FAQ - Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Medicine in Tunis

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

Everything patients ask before surgery or an aesthetic treatment in Tunis.

What is the minimum age for cosmetic surgery?

As a general rule, cosmetic surgery is for adults aged 18 and over. For some procedures, such as rhinoplasty, growth must be complete, which is usually around 16 to 17 in girls and 17 to 18 in boys. In a minor, only a few indications are considered, with the consent of both parents and after careful examination. There is no upper age limit: what matters is your general health.

Do I need to stop smoking before surgery?

Yes. Tobacco and nicotine, including vaping and patches, impair healing and raise the risk of skin necrosis and infection. We generally ask you to stop at least 4 weeks before surgery and for 2 to 4 weeks afterwards. This matters most for procedures that lift the skin, such as a facelift or abdominoplasty.

What is the pre-operative work-up?

It is the set of checks that confirm you can safely have surgery and anaesthesia. It usually includes blood tests (blood count, clotting, blood group, blood sugar), an ECG and a consultation with the anaesthetist. Further tests may be added depending on your age, medical history and the planned procedure. Your surgeon will give you the exact list after examining you.

How do I find a properly qualified cosmetic surgeon in Tunisia?

First check that she is registered with the Tunisian Medical Council and has specific training in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. She should operate in an authorised healthcare facility with a qualified anaesthetist. A reliable surgeon examines you before proposing surgery, explains the risks, shows photographs of her own results and gives you an itemised written quote. Be wary of any firm offer made without a medical examination.

Is a consultation compulsory before surgery?

Yes. No operation is scheduled without a medical examination by the surgeon, who assesses your anatomy, your medical history and whether your goals are achievable. If you live abroad, an initial remote exchange based on photographs lets us guide you and estimate the cost, but the final decision is made at the in-person consultation, before any surgery. You then have time to reflect. To get started, you can complete our quote questionnaire.

Should my weight be stable before a tummy tuck or liposuction?

Yes, this is strongly recommended. We generally advise a stable weight for at least 3 to 6 months, ideally close to the weight you can comfortably maintain. A significant change after surgery can alter the result, particularly after abdominoplasty or liposuction. Liposuction treats localised fat; it is not a weight-loss method.

Can I have surgery before or during pregnancy?

Cosmetic surgery is never performed during pregnancy. For procedures on the tummy and breasts, it is usually advisable to wait until you have finished having children, as pregnancy can change the result. After delivery we generally wait at least 6 months, and 3 to 6 months after breastfeeding has stopped, so that your body settles. Your surgeon will discuss this with you at the consultation.

Is rhinoplasty painful?

During the operation you feel nothing, as you are under anaesthesia. Afterwards, rhinoplasty tends to cause discomfort, a blocked-nose sensation and bruising around the eyes rather than sharp pain. Pain remains possible, as after any surgery, and is managed with suitable painkillers given regularly in the first days. How it feels varies from person to person and by procedure.

What type of anaesthesia is used for cosmetic surgery?

Depending on the procedure, we use general anaesthesia, local anaesthesia with sedation, or a combination of both. Rhinoplasty, breast augmentation and abdominoplasty are generally performed under general anaesthesia. Some smaller procedures, such as blepharoplasty or limited liposuction, can be done under local anaesthesia with sedation. The choice is made with the anaesthetist at the pre-operative consultation.

How long does cosmetic surgery take?

It depends on the procedure. As a guide, blepharoplasty takes 1 to 2 hours, breast augmentation 1 to 2 hours, rhinoplasty 1.5 to 3 hours, liposuction 1 to 3 hours and abdominoplasty 2 to 4 hours. These are approximate figures: the actual time varies with your anatomy and the technique chosen.

Do I need to stay overnight at the clinic after surgery?

It depends on the procedure and on your health. Shorter procedures, such as blepharoplasty or small-area liposuction, can sometimes be done as a day case, with a return to your accommodation the same day. After abdominoplasty, rhinoplasty or breast augmentation, one night of observation, sometimes two, is common. The decision is made with the anaesthetist and the surgeon.

Do breast implants need to be replaced?

Breast implants are not lifetime devices, but there is no set expiry date at which they must automatically be changed. Many women keep them for ten years or more. Replacement is offered if there is a complication, such as capsular contracture, rupture or displacement, or if you want to change the size. Regular follow-up, with a clinical examination and imaging if needed, is recommended.

What are the risks of cosmetic surgery?

No surgery is risk-free. Possible complications include bleeding or haematoma, infection, delayed healing, a poor scar, asymmetry, blood clots in the legs and the risks specific to anaesthesia. In most cases they are uncommon, particularly when the pre-operative work-up and aftercare instructions are followed. Your surgeon will explain the risks specific to your procedure at the consultation.

Can I have several procedures at the same time?

Sometimes, for example breast augmentation combined with abdominoplasty. Combining procedures is only possible if your health allows it and the total operating time remains reasonable, usually no more than around 4 to 6 hours. It makes recovery more demanding and can increase certain risks. The surgeon and the anaesthetist decide case by case.

How long is recovery after a tummy tuck?

Generally, plan on 2 to 3 weeks of reduced activity, walking slightly bent forward in the first few days. A compression garment is usually worn for 4 to 6 weeks. Oedema and tiredness can last several weeks, and the final appearance takes several months to judge. Your surgeon will give you a timeline suited to your case.

When can I go back to work after cosmetic surgery?

For desk work, most people return after about 7 to 10 days following rhinoplasty or blepharoplasty, around 1 week after breast augmentation, and 2 to 3 weeks after abdominoplasty. For physical work, allow 4 to 6 weeks in many cases. These are guides only and your surgeon will confirm the timing.

When can I start exercising again?

Gentle walking is encouraged from the first days to help circulation. Light activities generally resume after 3 to 4 weeks, and intense exercise or contact sports after 6 to 8 weeks, sometimes longer after rhinoplasty or breast surgery. Build up gradually and only with your surgeon's agreement.

Can I go in the sun after cosmetic surgery?

Avoid direct sun on the operated areas for several weeks, then protect scars from the sun for 6 to 12 months with SPF 50 or clothing. Sun can darken a recent scar for a long time. After facial or nose surgery, take extra care: also avoid prolonged swimming in the sea and saunas, in line with the instructions you receive.

Do scars disappear completely?

No, a scar never disappears entirely, but in most cases it becomes discreet and pale. It keeps changing for 12 to 18 months before reaching its final appearance. To help it, protect it from the sun, apply silicone gel or sheets, and massage it once healing is complete, following your surgeon's advice. Scar quality also depends on your skin type and individual factors.

How long do the results of cosmetic surgery last?

It varies by procedure. Rhinoplasty results are in principle long-lasting, although the face continues to age. Blepharoplasty often lasts several years and a facelift generally around ten years. Fat cells removed by liposuction do not come back, provided your weight stays stable. Ageing and weight changes do not stop after surgery.

Can I breastfeed after breast augmentation?

In most cases, yes: breastfeeding is generally still possible after breast implants. It can, however, be influenced by the incision, the position of the implant and your anatomy, and no guarantee can be given. If you are planning a pregnancy, mention it at the consultation so that the technique can be chosen with that in mind.

What happens if I am not happy with the result?

A revision may be offered, but never before healing is complete and the result has settled, usually 6 to 12 months after surgery. It is not automatic: the surgeon examines you and tells you whether it is justified and realistic. The terms, if any, for managing a revision are set out in writing before your operation.

How long do I need to stay in Tunisia for surgery?

Generally allow 7 to 14 days, depending on the procedure. This covers the consultation, the operation, and a check-up before you fly home to remove dressings, stitches or the nasal splint. A rhinoplasty often needs about 7 to 10 days on site, an abdominoplasty 10 to 14 days. The surgeon will confirm the right length of stay for you.

Can I fly after cosmetic surgery?

Yes, but not straight away. The delay depends on the procedure, generally 7 to 14 days, and your surgeon gives the go-ahead at the check-up before you leave. A long flight increases the risk of blood clots. Walking regularly, staying hydrated and wearing compression stockings if recommended are sensible precautions.

Can I bring someone with me?

Yes, and we recommend it, especially for the first 48 to 72 hours when you will be tired and less independent. Your companion can help you at the hotel or residence and attend follow-up appointments. Let us know when you request your quote so that accommodation can be arranged.

Is there follow-up once I am back home?

Yes. After you return, follow-up is done remotely with photographs and regular exchanges at agreed stages, such as the first week and then at 1, 3 and 6 months. It helps to identify a doctor near home before you travel, in case you need urgent care. Anything worrying, such as a fever, bleeding or increasing pain, should be reported without delay.

Do I need a visa to have surgery in Tunisia?

It depends on your nationality. Many countries, including most European countries, Canada and several Maghreb and Gulf states, enjoy visa-free entry for a short stay, but rules change. Check with the Tunisian embassy or consulate in your country, and make sure your passport remains valid for several months after your return date. We can provide a letter confirming your medical appointment if needed.

How do I get a quote for cosmetic surgery in Tunisia?

Complete our no-obligation online questionnaire, attaching photographs where the procedure calls for it. We reply with an indicative estimate and the next steps. The final quote is only issued after the surgeon has examined you.

How can we help you?

A one-to-one consultation to discuss your expectations in complete confidence and decide together on the most suitable treatment.

Book a consultation

How can we help you?

A one-to-one consultation to discuss your expectations in complete confidence and decide together on the most suitable treatment.

Book a consultation