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Why Turkey is fast becoming the go-to destination for cosmetic medical tourism

Medical tourism is one of Turkey’s fastest growing industries, and is estimated to contribute more than £3 billion to the country’s economy annually.

By LLM Reporters   |  

From gastric sleeves to hair transplants, the demand for medical tourism is at an all-time high, and with the global market value set to exceed £170 billion by 2025, it seems that our appetite for jetting off abroad to undergo a range of different medical treatments knows no bounds.

There’s no denying that private healthcare is of a high standard here in the UK, and although the best clinics and doctors often come with a hefty price tag, those for whom money is no object can enjoy the very finest treatment from start to finish, whether elective or essential.

Nevertheless, it seems that the sunnier shores of countries like Turkey are proving to be a little more tempting, with a growing number of Brits opting to use online medical travel services like FlyMedi to book their packages. Medical tourism is one of Turkey’s fastest growing industries, and is estimated to contribute more than £3 billion to the country’s economy annually.

From cosmetic procedures like tummy tucks and breast augmentations to necessary routine operations, patients flock in from across the globe, with some treatments costing as much as £20,000 – but generally, the prices are lower than they are in the UK, which is understandably rather appealing.

From gastric sleeves to hair transplants, the demand for medical tourism is at an all-time high, and with the global market value set to exceed £170 billion by 2025

Once upon a time, the idea of arranging your own medical tourism package would have felt overwhelming, but thanks to online services like FlyMedi, it’s now easier than ever for affluent patients to get everything sorted in one place – from accommodation and transfers, to the treatments and surgeries themselves. The platform allows those interested in medical tourism to find and compare a host of internationally recognised hospitals and clinics in Turkey and choose which one suits them best, as well as providing all the information patients need to make an informed decision.

To ensure things run smoothly, FlyMedi provides users with the most appropriate medical travel plan to suit their needs, with free doctor consultations provided before you fly to ensure that you know exactly what treatment is required in your specific case, and what to expect when you arrive in Turkey. And, because preparing for a medical procedure is stressful enough in itself, the all-inclusive medical tour packages offered are designed to lighten the load, with all the finer details taken care of on your behalf.

hair transplant
To ensure things run smoothly, FlyMedi provides users with the most appropriate medical travel plan to suit their needs, with free doctor consultations provided before you fly to ensure that you know exactly what treatment is required in your specific case, and what to expect when you arrive in Turkey

Services like these can certainly be credited in part for the surge in medical tourism numbers in Turkey, but they’re not the only reason we’re opting to leave Britain behind and get our treatments elsewhere. For those travelling for elective surgeries, it’s perhaps understandable that the idea of enjoying a side of sunshine and some much-needed rest and relaxation while you recover is a big draw, and thanks to its rich culture, excellent food and drink scene and beautiful cities and beaches, Turkey is the perfect place in which to combine the two.

Superior packages, better prices and the chance to explore and soak up some rays are undoubtedly a big part of the story, but another factor that is attracting more of us to Turkey to undergo medical procedures is the excellent standard of clinics and highly experienced doctors available to choose from.

Turkey is becoming increasingly renowned for its expertise in a range of cosmetic treatments – including hair transplants – with the procedure remaining one of the most highly sought-after amongst medical tourists visiting the country. Male pattern baldness is an affliction that affects up to 80 per cent of men at some point in their lifetimes, but women, too, can suffer from the effects of hair loss – and while once upon a time, hair transplant procedures were dismissed as being ineffective, scientific and technological advances in the field have meant that it’s now possible to achieve some impressive permanent results.

So, fewer are suffering in silence, and there’s been a spike in the number of those taking action, and opting to head to Turkey to get a much-needed confidence boost.

City view of Istanbul city, from the sea with Galata Tower in the far end, before sunset
Ranking second in Europe for its plastic surgery procedures, it’s easy to see why Turkey, with all its benefits, has become such a popular destination for medical tourists. Image credit: keladawy/Bigstock.com

The surgical procedure, which involves the ‘harvesting’ of hair follicles from a donor site elsewhere on the body and implanting them onto the target area – most commonly the crown or the hairline – has seen celebrities including Hollywood legend John Travolta and music legend Elton John both showing off thick, healthy looking heads of hair afters years of accelerating hair loss – an excellent advert for what’s possible. It’s perhaps little wonder then that heading for a FUE hair transplant in Turkey has been a major trend amongst hair loss and alopecia sufferers in recent years, and it’s one that’s continuing to grow.

Ranking second in Europe for its plastic surgery procedures, it’s easy to see why Turkey, with all its benefits, has become such a popular destination for medical tourists – but if you’re thinking of jetting off for an elective procedure in the near future, be sure to do your homework first to ensure you’re choosing a reputable clinic with a proven track record for excellent results and quality aftercare. Sites like FlyMedi are a great place to start, and will allow you to quickly create a tailor-made package that’s perfect to suit your needs – so head over and see what’s on offer, or contact them direct for a quote.