Dr. Ozge Ergun, MD, Plastic Surgeon

General Topics

What are the payment methods?
Payment methods include cash, credit card, and bank transfer.

Is the city safe?
Yes, the city is safe, and our clinic is located in the city center, which makes transportation highly convenient.

Do you offer accommodation and transfer services?
Accommodation is not included in our packages; however, we can assist you with hotel recommendations upon request. In addition, we provide airport transfer services and offer internal transfer support during hospital admission and discharge processes.

Do you provide language assistance?
Yes, thanks to our patient coordinators, you will not experience any language barriers. Our team speaks multiple foreign languages and will accompany you at every stage.

How often do I need to visit the clinic?
Depending on your surgeon’s recommendation, postoperative check-ups may be required daily or every other day.

Can you help us if we want to engage in tourist or social activities?
Yes, we provide guidance and suggestions to help you enjoy the city and have a pleasant experience.

Rhinoplasty Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an age limit for rhinoplasty?
Since the nose continues to develop until around the age of 17–18, I recommend my patients to undergo rhinoplasty only after this age.

Is rhinoplasty a painful surgery?
Rhinoplasty is generally not considered a painful operation. With modern medical technology, pain can be easily managed. Most patients report only mild discomfort rather than significant pain.

How long does rhinoplasty take, and what affects the duration?
The duration of a rhinoplasty procedure varies depending on the complexity of the case as well as the surgeon’s efficiency and experience. Most rhinoplasty operations take approximately 1–2 hours.

Will I experience bruising after rhinoplasty?
In most cases, the majority of bruising fades within 6–7 days. A small number of patients with very fair skin and thinner skin may experience more noticeable bruising, which typically improves within 2–4 weeks.

Is any preparation required before a rhinoplasty procedure?
A thorough consultation is the key to a successful surgery. Understanding the patient’s existing concerns and desired outcome ensures that the final result aligns with their expectations and satisfaction.

How do you decide which rhinoplasty technique to use?
The surgical technique is usually determined during the consultation. In most of my cases, I prefer the open technique, which accounts for about 70% of my rhinoplasty procedures. The remaining 30% are closed rhinoplasties, performed when that approach is more suitable for the patient.

When can patients return to normal life after rhinoplasty?
A nasal splint must remain on the nose for at least 6–7 days after surgery. After removing the splint, I apply a transparent tape for an additional 3–4 days. In total, nothing remains on the nose after about 10 days. Some swelling may persist after removing the splint, but patients typically see about 80% of the final result by the end of the first month.

What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty refers to a secondary procedure performed to correct or improve the results of a previous rhinoplasty. Approximately 5–10% of cases require revision. These revisions usually arise due to unexpected behavior of the skin or cartilage. Since revision rhinoplasty is often more complex than primary surgery, it is important to choose an experienced facial plastic surgeon for the procedure.

What are nasal collapses after rhinoplasty?
In some cases, after swelling subsides, the nasal tip may appear droopy. As long as the surgery is performed correctly, nasal collapse should not occur, and it is something we see very rarely. It was more commonly associated with older techniques of closed rhinoplasty.

When can patients start exercising after rhinoplasty?
Patients should avoid exercise for at least 3 weeks following rhinoplasty. Contact sports should be avoided for 6–8 weeks, and glasses should not be worn during the same period. Afterward, patients may gradually return to their normal routines.

What is the golden ratio in rhinoplasty?
Human facial proportions are based on Phi and the Golden Ratio. There are many examples of the Divine Proportion on the human face. The nose and lips, for instance, are placed along golden section points between the eyes and the lower chin. Of course, these proportions differ between men and women. Achieving facial harmony based on these ratios is an essential principle in rhinoplasty and many other cosmetic procedures.

What is cartilage grafting in rhinoplasty, and when do you use it?
The choice of graft depends largely on the purpose. Ear cartilage is thinner and softer than rib cartilage, making it more flexible and more suitable for shaping the nasal tip. If the nasal bridge needs to be reconstructed, rib cartilage is usually the best option, although ear cartilage may be sufficient in some cases.

Breast Lift Frequently Asked Questions

In which situations are breast implants and breast lift surgeries performed?
Some patients may have insufficient breast tissue. In cases where glandular and fatty tissue decreases due to breastfeeding, or when the nipple is significantly droopy, the use of silicone implants becomes necessary to achieve a proper breast lift. Therefore, we often combine breast augmentation and breast lift procedures to restore adequate volume and shape.

How many techniques exist for breast reduction surgery?
Although hundreds of techniques have been described, they can be grouped into 3 or 4 main categories based on the type of scar. These include the periareolar scar around the areola, the vertical “keyhole” or “lollipop” scar extending downward, and the inverted-T or “anchor” technique. All of these techniques can be used in both breast lift and breast reduction procedures.

What is the minimum recommended age for breast reduction surgery?
Breast reduction surgery can be performed on any woman aged 18 or older. However, the procedure is most commonly chosen by women who are slightly overweight or have recently given birth.

When can the final results of breast reduction be seen?
Results of breast surgeries typically become visible within 3 to 6 months. We advise patients to wear a sports bra for the first 3 weeks, and the final outcome is usually achieved within the 3–6 month period.

Is it logical to undergo breast reduction if I have never given birth?
Breast reduction is often performed due to back and lower back pain. If the breasts are not excessively saggy and the distance from the nipple to the inframammary fold is around 20–25 cm, patients can safely undergo surgery without worrying about future breastfeeding. However, if this distance increases to 28–29 cm and there is significant sagging, it may affect breastfeeding ability later in life.

What are the differences or similarities between breast reduction and breast lift procedures?
There are some differences between mastopexy (breast lift) and breast reduction, although the techniques and scar patterns are often similar.

  • Breast lift (mastopexy): The breast is lifted and reshaped without removing breast tissue.

  • Breast reduction: Excess breast tissue is removed, and the remaining tissue is reshaped.

How long does breast reduction surgery take?
Breast lift surgeries typically take around 2 hours and are performed under general anesthesia. It is recommended that the patient stays in the hospital for one night after the procedure.

Vaser Liposuction Frequently Asked Questions

What is Vaser Liposuction?

Vaser Liposuction is an ultrasonic liposuction technique. It differs from traditional liposuction in several ways. Before the procedure begins, a special solution is injected into the treatment area. After the solution is applied, ultrasonic energy is used to break down the fat cells (emulsification). Once the fat is emulsified, we remove it in a controlled manner, similar to conventional liposuction.

What is the biggest advantage of Vaser liposuction compared to other procedures?

Vaser liposuction breaks down and removes fat while also generating heat in the treated area, which promotes skin tightening and ensures a more homogeneous fat distribution. As a result, the most common complication of traditional liposuction—surface irregularities or waviness—is significantly reduced.

How long does Vaser liposuction take?

There is no major difference in duration between Vaser and traditional liposuction. The operation time varies depending on the body area being treated. In general, the full procedure takes between 30 minutes to 1.5–2 hours.

Can the amount of fat removed during Vaser liposuction be predetermined?

This depends on the patient’s body weight and varies from person to person. Liposuction is not a weight-loss surgery, although it is sometimes performed on patients who struggle to lose weight.

As a general rule, the maximum safe limit is around 10% of the patient’s body weight. We have had patients from whom 13–15 liters were removed, but this is not preferred. For overweight patients, this is the upper limit; however, my personal preference is usually around 6–8 liters at most.

What are the criteria for defining an ideal Vaser liposuction candidate?

I tend to recommend this procedure more often for women because estrogen may affect skin quality. Vaser liposuction is particularly ideal for patients between 30 and 50 years old. It is my first choice when skin tightening is desired, especially in the back, gynecomastia, and leg regions.

What should patients expect after Vaser liposuction?

Recovery varies from person to person. I always emphasize this both before and after surgery. Some patients have a high pain threshold and can return to their normal routine within 1–2 days, while others may take up to 5 days.

After the procedure, the patient leaves the operating room wearing a compression garment, which must be used for three weeks. Patients who undergo liposuction only may shower starting on day three. If combined procedures or additional incisions were performed, this period may extend to five days.

Is there a risk of scarring after Vaser liposuction?

The entry points used during liposuction are very small—about 2–3 millimeters. We place a small stitch in these openings, and these absorbable sutures dissolve on their own. Although the scars may be slightly visible during the first two months, they become almost invisible within six to eight months.

Can fat return after liposuction?

Fat accumulation in both men and women occurs in specific areas. For example, men commonly store fat in the flanks (“love handles”) and the chest area (gynecomastia). When liposuction is performed, we primarily remove white fat cells from these areas, reducing their storage capacity.

As long as the patient does not gain more than 5–6 kg after surgery, there will be significantly less fat accumulation in the treated areas. However, if the patient gains more than 5–6 kg, fat may begin to accumulate again. Therefore, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and diet is essential after liposuction.

When can the results of Vaser liposuction be seen?

We typically observe the results of Vaser liposuction between 3 and 6 months. Swelling, edema, and bruising largely subside during the first month, revealing around 70–80% of the result. Full, final results appear within 3–6 months.

What is the physical and social recovery process after Vaser liposuction?

Patients can usually return to normal daily activities within 5–7 days. Mild aches or soreness may occur but vary by individual. Many patients can return to work within one week to ten days. The compression garment must be worn for three weeks, and patients can shower in the evening and put the garment back on afterward.

Can the fat removed during liposuction be used in other areas of the body?

Fat grafting has become increasingly common. Initially used in small amounts for the face, it is now widely used for the breasts, buttocks, and legs. With advancements that increase fat cell survival, larger volumes can now be transferred. Fat injections are frequently performed today to contour different areas of the body, lift the buttocks, and enhance curves.

Six-Pack creation in men with Vaser liposuction

The six-pack procedure is more technical and takes longer than standard liposuction because it requires sculpting and defining the abdominal muscles. Vaser liposuction is essential for this technique, as it does not damage the skin, allowing us to work very close to the surface and achieve precision.

By thinning selected areas and preserving fat over the muscle lines, we create a natural-looking six-pack.

How long should international patients stay in Istanbul for Vaser liposuction?

If the patient undergoes liposuction only, 5–6 days in Istanbul is sufficient.
For combined procedures, the recommended stay increases to 7–10 days.

BBL Frequently Asked Questions

Can you provide information about butt augmentation with fat transfer?

Fat transfer butt augmentation, also known as the Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), has become increasingly popular in recent years. In addition to implant procedures, fat injections are also used to contour and enhance the buttock area.

With fat transfer, we essentially achieve two goals at once: through liposuction, the patient gets rid of unwanted fat from areas such as the abdomen and waist, and this fat is then injected into the buttocks to achieve the desired shape.

How many cc of fat can be injected during butt augmentation with fat transfer?

Depending on the amount of fat harvested, up to 1,000 cc of fat per side can be injected. The only limitation of this procedure is that 40–50% of the injected fat is absorbed by the body within 2–3 months, while the remaining 40–50% survives. For this reason, we often perform an “overcorrection” by injecting slightly more fat than needed to achieve the best long-term results.

Can butt augmentation be performed on everyone?

This procedure is suitable for patients who have sufficient fat tissue to allow effective sculpting and augmentation of the buttocks.

Where and how is the fat injected during buttock augmentation?

Once the fat is processed, it is usually injected into the upper region of the buttocks to create a lifting effect. Injection is mostly performed into the subcutaneous tissue for safe and effective contouring.

Is there demand for lateral buttock augmentation in addition to butt lifting?

Yes. Many patients desire a more feminine and rounded buttock shape. To achieve this, fat is injected not only into the upper buttock area but also into the lateral (side) regions to create a fuller and curvier appearance.

What is the recovery process after buttock augmentation surgery?

Patients must wear a compression garment similar to standard liposuction recovery. Ideally, a specially designed compression garment that leaves the fat-injected areas exposed should be used. Recovery typically takes 7–10 days, after which patients can resume normal daily activities. Full results become visible within 3–6 months.

Are there any restrictions regarding sitting, standing, bending, etc., after surgery?

Patients should avoid sitting directly on their buttocks for the first 7 days. Special pillows are used, allowing patients to sit with their weight supported by the back of the thighs. We usually recommend sleeping face-down for 7–10 days.

What is the recommended period of sexual abstinence after buttock augmentation?

For optimal healing, patients should avoid sexual activity for approximately 15 days.

Are there situations where a regional lift is required in addition to fat injection?

If a surgical lift is needed, we generally do not combine it with fat injection. Lift procedures involve removing skin and tightening certain muscles to create a lifting effect. Since combining both techniques increases the risk, we avoid performing them together.

Can butt augmentation and tummy tuck be performed together?

It is possible if the patient is highly motivated; however, we generally do not recommend it. A tummy tuck requires the patient to lie on their back in a specific position, while fat transfer to the buttocks requires lying face-down after the procedure. When both are done together, the patient must lie on their back, which may disrupt fat survival and cause deformities.

Is it possible to have additional buttock augmentation in the following years?

Absolutely. This is quite common. Additional sessions can be performed 1, 2, or 3 years after the first procedure with no harm to the patient. However, due to certain risks (such as embolism), the use of blood-thinning medications may be recommended during fat transfer procedures.

Is it possible for all of the injected fat to be absorbed?

No. Since the fat used is the patient’s own tissue, new vascularization develops over time, allowing approximately 50% of the injected fat to remain permanently.

What do you recommend for patients who do not have enough fat for buttock augmentation?

If the patient has insufficient fat tissue, we may recommend buttock implants. A 4–5 cm incision is made in the gluteal sulcus, and specially designed implants are placed in pockets created between the muscles. This technique can be used instead of fat transfer when needed.

Will there be permanent scarring after buttock augmentation?

Fat transfer leaves no visible scarring, as the incisions are only 1–2 mm and fade quickly. For buttock implants, the incision is hidden inside the gluteal crease, making it barely noticeable.

What type of cannulas are used for fat injection during buttock augmentation?

Larger cannulas are used, typically 3.5–4 mm. Studies show that smaller cannulas have a higher chance of damaging blood vessels or entering them, which may increase risks. Current evidence supports the use of thicker cannulas for safer fat transfer.

How long should international patients stay in Istanbul for buttock augmentation?

For buttock implants, the recommended stay is 7–10 days.
For fat transfer procedures, 5–7 days in Istanbul is sufficient.

Tummy Tuck Frequently Asked Questions

What is a tummy tuck surgery?

Abdominoplasty is a procedure we prefer for patients who have excess skin in the abdominal area, especially after childbirth or significant weight loss. The main feature of a tummy tuck is the repositioning of the belly button and the removal of the skin tissue below it.
During this procedure, patients often also present with diastasis recti, a condition where the rectus muscles separate. In such cases, we perform a plication procedure. By bringing the rectus muscles together like a corset in the area where diastasis occurs, we achieve horizontal tightening and obtain a smooth abdominal contour by removing the excess skin.

What is the postoperative process like after a tummy tuck?

Abdominoplasty is a procedure that takes approximately 2 hours. After the surgery, patients wake up wearing a compression garment. We also use drains, a system that removes fluid accumulated in the surgical area.
The drains stay in place for about 3–4 days and are then removed. Patients can take a shower and get dressed on the 4th or 5th day. Dressings are changed and repeated every 2 days.
After 10 days, the dressings are removed, and the patient may shower daily and gradually return to daily life. For the first 7 days, we recommend that patients avoid walking fully upright and instead walk slightly bent forward.
Similar to liposuction, we use a compression garment, and we recommend the patient wear it for 3 weeks. Unlike classical abdominoplasty, we now routinely combine the procedure with liposuction to further thin the remaining skin for an improved contour.

How long does pain last after abdominoplasty?

Patients usually do not experience significant pain after the surgery. This is because very strong, long-acting local anesthetics are applied to the area before the patient wakes up. These remain effective for about 18–20 hours. The next day, we administer IV pain medication to support the patient through the process.
After the second day, the pain decreases considerably, and depending on the person, patients typically begin returning to their normal routine by the third or fourth day.

How long does full recovery take after a tummy tuck?

The recovery process takes approximately 2 to 3 weeks. However, it takes about 3 to 6 months to see the final results.

Will there be a permanent scar after a tummy tuck? How long does it take for the scar to heal?

The biggest drawback of this surgery compared to liposuction or other procedures is scarring. The scar is about 15 cm longer than a previous cesarean scar, but its advantage is that it can be easily hidden. Since the incision generally remains within the underwear line, it can be concealed easily.
The goal is to keep the incision as short as possible while maximizing patient satisfaction with the surgical outcome.

What characteristics should ideal candidates for tummy tuck surgery have?

These complaints are most common among women who have given birth. We recommend tummy tuck surgery particularly for patients who have excess skin in the abdominal area that cannot be corrected with liposuction alone.

What should be considered regarding the health and physical condition of someone undergoing tummy tuck surgery?

The typical candidates are women who have given birth and are between the ages of 35 and 55–60. It is important that these patients do not have serious medical conditions. We ensure that their blood pressure is regulated and, if they have diabetes, that it is well controlled.
In addition, blood test results must be suitable for surgery. We advise patients to pay attention to their posture and be more cautious during the postoperative period.

Is it possible for a patient’s abdomen to become completely flat after abdominoplasty?

This depends on the patient’s initial condition. If the fat layer is below a certain thickness, liposuction to the area can help achieve a very smooth and ideal abdominal contour that meets the patient’s expectations.

How is the length of the incision determined in tummy tuck surgery?

The incision length depends on the extent of excess skin. If the excess skin does not extend too far to the sides, the incision is kept as short as possible. The main goal of planning is to minimize the length of the skin incision.

Can a tummy tuck be performed on patients who previously underwent gastric sleeve surgery to remove excess skin?

We perform tummy tuck surgeries on many such patients. If necessary, we also perform a belt lipectomy, which is the circumferential removal of excess tissue from the back. This allows the patient to be rid of excess skin completely.

Is it possible to achieve a 360-degree fit appearance after a belt lipectomy?

In Post-Bariatric Surgery procedures, by removing excess skin from all areas, we can achieve a smooth contour both in the back and the abdomen, as well as a narrower waistline.

Gynecomastia Frequently Asked Questions

Is gynecomastia genetic, or is it directly related to weight gain?

Gynecomastia is a condition commonly seen during adolescence and affects nearly 40–50% of males. In most cases, it regresses after puberty; however, in some individuals—especially overweight men—the issue may persist.

Is gynecomastia surgery painful?

If there is not an excessive amount of loose skin, we generally recommend liposuction. There is a common misconception that the glandular tissue (gynecomastia gland tissue) cannot be removed with liposuction, but with today’s VASER liposuction technology, we can effectively remove this tissue. Therefore, if there is no significant excess skin, we can resolve gynecomastia solely through liposuction without any incisions.

How many types of gynecomastia surgery are there?

Gynecomastia surgery can be performed either through excision or liposuction alone. For patients without significant skin laxity, liposuction is often sufficient.

How long does gynecomastia surgery take?

Patients with gynecomastia often feel more discomfort during the summer months. With a minor procedure lasting approximately 30 minutes, they can easily get rid of this problem.

What should nutrition be like after gynecomastia surgery?

As with standard liposuction procedures, patients need to be careful. A protein-based diet is beneficial. We advise patients to avoid gaining excessive weight.

What should be considered after gynecomastia surgery?

Following gynecomastia surgery, the patient must wear a compression garment. We recommend a wrestler-type compression vest, which should be worn for at least 3 weeks. From the third day onward, the patient may shower daily and put the garment back on afterward.

What type of anesthesia is used in gynecomastia surgery?

Local anesthesia with sedation may be used. Since the surgery is very short, it can also be performed under general anesthesia.

How long should international patients stay in Istanbul for gynecomastia surgery?

Staying four to five days after the operation is sufficient for postoperative monitoring and follow-up.

When can full results be seen after gynecomastia surgery?

Similar to liposuction, it takes 3 to 6 months to see the final results. There is usually noticeable swelling in the first 10 days, and afterward, the tissues gradually recover and settle during the healing process.

Face Lift Frequently Asked Questions

How many facelift techniques are there?

Various techniques can be used in facelift procedures. In traditional (classic) facelift surgery, an incision is made in front of and behind the ear, allowing lifting of both the face and the neck.
In addition to this, there is the short-scar facelift technique known as the MACS lift. The main difference between this technique and the classic facelift is that the incision in front of the ear ends at the earlobe and does not extend behind the ear. In this approach, liposuction applied to the chin area offers significant flexibility and allows results comparable to a traditional facelift.

How long does a facelift operation take?

Classic facelift procedures take longer—approximately 5 to 6 hours. This is because traditional facelift surgery includes upper and lower eyelid surgery, facelift, neck lift, removal of the SMAS layer, exposing the facial nerve, and tightening this fascial structure in specific directions. Since the nerve must be identified during the procedure, the dissection requires extra care, which extends the surgery duration.

In the MACS lift, however, the skin is separated while remaining above the SMAS layer, and lifting is achieved by plication and tightening sutures on the SMAS. While classic facelift procedures last around 5 to 6 hours, the short-scar MACS lift can be completed in approximately 2 to 2.5 hours.

What is the ideal age range for facelift surgery?

Although it varies from patient to patient, this procedure is commonly performed for individuals aged 40 to 45 and especially for those over 45. Some patients experience excessive sagging and skin laxity at an earlier age, making them suitable candidates sooner, while others may undergo the procedure at 55–60 years or older.

Since this surgery is often performed on older patients, the patient’s general health condition must be suitable for the procedure. To avoid a lengthy operation in certain cases, we prefer the short-scar MACS lift technique.

What is the realistic rejuvenation goal in facelift surgery?

The key objective is reversing the signs of aging. Over time, cells lose volume due to fluid reduction, wrinkles increase, and midface structures descend due to gravity. The aim is to counteract these effects by restoring facial structures to their original position.

In classic facelift procedures, rejuvenation is achieved, but the lifting vector is typically oblique. In contrast, the MACS lift uses completely vertical vectors that directly oppose the downward gravitational pull. As a result, natural-looking rejuvenation can be achieved without an “operated” appearance.

When can the final results of a facelift be seen?

The face heals quite rapidly. All dressings are typically removed about 5 to 6 days after surgery. Early recovery is completed at this stage; however, the final results become visible within 2 to 3 months.

How long should international patients stay in Istanbul for facelift surgery?

We generally recommend that patients stay in Istanbul for 5 to 7 days for proper postoperative monitoring.

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