Best Plastic Surgeons in Turkey

What is plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery, in its cosmetic sense, is a medical field that changes the shape or proportions of healthy tissue at the patient's request using surgical methods. It is part of the specialty of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Reconstructive surgery focuses on restoring function after birth differences, injuries or illness. The two often overlap, as when a crooked nose is corrected for both breathing and appearance.

Cosmetic surgery covers procedures that need an operation. Non-surgical treatments such as fillers, botulinum toxin and skin procedures are usually grouped under medical aesthetics. Which route suits you is decided by a doctor after an examination.

Which areas does plastic surgery cover?

Plastic surgery covers a wide range, from the face to the genital area.

• Nose: rhinoplasty reshapes the bridge, tip or width of the nose.
• Eyes: blepharoplasty removes excess skin and fat from the upper or lower eyelids.
• Face and neck: facelift, neck lift, brow lift and double chin procedures.
• Breasts: augmentation, reduction, lift and, in men, gynecomastia surgery.
• Body: liposuction, tummy tuck and buttock or thigh contouring.
• Ears: otoplasty corrects prominent ears.
• Chin: a chin implant or bone advancement (genioplasty) balances the profile.
• Genital area: procedures such as labiaplasty may be done for appearance or function.

How do the areas of plastic surgery differ?

The areas of plastic surgery are separated by the part of the body treated, and each has its own techniques and specialties.

How does the plastic surgery process work?

The process starts with a consultation and continues with follow-up visits after surgery. Steps vary by procedure, but the general flow is as follows.

1. At the first meeting your expectations are discussed, and your medical history and medicines are reviewed.
2. The surgeon examines you and may take photographs or request blood tests or imaging.
3. If you are a suitable candidate, the technique, type of anaesthesia and possible risks are explained, and your written consent is taken.
4. Surgery is carried out in a licensed hospital or medical centre. If general anaesthesia is needed, an anaesthesiologist is part of the team.
5. After discharge, dressing changes, stitch removal and follow-up visits are planned.

Smokers are usually asked to stop several weeks before surgery, because nicotine reduces blood flow and can slow wound healing. Your surgeon decides whether blood thinners or some herbal supplements should be paused. Do not stop these medicines on your own.

Who is a good candidate for plastic surgery, and who is not?

Plastic surgery can be considered for adults whose general health allows an operation and whose expectations are realistic. The surgeon makes the final decision after an examination. The following are generally seen as positive signs:

• A stable weight for some time
• No uncontrolled chronic illness
• A clear understanding of what the procedure can and cannot change
• A decision made by the patient, not under pressure from others
• Time set aside for recovery

Uncontrolled diabetes, serious heart or lung disease and bleeding disorders raise surgical risk. Cosmetic operations are usually postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding. When worry about appearance strongly affects daily life, body dysmorphic disorder may be considered, and the surgeon may suggest a mental health assessment first. For structures that are still developing, such as the nose or breasts, growth should be complete.

How long is recovery after plastic surgery?

Recovery ranges from a few days to several weeks, depending on the scope of the procedure. After smaller procedures such as ear or eyelid surgery, people usually return to daily tasks within one to two weeks. Larger operations such as a tummy tuck take longer, as do sessions that treat several areas at once. Swelling can take months to settle fully, and scars take months to mature.

Are the results of plastic surgery permanent?

Surgical changes are generally long-lasting. Ageing, weight change and pregnancy continue to change appearance over time. Medical devices such as breast implants are not considered lifetime products and may need to be replaced or removed later.

What are the risks of plastic surgery?

The risks fall into two groups: general risks of any operation and risks specific to each procedure. General risks include:

• Reactions to anaesthesia
• Bleeding or a collection of blood under the skin (haematoma)
• Infection
• Delayed wound healing or wound edges opening
• Thick or raised scars (hypertrophic scars, keloids)
• Blood clots in the leg veins (deep vein thrombosis) and related pulmonary embolism
• Changes in sensation or numbness
• Asymmetry, a result that falls short of expectations, or the need for revision surgery

Long or combined operations, smoking and excess weight can increase some of these risks. Procedure-specific risks are covered on each service page, and your surgeon should explain them for your situation.

What determines the cost of plastic surgery?

Plastic surgery costs cannot be given as a single figure, because the type and scope of the procedure drive the fee. Price ranges are shown in a separate section of this page. The main factors are:

• Length and technical difficulty of the operation
• Type of anaesthesia and the anaesthesia team
• Length of hospital stay
• Implants or other medical materials used
• Whether it is a first operation or a revision
• Post-operative garments, dressings and follow-up visits
• The city where the facility is located

Ask in writing what the quote includes.

What should you look for when choosing a plastic surgeon?

The first thing to check is whether the doctor's specialty fits the procedure. Most cosmetic operations are performed by specialists in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. ENT specialists also perform nose surgery, and oculoplastic eye doctors perform eyelid surgery. You can use these questions as a checklist:

• What is the doctor's specialty, and do they hold a specialist certificate?
• How often do they perform this procedure?
• Which licensed hospital or medical centre will be used?
• Who gives the anaesthesia, and what emergency facilities are available?
• If an implant is used, will you receive its brand, serial number and documents?
• Were the risks, recovery and possible revision explained clearly?

A surgical plan based only on photos, without an examination, is a warning sign. So is pressure to decide quickly.