Recovery and Aftercare Tips for a Smooth Journey
A successful treatment does not end when you leave the hospital. Recovery and aftercare — in Türkiye and after you return home — play a major role in your final result. These general tips will help you prepare, but your own medical team’s instructions always come first.
Follow Your Written Instructions
Before you leave the hospital or clinic, make sure you receive clear written instructions in a language you understand. They should cover:
- Your medications: what to take, when, and for how long
- Wound, dressing or scalp care, and when you can shower
- Activity limits: lifting, exercise, sleeping position and returning to work
- Diet, if your treatment requires one
- Dates of follow-up checks and how to contact the medical team
Keep these instructions with you and ask questions before you leave if anything is unclear.
The First Days: Rest Is Part of the Treatment
It is tempting to make the most of your time abroad, but rest is essential in the first days after treatment. Sleep well, drink enough water, eat light and nutritious meals and avoid alcohol and smoking, which can slow healing.
Short, gentle walks are often encouraged after surgery to support circulation — but only as advised by your doctor.
Warning Signs to Watch For
Some discomfort, swelling or bruising is expected after many treatments. Contact your medical team promptly if you notice:
- A high temperature or chills
- Pain that increases instead of gradually improving
- Increasing redness, warmth, discharge or bleeding at the treated area
- Nausea or vomiting that prevents you from eating or drinking
- Swelling, pain or warmth in one leg, or sudden shortness of breath or chest pain — seek emergency care immediately
In an emergency in Türkiye, call 112. Save the numbers of your hospital and your patient coordinator in your phone before your treatment.
Flying Home Safely
Your doctor will tell you when you are fit to fly. After surgery, long flights can increase the risk of blood clots, so the medical team may recommend waiting a certain number of days. During the flight:
- Drink water regularly and limit alcohol and caffeine
- Walk in the aisle and move your ankles and legs when you are seated
- Wear compression stockings if they have been recommended
- Keep medications and medical documents in your hand luggage
- Request wheelchair or boarding assistance in advance if you need it
Keep Your Medical Records
Ask for copies of your discharge summary, procedure report, test results and imaging, ideally in English. Include details such as the implant system used, the materials or the number of grafts where relevant. These documents allow any doctor at home to understand what was done and support your ongoing care.
Follow-Up After You Return Home
Agree on a follow-up plan before you travel home: whether check-ups will take place online, with your local doctor or during a future visit. Share your treatment documents with your family doctor, dentist or physiotherapist so they are aware of your treatment.
Healing takes time, and final results can take weeks or months depending on the procedure. Patience — and following the aftercare plan — makes a real difference. If you have questions during recovery, your Medistra Care coordinator can help you stay in touch with the medical team.
Planning a future treatment? Read our step-by-step guide to planning your medical trip or contact our team.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I fly home after surgery?
It depends on the procedure and your recovery. Your surgeon will confirm when you are fit to fly, and after some operations a stay of a week or more is recommended.
What should I do if I have a problem after returning home?
Contact the medical team that treated you and your local doctor. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department. Keeping your medical records with you makes this easier.
Can follow-up be done online?
Many follow-up checks can be carried out by video call or by sending photographs, while some require an in-person visit. Agree on the follow-up plan before you travel home.
Information provided on this website is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Treatment recommendations are made by qualified medical professionals after evaluation of each individual case.