treatment is done in İzmir at no charge, but flights and accommodation are your own cost. The clinic facts page lists the board-certified surgeons, and our complaints process is published. South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, and travel insurance usually excludes planned surgery abroad, so check with both.

What we will not do

We will not plan jaw surgery without full imaging and an orthodontic view, we will not promise a particular facial result, and we will not clear you to fly before the surgeon is satisfied with your recovery.

Frequently asked questions

How long do I need to stay in Turkey after jaw surgery?

Most patients stay seven to ten days, which allows for hospital care, follow-up appointments and a final assessment before travelling home. Book a return ticket you can change in case the surgeon wants you to stay longer.

Will I need braces as well as surgery?

In many cases, yes. Orthodontic treatment is often needed before surgery to align the teeth and may continue afterwards. Plan how this will be done in South Africa before you commit to surgery.

Will jaw surgery leave scars on my face?

In most cases, no. The incisions are usually made inside the mouth, so there are no visible facial scars.

How long is the recovery?

Initial recovery usually takes two to six weeks, and the jaws keep healing over several months. Expect swelling, discomfort and some temporary numbness at first, and a liquid or soft-food diet until the surgeon says otherwise.

What decides the cost of jaw surgery?

Whether one or both jaws are operated on, the complexity of the planned movement, the hospital stay and what the package includes, such as accommodation and transfers. A firm figure is only possible after the surgeon has reviewed your imaging.

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