One of the most frequently asked questions by those considering aesthetic procedures: Can cosmetic surgery be performed in a public hospital? If so, under what conditions and at what cost?
Can Cosmetic Surgery Be Performed in a Public Hospital?
Yes, many public and university hospitals in Turkey have Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery departments where cosmetic procedures are performed. Whether these surgeries are free or paid depends on the medical necessity of the operation.
Which Cosmetic Surgeries Are Covered by SGK?
SGK (Social Security Institution) covers procedures that have a medical indication—i.e., surgeries required due to health problems or functional impairments.
Common Aesthetic Surgeries Covered by SGK:
- Deviated septum (nasal obstruction) surgery (rhinoplasty for breathing issues)
- Congenital anomalies (cleft lip/palate, protruding ears)
- Reconstructive surgeries after trauma (burns, wounds, fractures)
- Breast reduction for back/neck pain
- Gynecomastia surgery (if hormonal or painful)
- Post-tumor reconstruction (e.g. breast reconstruction, skin grafts)
These procedures are often free of charge or require a minimal co-payment in public hospitals.
Which Procedures Require Payment?
When cosmetic surgery is purely aesthetic and not medically necessary, SGK does not cover the costs—even in public hospitals.
Paid Cosmetic Procedures in Public Hospitals:
- Rhinoplasty (for aesthetic shape correction only)
- Breast augmentation
- Abdominoplasty (tummy tuck)
- Liposuction (fat removal)
- Facelift or neck lift
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty without vision issues)
- Otoplasty (ear reshaping, no hearing loss)
Cosmetic Surgery Prices in Public Hospitals (2025)
Prices for self-paid aesthetic procedures vary depending on the hospital’s internal pricing, the surgeon’s title, and the type and complexity of the operation.
Estimated Price Ranges (2025):
| Type of Surgery | Estimated Price Range (₺) |
| Rhinoplasty (nose reshaping) | 12,000 – 22,000 TL |
| Breast reduction (non-medical) | 15,000 – 25,000 TL |
| Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) | 20,000 – 35,000 TL |
| Liposuction (localized) | 10,000 – 20,000 TL |
| Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) | 8,000 – 15,000 TL |
| Ear reshaping (otoplasty) | 7,000 – 12,000 TL |
Note: These prices are average estimates. Exact costs vary by hospital and surgeon. Contact the institution for precise information.
Appointment and Application Process
- Book an Appointment via MHRS
Use Turkey’s Central Physician Appointment System (MHRS) to schedule a consultation with a plastic surgery department. - Examination and Evaluation
The doctor will assess whether the condition is medically indicated or aesthetic. - Decision on Payment
If the procedure is deemed aesthetic, a fee will be provided. Medically necessary operations are covered by SGK. - Pre-Op Testing and Scheduling
Preoperative tests and approvals are completed. The surgery date is set. - Surgery and Follow-Up
Most surgeries require an overnight stay. Post-op care is provided by the hospital team.
Advantages of Public Hospital Cosmetic Surgery
- Medically necessary procedures are free or low-cost through SGK
- Highly experienced plastic surgeons perform the operations
- University hospitals follow academic and medical standards
- Post-op care, dressings, and follow-ups are covered by the hospital