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[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

What you’re looking for is often referred to as “medical complications insurance” or “surgical risk insurance” for international patients. This is different from regular travel insurance, which usually only covers things like trip cancellations or lost luggage, and not post-surgical medical issues.

In Turkey, complications coverage is not automatically included in your treatment package, so you need to arrange it in advance. Some international companies like CareSurgery, Medical Travel Shield (MTS), or Global Protective Solutions (GPS) offer policies that are tailored specifically for medical tourists. These typically cover unforeseen surgical complications, infections, hospital readmission, and sometimes even extended stays. It’s crucial that you read the fine print: many of these plans require that you’re treated in an accredited facility and that you purchase the policy before your procedure.

Before choosing any insurance provider, make sure the clinic you’re working with is also transparent and can guide you on what their own coverage includes (if any). Don’t hesitate to ask them for documentation or recommendations.

[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

What you’re describing is actually quite common during the healing process. The firmness is usually caused by internal swelling, scar tissue, and the body’s natural response to trauma in the treated areas. This hardness can persist for several weeks, even up to a few months, and gradually softens over time.

The soreness can also be a part of normal nerve regeneration and tissue repair. That said, if the pain is sharp, getting worse, or accompanied by heat, redness, or other signs of infection, it’s important to check in with your surgeon. Otherwise, gentle massage, staying hydrated, and continuing any post-op care instructions (like wearing compression garments) can help improve the healing process.

[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

I’m really sorry to hear you’re going through this. Persistent itching after a tummy tuck, liposuction, and breast surgery can be due to several factors, and it’s understandable that this is affecting your sleep and peace of mind.

Firstly, itching is a common part of the healing process, especially after procedures involving extensive skin manipulation or liposuction. As the nerves regenerate and the skin adjusts, itching sensations can intensify, particularly at night when your body is at rest. This is often due to histamine release, which increases during tissue repair.

However, since you mentioned receiving a blood transfusion, it’s reasonable to consider whether there could be a reaction involved. While transfusion reactions are usually acute and occur shortly after the procedure, there are rare cases of delayed immune responses or allergic-type reactions. These typically present with other symptoms such as rash, fever, or joint pain, but prolonged itching alone is less common.

Regarding your concern about blood safety in Turkey, the country follows international transfusion protocols. Blood banks are required to screen all donations for major infectious diseases, including HIV, Hepatitis B and C, and syphilis. The Ministry of Health regulates these standards and ensures that transfusions are conducted in accordance with national and European guidelines. The likelihood of receiving unsafe blood is extremely low.

Another possibility to consider is a reaction to surgical materials—such as internal sutures, glue, or even medications (like antibiotics or painkillers) that were used during or after surgery. Some patients also develop post-surgical dermatitis or even a systemic reaction from implants, though this is uncommon.

Given the duration and intensity of your symptoms, I strongly recommend that you consult a dermatologist or immunologist for allergy testing and skin evaluation. You may also want to speak with your surgical team to rule out any reactions to materials used during your procedure. Keep track of when the itching worsens and whether any products or foods seem to influence it.

Your frustration is completely valid, and you’re not alone in experiencing unusual post-op symptoms. With proper evaluation, the cause can often be identified and managed.

[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

You’re absolutely right to be cautious about blood clots, particularly Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT). Any surgical procedure, especially those involving prolonged anesthesia and limited mobility afterward, increases the risk. Long flights can compound that risk because of extended immobility in a pressurized cabin.

That said, many patients from North America travel to Turkey for procedures like this and fly back safely — but only when the timing and precautions are right. Surgeons usually recommend waiting at least 10–14 days post-op before flying, depending on how your body is healing. Compression garments, anticoagulant medication (if prescribed), walking every hour during the flight, and staying well hydrated are all vital measures.

[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

Hi, I’m sorry to hear you’re in pain — that’s more common than people expect in the first days after VASER liposuction. Typically, most patients start walking gently around 1–2 days post-op, but it depends on how extensive your procedure was and your individual pain threshold. Walking is encouraged early to reduce the risk of blood clots, but it should be light and slow at first. As for the drains (fluid bags), they’re usually removed within 3 to 5 days, once the output drops below a certain level, but again, your surgeon decides based on your healing. If the pain is unbearable, please reach out to your clinic to review your meds — proper pain management is key to recovery.

[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

Hi, thanks for sharing your surgery plan — sounds like you’ve got a pretty intense schedule ahead. When you’re combining major procedures like a 360 tummy tuck, breast lift, and then a facelift shortly after, your body is going through a lot all at once. Even if everything goes smoothly, healing takes time, and each procedure adds to the overall strain on your system.

Generally speaking, flying 8 or 9 days after a facelift — especially when it’s following two other major surgeries — can be quite soon. Even if you feel okay on the outside, your body is still working hard to heal beneath the surface. There’s also the risk of post-op swelling, fluid retention, or even more serious issues like blood clots when flying long distances, especially after abdominal surgery.

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 2 to 3 weeks after your last procedure before flying, just to make sure your body has had enough time to stabilize. Of course, some people do travel earlier — but only if cleared by their surgeon and if healing has gone perfectly.

If there’s any way to give yourself a few extra days, it could really help minimize risks and make the journey home much more comfortable. Better to take it slow than to push it and end up dealing with complications mid-flight or back home.

Wishing you the smoothest recovery possible

[surgeryforum @surgeryforum Keymaster]

Hi, really thoughtful question — and honestly, something more people should be asking before getting implants.

Breast Implant Illness (BII) is still a bit of a grey area in the medical world. It’s not officially classified as a distinct disease yet, but there are thousands of women reporting very real symptoms — fatigue, brain fog, joint pain, anxiety, hormonal imbalances — that started after getting implants and often improved after removal. So clearly, something is going on, even if science hasn’t fully caught up yet.

As for your question — whether certain reactions in your body might be early clues you’d be more likely to react to implants — it’s a smart line of thinking. There’s no exact formula or test right now, but many women who ended up having BII have shared that, looking back, their bodies were always a bit more sensitive than average. For example, they couldn’t tolerate synthetic hormones, had autoimmune conditions, reacted strongly to meds or chemicals, or just felt like their immune system “overreacted” to things in general.

So the fact that you tolerate Botox and fillers well is a good sign, but your issue with synthetic hormones does raise a flag. It doesn’t mean you will get BII — plenty of women don’t — but it suggests your immune system might be selective in what it tolerates.

If you’re feeling unsure, it might be worth talking to a surgeon who’s really up-to-date on this issue. Some doctors now specialize in “explant” surgery and have a better understanding of which patients might be at higher risk. Also, some people choose to do biocompatibility testing, although it’s not a perfect science and isn’t widely used yet.

I’d say trust your gut, keep listening to your body, and don’t rush the decision.

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