Plastic surgery is a specialized branch of medicine focused on repairing, reconstructing, or altering the human body for functional or aesthetic reasons. The types of plastic surgery can be divided into two main categories:

1. Reconstructive Surgery: Aims to restore function and appearance to parts of the body affected by injury or congenital defects.
2. Plastic Surgery: Performed to enhance a person’s appearance and achieve a more attractive look. This type of surgery is usually elective and not medically necessary.

Patients travel to Turkey from various countries for reconstructive and plastic surgery. Turkish hospitals’ well-trained doctors and advanced technology attract many medical tourists seeking affordable reconstructive and Plastic Surgery.

After the official establishment of the Turkish Society of Plastic Surgery (TPCD) in 1961, practices in plastic surgery in Turkey became systematic studies rather than sporadic activities. Reconstructive and plastic surgery in Turkey has advanced significantly because patients worldwide see Turkey as a safe and cost-effective destination with a great track record of success in this field.

Key Techniques in Plastic Surgery in Turkey

Liposuction

Performed in the reconstructive and plastic surgery department, liposuction involves extracting fat from specific parts of the body (such as the thighs or abdomen) to achieve a slimmer appearance.

Two types of liposuction:

Suction-Assisted Liposuction: Involves injecting an anesthetic, vasoconstrictor, and saline solution into the treatment area, then suctioning out the liquid and fat using a narrow tube called a cannula.

Ultrasound-Assisted Liposuction (UAL): In this procedure, cannulas are inserted under the skin to release ultrasonic energy, liquefying the fat for easier suction. This method is somewhat riskier, as it can cause internal and external burns.

Depending on the extent of the treatment, an average person can return to work within a few days after liposuction.

Breast Augmentation

Involves using breast implants (such as silicone, saline, or fat transfer) to increase breast size or restore breast volume lost due to pregnancy, weight loss, or aging.

Popular solutions include:

• Augmenting both breasts
• Balancing asymmetrical breasts
• Reconstructing breasts that did not develop during puberty (congenital micromastia)

Silicone implants have become increasingly popular, with 84% of women undergoing breast augmentation in 2020 choosing silicone implants.

Most individuals can resume normal activities within one to two weeks after the surgery, but high-intensity physical activities may need to be postponed for several more weeks or months.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

A reconstructive and Plastic surgery to reshape the eyelids.

Two main types:

• Upper Blepharoplasty: An eyelid lift is performed for cosmetic reasons or to improve vision when droopy eyelids obstruct it.
• Lower Blepharoplasty: Involves removing fat pads that create “bags” under the eyes and tightening the skin to reduce sagging.

Most individuals can go out in public within 10 to 14 days after the surgery, though it may take several more weeks for all swelling and bruising to subside.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

It involves removing excess skin from the abdominal area and tightening the remaining skin. It is commonly performed on individuals with loose abdominal skin after pregnancy or significant weight loss.

The ideal candidate is someone with a lot of sagging skin rather than excess abdominal fat.

Most individuals can return to normal activities within two to three weeks, but strenuous activities may need to be avoided for several more weeks or months.

Breast Reduction

It can be performed for cosmetic reasons, but it also offers benefits beyond appearance. Women with large breasts often struggle to find appropriate clothing and may suffer from chronic back and neck pain due to the extra weight on the spine.

Rhinoplasty

It aims to reconstruct the nose to improve appearance and correct breathing issues, congenital defects, and injuries. Often combined with septoplasty to correct a deviated septum.

Some bruising may be visible after the surgery, but it should fade within ten days.

Facelift (Rhytidectomy)

A surgical solution for wrinkles and sagging skin caused by aging and sun exposure. A facelift results in a more youthful appearance by gently tightening the facial skin, smoothing deep lines, and reducing sagging.

Often combined with other procedures, such as eyelid surgery or neck lift. Stitches are usually removed after five to ten days, but recovery will take several weeks.

Gynecomastia Surgery

Reduces male breast size by removing excess breast tissue caused by hormonal imbalances, common in older men. Surgeons usually make an incision around the nipple so that the scar is not noticeable.

Latest Reconstructive Surgery Techniques

Various techniques are used in reconstructive surgery, including:

Endoscopic Surgery

Uses an endoscope, a tube with a small camera, and light inserted through a small incision. Images from the camera are transmitted to a screen, which the surgeon watches while maneuvering the endoscope inside the body.

Flap Surgery

Involves transferring healthy live tissue from one area of the body to another (often to areas with lost skin or muscle movement). Several types of flap surgery are used depending on the location and tissues needing repair:

• Local Flap: Located next to the wound and remains attached at one end to maintain blood supply.
• Bone or Soft Tissue Flap: Used when transferring bone and its covering skin to a new location.
• Musculocutaneous Flap: Used when more bulk and increased blood supply are needed, such as in breast reconstruction post-mastectomy.
• Microsurgical Free Flap: Involves detaching and reattaching skin and blood vessels using microsurgery.

Laser Technology

It minimizes bleeding and scarring. Depending on the purpose and location of the surgery, different types of lasers are used.

Skin Grafting

Used to cover damaged skin. This involves removing healthy skin from one area (donor site) and transplanting it to another. Different types of skin grafts are used based on the size and location of the required skin.

Tissue Expansion

A surgical procedure where a balloon-like device (expander) is inserted under the skin and gradually filled with fluid to stretch and grow extra skin. This new skin is used to repair damaged or missing skin adjacent to the expanded area.

Latest Hair Transplant Techniques in Turkey

Two primary procedures in hair transplantation:

FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction)

Hair follicles are extracted directly from the back of the head through hundreds to thousands of tiny incisions. The surgeon then makes small holes in the scalp and places the hair in these holes.

DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) with Choi Pen

An advanced method using Choi pens allows for precise extraction and immediate implantation of hair follicles. It is suitable for patients with existing hair but needs increased density without damaging the existing hair.

FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation)

Involves harvesting a narrow strip of scalp from the donor area, then separating it into small sections under a microscope for implantation. The extracted area is closed with surgical stitches.

Hair Transplantation for Women

Hair transplantation for women is an effective and safe procedure that addresses hair loss and improves women’s external appearance. Therefore, it is essential to choose the best doctors for this procedure. In Turkey, hair transplantation for women is performed by a specialized reconstructive and plastic surgery team, using modern techniques and precise tools to ensure natural and attractive results.

A small amount of local anesthesia is used before surgery. At the beginning of the procedure, the surgeon extracts follicular units from the donor area in natural groups consisting of 1-4 hairs (known as a hair graft).

The follicular unit is then gently grasped and pulled away from the loose connective tissue surrounding the unit under the skin. This process is repeated several times until the required number of donor grafts is extracted.

After extracting and examining the hair grafts, the donor hairs are transplanted into the recipient area (usually the hairline at the top of the head in women) one by one. This process is repeated as needed.

The hair condition is evaluated to determine the best method for hair transplantation in Turkey according to each woman’s needs; there are several techniques for women’s hair transplantation, including the traditional FUT, FUE, and DHI (Direct Hair Implantation) technique. The appropriate technique is chosen based on the hair condition and desired results.

Beard and Mustache Transplantation

Beard and mustache transplantation is performed similarly to hair transplantation on the head, primarily using the FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) technique, one of the most commonly used and reliable methods. The steps include:

1. The surgeon in the cosmetic surgery department applies local anesthesia to minimize pain and provide maximum comfort during the procedure.
2. The surgeon may need to shave a small part of the donor area during the extraction process.
3. The hair grafts are collected appropriately and transplanted into the desired area. The surgeon plants the hair follicles while paying attention to the angle and placement to achieve a more natural-looking beard and mustache.

The recovery period for beard and mustache transplantation is relatively shorter than for hair transplantation on the head.

This technique helps patients achieve the desired appearance of their beard and mustache. The hair and beard transplantation technique in the hospitals partnered with Bimaristan Center in Turkey is highly popular among men as it provides permanent and highly successful results.

Robotic Hair Transplantation

Robotic hair transplantation in Turkey is an advanced version of the FUE hair transplantation technique. In this technique, hair follicles are extracted from the scalp and planted after being placed in a Hypothermosol solution, ensuring their vitality. The robotic technique in the reconstructive and plastic surgery department uses a device equipped with artificial intelligence, one of humanity’s most significant and recent inventions.

Post-Hair Transplantation Care

Recovery is as important as the procedure itself. The weeks following the hair transplantation procedure are crucial for proper hair growth. Regardless of the chosen hair transplantation method, the risk of hair transplant failure is determined by several factors. The newly transplanted follicles are fragile and require maximum care to grow correctly.

The steps to follow after hair transplantation in the reconstructive and plastic surgery department are divided into several periods:

From Day 1 to Day 8 Post-Transplantation

The final appointment at the hair transplant clinic is the day after the hair transplantation procedure, where the surgeon examines the follicles. An antiseptic such as red betadine is applied. The bandage is removed, and the patient is taught the appropriate procedure by having the first wash with shampoo in the clinic.

This is how follow-ups are conducted in the specialized hair transplantation clinics and hospitals in Turkey partnered with Bimaristan Medical Center. Experts recommend taking a full day of rest. If your professional activity is relatively non-strenuous, give yourself two to three days of rest. If your job requires high physical activity, it is advisable to take a week off and avoid smoking for at least two to three weeks after the procedure.

From Day 8 to Day 30 Post-Transplantation

Exposure to sunlight and rain is prohibited during the first month, and itching may occur during this period. Aloe vera oil can be applied to the area to help heal, moisturize the transplanted area, and prevent scalp skin dryness.

It is preferable to use a mild shampoo made from natural ingredients. A healthy diet rich in minerals and vitamins and low in fat helps provide the transplanted hair with a well-oxygenated and nutritious blood supply.

Sexual activity is not allowed during the first 10-15 days to avoid raising the scalp temperature, which could harm the proper regrowth of the hair.

From the First Month to the Third Month Post-Transplantation

After one month, the transplanted follicles start to shed. This is normal as they will begin to grow again afterward, and the new permanent hair will appear after about three months. During this time, small white spots may appear, which will turn red and open on their own, allowing new hair to grow. In some cases, numbness may occur in the area where the procedure was performed, but this should disappear by the end of the second month.

The results of the hair transplantation procedure become apparent after eight to twelve months.

Cost of Hair Transplant in Turkey

The cost ranges from approximately $800 to $1500, varying depending on the area needing transplantation and the method used. A consultation with a specialist is necessary for accurate pricing.

Reconstructive and plastic surgery in Turkey offers a wide range of advanced procedures at affordable costs. The combination of skilled surgeons, advanced technology, and cost-effective treatment attracts patients globally, ensuring high success rates and satisfactory outcomes.