Patient Journey
What this page shows
The complete journey from your first WhatsApp message to the 12-month result review. International patients — most commonly UK, USA, Germany, UAE, Saudi Arabia — typically complete the on-site portion in 7–10 days, with the remainder done online over the following 12 months. The structured journey is designed to remove logistical uncertainty so you can focus on the clinical decision.
Day -28 to -7 · Inquiry phase
Initial WhatsApp inquiry
You send three photos via WhatsApp directly to Dr. Erdal — no agency, no sales filter:
- Front view (arms relaxed at sides, no flexing)
- Oblique view (45-degree angle)
- Side profile
Within 24 hours
Photo review and personalised quote
Dr. Erdal personally reviews your photos and history, then responds with:
- Recommended technique (Wise pattern, vertical scar, or free nipple graft as appropriate)
- Estimated reduction weight per side
- Realistic discussion of expected final cup size
- Discussion of nipple sensation preservation and breastfeeding capability
- Exact all-inclusive package quote — no agency margin
- Specific pre-operative requirements (smoking cessation if applicable, blood work, BMI considerations)
Day -28 to -1 · Pre-trip preparation
Booking and preparation
Once you decide to proceed, the practical logistics are coordinated:
- Surgery date confirmed; flights booked at your discretion
- Hotel reservation made (typically 7-night stay)
- Pre-operative blood work — usually done locally and emailed
- Anaesthesia clearance review
- Smoking cessation verified (minimum 4 weeks pre-operative)
- WhatsApp introductions with the patient coordinator who will meet you at the airport
Day 0 · Arrival
Airport pickup and hotel check-in
VIP airport pickup arranged regardless of arrival time. Driver greets you at international arrivals, transfer to the hotel (approximately 45–60 minutes from IST or SAW airports). Comfortable accommodation suitable for both patient and travelling companion. Light dinner, early sleep — surgery is the next morning.
Day 1 · Surgery day
Pre-operative consultation and surgery
Morning transfer to the JCI-accredited hospital. Final pre-operative consultation with Dr. Erdal in person — measurements, photographs, surgical markings, technique confirmation, any final questions. Brief pre-anaesthesia consultation with the anaesthesiologist. Surgery proceeds:
- Vertical scar reduction: 2–2.5 hours
- Wise pattern reduction: 2.5–3.5 hours
- Wise pattern + free nipple graft (very large): 3–4 hours
Day 2
Hospital discharge to hotel
Discharge from hospital after morning review and dressing check. Transfer to the hotel for ongoing recovery. Drains (if used) typically removed before discharge or at the day 5–7 follow-up. First post-operative shower permitted on day 2 with surgical site protected.
Days 3–6
Hotel recovery
Quiet days at the hotel. Light walking around the room and short outdoor walks encouraged. Compression bra worn continuously. Direct WhatsApp access to Dr. Erdal for any concerns. Most patients are surprised by how little discomfort they experience after the first 48 hours — paracetamol is usually sufficient.
Day 5–7
Post-operative wound check
Return to the clinic for the post-operative review with Dr. Erdal:
- Steri-strips and dressings checked or refreshed
- Drains removed if not already done
- Wound inspection for early healing signs
- Education on scar care for the coming months (silicone gel from week 2)
- Confirmation of fitness for travel
Day 7–10 · Return home
Flight home with continued surgeon access
Departure transfer to the airport. Compression bra worn during the flight (no special accommodations needed; most patients fly business or economy comfortably). Direct WhatsApp access to Dr. Erdal continues — you can message at any point during recovery for questions about wound healing, scar care, or any concerns.
Week 2–6 · Compression phase
Compression bra and progressive return to activity
The most patient-controllable variable in result quality. Compression bra worn continuously for 4–6 weeks, removed only for showering. Return to desk work in week 2; light cardio from week 3; full cardio from week 4–5. No upper-body resistance training, no overhead lifting, and no underwire bras until week 6. Silicone gel scar care begins week 2 and continues 6 months.
Month 1 · Online follow-up
First scheduled review
First scheduled online video review with Dr. Erdal. Photographs taken at home (front, oblique, side) and sent in advance. Discussion of healing progress, scar appearance, and any questions about the next few weeks.
Month 3 · Online follow-up
Mid-recovery review
Second scheduled review. By month 3, the breasts have largely settled into final position and the result is taking shape. Final fine-tuning continues over the next 3 months. Scar care continues. Underwire bras can be worn (correct fitting recommended).
Month 6 · Online follow-up
Final-result review
Third scheduled review. The breast contour and scar appearance are essentially final at this stage. Most patients report dramatic resolution of pre-operative pain and a return to activities they had given up.
Month 12 · Documentation
Long-term review and case documentation
Final formal follow-up review. Photographs taken in standardised lighting. The result is documented for the case file. The patient relationship continues — many patients message at year intervals or refer friends who later present for surgery.
Total elapsed time: approximately 12 months from first inquiry to final documentation. Time on-site in Istanbul: 7–10 days. The remaining 11+ months is recovery and remote follow-up — no further travel required. International patients regularly complete the entire journey without language difficulty (consultations in English) and without logistical complications when the package is structured this way.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS
Double board-certified plastic surgeon · 30+ peer-reviewed publications · Memorial Sloan Kettering & Ghent University Hospital trained · ISAPS World Congress 2023 Gold & Bronze Awards
Free consultation with Dr. Erdal
Personal review of your case within 24 hours. Send photos via WhatsApp or use the contact form — both treated with full confidentiality.
Request Consultation