I want to leave my heartfelt recommendation for Dr. Baver ?im?ek and his team. My experience was unique but special- so keep reading if you’re interested in this doctor.
This week, I travelled to Istanbul for a nose job with Dr. ?im?ek. I made the decision after extensive research…looking into and consulting with several different ENTs in Turkey.
I had two virtual consults with Dr Baver (I had more questions after the first) and I found the doctor to be professional, patient and skilled. His team (Tunahan his assistant) was extremely accommodating and answered so many of my questions.
His work was also impressive- natural noses that complimented the faces of his patients. I was looking for a “me but better” and it seemed he would be able to deliver.
I also spoke to several of his patients through WhatsApp groups and on FB (through private messages) and everyone seemed really happy. So that’s why I booked with him!
When I got to Istanbul, I went first to the doc’s office and had a nearly two hour consult with him. He answered a million of my questions and was very patient. He also showed me a 3D simulation of what I would look like after surgery. It was me but more refined! We collaborated on the final product.
After, his assistant Tunaham (who I had been communicating with) took me to the hospital where I completed my bloodwork.
The next day, I arrived at the hospital for my surgery a few hours in advance (got cleared by the anesthesiologist). The process was pretty smooth. I was extremely nervous but was shocked at how nice and clean the facilities were.
The private room I was put in was like a mini fancy hotel room. Very nice- way better than any hospital in Canada or the US. The staff/nurses were also super nice and accommodating. They even gave my partner lunch while we waited!
I had been very nervous about going under in another country and was pleasantly surprised how everything was 5/5 at the hospital.
I was even able to speak with Dr ?im?ek before the surgery to go over any questions I had. He’s amazing.
Here’s where my experience is unique though. When I was taken down to the operating room by the nurses, I began to second guess myself. Did I really need this? How would I look? Was this necessary? I had spend so much time being worried about the anesthesia part, I hadn’t really thought enough about changing my appearance part. I know that sounds crazy- but the reality hit me like a ton of bricks.
We arrived outside the operating room and I asked for more time to think. The nurses were happy to give it to me. Over the next 15-20 mins, I changed my mind multiple times. Dr Baver and Tunahan also came out several times to answer any of my questions. I was crying, feeling horrible that I was wasting everyone’s time (the surgery room and everyone was ready to go). They never tried to pressure me at all. They let me take my time, answered my questions and told me they understood that this was a big decision as I would be making a permanent change to my face. They told me I had to do what was best for me and, either way, it would be ok.
In the end, I decided not to go through with it. I It had nothing to do with Dr Baver or the hospital. I just wasn’t ready.
The doctors and nurses were all very kind to me, reassuring me it was ok. I was taken back up to my room (where I ran into Dr Baver’s morning patient who said he was doing good after surgery) and waited a bit.
Tunahan and Dr Baver both came up to wish me well and say goodbye. Dr Baver told me, even though I didn’t do the surgery, I was still his guest and that meant so much to me. I left the hotel. In the week since, I have had communication with him and his team. They did not abandon me even though I wasted their time. I even went to his office one last time to say goodbye.
Even though I didn’t go through with the surgery, I wanted to leave this review because I found Dr Baver kind, ethical, patient, and skilled. He was my doctor even if I wasn’t the best patient.
He told me on my original consult where I expressed how scared I was, “every nose can be operated on but not every patient can be operated on.” Turns out that was very true for me- this time at least.
If I do get the courage to do a nose job in the future, it will 10000 percent be with him. I will also recommend him to any family, friends or coworkers who are looking for a doctor. He’s a great person (and Tunahan is too).
I was very very scared of going under anesthesia in a foreign country..but I do want to say, the hospital facilities were 5/5. The nurses and docs seemed incredible. If I come back, I’ll know I will be in excellent hands. Also- I asked the hospital staff if it was JCI accredited when I was there and they said they are in the process of being accredited (in case anyone is wondering).
It was a roller coaster of a week emotionally for me, but if it had to happen, I’m glad it was with a great doctor like Dr Baver who supported me and didn’t abandon me even when I bailed.
