Estetik International

Estetik International at a Glance

Credibility & Accreditation

• Lead Surgeon: Prof. Dr. Bülent Cihantimur internationally recognised plastic and reconstructive surgeon; recipient of the 'Golden Bistoury' award at the 3rd World Plastic Surgery Congress, Monaco
• Medical Team: 15 board-certified specialists across Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical Aesthetics, Dentistry, and Urology
• ISO 9001 — Quality Management Systems certification
• ISO 10002 — Customer Satisfaction and Complaints Management certification
• Health Tourism Authorization Certificate — Turkish Ministry of Health
• Health Turkey — National health tourism certification
• TÜRSAB Certificate — Association of Turkish Travel Agencies
• Turquality Certification — Turkish government quality programme for internationally competitive brands
• ISAPS Member — International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• ESPAS Member — European Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery
• TPRECD Member — Turkish Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Association
• Awards: 'Best Aesthetic Clinic in Europe' (2021); 'Best Medical Tourism Company in Turkey' (2019); 'Most Innovative Health Group' (Turkey Innovation and Success Awards); 'Best Plastic Surgery Center 2018'
• Media: Prof. Dr. Cihantimur featured on TLC in a programme titled 'A Global Milestone in Aesthetic Medicine'

Clinic Overview

Estetik International was founded in Istanbul in 1999 and has since grown into one of Turkey's most clinically recognised aesthetic centres, having performed over 528,000 procedures. Its primary hubs in Istanbul and Bursa house multiple operating theatres and recovery wards across a combined 6,500 m², operating to ISO-certified and internationally accredited standards. The Istanbul flagship is located in the Quasar complex; the Bursa facility at 3,500 m² is the larger of the two.

The clinic's clinical philosophy is built around proprietary and patented techniques developed by Prof. Dr. Cihantimur, particularly in the area of autologous fat transfer and stem cell enrichment. These methods including Organic Hair Transplantation® and the Cihantimur Fat Transfer® system are designed to improve graft retention, tissue elasticity, and long-term outcomes through mechanical stem cell processing, without chemical additives. The centre treats approximately 4,960 patients annually at its Istanbul facility, drawing patients from Europe, the Middle East, the CIS, Asia, and the Americas.

Treatments & Services

Hair Restoration 

The clinic offers FUE, DHI, and its patented Organic Hair Transplantation® technique, which combines standard follicle transplantation with autologous stem cell-enriched fat injections. PRP and PRGF therapies are also available for non-surgical hair maintenance.

Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery 

Procedures include rhinoplasty (open and closed; including specialist male rhinoplasty), facelift (rhytidectomy), tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) using the Cihantimur Fat Transfer® method, breast augmentation, limb lengthening, and vaginoplasty.

Aesthetic Dentistry 

Hollywood Smile using E-max or Zirconia veneers, supported by Digital Smile Design software. Full packages include dental examination, X-rays, professional cleaning, and veneer bonding.

Regenerative & Non-Surgical Aesthetics 

Spider Web Aesthetics® (PDO thread lifting), Stem Cell Facial Rejuvenation using nanofat or enriched fat transfer, HydraFacial with Vortex-Fusion technology, CO₂ and fractional laser resurfacing, and personalised IV therapy (Myers Cocktail, Glutathione).

Wellness & Longevity 

Genetic testing across skin (BeautyHealth), nutrition (NutriHealth), fitness, and pharmacy profiles; IV infusion therapy for immune support, detoxification, anti-ageing, and athletic recovery.

Organic Hair Transplantation® (Patented)

• Category: Surgical / Regenerative
• Technique: FUE or DHI combined with autologous stem cell-enriched fat injection (Cihantimur method) fat is harvested mechanically, enriched with the patient's own stem cells, and injected into the scalp prior to follicle transplantation
• Best Suited For: Patients with androgenetic alopecia, hair thinning, or diffuse hair loss seeking natural restoration with improved graft survival
• Recovery: Faster recovery reported compared to standard FUE due to reduced scalp trauma; visible hair growth typically begins at 3 months; final density assessed from 6 months onward
• Results Duration: Permanent hair growth where follicles establish; maintenance may be required for progressive hair loss
• Key Notes: Patented mechanical processing aims to improve graft retention and scalp tissue quality. Clinical evidence supporting autologous PRP and PRGF as adjuncts shows 84% of analysed trials reported positive hair growth effects for androgenetic alopecia.

Spider Web Aesthetics® (Patented)

• Category: Non-surgical
• Technique: PDO (Polydioxanone) absorbable thread insertion to stimulate collagen production and lift facial contours
• Best Suited For: Patients with mild to moderate facial sagging or volume loss who are not candidates for, or who prefer to avoid, surgical lifting
• Key Notes: Threads are fully absorbable. Results are designed to improve progressively as collagen remodelling occurs. Not a substitute for surgical facelift in advanced laxity.

Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping)

• Category: Surgical
• Technique: Open or closed rhinoplasty; specialist male rhinoplasty available
• Best Suited For: Patients seeking improvement in nasal shape, proportion, or symmetry; suitable for cosmetic and functional concerns
• Recovery: Majority of swelling resolves within the first few weeks; subtle contour refinement continues for up to 12 months
• Results Duration: Long-lasting; final results assessed at 12 months
• Key Notes: Closed rhinoplasty avoids external incisions; patient-reported outcomes include cases with no post-operative facial bruising or periorbital swelling, though individual results vary.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

• Category: Surgical
• Technique: Lifting and repositioning of facial soft tissue through incisions along the hairline and behind the ear; excess skin removed
• Best Suited For: Patients with significant skin laxity, deep nasolabial folds, or loss of jawline definition that cannot be addressed adequately with non-surgical treatments
• Recovery: Initial improvement visible within 2–3 weeks as swelling subsides; full resolution over several months
• Key Notes: Results aim to restore a more defined facial contour. Patients aged 57 and above have reported substantial rejuvenation; individual outcomes depend on tissue quality, age, and anatomy assessed at consultation.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

• Category: Surgical
• Technique: Removal of excess abdominal skin and fat; rectus muscle plication where required
• Best Suited For: Patients with residual skin laxity and abdominal muscle separation following significant weight loss or pregnancy
• Results Duration: Long-lasting with stable body weight
• Key Notes: Clinical data from the clinic's cohort records wound infection and haematoma each at 3.3%, seroma at 7.4%, and tissue necrosis at 1.7%. Mortality was 0% in analysed major body contouring cohorts. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are identified as independent risk factors for complications (p < 0.05) these must be disclosed at consultation.
• Contraindications: Significantly elevated risk in patients with Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

• Category: Surgical
• Technique: Cihantimur Fat Transfer® liposuction harvest, mechanical stem cell enrichment, and autologous fat injection into the gluteal region
• Best Suited For: Patients seeking augmentation and reshaping of the buttocks using their own fat, who have sufficient donor tissue available
• Results Duration: Long-lasting where transferred fat establishes; some reabsorption is typical in the first months
• Key Notes: Use of autologous fat eliminates implant-related risks. The patented enrichment process is designed to improve fat retention. Final volume assessed at 3–6 months post-procedure.

Hollywood Smile / Dental Veneers

• Category: Aesthetic Dentistry
• Technique: Custom-fabricated E-max or Zirconia porcelain shells bonded to tooth surfaces; planned using Digital Smile Design software
• Treatment Time: 7–10 days (full package including preparation and bonding)
• Best Suited For: Patients with tooth discolouration, chipping, mild misalignment, or spacing concerns who have healthy underlying tooth structure
• Recovery: No significant downtime; some sensitivity in the days following preparation
• Results Duration: E-max and Zirconia veneers are long-lasting with appropriate maintenance 
• Key Notes: Full package includes dental examination, digital planning, X-rays, professional cleaning, and bonding. Standard pricing at approximately 300 EUR per unit; full sets approximately $6,700 USD [indicative confirmed at consultation].

Limb Lengthening Surgery

• Category: Surgical / Orthopaedic
• Technique: LON Method (combined internal and external fixator) or fully internal PRECICE system (magnetically controlled intramedullary nail)
• Treatment Time: Extended; bone consolidation phase follows distraction
• Best Suited For: Patients with limb length asymmetry or those seeking elective height increase; candidacy is determined by comprehensive orthopaedic assessment
• Recovery: Extended recovery and rehabilitation required; up to 15 cm gain is cited as the maximum achievable
• Key Notes: The PRECICE system is fully internal and magnetic-controlled, reducing infection risk compared to external fixators. This is a major surgical undertaking; all patients require thorough pre-operative assessment and realistic outcome counselling.

Stem Cell Facial Rejuvenation

• Category: Regenerative
• Technique: Cihantimur Enriched Fat Transfer® or nanofat (Fat Juice™) injection autologous fat mechanically processed to preserve stem cell content, then injected into target facial areas
• Best Suited For: Patients with mid-face volume loss, skin laxity, or dull skin tone; suitable for patients seeking regenerative improvement without surgical lifting
• Key Notes: Immunohistochemistry evidence cited by the clinic indicates growth factor therapies stimulate Ki67+ keratinocyte proliferation and small blood vessel formation, supporting tissue quality improvements. All figures relate to published literature referenced in the data source.

Vaginoplasty (Vaginal Tightening)

• Category: Surgical / Genital Aesthetics
• Technique: Reconstructive surgical tightening of the vaginal canal and surrounding tissues; may be combined with fat transfer
• Best Suited For: Women seeking functional or aesthetic vaginal rejuvenation following childbirth or age-related changes
• Results Duration: Long-lasting; individual outcomes depend on anatomy assessed at consultation
• Key Notes: Non-surgical laser vaginal tightening is also available at the clinic as an alternative for patients unsuitable for or not seeking surgical intervention.

Personalised IV Therapy

• Category: Non-surgical Wellness
• Technique: Intravenous infusion of clinician-selected vitamins, antioxidants, and amino acids (options include Myers Cocktail and Glutathione formulations)
• Best Suited For: Individuals seeking immune support, detoxification, anti-ageing support, or recovery from physical exertion; suitability confirmed at clinical assessment
• Recovery: No downtime
• Results Duration: Session-dependent; protocols typically require multiple infusions
• Key Notes: Formula selection is personalised. Patients are assessed before infusion to determine the appropriate protocol.

Treatment Packages

Hollywood Smile Package (8 nights)

• Indicative price: approximately $6,700 USD for a full set of veneers (approximately 300 EUR per unit)
• Includes: dental examination, X-rays, professional cleaning, Digital Smile Design planning, E-max or Zirconia veneer fabrication and bonding, VIP airport transfer, hotel accommodation (breakfast included)
• Excludes: flights, treatments for unforeseen complications outside the standard insurance coverage

Complex Body Package (example: 360 Lipo + Tummy Tuck + Thigh Lift)

• Indicative price: approximately 30,000 EUR
• Includes: Full package inclusions for this combination not confirmed beyond general concierge services
• Excludes: flights, treatments for unforeseen complications outside the standard insurance coverage

The Patient Pathway

• Step 1: Initial Enquiry Patients begin via the clinic's 24/7 AI Smart Consultation system, which provides automated and personalised responses about treatments, practitioners, and the assessment process. Initial suitability evaluation is typically conducted online, using patient-provided photographs.
• Step 2: In-Clinic Assessment On arrival, patients are transferred directly from the airport by VIP vehicle to the clinic or hotel. In-clinic preparation includes a comprehensive medical examination, blood tests, X-rays, and clinical interpretation by the medical team to finalise the individual treatment plan.
• Step 3: Procedure Treatments are performed in ISO-accredited operating theatres using the clinic's standard and patented techniques. Anaesthesia is managed by the in-house team using local anaesthesia (Xylocaine with adrenaline, or lidocaine/bupivacaine combinations), sedation, or general anaesthesia as required by the procedure.
• Step 4: Immediate Recovery Post-operative monitoring takes place in private VIP recovery rooms attended by specialist nursing staff. Inpatient stays include private accommodation for the patient and one companion, with three meals per day.
• Step 5: Hotel Recovery & Discharge Instructions Patients return to their hotel with detailed written and verbal post-operative care instructions. Coordinators remain available 24/7 for any immediate post-operative queries or logistical needs.
• Step 6: Remote Follow-Up Structured progress reviews are scheduled at the 1-month and 6-month marks. The medical team maintains ongoing remote contact to monitor healing and address questions after the patient returns home.

Suitability

Strong Candidates Adults in good general health who have realistic expectations of clinical outcomes, have completed initial online assessment, and can commit to the recommended treatment duration and recovery period in Istanbul or Bursa. International patients who can arrange a minimum stay appropriate to their procedure (7–10 days for dental packages; longer for complex surgical procedures) are well-served by the clinic's concierge infrastructure.

Patients Who May Need to Wait or Prepare Patients with uncontrolled systemic conditions particularly Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease carry clinically significant elevated risk for complications in body contouring surgery. These conditions do not necessarily preclude all procedures but must be assessed at consultation, and in some cases optimised medically before surgery is appropriate.

Patients Who Are Likely Unsuitable Patients who are pregnant, those with active infections, and those with insufficient donor fat for procedures requiring autologous transfer are unlikely to be suitable. Candidacy for all procedures is determined at in-person consultation following clinical examination and review of blood tests and imaging.

Results & Clinical Outcomes

Clinical outcome data reported by the clinic covers hair restoration and body contouring procedures. For hair restoration, clinical studies referenced in the data source report a mean increase of 45.9 hairs/cm² and a mean follicular unit gain of 22.09 units/cm² in study groups; a 30.2% ± 12.2% average objective improvement was recorded in blinded evaluations. These figures relate to PRP and PRGF literature referenced by the clinic, not exclusively to its proprietary Organic Hair Transplantation® outcomes]. For body contouring, the complication profile includes wound infection (3.3%), haematoma (3.3%), seroma (7.4%), and tissue necrosis (1.7%), with a 0% mortality rate across analysed major cohorts.

Patient satisfaction data from verified platforms records a recommendation rate of 89–91% on Bookimed (4.6/5, 216 reviews) and a 4.0/5 score on Trustpilot (179 reviews), with 82% of Trustpilot reviewers awarding 5 stars. Sub-category scores for doctors, facilities, staff, and language assistance each rate at 4.7/5.

Recovery & Aftercare

Recovery timelines vary significantly by procedure. Eyelid procedures typically allow a return to normal activity within 1–2 weeks. Rhinoplasty involves the majority of swelling resolving within the first few weeks, with subtle refinement continuing for up to 12 months. Facelift patients see initial improvement within 2–3 weeks. Body contouring procedures require a longer restricted-activity period; patients should plan for a minimum stay in Istanbul appropriate to their specific procedure and must not underestimate post-operative rest requirements.

Hair transplant patients can expect permanent visible growth to begin at 3 months, with density continuing to develop through 6–12 months. PRP maintenance, where recommended, requires a minimum of 3 sessions at 30-day intervals.

Post-operative support is structured and remote-accessible. Written discharge instructions, 24/7 coordinator access, and scheduled 1-month and 6-month review appointments are standard. The 'Medical Protection Assurance Package' provides comprehensive insurance coverage against potential post-operative risks and medical interventions.

Safety, Risks & Side Effects

Patient safety is a key focus throughout the treatment process, with comprehensive pre-operative assessments, qualified surgical teams, and structured post-operative care protocols in place. Most patients experience only temporary side effects such as mild pain, swelling, headaches, itching, or skin peeling, which typically improve during the normal recovery period.

Common Side Effects

• Mild pain or discomfort
• Temporary swelling (oedema)
• Headaches
• Localised itching
• Skin peeling during healing

Less Common Risks

• Wound infection
• Haematoma (blood collection)
• Seroma (fluid accumulation)
• Tissue necrosis
• Need for revision or additional surgery

Important Safety Considerations

• Patients with conditions such as Type 2 diabetes or cardiovascular disease may face a higher risk of complications and require additional medical evaluation before surgery.
• All surgeons are ISAPS-certified and perform detailed pre-operative assessments, including blood tests, imaging, and clinical examinations.
• Patients benefit from insurance-backed protection, informed consent procedures, privacy safeguards, transparent billing, and access to second medical opinions.

While patient feedback is overwhelmingly positive, a small number of reviews mention serious complications or dissatisfaction with specific outcomes. Although these reports are uncommon, they highlight the importance of discussing potential risks, expected results, and individual suitability with the surgical team before proceeding with treatment.

Pricing & Consultation Fees

Why Patients Choose Estetik International

Estetik International holds two procedurally relevant proprietary distinctions: the Organic Hair Transplantation® method (patented combining FUE/DHI with autologous stem cell-enriched fat injection) and Spider Web Aesthetics® (patented PDO thread system). Both represent internally developed clinical protocols, not third-party technologies. The clinic has performed over 528,000 procedures since 1999, treating approximately 4,960 patients annually at its Istanbul facility a clinical volume that reflects long-term operational continuity.

The centre's lead practitioner, Prof. Dr. Bülent Cihantimur, is a named, award-holding surgeon with recognised international contributions to plastic surgery, including the Golden Bistoury award from the 3rd World Plastic Surgery Congress. The medical team of 15 board-certified specialists covers the full range of procedures offered not a single-specialty service supplemented by generalists. For international patients specifically, 12-language support, VIP logistics from airport arrival to post-operative hotel transfer, and structured remote follow-up reduce the logistical barriers that typically complicate overseas treatment.

International & Remote Patient Services

Estetik International is fully certified for international health tourism under Turkey's Health Tourism Authorization Certificate and Health Turkey programmes. All-inclusive packages are available covering hotel accommodation (breakfast included), VIP airport and clinic transfers, translation services, and basic post-operative medication.

Clinical and logistical support is available in 12 languages including English, Turkish, Russian, German, and Arabic. Remote consultation is available 24/7 via the AI Smart Consultation platform prior to travel. Following treatment and return home, coordinators remain available around the clock, with structured progress reviews at 1 month and 6 months. For patients unable to travel to Istanbul for follow-up, the clinic maintains remote monitoring and direct medical team contact.

Reaching the Clinic

By Air

Istanbul is served by Istanbul Airport (IST) the primary international hub and Sabiha Gökçen Airport (SAW) on the Asian side. The clinic's flagship is located at the Quasar complex in Istanbul. VIP transfer from either airport to the clinic or hotel is included in patient packages and arranged by the clinic's concierge team.

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By Road

The Quasar complex in Istanbul is accessible by road from both major airports.The Bursa Medical Centre is located approximately 2.5 hours from Istanbul by road or accessible via ferry connection to Bursa.

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Accommodation

The clinic arranges hotel accommodation for international patients as part of package pricing. Hotel stays include breakfast, and the accommodation is coordinated by the concierge team in proximity to the clinic. Patients requiring independent accommodation should seek hotels in the Levent, Maçka, or Şişli districts of Istanbul for convenient clinic access.

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Facilities & Clinical Environment

The Istanbul flagship at the Quasar complex covers 3,000 m² and includes multiple operating theatres, recovery wards, and consultation suites. The Bursa Medical Centre at 3,500 m² is the group's largest single facility, also housing operating theatres and recovery facilities. Both facilities operate to ISO 9001 quality management standards and hold Health Turkey accreditation.

Patient accommodation during inpatient stays is in private VIP rooms. Companion accommodation within the recovery room is available for inpatient procedures. Catering provides three meals per day for patients and their companions during hospital stays. Diagnostic technology onsite includes Trichoscan and computerised phototrichogram for hair evaluation, Digital Smile Design for dental planning, Cohen HairCheck® for hair density assessment, and genetic testing panels (BeautyHealth, NutriHealth). The 24/7 AI Smart Consultation system manages initial and ongoing patient contact outside clinic hours.

Patient Feedback

Verified platform ratings as of the data source:

• Bookimed: 4.6/5 based on 216 verified patient reviews; 91% recommendation rate
• Trustpilot: 4.0/5 based on 179 reviews; 82% of reviewers awarded 5 stars
• Google: 4.1/5
• Sub-category scores (Bookimed): Doctors 4.7; Facilities 4.7; Staff 4.7; Language Assistance 4.7; Support 4.7

Recurring positive themes (drawn from verified reviews): Nursing care is frequently described as attentive and highly responsive. Logistics and airport-to-clinic coordination are consistently noted as seamless. Facial and hair outcomes are commonly described as natural in appearance. The clinical environment is characterised across reviews as clean and modern. Inpatient food quality and companion accommodation receive consistent positive mentions.

Recurring negative themes (drawn from verified reviews): Disputes regarding non-refundable deposits and partial refunds following health-related cancellations are documented. Some patients report reduced surgeon accessibility following dissatisfaction with outcomes, with cases redirected to patient coordinators. Pricing for complex body packages has caused frustration where initial cost expectations did not align with quoted figures. Rare but serious adverse events including a reported case of permanent tinnitus have been documented in reviews and are noted above under Safety.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Estetik International suitable for first-time patients?

Yes, the clinic accepts first-time patients and provides a structured, step-by-step patient pathway beginning with online assessment. The 24/7 AI consultation platform, multilingual coordinator support, and all-inclusive concierge packages are designed to support patients who have not previously undergone aesthetic procedures or travelled abroad for treatment.

Is the procedure painful?

Most procedures are performed under expert local anaesthesia (Xylocaine with adrenaline or lidocaine/bupivacaine combinations), with sedation available for complex or lengthy procedures. Patients consistently report procedures as painless once anaesthesia has taken full effect; post-operative discomfort varies by procedure and is managed with medication and clinical support during inpatient recovery.

What is the recovery period?

Recovery varies by procedure. Eyelid procedures typically allow normal activity within 1–2 weeks. Rhinoplasty involves visible swelling for several weeks, with subtle changes continuing for up to 12 months. Body contouring procedures require a longer restricted-activity period; patients should discuss specific timelines for their planned procedure at consultation. Hair transplant patients begin to see permanent growth at approximately 3 months.

How long do results last?

Hair transplantation results are permanent where transplanted follicles establish. Body contouring results are long-lasting with stable weight. Veneer longevity depends on material choice and maintenance; E-max and Zirconia are durable. PDO thread results from Spider Web Aesthetics® are temporary as the threads are absorbable. All durability estimates should be discussed in the context of individual anatomy and lifestyle at consultation.

What complications are associated with surgical procedures?

Clinical data from the clinic's body contouring cohorts records wound infection (3.3%), haematoma (3.3%), seroma (7.4%), tissue necrosis (1.7%), and reoperation (1.7%), with a 0% mortality rate. Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease are identified risk factors. Patients are informed of the specific risk profile for their planned procedure at the pre-operative consultation.

Arrange a Consultation

Determining suitability for any of the procedures at Estetik International requires an individual clinical assessment conducted by the medical team. The information on this page is intended to provide an accurate overview of the clinic's capabilities and patient pathway, not to substitute for that assessment. If you are considering treatment, the appropriate first step is to initiate a consultation online via the clinic's 24/7 platform, or in person at the Istanbul or Bursa clinic.

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Disclaimer

This page contains general clinical information only and does not constitute medical advice. If you have an existing health condition, consult a qualified medical professional before pursuing any aesthetic, surgical, or regenerative treatment; suitability for all procedures described on this page is determined by a qualified practitioner at a personal clinical assessment. Results vary between individuals and depend on factors including anatomy, age, health status, and aftercare compliance, all of which are assessed at consultation. All prices shown are indicative, are based on available data, and are subject to individual assessment; final pricing is confirmed directly with the clinic before any procedure is undertaken. This page may contain affiliate or partner links including travel and accommodation search tools for which a commission or referral fee may be earned at no additional cost to you; this does not affect the clinical information presented or the price you pay for treatment.