What Does "All-Inclusive" Actually Mean?

A genuine all-inclusive facelift package in Turkey bundles the medical procedure with the logistics of travelling abroad for surgery. A transparent package should itemise the following:

Medical Components

  • Surgeon fee: The named surgeon's fee for performing the procedure
  • Anaesthesia: Fee for the anaesthesiologist and all anaesthesia medications
  • Operating theatre: Hospital or clinic facility fee for use of the operating room
  • Hospital stay: Overnight room and nursing care (for procedures requiring it)
  • Pre-operative tests: Blood work, ECG, and any other required pre-surgical assessments
  • Post-operative medications: Antibiotics, pain management, and any prescribed medication
  • Compression garments: Surgical garments worn during recovery
  • Follow-up appointments: Post-operative check-ups during your stay in Turkey

Logistics Components

  • Hotel accommodation: Typically 3–7 nights depending on the procedure type
  • Airport transfers: Transportation between Istanbul airports and your hotel/hospital
  • Hospital transfers: Transportation between hotel and hospital for surgery and follow-ups
  • Patient coordinator: An English-speaking coordinator who manages your schedule and communication
  • Translation services: Interpretation during consultations and hospital interactions

Typical Package Pricing by Procedure

Procedure Package Range (Turkey) Typical Stay Hospital Stay
Mini Facelift $2,500–$5,000 3–5 nights Same-day discharge
SMAS Facelift $4,000–$7,000 5–7 nights 1 night
Deep Plane Facelift $5,000–$10,000 5–7 nights 1 night
Deep Plane + Neck Lift $6,000–$12,000 6–8 nights 1–2 nights

Pricing varies based on the surgeon's experience and reputation, the specific hospital used, the complexity of the case, and the hotel quality included. Higher-priced packages within each range often reflect a more experienced surgeon or a more prestigious facility — not necessarily additional inclusions.

A Typical All-Inclusive Package Day-by-Day

While schedules vary, most packages follow a similar structure:

Day 1: Arrival

  • Airport pickup and transfer to hotel
  • Rest and settle in
  • Patient coordinator confirms schedule for the following days

Day 2: Pre-Operative Assessment

  • Transfer to hospital for pre-operative blood tests and health checks
  • In-person consultation with the surgeon: review surgical plan, discuss expectations, sign consent
  • Anaesthesiologist assessment
  • Return to hotel

Day 3: Surgery Day

  • Transfer to hospital (typically early morning)
  • Final pre-operative preparation
  • Surgery (duration depends on procedure)
  • Recovery in hospital: nursing observation, pain management
  • Overnight stay (deep plane/SMAS) or same-day discharge to hotel (mini)

Day 4–5: Early Recovery

  • Discharge from hospital (if overnight stay)
  • Transfer to hotel for recovery
  • First follow-up appointment: drain removal (if placed), wound check
  • Rest at hotel with coordinator available for questions

Day 5–7: Recovery and Follow-Up

  • Additional follow-up appointments as scheduled
  • Suture removal or check (timing depends on technique)
  • Recovery guidance for travel home
  • Final clearance from surgeon for departure

Day 7–8: Departure

  • Final check with surgeon or coordinator
  • Transfer to airport
  • Written aftercare instructions and emergency contact information provided

What to Verify Before Booking Any Package

A package simplifies logistics — but it does not remove the need for independent verification. Before booking:

  1. Surgeon identity: Confirm the full name of the surgeon who will perform your procedure — not "one of our surgeons"
  2. Surgeon credentials: Verify TPCD certification and/or ISAPS membership independently2
  3. Facility name: Get the specific hospital name and verify its JCI or TEMOS accreditation
  4. Written inclusions list: Request an itemised document stating exactly what is included in the price
  5. Complication policy: Obtain the written policy for complications3 — who pays, what is covered, and for how long
  6. Revision policy: Separate from complications — what happens if you are unsatisfied with the aesthetic result?
  7. Aftercare protocol: How do you contact the surgeon or clinic after returning home?

Common Exclusions to Ask About

Even in "all-inclusive" packages, some items may be excluded:

  • Flights: Almost never included — book separately
  • Travel insurance: Usually not included; strongly recommended for international medical travel
  • Extended stay: If you need to stay longer than the standard package duration (due to healing concerns or complications)
  • Additional procedures: If the surgeon recommends adding a neck lift or blepharoplasty, the cost may increase
  • Revision surgery: Clarify whether any revision within a specified period is included in the original price
  • Hotel upgrades: The package typically includes a specific hotel category — upgrades are at your cost
  • Companion accommodation: Some packages include a companion's hotel stay; others do not

Hotel Accommodation: What to Expect

Most packages include a 4- or 5-star hotel in Istanbul. Key considerations:

  • Proximity to hospital: The hotel should be reasonably close to the hospital for convenience during follow-up visits
  • Recovery-friendly: A quiet, comfortable room is more important than luxury during recovery
  • Room service: Access to room service matters when you may not feel like going to a restaurant during early recovery
  • Companion room: If travelling with a companion, confirm whether their accommodation is included or extra

Aftercare and Follow-Up After Returning Home

A well-structured package includes a clear aftercare protocol for after you return home:

  • Direct contact information: The surgeon's or clinic's WhatsApp, email, or phone for medical questions
  • Expected response time: Within 24 hours for non-urgent queries; immediate for emergencies
  • Photo follow-up: The ability to send recovery photos for remote assessment
  • Local GP coordination: Written instructions you can share with your local doctor if needed
  • Return visit protocol: Under what circumstances should you return to Turkey, and who covers the cost?

Complete Package Booking Checklist

  • Named surgeon confirmed and credentials independently verified
  • Named hospital confirmed and accreditation independently verified
  • Itemised written inclusion list received
  • Written exclusion list received (what is NOT included)
  • Direct video consultation with surgeon completed
  • Written complication policy obtained
  • Written revision policy obtained
  • Aftercare protocol for post-return confirmed
  • Cancellation and refund policy documented
  • Deposit terms understood and agreed
  • Travel insurance arranged independently
  • Companion accommodation confirmed (if applicable)