Where you stay and how you recover
In short
Recovery abroad has two phases: a monitored stay in hospital immediately after surgery, then a longer period resting locally before you are cleared to fly. How long each lasts depends on the procedure and on how you are healing. Plan for the longer end of the range rather than the shorter.
The hospital stay
Immediately after surgery you are monitored in hospital. How long depends on the procedure and on how you are recovering — you will be given an expected length of stay when your plan is confirmed.
During this period pain is managed actively, you are helped to get up and move as soon as it is safe, and any drains or dressings are checked.
Staying locally afterwards
After discharge you stay locally rather than flying straight home, so that you can be reviewed and so that anything unexpected can be dealt with by the team who operated on you.
Choose accommodation on practical grounds rather than sightseeing ones: a lift rather than stairs, a short journey to the clinic, and somewhere you can rest quietly. Sightseeing is not part of this stage, and treating it as a holiday with an operation attached is a reliable way to have a worse recovery.
What the first days are actually like
Expect to feel tired, sore and swollen, and to need considerably more rest than you anticipate. Swelling and bruising usually peak in the first few days rather than immediately after surgery, so feeling worse on day three than on day one is common rather than alarming.
You will be given specific instructions on wound care, garments, showering, medication and what movement is allowed. Follow them as given — they are based on what was actually done in your operation.
Having someone with you
A companion helps more than people expect: fetching things, helping you get up, keeping track of medication timings, and noticing when something is not right. If you are travelling alone, tell us in advance.
Reviews before you travel home
You are seen for review during this period, and you are cleared to fly only after that review. See flying after surgery.
If something concerns you
You are given a direct contact route while you are in Istanbul. Use it. Increasing pain, a fever, a wound that is getting redder or discharging, calf pain or breathlessness all warrant contact rather than waiting for the next appointment.
Frequently asked questions
How long will I need to stay in Istanbul altogether?
Can someone stay with me in the hospital?
Can I do any sightseeing while I am there?
Considering this procedure?
Whether a procedure is appropriate for you depends on your examination, your medical history and your goals. You can send your questions and, if you wish, request an online assessment with Dr. Kayan. There is no obligation to proceed.
Questions are answered by the clinical team in English. Sending an enquiry does not create a doctor–patient relationship.