Can I travel to Turkey for surgery during lockdown?

Yes, you can travel to Turkey for surgery during lockdown. But it can be quicker, safer and cheaper travelling to Poland for plastic surgery.

Where in Turkey is best for plastic surgery?

Istanbul is thought to be a common choice in Tukey for plastic surgery. But not all of the Turkey clinics are the best quality. So always make sure you check out their patient testimonials.

Which country has the best plastic surgeons?

Poland has one of the best plastic surgeons. Adam Kalecinski is our surgeon at our award winning clinic in Poland. He's a fully registered plastic surgeon and is a member of the Association of Surgeons.

Cosmetic Surgery: Turkey or Poland?

Q: Why is surgery cheaper in Turkey?

Surgery can be cheaper in Turkey because some clinics don't offer high quality, thorough aftercare and they have historically had higher levels of COVID-19. Adam Kalecinski is our surgeon and has years of experience.

Q: Can I travel to Turkey for surgery?

Yes, you can travel to Turkey for surgery. But our clinic in Poland is award winning and it can be quicker and cheaper to travel to for a surgery.

Q: Is it safe to get a nose job in Turkey?

It can be unsafe to get a nose job in Turkey because you may experience swelling, bruising and anaesthesia.

Q: Why do people go to Turkey for plastic surgery?

People go to Turkey for plastic surgery because it can be so cheap! But they say when you buy cheap, you buy twice. Don't buy surgery on the cheap because it can take a turn for the worse when you don't choose a surgeon and clinic with a great reputation and awards.

Q: How much is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey can be €2850, which is £2,523 (as of April 2023). But when the surgery is that cheap, it can go so wrong! When you invest in yourself, it's worth paying a bit more to make sure everything is done as it should. Don't be the next horror story.

Cosmetic surgery in Turkey? Go to Poland instead

Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey? Reasons to travel to Poland instead

Many people researching cosmetic surgery in Turkey are surprised to discover that Poland offers a compelling, and in many respects safer, alternative. With shorter flights, EU-regulated clinics, an English-speaking surgeon with over 26 years of experience, and prices that are often lower than Turkey, it’s a destination that deserves serious consideration before you book.

This page is designed to help you make an informed decision about where to have your cosmetic surgery abroad, whether that’s a breast augmentation, tummy tuck, rhinoplasty, face lift, or any other procedure. We’ll cover the key differences between cosmetic surgery in Turkey and Poland, so you can choose the option that’s right for you.

Experienced Surgeon

Dr Adam Kalecinski has 26 years of experience in plastic surgery, including 15 years working privately in modern medical facilities and for the NHS in the UK. Unlike many Turkish surgeons who see high volumes of international patients across multiple procedures, Dr Kalecinski offers a genuinely personal approach, 95% of his patients are from the UK, and every consultation is conducted in English by the surgeon himself, not passed through a patient coordinator or interpreter.

Cheaper Than Turkey and Closer to Home:

Plastic surgery procedures in Poland are often cheaper than in Turkey once you factor in the full cost of your trip. Flights to Wroclaw with Ryanair or Wizzair regularly cost around £50 return, compared to £250 or more for direct flights to Turkey. The flight itself takes around 2 hours, versus 4–6 hours to Turkey, an important consideration when you’re recovering from a surgical procedure and want to minimise the risk of DVT. Poland’s lower operational costs mean competitive pricing on procedures.

Cosmetic Surgery Abroad, Why Poland Makes Sense:

Europe Surgery has helped over 9,000 patients achieve the results they wanted through safe aesthetic surgery abroad. Poland is a full EU member state, meaning our clinic operates under strict European medical standards and practitioner licensing requirements that Turkey, not being in the EU, is not subject to. Your European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) is valid in Poland but not in Turkey, providing additional reassurance when travelling for cosmetic procedures.

Great Location

Our state-of-the-art clinic is just 10 minutes from Wroclaw Airport, built to strict EU safety standards in one of Europe’s fastest-growing and most beautiful cities. Wroclaw enjoys warm summers comparable to Spain, with temperatures regularly reaching 23-26°C between May and September, making it a comfortable and enjoyable destination for your recovery. Flights are short, frequent, and affordable, making Poland one of the most accessible destinations for cosmetic surgery abroad for UK patients.

English Speaking

Qualified and experienced plastic surgeons who are fluent in English. Having worked in the UK, Dr Adam can talk to you in depth at your consultation, covering everything from the details of your chosen cosmetic procedure through to recovery, aftercare, and the results you can realistically expect. Our Facebook group of over 18,000 patients is another resource where you can ask questions and see real before and after results before you commit.

Celebrity Cosmetic Surgeons

Celebrity cosmetic surgeons for Big Brother housemates, X Factor performers, Geordie Shore stars and EastEnders actors. We have also hosted BBC filming of ‘My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding’ within the clinic, where Thelma had a successful facelift.

Many people wonder if cosmetic surgery in Turkey is safe, but there are also great alternatives in other countries like Poland. Read more to find out how to choose the right country for you, ensuring both cost-effectiveness and excellent results.

Plastic surgery in Turkey? High-quality, award-winning plastic surgery in Poland with our plastic surgeon

Europe Surgery has been awarded the Patient’s Choice Winner Award by Treatment Abroad multiple times, including 2025, with satisfied patients consistently reporting exceptional standards of care and patient satisfaction throughout their surgical journey.

Our surgeon, Adam Kalecinski, is fluent in English and has over 26 years of experience across a wide range of cosmetic procedures, from breast augmentation and eyelid surgery to rhinoplasty and facial surgery. Having worked both privately and for the NHS, and with 95% of patients coming from the UK, he understands exactly what British patients expect from their plastic surgery experience. Europe Surgery has also worked with the BBC on My Big Fat Gypsy Wedding.

Many patients who come to us have previously undergone cosmetic surgery in Turkey, only to require further treatment or revision surgery on their return. If you’re weighing up plastic surgery turkey providers against Poland, we’d encourage you to join our Facebook group of over 18,000 members and speak directly to our patients before you decide.

Find out more about this on our home page for cosmetic surgery in Poland.

Adam Kalecinski surgeon at Europe Surgery

Get the best aftercare in Poland

Many people consider cosmetic surgery holidays in Turkey, drawn by competitive pricing and all-inclusive plastic surgery packages. But patient care before, during, and after your procedure matters just as much as the price, and this is where Poland genuinely stands apart.

As a full EU member state, Poland’s medical facilities operate under strict regulations for cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery introduced in 2010, covering everything from surgeon licensing to standards of post-surgery care. Turkey is not in the EU and is not subject to the same framework. This also has practical implications if you need further treatment on your return, as NHS agreements for ongoing support apply to EU countries in a way they do not for Turkey.

At Europe Surgery, every patient receives comprehensive aftercare during their stay, plus access to Dr Kalecinski’s UK aftercare clinic after they fly home, providing the kind of ongoing support and smooth recovery that most cosmetic surgery turkey packages simply don’t offer once you’ve left the country.

If you choose to have plastic surgery in Poland, you can be confident that your surgeon has a licence to practise and is officially accredited to perform cosmetic surgery, from breast surgery and a tummy tuck to dental treatments and nose surgery.

Quicker flights back home from Poland allow you a better recovery

Medical guidance following most cosmetic procedures recommends avoiding long-haul flights for a period of time due to the risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT). At around two hours from most UK airports, the flight home from Poland is significantly shorter and safer than the four to six-hour journey back from Turkey, making for a far more stress-free recovery experience.

Poland’s summer climate is comparable to Spain’s, with temperatures between 23°C and 26°C from May through to September, giving you warm, comfortable conditions during your recovery. Wroclaw also hosts one of Europe’s most celebrated Christmas Markets in winter, making it a genuinely enjoyable destination year-round.

Comfortable accommodation in Poland

Our surgery offers a comfortable accommodation service for you to use during your stay in Poland. Make sure you take the opportunity to speak to your surgeon if possible beforehand, and afterwards for a post-surgery check-up. You can find out more about our accommodation after surgery.

Puro hotel where patients stay during procedures at Europe Surgery

Considering Cosmetic Surgery in Turkey? Why Poland may be a better choice

Turkey has become one of the most popular destinations for medical tourism, and it’s easy to see why. Competitive pricing, all-inclusive plastic surgery packages, and a high volume of experienced surgeons make it an attractive option for international patients. However, the rapid expansion of Turkey’s cosmetic surgery industry has raised some serious concerns that are worth understanding before you commit.

Some other reasons to consider Poland for your cosmetic surgery:

The UK Government's position on surgery in Turkey

The UK Government’s travel advice page has been updated to reflect growing concern about British nationals undergoing cosmetic procedures in Turkey. The page currently states that the government is aware of six British nationals who died in Turkey in 2024 following medical procedures, and previously noted 25 deaths since January 2019. The BBC has reported that since 2000, 28 people have died in Turkey after travelling for elective medical procedures.

It’s important to note that the majority of cosmetic surgery procedures in Turkey are carried out successfully, and many patients report high levels of patient satisfaction. However, investigations into cases that have gone wrong reveal a common pattern: complications arising at facilities that lacked proper accreditation or regulatory oversight.

Market regulation and oversight

Turkey’s cosmetic surgery market has expanded at an extraordinary rate. Some estimates put the number of clinics in Istanbul alone at over 5,000. The lack of consistent oversight has created a market where, at some unaccredited facilities, profit can outweigh patient safety — with serious concerns raised over unregulated advertising, misleading promotions, and inadequate post-operative care targeting international patients.

This doesn’t mean all Turkish clinics are unsafe; many Turkish surgeons are internationally trained, and Turkey ranks among the top countries globally for JCI-accredited hospitals. But the variability between providers is significant, and choosing the wrong clinic carries real risk.

Language barriers and informed consent

For English-speaking patients, communication can be a genuine concern when undergoing plastic surgery in Turkey. For many international patients, one of the biggest obstacles is the language barrier; communication issues can lead to misunderstandings about procedures, uninformed consent, and difficulty navigating the Turkish legal system if something goes wrong. While many clinics catering to international patients have English-speaking staff, communication with local medical staff or pharmacists outside the clinic may still require translation support.

This matters most at the consent stage. If a surgeon explains risks in Turkish and you don’t fully understand, questions can arise about whether you gave truly informed consent, a potential complication if you ever need to pursue a malpractice claim.

Alternatives to cosmetic surgery in Turkey, closer to home

For UK patients considering plastic surgery in Turkey, the true cost of travel is worth calculating carefully. Flights to Turkey average four to six hours, and direct return flights can cost over £250. Flights to Poland with Ryanair or Wizzair take around two hours, with some return fares as low as £50, and your EHIC or GHIC card remains valid throughout your stay.

Poland is accessible from a wider range of UK airports than many patients realise, making it one of the most practical destinations for medical tourism from the UK. The UK Government’s travel page for Turkey carries a range of warnings for visitors; our clinic in Wroclaw is over 1,000 miles from Ukraine and there are no such concerns for patients travelling to Poland.

Have the cosmetic surgery you want in Poland, with the results you deserve

Whether you’re researching plastic surgery in Turkey or simply looking for the best place abroad to have plastic surgery, Europe Surgery offers a full range of popular cosmetic procedures with our specialist, award-winning surgeon. Popular procedures include:

Pricing in Poland

Think about the benefits of travelling to Poland instead for cosmetic surgery. Check out the prices of some of our most popular cosmetic surgeries below. Talk to us about the cosmetic surgery you want to have.

Cosmetic surgery	Min price in Poland in 2025	Go to surgery
Breast augmentation surgery	£3,200	Breast surgery in Poland
Breast uplift	£2,790	Breast uplift in Poland
Breast reduction	£3,200	Breast reduction in Poland
Breast enlargement + uplift	£3,430	Breast surgery in Poland
Men’s breast reduction	£2,040	Men’s breast reduction in Poland
Tummy tuck	£3,270	Tummy tuck in Poland
Rhinoplasty	£2,680	Rhinoplasty in Poland
Liposuction	£1,650	Liposuction in Poland
Face lift	£3,430	Facelift in Poland

Why not head to our information page for further details on accommodation and frequently asked questions. Alternatively, to find our full range of surgery prices, visit our page – pricing for surgery in Poland.

FAQs: Plastic surgery in Turkey

Why is surgery cheaper in Turkey?

Cosmetic surgery turkey clinics can offer lower prices due to reduced operational costs, but some achieve this by cutting back on aftercare services, using less experienced surgeons, or operating without proper accreditation. Lower prices don’t always mean better value, particularly when you factor in the cost of revision surgery or further treatment on your return. Dr Adam Kalecinski is our surgeon and has years of experience.

Can I travel to Turkey for surgery?

You can travel to Turkey for cosmetic surgery, but we’d strongly encourage you to research your options thoroughly first. Our award-winning clinic in Poland offers competitive pricing, EU-regulated medical facilities, and comprehensive aftercare, often making it the smarter overall investment.

Is it safe to get a nose job in Turkey?

Standards vary enormously between plastic surgery providers in Turkey; this also applies to nose jobs. Please read the UK Government health warning above carefully before booking, and always verify surgeon credentials and clinic accreditation before committing to any cosmetic procedure abroad.

Why do people go to Turkey for plastic surgery?

Price is the main driver. Cosmetic procedures in Turkey can appear significantly cheaper than private UK costs, and all-inclusive plastic surgery packages make the process feel straightforward. However, many patients who’ve required revision surgery after cosmetic surgery turkey procedures will tell you that the initial saving rarely outweighs the cost of putting things right.

How much is gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey?

Gastric sleeve surgery in Turkey can cost around €2,850 (approximately £2,523 as of April 2025). As with all cosmetic procedures, procedures priced at the lower end of the market carry a greater risk of inadequate patient care and post-surgery complications.

Where do celebrities go in Turkey for surgery?

Danielle Lloyd, a Big Brother star, went to Comfort Zone Surgery in Turkey for stomach surgery but the Mirror reports that she didn’t have a positive experience at all. We’ve had celebrities like Daniella Westbrook, Chris Maloney and Helen Wood come to Poland and have a great experience.

Where in Turkey is the best place for plastic surgery?

Istanbul is the most commonly chosen destination for cosmetic surgery in Turkey. However, the quality of clinics varies significantly, and with some estimates putting the number of Istanbul clinics alone at over 5,000, thorough research into surgeon credentials, patient care standards, and clinic accreditation is essential before you book. Always make sure you check out the patient testimonials before booking.