Will the NHS fix my breast implant problem?
Usually not, and it helps to know the rules before you wait months to hear them. The NHS generally does not revise privately-placed cosmetic implants; exceptions are narrow (for example, confirmed rupture causing clinical problems may qualify for removal only — without replacement, and with long waits). Cosmetic correction — exchange, lift, symmetry, appearance — is treated as private whatever the cause. That reality is why so many UK patients research abroad.
My original clinic has closed or won't help. What do I do?
A distinctly common UK situation — chains have collapsed, and overseas clinics sometimes go quiet once there's a problem. You don't need their cooperation: bring whatever you have (implant card, any paperwork, even just photos over time), and assessment plus imaging fills the gaps. Not knowing your implant details does not prevent revision.
I had my first surgery abroad — maybe even in Turkey. Can you fix it?
Yes, and honestly: some of the revision work here corrects surgery done cheaply elsewhere in Turkey. Where you had the first operation matters far less than choosing the revision surgeon carefully — revision is a different discipline from first-time augmentation, and it's the discipline this practice is built on.
How do I verify a Turkish surgeon from the UK?
The same way you'd vet anyone: independent, checkable credentials. Dr. Erdal holds FACS (American College of Surgeons) and FEBOPRAS (the European board — the same EU-level certification held by many UK consultants), is an Associate Professor with 30+ peer-reviewed publications, and carries Türkiye's official health-tourism authorisation (No. 2026034015610080000444996). All verifiable before you commit to anything.
Do I need my PIP implants removed?
If you still carry PIP implants, you deserve a proper individual answer rather than a blanket one. UK guidance did not mandate routine removal for intact, symptom-free PIPs — but these implants are now old by any standard, their rupture rates were the scandal, and most women who discover they have them choose planned exchange on their own terms rather than waiting for a problem. Send what you know; you'll get a plain recommendation.
What does breast revision cost compared with UK private prices?
UK private revision commonly runs £8,000–£15,000+ depending on complexity and city. The same operation in Istanbul — surgeon, accredited hospital, anaesthesia, implants, hotel-side logistics and transfers included — is typically 50–70% less, quoted in writing after assessment. The saving is structural (costs and currency), not clinical.
Is it safe to have revision surgery abroad after a bad first experience?
The fear is rational; the answer is process. What went wrong for most 'botched abroad' patients wasn't geography — it was a package clinic, a surgeon they never really spoke to, and no aftercare. Reverse each of those: direct contact with the operating surgeon, verifiable credentials, a named diagnosis before a price, and structured remote follow-up. That's the model here, and it's precisely designed against the failure pattern.
Who looks after me back in the UK afterwards?
Dr. Erdal does, remotely and personally: scheduled photo reviews, direct WhatsApp access for concerns, and written guidance you can share with your GP. For routine healing this works smoothly; in the rare event something needs hands-on care at home, you'll be directed clearly and early — and your records travel with you, in English.
When can I fly home after revision surgery?
Typically 5–7 days post-op for straightforward exchange, a little longer for complex work — confirmed at your final in-person review, never before. The ~4-hour UK flight is short-haul: aisle seat, hydration, hourly walks, and your surgical bra make it a comfortable non-event for the great majority.
How long will I need off work?
Desk-based roles: commonly 1–2 weeks including the trip itself. Physical jobs: 3–4 weeks, lifting restrictions until cleared. Revision recovery is usually easier than patients expect — often easier than their first surgery — because much of the work happens in an already-developed pocket.
What happens if I have a complication after I'm home?
You contact Dr. Erdal directly — not a call centre — and get an answer fast. Most worries resolve with reassurance and photo review; genuine issues are triaged honestly: what can wait for a planned return, what your GP or a local service should see, and what the practice will organise. The protocol exists in writing before you ever book.
Are my old implant records important — and what if they're lost?
Helpful but not essential. An implant card tells us make, size and shell; missing records are routine in revision (UK clinic closures made sure of that). Examination and imaging establish what's needed. If you do have records — including from the original overseas clinic — bring everything.
Which implants do you use for the replacement?
Current-generation, CE-marked cohesive silicone implants from established manufacturers, chosen by measurement and by what your revision specifically needs (projection, width, surface) — discussed with you by name and spec, not hidden behind a package. If your revision is an explant without replacement, that's equally respected.
How long do I stay in Istanbul, and can someone come with me?
Typically 6–8 days: consultation and imaging review, surgery with an overnight hospital stay, early recovery, and a final review before flying. A companion is welcome and easy — one hotel, airport transfers for two, and Istanbul is a rather good city to recover slowly in.
