For patients in South Africa

Recovery Boosters in Turkey from South Africa: IV drips and ozone therapy explained honestly

Our “recovery boosters” are a small group of wellness treatments: vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, glutathione and NAD given by intravenous drip, and ozone therapy. Some patients ask for one alongside another treatment in İzmir. This page, written for patients travelling from South Africa, explains what each involves and is plain about what they cannot promise.

The treatments

Each link goes to the South African guide, with the full treatment page in brackets. These pages sit within our dermatology and aesthetic medicine group; see also the skin treatments guide for South African patients.

IV drips

• Vitamin C IV — vitamin C given through a drip over about 30 to 60 minutes; our treatment page notes it may not be suitable for people with kidney disease, a history of kidney stones or G6PD deficiency (full treatment page)
• Alpha lipoic acid IV — an antioxidant infused slowly, often over 30 to 60 minutes; it can affect blood sugar, so monitoring matters, especially for people with diabetes (full treatment page)
• Glutathione IV — glutathione, an antioxidant the body makes itself, given by drip over about 30 to 60 minutes (full treatment page)
• NAD IV — NAD, a compound involved in cellular energy, infused slowly over one to three hours with monitoring; nausea and chest tightness can occur if it runs too fast (full treatment page)

Ozone therapy

• Ozone therapy — the controlled medical use of ozone gas; sessions usually take 20 to 45 minutes, and the number of sessions depends on the plan (full treatment page)

The group is also listed on the non-surgical recovery boosters page.

What we can and cannot say

These treatments are offered for general wellness and antioxidant support. We do not claim that any of them cures, treats or prevents a disease, or that they shorten healing after surgery. Results vary from person to person, and none of these treatments is a substitute for medical care. If you have a medical condition or take regular medication, tell the doctor, because it may rule a treatment out.

Who decides whether it is suitable

A doctor reviews your medical history before any drip or session, sets the dose and watches you during the infusion. If you are having surgery in İzmir, the surgeon decides whether an add-on fits around it, and when. Saying no is a normal outcome.

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
• Is the trip worth it? a long-haul journey only for a short non-surgical session is hard to justify; these treatments usually make sense when you are already coming to Turkey for another planned treatment
• Time difference: İzmir is one hour ahead of South Africa, which keeps follow-up calls simple
• Cover: South African medical schemes generally do not cover elective treatment abroad, and standard travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment; check with both before you book

Follow-up at home

After you return, the same team follows up by message, photograph and video call. Tell your GP at home which infusion you had and when, especially if you take other medication. Under our treatment guarantee, medical complications arising from the treatment, and any revision that becomes clinically necessary, are covered for one year from the date of treatment; flights and accommodation for any repair remain your own cost, and the guarantee does not cover a preference for a different aesthetic outcome. Facts about the clinic are on the clinic facts page, and if something goes wrong you can use our complaints process.

What we will not do

We will not give an infusion without a medical assessment, we will not claim a drip will speed your recovery or treat an illness, and we will not add a booster to your plan just because you are already here.

Frequently asked questions

What are recovery boosters?

They are optional wellness treatments: vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid, glutathione and NAD given by drip, and ozone therapy. They are offered for general wellness and are not a treatment for any disease.

Will an IV drip help me heal faster after surgery?

We do not promise that. Healing depends on the operation, your health and following aftercare. If you want a drip alongside surgery, the surgeon decides whether it is appropriate.

How long does a session take?

Vitamin C, alpha lipoic acid and glutathione infusions usually take 30 to 60 minutes, NAD one to three hours, and ozone therapy sessions 20 to 45 minutes.

Is anyone unsuitable?

Yes. Vitamin C IV may not suit people with kidney disease, kidney stones or G6PD deficiency, and alpha lipoic acid can affect blood sugar. A doctor checks your history first.

Is it worth flying from South Africa just for an IV drip?

No. A ten-hour flight for an infusion is hard to justify. If you are interested, discuss it as an add-on to a treatment you already plan in Turkey, and check with your medical scheme, which generally does not cover elective treatment abroad.

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