Zubeyde Akdas, the visionary behind Istanbul’s iMed Medical, has crafted a unique approach to health tourism, offering services that mirror the convenience of a personal health assistant for international visitors seeking medical procedures in Türkiye. She emphasised the affordability of medical care in Türkiye, noting that prices are considerably lower by at least 30-40% than in the UK, Europe, and the US, thus making Istanbul a highly attractive destination for health tourists.
Akdas spoke about their initiative to elevate Türkiye’s profile in the health tourism sector by connecting international patients with the nation’s foremost medical facilities and specialists, saying: “We have the International Health Tourism Authorization Certificate issued by the Turkish Ministry of Health. We provide services in plastic surgery, obesity and hair transplantation. Those who prefer Istanbul can plan their course of treatment by phone, online, or in consultation with our personal counselors in the Netherlands and Belgium.”
Türkiye’s Surge in Health Tourism
According to a report by Future Market Insights, a US-based analysis firm, Türkiye’s health tourism revenue is expected to see a 6.6% increase, from 3,751.6 million dollars in 2023 to the conclusion of 2033.
Akdaş highlighted the growing appeal of Türkiye in health tourism, stating:
“With its geographical location, cultural beauties, professional health personnel, and clinics, Türkiye, and mainly Istanbul, is the address of choice for people who desire to have better treatment services at more affordable prices. Turkish clinics that follow world trends enhance patient satisfaction with innovative treatments.”
Tailored Patient Care: From Interpreters to Personal Nurses
Zubeyde Akdas, the innovator at iMed Medical, detailed their comprehensive range of services within the health tourism industry, covering areas such as aesthetic surgeries, hair restoration, and obesity treatments, and continued:
“Procedures do not only refer to surgical procedures for us. It is also a step towards redefining the beauty standards of individuals on their own terms. With the latest surgical techniques and a patient-centered approach, we offer a journey that is both transformative and comfortable. We have a wide choice of hospitals, surgeons, and medical staff. That’s why we don’t have a waiting list. After the necessary and desired treatments are determined, we quickly schedule and invite our foreign patients to Istanbul. Our patients are accommodated in 5-star luxury hotels. During your stay, we provide personalized services with the support of our interpreter, private nurse and team. Our patients can easily integrate their visits with vacations or business trips.”
A Shift Towards Natural Aesthetic Trends
“We follow all developments and innovations in the rapidly developing health tourism sector with about 45 colleagues. We prioritize the wishes of our patients. The preferences of celebrities have a great influence on foreign patients coming to Türkiye,” says Zubeyde Akdas,
“There is a comeback to the natural in aesthetics. The exaggerated look gave way to a natural appearance. Particularly celebrities such as Kim Kardashian and Cardi B, who decided to undergo hip reduction made statements supporting the natural appearance by expressing their experiences. These statements have not only raised awareness but also helped to normalize those reversing cosmetic regulations is a common choice. Women embraced natural body aesthetics. Especially buttock implant removal and BBL reduction operations have increased in popularity. The smaller and shaped butt appearance has become the new favorite of patients.”
Emphasis on Authentic Beauty and Patient-Centric Satisfaction
In her concluding remarks, Akdas reaffirmed their commitment to patient satisfaction and the delivery of customised services in partnership with Türkiye’s top medical professionals, clinics, and hospitals:
“We listen to our patients and take their wishes into consideration to provide quality healthcare. Many women now seek comfort, natural beauty, and inner peace. In this regard, we have recently encountered mostly patients wishing to farewell their implants.
“Fashion and beauty standards change over time. Women who want to keep up with fashion may want smaller buttocks. Some women care too much about societal expectations. Others undergo surgery due to physical ailments. Overall, due to many external factors, women now prefer a firmer and smaller butt.”
