For patients in South Africa

Upper Body Contour Package in Turkey from South Africa

This page explains our Upper Body Contour Package for patients travelling from South Africa. It is meant for people who are left with loose skin in two places at once, the upper arms and the abdomen, usually after significant weight loss or pregnancy.

What the package combines

• Arm lift: an incision along the inner arm allows excess skin and fat to be removed and the remaining skin tightened. See our arm lift guide for South Africans
• Tummy tuck: an incision along the lower abdomen allows excess skin to be removed, the abdominal muscles tightened and the belly button repositioned where needed. See our tummy tuck guide for South Africans

In some cases liposuction is added to improve the overall shape. Combining procedures in one plan means one anaesthetic and one recovery, but a longer operation. For other combinations, see our body contouring guide for South Africans.

Who it suits

• People with loose skin on the upper arms
• People with excess abdominal skin or weakened abdominal muscles, including after pregnancy
• People who have lost a significant amount of weight and whose weight has been stable for long enough
• Anyone in stable general health

Before surgery you will usually be asked to stop smoking, avoid medicines that increase bleeding and arrange help for your recovery.

Scars

Both procedures leave permanent scars. The tummy tuck scar sits low on the abdomen; the arm scar is visible in short sleeves. How the scars settle over the first year is worth discussing honestly before you book, and the team can show you where they will sit.

Recovery

Expect swelling, bruising, tightness and some discomfort, with limited movement early on. You will wear compression garments, walk gently to help circulation, avoid strenuous activity and attend follow-up checks. Most people return to normal activities over several weeks. Risks include infection, bleeding, scarring, fluid build-up, slow wound healing and temporary numbness.

Planning the trip from South Africa

• Flights: around ten hours direct from Johannesburg or Cape Town to Istanbul, then a short flight to İzmir, where treatment takes place
• Visa: South Africans need an e-Visa; see the e-Visa guide
• How long to stay: the surgeon sets this once your plan is known, based on your follow-up checks. Book a return ticket you can change
• Blood clots: body surgery followed by a long-haul flight raises the risk of DVT. The surgeon decides when you can fly and which precautions to take, usually your compression garment, moving about on the flight and drinking enough water
• Time difference: one hour, so follow-up calls are easy
• Cover: medical schemes generally do not cover elective surgery abroad, so check with yours; travel insurance usually excludes planned treatment

Follow-up at home

Follow-up continues by photo, message and video call with the same team. Find a GP at home willing to see you, and bring home your operation notes and medication list. Complications, and revisions that become clinically necessary, are covered for one year by our treatment guarantee. See also clinic facts on our board-certified surgeons, and our complaints process.

What decides the cost

We give no single figure, because plans differ. What decides the cost: how much skin is removed from the arms and abdomen, whether muscle tightening or liposuction is needed, the length of the hospital stay and what your plan includes. Pricing is transparent: your written plan states what is included.

What we will not do

We will not confirm a plan before a surgeon has reviewed you, promise a result, or operate if your health makes it unsafe. Distance is no reason to combine more than the surgeon judges safe.

Frequently asked questions

Can an arm lift and tummy tuck be done in the same operation?

In some cases, yes, depending on your health and treatment plan. The surgeon decides what is safe to combine.

How long does the surgery take?

It may take several hours when both are done together.

Will I have scars?

Yes. Both procedures leave permanent scars. Incisions are placed where they are less visible, but the arm scar can show in short sleeves.

Why does my weight need to be stable first?

A stable weight helps the result last.

How do I reduce the risk of blood clots on the flight home?

Follow the surgeon’s advice on when to fly. Usually that means wearing your compression garment, moving about on the flight and drinking enough water.

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