How to Prepare for Surgery in Turkey: The Complete Checklist
A well-prepared trip isn't defined by how much you pack — it's defined by how many decisions you've already made: the surgery date, the cost estimate, who's traveling with you, and how the first weeks back home will be organized. Here's the timeline.
3–4 weeks before: documents and the remote opinion
Start with the medical side: MRI, CT, or X-ray images — ideally as files rather than photos of printouts; discharge summaries and doctors' reports; a list of current medications with dosages; information about chronic conditions and past surgeries. For hair transplants, instead of scans you'll need 4–6 photos of your head in bright light. The materials go to the surgeon, and within 3–5 days you receive an opinion with a cost estimate.
At the same time, check your passport: it must be valid for at least six months from your entry date. Citizens of Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Russia do not need a visa to travel for treatment, but it's worth requesting an invitation letter from the clinic if your employer requires one.
2 weeks before: tests, medications, work
The clinic sends a list of required tests. Some can be done at home to save time on site; others are repeated before surgery regardless. Discuss separately with your doctor any medications that affect blood clotting: aspirin, warfarin, and similar drugs are usually stopped or switched to another regimen a few days before surgery — never do this on your own.
If you smoke, try to cut back or quit for at least two weeks: wound healing is worse in smokers. It's best to arrange time off work in advance: a typical sick leave after joint replacement runs from 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the nature of your job.
1 week before: packing
- Passport, printed cost estimate, correspondence with your coordinator, insurance if you have it
- Scans on a flash drive or in the cloud, discharge summaries, medication list
- Loose clothing: wide-leg pants, T-shirts, a robe; slip-resistant shoes without laces
- Your personal medications for the entire trip plus a 3–4 day reserve
- Chargers, an extension cord, headphones, a book or tablet: there's a lot of downtime in the hospital
- Toiletries, wet wipes, lip balm
Walkers, crutches, compression garments, a brace, or a corset — if included in your package — are provided by the clinic, so there's no need to buy them in advance.
Money
The main payment is made at the clinic's cash desk according to the estimate, by card or in cash. Check with your bank about limits and whether your card works abroad. For personal expenses, budget around 30–50 US dollars per day per person: food outside the clinic, pharmacy, taxis. It's more convenient to prepare currency in advance; your coordinator can recommend trusted exchange offices in Bursa.
2 days before: prepare your home for your return
This is the step people forget most often, and it has a big effect on the first weeks back. Clear cords and rugs off the floor that could cause a trip; put a non-slip mat in the shower; think through where an armchair with armrests will go; for hip replacement, a raised toilet seat and a reacher/grabber for shoes and socks will come in handy. Stock up on groceries in advance and arrange for someone to help during the first week.
Departure day and the flight
In your carry-on: documents, scans, medications, water, a charger. We request an aisle seat or extra legroom when booking. On the plane: compression stockings if your doctor recommended them, ankle pumps every 20–30 minutes, and a walk down the aisle once an hour. At the airport, a clinic driver will meet you with a sign; the coordinator sends the car number and driver's phone the day before.
What to bring back with you
Before your flight home, make sure you have: a discharge summary, the implant's warranty passport with its serial number, follow-up scans, a medication schedule, and a week-by-week rehabilitation plan. You'll need these documents for your local doctor and for the online check-ups at 1, 3, 6, and 12 months.
The full step-by-step logistics of treatment — from the remote opinion to returning home — are covered in our guide to how treatment works.