Excellent Experience with Dr. Surmeli in Istanbul

As a fulltime nomad, I could have traveled anywhere in the world to have plastic surgery. I spent a lot of time researching various locations and surgeons. In the end I chose Dr. Mehmet Surmeli in Istanbul for a tummy tuck and breast reduction.       Firstly, I wanted to work directly with the doctor and his staff rather than go through a medical company that has a financial interest in booking surgeries. When I contacted Dr. Surmeli's office, I spoke with the patient coordinator who worked for the doctor, not a third party medical tourism agency. Secondly, I wanted a doctor who was board certified. It can be difficult to know and trust governing bodies in foreign countries, however, Dr. Surmeli is also board certified in both the United States (American Society of Plastic Surgeons) and Europe (The European Board of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery). After sending information and photos, Dr. Surmeli advised that I should have the two procedures separately, six months apart. This meant traveling to Istanbul twice, but I appreciated his conservative approach due to my age (66), the length of surgeries and the healing process. Both of my surgeries were scheduled in a timely manner that worked for my schedule. Dr. Surmeli conducts his surgeries at the highly rated, private Memorial Hospital in the Bahçelievler neighborhood of Istanbul. The hospital is clean, bright and modern, with strict standards. With my coordinator translating and guiding me through the entire process, I felt right at home. (The Starbucks in the lobby was a nice touch, too.)      My surgeries went well and recovery for both have been smooth and uncomplicated. When I have a question or concern, I contact my coordinator and receive a reply with Dr. Surmeli's comments and recommendations. I have felt supported by the team throughout the process, even after leaving Istanbul. Plastic surgery is a big decision and traveling to a foreign country for the surgery can seem daunting. Dr. Surmeli and his team cater to foreign patients and they understand their concerns and are there to help patients through the entire process.         If you are considering plastic surgery, my advice is to forget those third party scheduling companies and cheap "chop shops" and instead choose a highly skilled surgeon who has your best interests at heart. For these reasons and more, I highly recommend Dr. Surmeli and his team. Plus, you get to visit Istanbul, one of the greatest cities in the world!