Getting to Istanbul from the US, UK, and Australia
From United States
Direct flights from New York (JFK) to Istanbul (IST) are approximately 10 hours. Turkish Airlines, American, and United operate this route. From the West Coast (Los Angeles, San Francisco), expect 14–16 hours with one connection. Most US patients fly into Istanbul Atatürk (SAW) or Istanbul Airport (IST) — the clinic is accessible from both.
Tip: Book a flexible or refundable return ticket. Do not book a fixed return flight less than 12 days after your surgery date.
From United Kingdom
London to Istanbul is approximately 3.5–4 hours. Multiple daily flights from Heathrow, Gatwick, and Stansted. Turkish Airlines, British Airways, and EasyJet all operate this route. UK patients typically fly out 1–2 days before surgery and return at days 10–12.
From Australia
Sydney or Melbourne to Istanbul is approximately 20–24 hours with one connection (typically via Dubai, Doha, or Singapore). Given the long return flight, we recommend Australian patients allow 14 days minimum before flying home after deep plane surgery.
Istanbul airport arrival
All patients receive a VIP airport transfer on arrival — included in the package. Your driver will be at arrivals with your name. You do not need to navigate taxis or public transport on arrival, or at any point during your Istanbul stay.
Istanbul Airport (IST) is the main international hub. Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) is on the Asian side — further from most clinics. Both are covered by your transfer service — confirm which airport you are arriving at with your coordinator.
Where to stay in Istanbul
For recovery, proximity to the clinic matters more than proximity to tourist attractions. Dr. Zereyak's clinic is in Kadıköy, on Bağdat Caddesi — the following areas are recommended for recovery patients:
Şişli / Nişantaşı
Closest to most private clinics. Quiet residential streets, good cafés for when you are mobile. Hotels range from boutique to large international chains.
Beşiktaş
Adjacent to Şişli, slightly more local neighborhood feel. Good transport links. Lower hotel prices than Nişantaşı for equivalent quality.
Taksim / Beyoğlu
More central, more tourist traffic, more noise. Some patients prefer the location for the final days before flying home.
What to look for in a recovery hotel
- Elevator — essential. Avoid stairs for the first week.
- Refrigerator in room — useful for cold compresses.
- Ground or low floor — reduces time in elevators.
- Quiet location — sleep quality matters enormously in recovery.
- Room service — soft foods available without leaving the room.
- Flexible check-out — your recovery timeline may shift slightly.
Your coordinator provides a recommended hotel list and assists with booking. We do not require patients to use a specific hotel — the choice is yours.
Packing list for your Istanbul stay
Clothing
- Button-front or zip-front tops — no pulling over head for 2 weeks
- Loose elastic-waist trousers or joggers
- Slip-on shoes — no bending forward
- Comfortable robe for hotel room
- Sunglasses — light sensitivity and privacy
Recovery aids
- Soft travel pillow for head elevation
- Arnica gel (reduces bruising — cleared with Dr. Zereyak)
- SPF 50 sunscreen (for incision lines on day 10+)
- Soft straws (drinking without moving jaw)
- Entertainment — tablet, headphones, books
Documents
- Passport (6 months validity)
- Travel insurance documents (covering medical care abroad)
- List of current medications
- Pre-operative instructions from Dr. Zereyak's team
- Emergency contact information
Visa requirements
US, UK, Canadian, and Australian citizens can obtain an e-Visa for Turkey online at evisa.gov.tr before travel. The process takes 10–15 minutes and costs approximately $50 USD. EU citizens from most countries enter visa-free for up to 90 days. Always verify the current visa requirements for your nationality before booking.
Currency and payment
The surgical package is paid in USD, EUR, or GBP at the clinic — cash, Visa, or Mastercard. For daily expenses in Istanbul, Turkish Lira (TRY) is the local currency. ATMs are widely available and give competitive exchange rates. Credit cards are accepted at most hotels and restaurants.
Flying home after deep plane facelift
I recommend a minimum of 10 days in Istanbul before any long-haul flight. For my US patients flying 10+ hours, I prefer 5–7 days — this allows me to perform partial suture removal, assess healing, and confirm the patient is safe to fly. I have seen patients from other clinics fly home too early and develop complications from cabin pressure on tissues that were not yet stable. The extra 2–3 days in Istanbul is not optional — it is part of the surgical plan.
— Dr. Umut Zereyak
The following applies during your return flight:
- Wear your compression garment throughout — cabin pressure causes swelling
- Book an aisle seat — moving your legs every 2 hours reduces clot risk
- Stay hydrated — dehydration is more pronounced at altitude post-surgery
- Avoid alcohol on the flight — increases swelling and dehydration
- Avoid falling asleep in a slumped position — head support matters
- Inform the cabin crew you have had recent surgery — they can assist
Ready to plan your Istanbul facelift?
Book a free video consultation with Dr. Zereyak. He will review your photographs, discuss your goals, confirm your candidacy, and provide a full all-inclusive quote including package logistics.