
aborg13
In Depth Five Star Review. Beyond Pleased!
To start for reference, I had a mommy makeover which consisted of an anchor breast lift, implants, t scar tummy tuck with ab repair and minimal liposuction. I, like many, spent a very long time researching surgeons and clinics in Istanbul. And like everyone, I found a whole mine field. Trying to dodge sketchy doctors and fake places and finding what’s real or not is so scary! I spent MONTHS researching and talking to different surgeons. I found Dr Ak by chance on a random post on a Facebook group. Went to his instagram and immediately had a good feeling. The fact his page isn’t full of instagram models and has actual before and afters of “real” women was already a major green flag for me. When I reached out to the clinic the coordinator was extremely professional. I found many clinics would be men that would just tell me “ send me pictures of your body” and it was so uncomfortable. But Dr Ak’s team is not like that at all! They wrote in a way that was pleasant yet professional. Responses are always timely too. They never made me feel like a nuisance asking a million and one questions even before having a video consult. The video consult was also so reassuring. Dr Ak is very kind but also very honest! And unlike a lot of other surgeons I spoke with, he never once said or implied he can do whatever I want. Patient safety is absolutely his first priority which was also a major green flag for me. He spent time answering my questions and even was kind enough to help me create questions when talking to ANY surgeon. Again green flag. Because to me he was saying that he cares even if I didn’t go with him. I felt so good after that consult and still waited a bit to decide for sure. I ended up searching for patients who have been to him and found a couple and every single one of them only had positive things to say. I decided to book with him and still the clinic was wonderful. I had to book really far in advance and the coordinators were always there to answer any new questions I had during that time. Fast forward, a few weeks before my flight Rabia took over as coordinator as the original gentleman I was talking to moved and left. She is absolutely fabulous. Very on top of every thing. Reminding me everything I needed before surgery and again, was available all the time. Even now that I’m back home she’s still answering me quickly whenever I have a question. I had an in person consult with the doctor the day before surgery. And again, he was wonderful. He never rushed me or made me feel pressured for anything. He simply measured and explained, gave me options, showed me examples, and left the final decisions to me for what he was willing and capable of. My husband was with me and one thing I really loved was that he really focused on what I wanted and not seeking my husband’s approval or opinion, which when you are getting body surgery, especially with the breasts, that really matters a lot. He definitely didn’t ignore my husband either though. He spent so much time answering both of our questions. I have a heart condition and when my ekg showed a very slight abnormality, he was insistent on cardio clearing me first before surgery. He also explained I may not be able to do both surgeries ( tummy and breasts) and to me again another green flag because once again safety is a priority over making money. Thankfully cardio cleared me and I went on to surgery. (Cardiologist was also fabulous) Rabia was by my side all the way up to operating room. She has a way of helping turn your nerves into excitement and gets excited for you. Dr Ak greeted me in the operating room and even made a couple jokes that made me feel calm and happy right before falling asleep. Upon waking up I was in pain and having a hard time breathing because I think I was panicking and he was even there to help remind me to breathe and stay calm. The nurses were also absolutely wonderful. Only one time did I need to remind one nurse to change her gloves after touching her phone (she needed to take pictures of my wounds) and she was so polite and apologetic. I’m pretty sure it was just a one off mistake and I never had an issue like that again. They were very good at staying on top of bandage changes and wound care and helping to get up and walk every two hours on the dot. They also were good to my husband and attentive to him as well too including feeding him meals and making sure he was as comfortable as they possibly could make him in a hospital. Back in the hotel, Rabia would call me DAILY to ask how I was feeling and remind me she was only a call away. Serpil was the nurse who came to see me almost every day to do lymphatic massages. Even days I didn’t have massages she would help me with wound care and showering and showing me ways to put pillows for sleep. She makes you feel like you’ve been best friends forever. The hotel ( La Quinta) I personally found great. It was basic enough for what I need to just rest and heal. I know some people prefer rooms with kitchens and things but I personally never found I needed any of that. And the staff was friendly and the rooms were very clean. The last consult was great too. No stone was left unturned. He went over everything I needed to know and again took his time answering all my questions. As for his work, I could sing his praises all day. I’m only 11 days postop and I am incredibly happy already with my results. His incisions are so clean and neat. He’s very diligent about how to care postop for good healing and preventing infections and is a perfectionist when it comes to his work. I am over the moon already. And excited to see how everything settles as I heal and recover. I can say, at least at this point in my recovery, that this is NOT a botched job. I’ve already received so many compliments from friends and family when I share pictures. And I have friends asking for his info! I could go on and on about Dr Ak and the whole team! My experience was wonderful! I am so thankful I found him and went with him. I highly recommend him for anyone looking for a reputable surgeon that is a master of all trades in his craft.
