From inquiry to 12-month follow-up

WhatsApp consultation with Dr. Erdal

Send three photos via WhatsApp — front, oblique (45°), and side profile. Dr. Erdal personally reviews your photos and responds within 24 hours with:

• Initial technique recommendation (closed approach feasibility, dorsal preservation eligibility, septoplasty indication)
• Expected outcome description
• All-inclusive quote in your preferred currency (GBP, EUR, USD, AED)
• Recovery timeline tailored to your work and life context
• Answers to your specific questions

This first response is from Dr. Erdal directly — not a coordinator or agency. The pattern continues throughout the entire journey.

Video consultation

30-45 minute video call with Dr. Erdal to discuss:

• Your specific aesthetic and functional goals
• Anatomical assessment of nasal structure, breathing, septum
• Surgical plan: closed vs open approach, dorsal preservation vs traditional, tip refinement strategy, septoplasty if indicated
• Expectation calibration with realistic before/after examples
• Recovery requirements and timeline
• Pre-operative preparation: medications to stop, smoking cessation, supplements to avoid

This is where the real surgical conversation happens. Bring all your questions; the consultation is unhurried and clinical, not sales-driven.

Booking and travel preparation

Once you decide to proceed:

• Surgery date confirmed (typically 4-8 weeks ahead)
• Coordinator team coordinates flights, transfers, and hotel
• Pre-operative requirements list provided: blood tests timing, medication stops (4 weeks before surgery), smoking cessation (4 weeks minimum, 8 weeks ideal)
• Hotel booked at Antwell Suites Istanbul or equivalent recovery residence
• Detailed itinerary sent: Day 0 through Day 5 timeline

VIP airport pickup and hotel check-in

Arrival day:

• VIP transfer driver waits at Istanbul Airport (IST) or Sabiha Gökçen (SAW) arrivals — black sedan or SUV
• Direct transfer to hotel (40-90 minutes depending on airport and traffic)
• Hotel check-in coordinated for early arrival; companion accommodated in same suite
• Light dinner at hotel restaurant or local Turkish cuisine
• Early rest — pre-operative consultation begins next morning

Hospital tests and in-person consultation

The full pre-operative day:

• Morning transfer to JCI-accredited hospital
• Standard pre-operative blood tests (CBC, coagulation, biochemistry)
• ECG and chest X-ray (over age 40 or as indicated)
• Anaesthesiology consultation with the consultant anaesthetist who will manage your case
• Return to clinic for in-person consultation with Dr. Erdal
• Final surgical plan confirmed; consent forms signed
• Pre-operative photographs taken for records
• Return to hotel for evening rest

Total time: approximately 4-5 hours including transfers.

Closed rhinoplasty at JCI hospital

Surgery day:

• Morning transfer to hospital, fasted from midnight
• Pre-operative preparation: changing into surgical gown, IV line, anaesthesiologist re-assessment
• Surgery: 2-3 hours under general anaesthesia, performed by Dr. Erdal personally — not a junior surgeon or trainee
• Recovery room observation 2-3 hours post-operatively
• Transfer to private inpatient room for overnight observation
• Pain managed with regular analgesia; nausea prevention protocol active
• Companion stays with you in the inpatient room overnight

Hotel-based recovery with daily clinic check-ins

Hospital discharge typically morning of Day 3:

• Discharge to hotel with detailed post-operative instructions
• Daily wound check at clinic (5 minutes from hotel)
• Splint and internal packing remain in place
• Pain management continues; most patients comfortable with paracetamol by Day 4
• Light activities (walking, reading, light meals) resume
• Bruising peaks Days 3-5, particularly under the eyes
• Companion encouraged for support and meal preparation
• Local SIM cards available for international communication

Splint removal and return flight

Final day in Istanbul:

• Morning clinic visit: splint removal, internal packing removed, gentle wound cleaning
• First view of the new nose (still significantly swollen — final shape emerges over 12 months)
• Final consultation with Dr. Erdal — written aftercare instructions, scar care protocol, follow-up schedule
• Photographs taken for records and follow-up comparisons
• VIP transfer to airport for return flight
• Compression bra not required (rhinoplasty); minimal flight precautions other than DVT prevention

12-month follow-up programme

Continued surgeon access throughout the recovery year:

• Month 1: structured photo and video review with Dr. Erdal via WhatsApp. Major bruising fully resolved; significant swelling persists.
• Month 3: photo review. Most external swelling resolved; tip swelling continues. Scar care reminder.
• Month 6: photo and video review. Approximately 60-70% of final shape emerged. Sun protection critical.
• Month 12: final photo review. Approximately 90% of final shape; tip swelling may continue resolving for additional 6 months.
• Throughout: unlimited WhatsApp access to Dr. Erdal for questions, concerns, or unexpected changes