Medical Travel
Twelve questions to ask your arm lift surgeon before booking.
In this article
The questions you ask before booking are one of your best protections — especially when travelling abroad for surgery. A qualified, ethical surgeon welcomes them; evasiveness is itself an answer. Here are twelve worth asking any arm lift surgeon.
About credentials (1–3)
- Who exactly will perform my surgery, and what are their qualifications? You should be able to name your surgeon and verify their board certification — not be assigned "a surgeon" by a clinic brand.
- Are you board-certified in plastic surgery? Look for recognised certification and professional memberships (for example FACS, FEBOPRAS, ISAPS).
- For international patients: are you authorised for health tourism? In Turkey, a Ministry of Health (USHAŞ) authorisation is a meaningful credential to confirm.
About your specific plan (4–6)
- Which technique do you recommend for me, and why? The answer should be tailored to your anatomy — mini, standard or extended — not a one-size-fits-all.
- Do I need liposuction, skin removal, or both? This tells you they've assessed whether your issue is fat, skin, or a mix.
- Will I meet you in person before surgery? A pre-operative consultation with the operating surgeon should be a given.
About scars and results (7–8)
- Where exactly will my scar be, and how will it look over time? Beware anyone promising "scarless." Honest scar information is a good sign.
- Can I see before-and-after photos of your own patients? Ideally of cases similar to yours.
The tone of the answers matters as much as the content. A surgeon who is candid about limitations and trade-offs is more trustworthy than one who promises perfection.
About safety and the facility (9–10)
- Where will my surgery take place, and is it accredited? Surgery belongs in a licensed, accredited hospital with a qualified anaesthetic team.
- Who provides my anaesthesia? It should be a qualified anaesthetist with continuous monitoring.
About aftercare and complications (11–12)
- What does aftercare involve, and who provides it? Including follow-up while you're in Istanbul.
- What happens if I have a complication, especially once I'm home? A clear, honest plan here is essential — and its absence is a serious red flag.
If a clinic is reluctant to answer any of these plainly, take that seriously. The right surgeon will be glad you asked.
