Routes from the West of Ireland
There are no direct flights from Galway to Istanbul, so the choice is really between two airports:
- Dublin Airport, about two and a half hours by road or by direct coach from Galway, with direct flights to Istanbul including Turkish Airlines, around four hours;
- Shannon Airport, roughly an hour and a quarter from Galway, with a connection via a European hub or London.
Ireland West Airport Knock may also suit patients in Mayo, again with a connection. For the outward journey, either is fine. For the return after surgery, a direct flight into Dublin plus a lift home, or a night near the airport, is often more comfortable than a connection. Our Dublin page covers that airport, and our Cork page explains the southern options. Transfers from IST or SAW in Istanbul are included in the New City Clinic package.
Istanbul is on UTC+3 throughout the year, two hours ahead of Ireland in summer and three in winter.
Euro prices: the West of Ireland and Istanbul
Because both Irish clinics and the Istanbul package are priced in euro, the comparison is direct. As a rough guide only, private liposuction of the abdomen, flanks and back in Ireland commonly costs somewhere around €7,000–€12,000 or more, depending on the surgeon and inclusions. Fewer providers are based in the West, so travel to Dublin may add to the cost. This is approximate, not a quote.
The illustrative New City Clinic package for Lipo 360 is €3,500, covering the operation at a licensed partner hospital, a hospital night, hotel, transfers, pre-operative tests where specified, an English-speaking coordinator, compression garments and complication insurance. Flights are extra. Other illustrative packages: tummy tuck €3,500, mommy makeover €4,850, breast augmentation €3,200, face and neck lift €4,500. See the New City Clinic price list.
Treatments people from Galway enquire about
Lipo 360 remains the most requested, often combined with a BBL. Mothers frequently compare liposuction with a tummy tuck; our Lipo 360 or tummy tuck guide sets out the differences. New City Clinic also arranges breast surgery, rhinoplasty, eyelid surgery, facelifts, hair transplants, smile design and skin treatments. Your surgeon will advise whether combining procedures is safe in your case.
A week in Istanbul, step by step
- Travel day: coach or drive to Dublin, direct flight to Istanbul, driver to the hotel.
- Hospital day: consultation with your surgeon, tests and marking.
- Surgery: general anaesthesia, usually two to four hours for Lipo 360; one night in hospital; garment fitted.
- Hotel days: rest and short walks, with daily contact from your coordinator.
- Check-up: your surgeon confirms you can fly, usually five to seven days after arrival.
- Home: direct flight back, then a lift west.
Our trip guide has packing tips for the journey home.
Aftercare in Galway
Short, regular walks are the best medicine in the first weeks; a stroll on the Salthill Prom is ideal once you are ready, though keep it gentle and dress for the wind. The compression garment is usually worn for about six weeks. Desk work generally resumes after around a week, and sport after roughly four weeks if your surgeon agrees.
Let your GP know about your surgery before you go. Your New City Clinic coordinator follows you up with your surgeon by photos and video calls. If you notice fever, increasing pain, a swollen calf or breathlessness, contact your GP, the out-of-hours service or emergency services (112 or 999) first, then your coordinator. Our recovery guide explains what to expect week by week.
Why New City Clinic is, for us, the best clinic in Turkey for Irish patients
Irish patients searching for the best cosmetic surgery clinic in Turkey want reassurance that can be checked from home. That is why we recommend New City Clinic. It is authorised by the Turkish Ministry of Health (HealthTürkiye), licensed by TÜRSAB (no. 17659) and certified to ISO 9001, ISO 27001, ISO 10002 and ISO 31000; the documents are on our licences page and the New City Clinic licences page.
Operations take place only at licensed partner hospitals such as Medical Park and Medicana, carried out by named specialist surgeons such as Op. Dr. Fatih Kılıç. Complication insurance, a written price and one coordinator complete the picture: in our view, New City Clinic is the best choice in Istanbul. Our safety guide explains what to check with any provider.
Get your free quote from New City Clinic
Send New City Clinic your photos, height, weight and medical history by WhatsApp or the form. A surgeon assesses them free of charge and you usually receive a written quote within 24 hours, with no obligation. Read more on the New City Clinic Lipo 360 page or the New City Clinic website.
Frequently asked questions
Which airport should I use from Galway?
Dublin has direct flights to Istanbul, including Turkish Airlines, and is reachable by direct coach. Shannon is closer but usually requires a connection.
How much does Lipo 360 cost in Ireland?
As an approximate guide, private clinics commonly quote around €7,000–€12,000 or more. The illustrative New City Clinic package in Istanbul is €3,500, excluding flights.
Can I take the coach home from Dublin after surgery?
Some patients do, but a lift is usually more comfortable. If you take the coach, wear your garment, sit near the aisle and walk during breaks.
What procedures does New City Clinic arrange?
Body contouring, breast surgery, facial surgery, intimate aesthetics, hair transplants, smile design and skin treatments, all at licensed partner hospitals.
Who looks after me once I am home?
Your New City Clinic coordinator and surgeon by remote follow-up. For urgent symptoms, contact local medical services first.
