The general consensus has been that cosmetic surgery and plastic surgery are one and the same but technically this is not correct. They are closely related specialties certainly, for example they both deal with improving a patient’s body but that’s where the similarities end. The main difference is in the overall philosophy of the training, research, and goals for patient outcomes.
Cosmetic surgery is focused on ‘enhancing appearance’ while plastic surgery focuses on ‘repairing defects to reconstruct a normal function and appearance’. Cosmetic surgery is in actual fact a subsection of plastic surgery.
High levels of investment in the latest technology and professional staff, together with increased bed numbers, place hospitals in Turkey at the highest level within Europe, Middle East and Africa. Furthermore, by attracting graduates from university hospitals based in Turkey, Europe and the US, they always ensure high-quality professionals.
Here is what CosmetiCity CEO Rifat Shener says about their business:
What do you offer to your guests?
Rifat Shener: As with every kind of surgery, when looking to attain your body image through cosmetic surgery, you want to make sure that you are in the hands of a board certified, expert physician and also that you are not over paying.
The decision to undergo an operation is not taken lightly by itself. Also, travelling to a foreign country could add to your concerns. We expect to receive compassion, competence, excellence and expertise. But, firstly, we need the correct guidance throughout the whole process starting from day one. This begins with the enquiry. We all want our questions to be answered in a way we all understand. We also need to know precisely what to expect and to have as much information possible about our procedure. CosmetiCity provides answers to all your questions along the way. We are grateful to our past patients for their feedback.
We are Turkey’s most widespread and accessible hospital group with over 25 hospitals with board certified physicians. We serve our patients for both Cosmetic Surgery and Plastic Surgery procedures.
How does it work?
RS: Cosmetic surgery is an appearance-based procedure, therefore with the first contact from patients we expect to receive photos of the area of the body which will be subject to enhancement. These can be sent either by email or can be uploaded on our website or as most patients prefer, sent via WhatsApp.
After the preliminary analysis, the physician responds to the patient’s needs with notes. If the patient desires, an online consultation with the physician is arranged and the patient and the physician can discuss the patient’s needs. If the decision is taken to proceed with an operation, then an appointment is made and the date is set.
The patient travels to Istanbul where our representative will greet them and take them to the hotel.
On the day of the procedure our representative picks up the patient from the hotel and transports to the hospital.
The patient’s acceptance to the hospital is registered and the physician meets the patient face to face. After final confirmations, the patient is prepared for tests. Then the procedure takes place. Depending on the procedure, the patient may stay in the hospital or can be discharged after the operation.
We transport the patient to their hotel. If any post-op controls are needed to be done at a later date, the patient is transported from the hotel to the hospital and back. On the day of the departure our representative transports the patient from the hotel to the airport.
Why would your patients choose to travel abroad while they can get the same service locally?
RS: There are few reasons. One is financial. Depending on the procedure, the savings can be over 80% when done in Istanbul. For example, hair transplant will cost you at average £9,000 in UK while in Istanbul the same procedure will cost you around £1,500. If you included your accommodation at a 5-star hotel for three days and the Istanbul transfers this may add an extra £300. Depending on your calendar, you can book return flight tickets to Istanbul for as low as £100 with some reputable airlines. In other words, you only need about £2,000 to have an operation and a short weekend holiday versus £9,000.
Another reason is that we pledge to provide the finest personal care and most advanced medical facilities for patients, as they will always enjoy a warm, relaxed and professional ambiance. Our world-class, board-certified surgeons, skin care experts, and hair transplantation specialists are dedicated to provide you with a multitude of approaches to achieve your body image. Our hospitals are conveniently located within Istanbul, making it a comfortable trip to the hospitals.
Which operations are mostly in demand?
RS: Hair Transplant, Liposuction, Breast Augmentation and Rhinoplasty are the main operations that are mostly in demand.
With regards to Hair Transplant, we specialise in world-class medical treatments and are internationally renowned for our effective approach to hair treatment for men and woman.
Rhinoplasty (or nose surgery) are sometimes referred to as ‘nose re-shaping’ or a ‘nose job’ and our physicians, with the aid of latest technology, are dedicated to help you improve the appearance and proportion of your nose, enhancing facial harmony and self-confidence.
Breast Augmentation, Breast Implant or Breast Lift or Reduction, surgeries are commonplace with the latest developments in the field of medicine and the highly-experienced team of surgeons.
The range of cosmetic surgery procedures includes:
Breast Enhancement: Augmentation, Lift, Reduction
Facial Contouring: Rhinoplasty, Chin, or Cheek Enhancement
Facial Rejuvenation: Facelift, Eyelid Lift, Neck Lift, Brow Lift
Body Contouring: Tummy Tuck, Liposuction, Gynecomastia Treatment
Skin Rejuvenation: Laser Resurfacing, Botox®, Filler Treatments
Hair Transplant: Follicular Unit Extraction, Eyebrow, Facial Hair Transplants
Examples of plastic surgery procedures includes:
Breast Reconstruction
Burn Repair Surgery
Congenital Defect Repair: Cleft Palate, Extremity Defect Repair
Lower Extremity Reconstruction
Hand Surgery
Scar Revision Surgery
Further information
