International patients planning otoplasty in Istanbul follow a structured 8-stage pathway, from initial WhatsApp enquiry to long-term remote follow-up. The pathway is designed to compress decision-making, travel, surgery, and early recovery into a single 7-10 day visit, with comprehensive remote care continuing for 6 months afterwards.
Key Facts
Stage 1: Initial enquiry
Most patients begin with a WhatsApp message or email enquiry. The coordinator replies within 24 hours (often within 2–4 hours during Istanbul business hours), asks for clinical photographs (front, both sides, back of head) and a brief medical history, and books a remote consultation video call. The initial enquiry is free with no obligation.
Stage 2: Remote consultation and planning
The remote consultation is a 20–40 minute WhatsApp video call with Dr. Erdal directly. He reviews the photographs, discusses goals and expectations, recommends specific techniques (e.g., Mustardé sutures alone, or combined with Furnas), explains recovery timeline, and answers questions. A written treatment plan and quotation arrive within 24 hours after the call.
Stage 3: Booking and pre-operative preparation
Once booked, the patient receives a pre-operative checklist: blood tests (FBC, biochemistry, coagulation) that can be done at home; medication review (stop aspirin, ibuprofen, herbal supplements 2 weeks before); smoking cessation guidance if applicable; flight booking advice; hotel recommendations; and visa support letter if required. Most pre-operative preparation can be completed in 2–4 weeks.
Stage 4: Arrival and pre-op visit
Patients fly into Istanbul (IST recommended) one day before surgery. Airport transfer can be arranged by the clinic or self-organised. The first evening allows time to recover from travel and adjust to local time. The pre-operative clinic visit takes place on the same day or the morning of surgery — confirming the surgical plan, completing consent, and final photographs.
Stage 5: Surgery day
The patient arrives at the clinic in the morning. Procedure under local anaesthesia plus sedation, or general anaesthesia for paediatric cases, lasting 1.5–2 hours. Same-day discharge with protective dressing, oral analgesics, and antibiotic prescription. A companion takes the patient back to the hotel for the night.
Stage 6: Early recovery in Istanbul
Days 1–6 of recovery happen in Istanbul. Day 1 visit confirms the dressing position. Day 4–5 dressing is removed and the elastic headband is fitted. Days 5–7 allow gentle walking, light tourism, and final clinic review. Most patients are cleared to fly on day 6 or 7.
Stage 7: Return travel and home recovery
The fit-to-fly clearance includes a written summary suitable for travel insurance and the patient's home doctor. Headband wearing continues for 4–6 weeks after return, mostly at night by week 3–4. Activities gradually resume — desk work and school within 7–10 days, gym at week 4, full contact sports at week 6.
Stage 8: Remote follow-up
Follow-up continues for at least 6 months remotely via WhatsApp. Scheduled photo check-ins at week 1, week 4, week 12, and month 6. Dr. Erdal personally reviews each follow-up. Any concerns trigger immediate video consultation. Late complications are rare but Dr. Erdal coordinates with the patient's home GP if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can children come for surgery without both parents?
Yes, but with documentation. If only one parent travels with the child, the absent parent must provide notarised written consent. Turkish immigration sometimes requests this at entry. The clinic provides a template document to simplify this process.
What if I have a complication after returning home?
All otoplasty complications are extremely rare after the first 7 days. If anything arises, patients first contact Dr. Erdal via WhatsApp — he reviews photos and advises whether local medical attention is needed. For wound concerns, antibiotic prescriptions, or scar issues, a home GP visit usually suffices. The clinic provides a written discharge summary specifically formatted for home physicians.
Can I bring children or non-patient family members?
Yes — many international patients bring family. Istanbul has excellent family hotels, restaurants, and tourist attractions. Family members can attend pre-operative consultations but wait in the clinic lounge during surgery itself.
Do you arrange the hotel?
Patients usually book their own hotel based on preference and budget. The clinic coordinator provides a curated list of recommended hotels at three price points (luxury, mid-range, budget) all within 15 minutes of the clinic. Hotel booking is not bundled into surgical fees, giving patients flexibility.
What happens if I need to cancel after booking?
Cancellation policies depend on timing and reason. Cancellations more than 14 days before surgery typically receive a full refund minus any non-recoverable third-party fees (e.g., pre-purchased medications). Cancellations within 7 days may incur partial fees. Medical reasons (e.g., illness preventing travel) are treated flexibly with documentation.