How to Choose a Cosmetic Surgery Clinic Abroad: 10 Essential Checks

Your Safety Checklist for Medical Tourism

Choosing to have cosmetic surgery abroad is a significant decision. The potential savings are substantial — 50–70% compared to Western Europe or the United States — but only if you choose the right clinic. Here are 10 essential checks every patient should make before booking.

1. Hospital Accreditation (JCI)

The Joint Commission International (JCI) is the gold standard for hospital safety worldwide. A JCI-accredited facility meets the same standards as top hospitals in the US and Europe. Never accept a procedure at an unaccredited facility, regardless of how low the price is.

2. Surgeon Board Certification

Verify that your surgeon holds board certification in plastic surgery from their country's medical board. In Turkey, this means certification by the Turkish Board of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. International memberships (ISAPS, EBOPRAS) add further credibility.

3. Specialisation in Your Procedure

A great rhinoplasty surgeon isn't necessarily a great breast surgeon. Ensure your surgeon specialises in the specific procedure you want and performs it regularly — ideally hundreds of times per year.

4. Before & After Portfolio

Review real patient results. Look for consistent, natural-looking outcomes across multiple patients. Be wary of clinics that only show their best results or use heavily filtered images.

5. Independent Reviews (Trustpilot, Google)

Check independent review platforms — not just testimonials on the clinic's own website. Trustpilot, Google Reviews, and medical tourism forums provide unfiltered patient experiences. Look for patterns in both positive and negative feedback.

6. All-Inclusive Pricing (No Hidden Costs)

Reputable clinics provide transparent, all-inclusive pricing. Your quote should cover: the procedure, hospital fees, anaesthesia, medication, hotel, transfers, and follow-up care. If a clinic quotes suspiciously low and then adds extras, that's a red flag.

7. Personal Patient Coordinator

Language barriers can cause anxiety. The best clinics assign a dedicated, multilingual coordinator who guides you from consultation through recovery — handling logistics, translating medical information, and providing emotional support.

8. Post-Operative Care Plan

Ask about aftercare before you book. How long will you stay after surgery? Who monitors your recovery? What happens if complications arise after you return home? A proper aftercare protocol should include follow-up appointments, 24/7 emergency contact, and long-term monitoring.

9. Legal Licensing (TÜRSAB for Turkey)

In Turkey, legitimate health tourism agencies must hold a TÜRSAB (Association of Turkish Travel Agencies) licence. This provides legal protection and regulatory oversight. Always verify the agency's licence number.

10. Virtual Consultation Before Committing

Never commit to surgery without a thorough consultation — ideally via video call with the actual surgeon who will perform your procedure. This is your opportunity to ask questions, discuss expectations, and assess whether you feel comfortable and confident.

Why Estetica Istanbul Passes Every Check

We partner exclusively with JCI-accredited hospitals. All our surgeons are board-certified with 10–20+ years of experience. We provide all-inclusive pricing with zero hidden costs, a dedicated multilingual coordinator, and 12 months of post-operative support. Our Trustpilot rating is 4.7 out of 5 from 229 verified reviews. And every journey begins with a complimentary, no-obligation consultation.