Travel, visa and stay

It depends on your nationality and destination. Several countries have a specific medical visa with a longer stay that requires a letter from the clinic. Always check the destination's official consular website: it is the only valid source and it changes often.

As a guide: hair transplant 2-3 days, simple dental work 2-4, aesthetic surgery 7-10, bariatric 10-14, and major orthopaedics longer still. That time covers the first check-up and lets any complication appear while you are near the team that treated you.

Your surgeon decides, based on the procedure. A common reference: 24-48 hours after minor procedures, 7-10 days after abdominal or chest surgery, and longer if air was introduced into a cavity or there is clot risk. Never bring the flight forward to save on hotel nights.

It is usually convenient and sometimes cheaper, especially for airport transfers. Still compare the hotel price on your own and check its category and distance from the clinic; the saving disappears if you need a taxi every day.

Yes, but plan the sightseeing before the procedure, not after. After surgery you need rest and must avoid sun, heat and exertion; long walks or swimming in the sea can compromise healing.

Loose clothes that open easily, slip-on shoes, your usual medication in hand luggage with its prescription, medical reports, charger and power bank, a travel pillow, and a paper copy of contacts and addresses in case you lose mobile data.

Tell the clinic straight away: if the procedure requires a companion for discharge, they may postpone it. Some centres offer nursing or a private carer by the hour, so ask before writing the trip off.