Terminology

Medical tourism glossary

Clear definitions of the key terms you will encounter when researching medical treatment in Turkey — from accreditation standards to surgical techniques and coordination concepts.

Accreditation Aesthetic Surgery Bariatric Dental Fertility Hair Transplant Medical Tourism

Accreditation

JCI (Joint Commission International)

The gold standard for international hospital accreditation. JCI evaluates clinical quality, patient safety, infection control, and governance against the same criteria used for top hospitals in the US, UK, and Germany. NexWell partner clinics hold JCI accreditation or equivalent national accreditation.

Aesthetic Surgery

Rhinoplasty

Surgical reshaping of the nose — the most requested aesthetic surgery procedure globally and one of the most commonly sought by international patients in Turkey. Procedures include tip refinement, bridge reduction, correction of a deviated septum, and ethnic rhinoplasty.

BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift)

A fat transfer procedure that moves fat (typically from the abdomen, flanks, or thighs via liposuction) to the buttocks to increase volume and improve shape. Carries a higher risk profile than most cosmetic procedures — NexWell partner clinics for BBL cases are assessed specifically for surgical team experience and safety protocols.

Bariatric

Gastric sleeve (sleeve gastrectomy)

A bariatric surgical procedure that removes approximately 75–80% of the stomach, creating a narrow 'sleeve'. Reduces food intake capacity and alters hunger hormones. The most commonly performed weight loss surgery for international patients in Turkey.

BMI (Body Mass Index)

A measure of body weight relative to height (kg/m²). Used as a primary eligibility indicator for bariatric surgery. Most Turkish bariatric clinics require a minimum BMI of 35, or BMI 30+ with significant weight-related health conditions.

Dental

All-on-4

A full-arch dental implant system where an entire row of teeth (upper or lower) is supported by just four strategically placed implants. Tilted posterior implants allow the bridge to be fixed without bone grafting in most cases. Immediate loading means a temporary set of teeth is fitted on the same day as surgery.

All-on-6

Similar to All-on-4 but using six implants per arch for greater load distribution and stability. Typically recommended for patients with lower bone density or when a heavier-duty bridge is planned.

CBCT (Cone Beam Computed Tomography)

A 3D dental imaging technology that captures detailed volumetric images of the jaw, teeth, and bone structure. Used in implantology to assess bone density, measure available bone volume, and plan implant placement with sub-millimetre precision before any surgical work begins.

Straumann

A Swiss implant manufacturer and one of the world's leading implant brands. Straumann implants are used by NexWell partner clinics and are the same brand used at Harley Street practices in London and leading European dental hospitals.

Nobel Biocare

A Swedish-origin implant system, historically the first modern dental implant brand (founded 1965). Nobel Biocare implants are used across premium dental facilities worldwide and are one of the standard options at NexWell partner clinics in Istanbul.

Zirconia crown

A dental crown made from zirconium dioxide — a white, ceramic-like material that is extremely strong, biocompatible, and aesthetically natural. The standard material for permanent restorations on implants and full-arch cases at NexWell partner clinics.

Hollywood Smile

A cosmetic dentistry package that transforms the appearance of the entire visible smile — typically 8 to 20 teeth — using a combination of porcelain veneers, dental crowns, or a mix of both. The term originated in Turkey and is widely used across the medical tourism industry to describe a complete smile makeover.

Veneer (laminate veneer)

A thin porcelain or composite shell bonded to the front surface of a tooth to change its colour, shape, or size. Less invasive than a crown. Requires minimal tooth preparation for porcelain (e-max) or composite types. Used in Hollywood Smile cases and for individual tooth corrections.

Fertility

IVF (In Vitro Fertilisation)

A fertility treatment where eggs are retrieved from the ovaries, fertilised with sperm in a laboratory, and one or more resulting embryos are transferred to the uterus. Turkey allows egg donation IVF using anonymous donor eggs — a significant reason international patients travel there for fertility treatment.

Egg donation

An IVF process where eggs from a donor (rather than the recipient patient) are used. Turkey permits egg donation under regulated conditions. Donor profiles are matched based on physical characteristics. Popular among patients who have depleted ovarian reserve or have had multiple failed cycles.

Hair Transplant

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

The most widely used hair transplant technique. Individual follicular units (1–4 hairs) are extracted from the donor area using a micro-punch tool and implanted into the recipient area. Leaves no linear scar; recovery is faster than the older FUT (strip) method.

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation)

A variant of FUE where extracted follicles are implanted directly using a specialised pen (Choi implanter) without pre-made channels. Allows finer angle control, higher density, and reduced handling time for follicles.

Medical Tourism

Medical tourism coordinator

A specialist who manages the patient journey between a patient's home country and a destination healthcare facility. Responsibilities include treatment planning, clinic matching, quote preparation, logistics coordination, and post-treatment follow-up. NexWell assigns a dedicated coordinator to every patient case.

All-inclusive package

A bundled treatment offer that typically includes: the procedure itself, pre-operative tests, anaesthesia, hospital or clinic stay, medication, VIP airport transfers, and accommodation. The specific inclusions vary by clinic and treatment type — NexWell quotes specify exactly what each package covers.

Patient coordinator

At NexWell, the single point of contact assigned to manage a patient's case from first enquiry through post-treatment follow-up. Responsible for clinic matching, quote preparation, logistics, and communication between the patient and partner clinic.