Liposuction in Turkey: Your Ultimate Guide 2024

Tourists usually visit Turkey to see historical sites and enjoy popular Turkish meals. But this is not just what you can find in Turkey! Undergoing liposuction in Turkey has also become a major goal for many people who visit the country, thanks to its thriving health tourism industry.

Indeed, Turkey has also become a major destination for health tourists who want to undergo plastic surgeries, most notably liposuction.

Multiple studies have confirmed the safety and effectiveness of liposuction since its first invention in the seventies of the last century. Next, you will learn all you need about liposuction in Turkey, including technologies, costs, and risks.

What Is Liposuction?

Liposuction, also known as lipo or lipoplasty, is a cosmetic surgery that eliminates stubborn fat that won’t go away with other traditional methods, such as diet and exercise. A plastic surgeon could recommend this surgery to enhance the contour of your belly, hips, and other areas where fat resides.

Surgeons can perform liposuction with other cosmetic procedures, such as facelifts and breast reductions. However, since liposuction is a surgical operation, you must expect some risks unless you are in very good health. This translates to having good and elastic skin, being a nonsmoker, and being within 30% of your optimal weight.

How Does Liposuction Work?

Liposuction aims at permanently removing fat cells from a particular area of your body.  Fat cells that store fat are commonly known as “adipocytes”, and they’re hard to eliminate by conventional means, such as exercise and diet.

Doctors use special cannulas to insert them in small holes in the skin to “suction” unwanted fat. The procedure doesn’t often require general anesthesia and is not considered major surgery, but it remains a surgical intervention that requires pre and post-operative care.

Liposuction Pros and Cons

Just like anything in this world, liposuction comes with a set of pros and cons that you need to be aware of.

Pros of Liposuction

• Simple and highly safe procedure with less downtime
• Permanently eliminates fat cells from the body
• Targets different body areas, including the abdomen, thighs, back, etc.
• Enhances muscle tone and sculpts more curves

Cons of Liposuction

• Needs a healthy lifestyle to maintain the results
• Doesn’t tighten the skin covering the targeted areas
• Has certain surgical risks, such as swelling, infection, and anesthesia-related risks

Why Should You Undergo Liposuction in Turkey?

Patients who are willing to fly overseas for liposuction prefer Turkey because of its low costs, cutting-edge technology, and highly skilled cosmetic doctors, among other reasons which include:

High-quality care

Turkey has gained a great reputation recently as a place of high-quality care and a home for the best plastic surgery clinics in the world. The quality of care in these clinics competes heavily with other well-known clinics in the developed world.

Low-Cost Care

In Turkey, health tourists can get both high-quality and low-cost medical treatments. A visit to a Turkish clinic is a cost-efficient but effective approach to enhancing your health. Treatment in Turkey is substantially less expensive than in Germany, Switzerland, or the United States.

Renowned Surgeons

Many of the world’s greatest cosmetic surgeons have chosen to call Turkey home. Board-certified cosmetic surgeons in Turkey are providing revolutionary treatments for patients seeking skin tightening and liposuction therapies in a bold effort to enhance the art of plastic surgery as a whole!

Outstanding Results

Many clinics around the world provide liposuction to patients, but their results rarely can reach the level of results obtained from Turkish clinics. Thousands of patients come every year to Turkey because they read and heard about the amazing results other patients got after trying liposuction in Turkey.

Extra Services

Clinics in Turkey provide a wide range of extra services, some of which are rare to find in other countries. This includes free consultations and follow-up sessions, escort services, and others. Profit margins and government subsidies have allowed clinics and hospitals to spend heavily on technical expenditures to push forward the advancement of their medical business, which successfully attracts thousands of patients from Europe, Asia, Africa, and America.

Therapeutic Benefits of Liposuction

People usually choose liposuction or lipo to reduce fat and receive cosmetic benefits, but this technique also can help treat some health conditions too, such as:

• Lymphedema: This disease results from the accumulation of a fluid known as lymph inside the body’s tissues, which causes swelling and edema, especially in the arms and legs.
• Gynecomastia: This is a non-cancerous enlargement of the man’s breasts, which causes embarrassment for many men.
• Extreme weight loss: Some people lose too much fat, but they are left with excess skin and other abnormalities that need treatment.
• Lipodystrophy syndrome: This syndrome refers to the accumulation of fat in one part of the body, not in another.
• Lipomas & Lipedema: These are the lumps of fat that grow in the body’s soft tissues, but they are not cancerous.

Common Body Areas for Liposuction

When visiting Turkey, you can choose to target the following areas by liposuction or lipo:

• Abdomen
• Buttocks
• Hips and thighs
• Back
• Chest and upper body
• Jowl 
• Leg
• Face
• Chin (submental)
• Calf 
• Flank 

Candidates for Liposuction in Turkey

Liposuction is not a magic wand for everyone who has trouble shedding off extra weight. In fact, doctors only suggest the procedure for a limited number of people who meet the following criteria:

• Within 20-30% of their ideal weight. In other words, they should only have 20 pounds (9 kg) extra weight (not obese)
• Healthy and without major diseases or disorders that could potentially affect recovery
• Have fat stored in the abdomen, arms, back, or thighs
• Have elastic, flexible skin with optimal muscle tone
• Have positive, realistic expectations about the results of the procedure

Techniques of Liposuction in Turkey

Clinics rely on different technologies to conduct fat removal and liposuction in Turkey. These are:

Traditional Liposuction

Traditional liposuction, also known as suction assisted lipectomy, is the most common and least expensive fat reduction treatment. During this procedure, surgeons usually use an “aspiration cannula” to extract fat from certain spots in the body. Thankfully, there will be no visible scars left on the patient’s body due to the limited size of the insertion holes.

Laser Liposuction

Laser liposuction is known also as laser-assisted liposuction, Slimlipo, or SmartLipo. Laser liposuction has the benefit of both reducing fat cells and tightening the skin. It involves using a laser to break down fat cells before removing them. It is a great option for slimming down the waistline, but plastic surgeons usually favor laser liposuction in regions such as the face and neck, because of its benefit in skin tightening. SmartLipo is one of the most popular and common types of laser liposuction.

Vaser Liposuction

This kind of surgery is also known as ultrasound-assisted liposuction or Vaser Hi-Def liposuction. This technology removes undesirable fat and reshapes the body using the most sophisticated ultrasound technology, which uses ultrasonic waves to eliminate fat deposits. Vaser liposuction has become one of the most popular liposuction in the world.

Power Assisted Liposuction

Power-assisted liposuction (PAL) or Power X liposuction breaks up fat cells by using an oscillating or vibrating device attached to a cannula. Some sources describe this method as being faster and more effective than other methods of liposuction.

Water-Assisted Liposuction

Water-assisted liposuction is also called water-jet liposuction. This method is gentler than other methods and often relies on saline steam to dissolve fat. Doctors often suggest this technique for people with lipedema.

Liposuction 360

Liposuction 360 is also known as lipo 360 or circumferential liposuction and is referring to liposuction that targets the midsection or all-around the body. This type is usually reserved for plus-sized people who seek drastic changes in their looks.

Cannula of Liposuction

During liposuction, doctors usually use a specialized cannula. The liposuction cannula is a thin, stainless-steel tube that your doctor is going to insert through an incision in the skin to remove unwanted fat.

Doctors can use macrocannulas or microcannulas, depending on the amount and type of fat that they plan to remove. A liposuction cannula attaches a long flexible plastic tube and a vacuum pump.

Microcannulas are best because they produce less discomfort for the patient. In fact, they’re less painful and more accurate than macrocannulas, but they’re fragile and require more incisions.

Success Rate of Liposuction in Turkey

Data regarding the success rate of liposuction in Turkey is lacking. However, some studies indicate that 80% of people who undergo liposuction express satisfaction with the results. Keep in mind that these studies are mostly old and don’t reflect the success rate in Turkey in particular, but the success rate of liposuction in general.

In any case, some sources on the internet claim that the success rate of liposuction reaches 90%. One should remain skeptical about the numbers given by hospitals and clinics that market liposuction to people. However, despite the controversy, reviews and testimonials of people who choose Turkey for liposuction are mostly positive and encouraging.

Questions to Ask Your Surgeon Before Liposuction

You must consult an experienced and highly qualified surgeon before moving on with liposuction in Turkey. During your consultation, try to shed some light on the subject by asking the following questions:

• Am I A Suitable Candidate for Liposuction?
• are you a board-certified surgeon with valid certification?
• Can Liposuction Be Combined with Other Plastic Surgeries?
• How Many Liposuction Procedures Do You Do Each Year?
• Can I See Before & After Photos of Your Previous Patients?
• What Is Your Experience with Liposuction?
• Are There Serious Complications of Liposuction in My Case?
• Will I Have Much Pain After the Surgery?
• What Kind of Anesthesia Will Be Used During Surgery?
• What Is Recovery Like, and When Can I Return to Work?
• What Tools, Techniques, and Methods Do You Use?

How Liposuction Is Performed

Liposuction goes through a process of three stages: before, during, and after the surgery.

Before Liposuction

Doctors usually take photos to compare the results after the surgery. They also will disinfect and mark the targeted areas and draw certain lines around them.

During Liposuction

Depending on the type of liposuction, you may receive local or general anesthesia. The nurse will monitor all vital signs and start administering medications. Your doctor may use a cannula and vacuum pump or other tools to extract fat.

After Liposuction

Once the procedure is over, you will be sent to the recovery room, waiting for the anesthesia wears off. Your doctor may allow you to back home on the same day if you’re ok.

You may experience swelling, discomfort, or bruising after the surgery. If necessary, your doctor will prescribe pain and antibiotic medications to help you recover.

Liposuction Results Over Time

Not all people start to see the results of liposuction in Turkey right away after the procedure. You need to be patient!

Weeks After Liposuction

Due to swelling and fluid retention, you may feel heavier and larger than before. As your body returns to normal, the results of liposuction will start to manifest.

1-3 Months After Liposuction

If everything goes well and the surgery is successful, you can expect to see the final results of liposuction during the 1-3 months after the surgery.

1 Year After Liposuction

Liposuction removes at least 10 pounds (4 kg) of your weight, which will lead to a great shape transformation. However, if you fail short to follow a healthy lifestyle, the fat can return again in the targeted areas after 1-2 years of the surgery.

Liposuction Before and After

What makes liposuction in Turkey a great deal is the degree of change that people notice when comparing before and after pictures.

Diet After Liposuction

Many people show great concern about the foods that they should and shouldn’t eat after liposuction. The general consensus agrees on the importance of a balanced diet after liposuction.

There is no need to follow a special diet or forbid yourself from eating certain foods. But you should alter your diet a bit to help yourself recover faster after the surgery according to an Insider article. Keep the following in mind:

• Focus more on eating protein-rich foods to build new muscles and skin tissues
• Take multivitamins and supplements if necessary, including vitamin D, B12, and magnesium
• Focus more on eating fruits and vegetables, healthy grains, and low-fat dairy
• Reduce your intake of saturated fats, sugars, and carbs
• Keep yourself hydrated by drinking enough fluids and water

Life After liposuction

Aside from following a healthy diet, you need also to consider the following issues as you return to your normal life routine after having liposuction in Turkey:

• You must continue taking certain medications and monitor swelling and fluid retention in the weeks following liposuction
• You can back to your work and daily life activities within weeks after the surgery
• Exercise should remain a part of your life even if liposuction successfully removed fat
• Choosing new garments and clothes is permitted, but you should continue wearing special, compression garments in the first month.
• Scars could form around the areas of incisions, but careful post-operative care will decrease their presence

Risks of Liposuction

Before you give your consent, your doctor will discuss with you the risks and problems associated with liposuction. It’s critical to speak with your plastic surgeon about all your concerns and worries.

During liposuction, fat cells are permanently eliminated. However, you might regain the weight as new fat cells form in various parts of your body. in any case, liposuction carries with it certain risks that involve:

• Bruising, swelling, or infection
• Change in skin sensation that may persist after surgery
• Damage to nerves, blood vessels, and muscles
• Fluid accumulation or poor wound healing
• Asymmetries or Irregular contours
• Irregular pigmentation
• Rippling or loose skin, or worsening cellulite
• Thermal burn or heat injury (resulting from ultrasound liposuction)
• Risks associated with anesthesia

Botched Liposuction

Unfortunately, not everyone feels satisfied with the results of liposuction, and not every liposuction surgery is destined to be successful. Depending on your surgeon’s experience, many things can go wrong and lead to a botched liposuction. Signs of botched liposuction include:

• Inadequate fat removal
• Fluid retention or accumulation
• Severe infection
• Cells death or necrosis
• Fat embolism
• Internal bleeding

Warnings About Liposuction in Turkey

Turkey is a great choice to get cosmetic surgeries at a cheaper cost. However, there are certain things that you need to consider if you choose to move on with this option:

• Not every plastic surgeon is qualified enough to perform liposuction in Turkey
• Not all clinics or surgeons follow strict privacy policies to keep information and pictures of international patients
• You better choose only clinics or hospitals that obtained proper registration from the Turkish ministry of health
• Some clinics offer comprehensive packages, but you still need to investigate the details of these offers
• Exploiting international patients is rare in Turkey, but some opportunistic health providers may charge these patients higher fees than usual

Best Centers & Clinics for Liposuction in Turkey

International patients have the choice to undergo liposuction in different clinics and health centers in Turkey. These clinics are scattered across the country, but you can find them mostly in Turkish centers, such as Istanbul, Antalya, and Izmir.

Liposuction in Istanbul

Most international patients prefer to have liposuction in Istanbul as they can enjoy both the activities in the ancient city and the treatment experience. International Clinics is one of the most trusted health providers of liposuction. Other major names include Vera Clinic, Turkeyana Clinic, clinicexpert.

Liposuction in Antalya

Antalya is known for its amazing beaches and nightlife. Well-known liposuction clinics in the city include SALUSS Medical Group and Medworld Clinic.

Liposuction in Izmir

Izmir is located also in the south of the country and hosts a lot of liposuction providers, such as Ekol International Hospital and Candan Mezili clinic.

Best Liposuction Surgeons in Turkey

Turkey is home to many well-known liposuction surgeons who gained a good reputation in the industry. Below are some prominent names:

• Dr. Halil İbrahim Gökçek
• Dr. Evren Tevfik İşçi
• Dr. Bilgehan İLKER

How Much Does Liposuction Cost in Turkey?

In general, plastic procedures, notably liposuction, are not very expensive in Turkey. Actually, liposuction is one of the most common plastic procedures in Turkey. Turkey might have the lowest cost, but it still has innovative experts and the highest quality. It is a great choice for everybody who needs plastic treatment.

Usually, the liposuction cost in Turkey is determined by the reputation of the clinic and the technology employed in the treatment. The cost is around 1400 US dollars in Turkey, which is vastly lower than what you might find in other countries.

According to recent statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of liposuction is 3600 US dollars in the United States. In the United Kingdom, the cost of lipo ranges from 1700-6800 US dollars.

What Other Countries to Choose for Liposuction?

People are looking for liposuction abroad as it is a cheaper and more exciting experience. Best destinations include countries such as Spain, Mexico, Thailand, Poland, and Turkey. But, among all the available destinations, Turkey stands as the best option at this moment.

The reason for this comes from the high-quality and low-cost treatments offered in the country, which puts it as the third most visited medical tourism destination after the U.S. and Germany. It is also easy to find specialized clinics in popular Turkish cities, such as Istanbul, Izmir, and Ankara.

Celebrities Who Underwent Liposuction

Liposuction is the favorite choice of my celebrities in the east and west to shed extra pounds and sculpt the body. Lately, news websites and magazines reported a story about the stand-up comedian Amy Schumer and her decision to have liposuction after pregnancy. The list of celebrities who underwent liposuction includes:

• Kim Kardashian
• Susan Sarandon
• Sharon Osbourne
• Cardi B
• Heidi Montag 
• Dolores Catania
• Kyle Richards
• Mariah Carey

How Can International Clinics Help You?

For successful outcomes, a mix of medical experience, cutting-edge technology, and high-quality treatment is required. International Clinics serves patients in Turkey with world-class healthcare services that exceed the boundaries of conventional healthcare.

For our overseas patients, we have created unique liposuction packages that include hotel accommodations near our hospitals and clinics as well as airport transportation.

Reviews of Liposuction in International Clinics

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Read more: Body Sculpting in Turkey