Why the Netherlands patients come to Istanbul
- Surgical quality. Istanbul-based plastic surgeons with FACS, FEBOPRAS, and academic affiliations match the credentials available domestically in the Netherlands, often with significantly higher facial surgery volumes.
- Cost differential. Dutch private aesthetic surgery for buccal fat is typically €3,000–6,000. Istanbul costs including flights and hotel are typically less for equivalent quality.
- Direct flights. Multiple daily direct flights between Amsterdam (AMS) and Istanbul Airport (IST).
- English-speaking environment. Our entire patient-facing team works in English; you will not need a translator.
What's practically different from having surgery at home
- Pre-op consultation is partly remote. Initial photo consultation happens via WhatsApp; the in-person consultation happens the day before surgery. This is normal for international patients and works well for buccal fat (a procedure where physical examination adds modest information beyond photos).
- Recovery happens in Istanbul. We ask you to stay 5–6 nights post-arrival, with the surgery typically on day 2 or 3.
- Follow-up is remote after you return home. WhatsApp check-ins at week 1, week 4, month 3, and month 6.
- If a complication develops at home, we coordinate with you via WhatsApp and, if needed, with a local physician in the Netherlands who can examine you in person.
What we've learned working with the Netherlands patients
Some practical observations specific to the Netherlands-based patients:
- You typically have done significant research before contacting — questions tend to be specific and detailed
- You often want explicit cost transparency upfront, which we provide via private quote
- Most the Netherlands patients combine the surgery with a short Istanbul visit (3–4 days of light tourism after recovery)
- The follow-up engagement rate is high — most the Netherlands patients send 3-month and 6-month photos as agreed
Booking your surgery
The process is:
- Send a WhatsApp message with 3 facial photos and basic information
- Receive Doç. Dr. Erdal's personal assessment within 1–2 business days
- If candidate, receive a written quote covering surgery + theatre + anaesthesia
- Pay a small refundable deposit to secure your surgery date
- Book your own flights and hotel near our Nişantaşı clinic
- Arrive in Istanbul; we handle the airport transfer and the rest
We recommend 3–4 weeks notice as a minimum.
Frequently asked questions
Spreekt u Nederlands?
Doç. Dr. Erdal does not speak Dutch but communicates fluently in English. Most Dutch patients are very comfortable in English; our coordinator handles all logistics in English.
Will I need a Turkish visa?
Dutch passport holders enter Turkey visa-free for stays up to 90 days.
Not sure if you're a candidate?
Buccal fat pad removal is the right choice only for the right face. Send 3 facial photos (front, profile, three-quarter) and Doç. Dr. Erdal will give you an honest, no-pressure suitability assessment before you decide anything.
Ready to discuss buccal fat removal?
Schedule a free WhatsApp consultation with Doç. Dr. Erdal. Send a few facial photos and your questions — typical response within 2 hours during business hours.