The price, honestly compared
| Turkey | Ireland | |
|---|---|---|
| Liposuction package | About €1,300 to €5,200 | €2,200 to €7,000 |
| Usually in the package | Surgery, a hotel for some nights, airport transfers | Surgery, anaesthetic, garment, check-ups |
| On top | Flights, extra nights, a companion's costs, time off, any return trip | Travel to the clinic in Ireland |
| Check-ups | Before you fly home, then remote | In person, at the same clinic |
What the Department of Foreign Affairs advises
- research the provider's credentials yourself and check the facility is accredited in that country
- find out what legal action is possible if something goes wrong
- talk the plan through with your own doctor before you commit
- have travel insurance that covers it: the EHIC is not valid outside the EU
- know what follow-up you need, and get a discharge summary in English
- check whether your airline needs a fit-to-fly letter, and get it before you're discharged
The Department also says it cannot give financial or legal help to people who run into problems after treatment abroad.
Flying home
Surgery and long flights both raise the risk of a blood clot. The UK's NHS advises not flying for five to seven days after liposuction. On the flight, the HSE's advice for any trip over three hours applies: loose clothes, walking when you can, compression stockings and calf exercises.
If something goes wrong at home
Irish emergency departments treat complications, wherever the surgery happened. What's harder is the follow-up: a GP or a local surgeon didn't do your operation and may not have your notes, and a revision is another trip. Before you book anywhere, ask what happens if you need more treatment after you're home, and who pays for it.
Checking a surgeon abroad
Ask about the surgeon's training and registration in that country, how many of your procedure they do, whether you meet them before the day (not just a coordinator), and whether you can have two consultations with time to think between them.
Questions people ask
Is liposuction in Turkey safe?
Many operations go well. The risks of surgery are the same anywhere; what differs is the checking you can do, the aftercare at home, and the travel. The DFA's advice is the place to start.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey?
Long enough for the first check and to be safe to fly. The UK's NHS advises not flying for five to seven days after liposuction.
Can I claim tax relief on surgery abroad?
Not for cosmetic surgery, in Ireland or abroad. Revenue only gives relief where surgery corrects a health issue, and the practitioner must be registered in that country.