Choosing the right clinic is the difference between excellent results and a nightmare experience. These 15 questions will help you identify reputable clinics—and avoid dangerous ones.
Print this checklist and use it when evaluating every clinic you consider.
Quick Answer
Ask about surgeon credentials (ISAPS/EBOPRAS), hospital accreditation (JCI), detailed pricing, complication policies, before/after photos, and refund terms. If a clinic can't answer these confidently, look elsewhere.
Before You Contact Any Clinic
Research independently first:
- ✓Check surgeon credentials on ISAPS and EBOPRAS databases
- ✓Verify hospital JCI accreditation
- ✓Read reviews on TrueClinic, RealSelf, and Google
- ✓Search for any complaints or news stories
The 15 Essential Questions
Surgeon Credentials
1. "What are the surgeon's specific qualifications for my procedure?"Don't accept generic answers like "fully qualified." Ask specifically:
- ✓Board certifications (ISAPS, EBOPRAS, Turkish Medical Association)
- ✓Years of experience with your exact procedure
- ✓Number of procedures performed annually
- ✓Fellowship training
Red Flag
Vague answers, reluctance to share credentials, or defensive responses.
2. "How many times has the surgeon performed this exact procedure?"
Experience matters enormously in surgery. Ask for:
- ✓Total number of procedures performed
- ✓Number performed in the last year
- ✓Complication rate for this procedure
Red Flag
"Thousands" without specifics, or claims of zero complications ever.
Facility & Safety
3. "Where exactly will my procedure be performed?"Procedures should be done in properly equipped, accredited facilities—not converted clinic rooms.
What to expect: Named hospital with JCI accreditation or equivalent.Red Flag
Vague answers about "our facility" or resistance to naming the hospital.
4. "Is the hospital JCI-accredited? Can you provide proof?"
JCI accreditation is the international gold standard for hospital safety.
What to expect: Yes, with a certificate or link to verify on JCI's website.Red Flag
Claims of "equivalent" accreditation without proof, or stating accreditation "isn't necessary."
5. "What emergency protocols are in place?"
Complications can happen even with the best surgeons. Know the plan.
What to expect: Detailed explanation of emergency procedures, ICU access, and 24/7 medical availability.Red Flag
Dismissing complications as unlikely without explaining protocols.
Pricing & Transparency
6. "What exactly is included in your quoted price?"Get a detailed breakdown to avoid surprise costs.
Ask specifically about:- ✓Surgeon's fee
- ✓Anesthesia costs
- ✓Hospital/facility fees
- ✓Pre-operative tests
- ✓Medications and aftercare supplies
- ✓Compression garments
- ✓Follow-up appointments
- ✓Hotel accommodation and transfers (if package)
Red Flag
"All-inclusive" without written details, or verbal quotes only.
7. "What additional costs should I expect that aren't included?"
Even comprehensive packages have exclusions.
Common exclusions:- ✓Extended stay if recovery takes longer
- ✓Lab tests before surgery
- ✓Special medications
- ✓Revision surgery
- ✓Translation services
- ✓Meals
Red Flag
Claims of absolutely no additional costs ever.
Evidence & Results
8. "Can I see before/after photos of patients with similar cases to mine?"Generic portfolios aren't enough. Request relevant cases.
What to expect: Multiple photos of patients with similar starting points, showing various angles and time progression.Red Flag
Only showing "perfect" results, few photos, or unwillingness to share.
9. "Can I speak with previous patients who had the same procedure?"
Real patient experiences reveal the truth.
What to expect: Offer to connect you with patients who've consented, or provide video testimonials.Red Flag
Claims that no patients want to share experiences, or only providing written testimonials (which can be fabricated).
Complications & Aftercare
10. "What happens if there are complications?"This is critical. Understand the policy before you pay anything.
Ask specifically:- ✓Who pays for treatment of complications?
- ✓Is revision surgery included?
- ✓How long is this coverage valid?
- ✓What if complications occur after I return home?
Red Flag
Charging extra for complication treatment, or vague answers about "case-by-case" decisions.
11. "What is your revision policy?"
Revisions may be needed even without complications.
What to expect: Clear policy on what's covered, timeframe, and any costs involved.Red Flag
No revision policy, or high fees for any revisions.
12. "What follow-up care is provided after I return home?"
Recovery continues after you leave Turkey.
What to expect: Scheduled virtual follow-ups, easy communication channels, and clear instructions for ongoing care.Red Flag
No follow-up plan or difficulty reaching the clinic after surgery.
Communication & Logistics
13. "Who is my point of contact, and how will we communicate?"You need reliable communication throughout your journey.
What to expect: Named coordinator who speaks your language, available via WhatsApp or phone, responsive within hours.Red Flag
No dedicated contact, or slow/difficult communication during initial inquiry.
14. "What's the realistic recovery timeline for my procedure?"
Honesty about recovery is essential for planning.
What to expect: Specific timeline including when you can fly, return to work, and expect final results.Red Flag
Unrealistically short timelines or promises of "instant recovery."
Payment & Policies
15. "What's your cancellation and refund policy?"Understand the financial terms before paying any deposit.
Ask specifically:- ✓Deposit amount required
- ✓When is full payment due?
- ✓Refund policy if you cancel
- ✓Refund policy if they cancel or reschedule
- ✓Payment methods accepted
Red Flag
No refunds under any circumstances, full payment upfront required, or cash-only payments.
Red Flags Summary: When to Walk Away
Walk away if the clinic:
- ✓Won't verify surgeon credentials
- ✓Pressures you to book immediately
- ✓Offers prices significantly below market rate
- ✓Can't provide before/after photos
- ✓Won't explain complication policies in writing
- ✓Requires full payment upfront with no refund option
- ✓Has poor communication during the inquiry process
- ✓Gets defensive when you ask questions
📋 Key Takeaways
- ✓Research clinics independently before contacting them
- ✓Ask all 15 questions and expect confident, specific answers
- ✓Get everything in writing—verbal promises mean nothing
- ✓Trust your instincts—if something feels wrong, walk away
- ✓Legitimate clinics welcome informed patients who ask questions
