My experience report – review for eyelid surgery in Istanbul, January 2024

My daughter already had an appointment for her long-awaited nose surgery and asked me if I would accompany her. I didn’t hesitate for a second, because this was my chance to finally correct my eyelids – in other words, I decided quite >. I am 53 years young, and gradually the tissue naturally begins to sag.

I already knew MedicalTravel because ten years ago I went to Istanbul with my partner for his eye laser surgery. He is still satisfied with his vision today, never had any problems afterwards, and recommends it to everyone. So even ten years ago, everything ran perfectly. Back then we were on the European side, this time on the Asian side.

With great competence and organisational talent, I was able to have my surgery on the same day as my daughter. But let me start from the beginning.

From the communication (via WhatsApp and email) and organisation in Switzerland, to the pick-up service at the airport as well as at the hotel and hospital, everything went smoothly and quickly. All drivers were punctual where needed, and the fact that there can be delays in Istanbul due to heavy traffic was taken into account in the transfer times. That is also why SwissMedical recommends certain hotels, as they are close to the respective clinics. A special praise to our driver after the surgery: he drove even more carefully than on the way to the hospital, thank you for that!

Before the trip, I received a nice dossier, the MedicalTravel Pass, with all the important information for me about the journey, the procedure, as well as tips about Istanbul.

We stayed for one week at the Livinton Hotel. Since we knew that we would not be very fit at first, we treated ourselves to the suite. That was a good idea because it had a sofa bed, so we could sleep comfortably as needed. The hotel is okay, the food in the restaurant was fresh and good, and as someone who had surgery, you are not alone there.

On the day of the surgery at Acibadem Kozyatagi Istanbul (Asian side), we were met by an interpreter who accompanied us all day: from check-in (always bring your passport!), to blood tests, room allocation, and even to the door of the operating theatre. A huge amount of paperwork, but very important to prevent complications. I was very impressed by the thorough and detailed medical history and patient information, which also gave me a sense of security.

We received the usual hospital clothing, including compression stockings and slippers. The hospital room has a safe, and there are security cameras in the hospital corridors.

The hospital staff, with the exception of one lady in the operating theatre and Dr Kayiran of course, speak practically no English, so Google Translate and DeepL were very helpful. Both at the hotel and in the hospital, you can connect to the Wi-Fi for free. For language support, the interpreter and MedicalTravel were always reachable, and you quickly received the necessary assistance.

My daughter had to stay one night in the hospital, and I could have gone to the hotel. I asked if I could stay in her room, which was no problem, and I received meals just like her. At night, we were given a chilled eye mask, and each private room has a sofa that can be converted into a single bed in two steps. I did not have to pay an extra franc for the entire service. Very friendly, courteous, and kind. Make sure to take a bottle of water. There is a water dispenser where you can get water yourself, but if you are not very mobile after the surgery, you have to call. They arrive within a maximum of 30 seconds; we had fun timing the seconds.

On Monday we had the surgery, and on Friday the follow-up took place with Dr Kayiran at Acibadem Hospital. He was satisfied with the result and explained how we should take care of ourselves in the coming days, especially regarding the flight.

We enjoyed one more day in Istanbul and then flew home. In March, we will visit Dr Kayiran again in Zug.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to request my email through MedicalTravel, and I will gladly answer your questions or concerns regarding nose and eyelid surgery.

Nicole Müller