When Expertise, Care and Aftercare Truly Make the Difference

I’m now four weeks post-op, today, and it feels like a good moment to pause and reflect. The first weeks were mainly about recovery, patience, and listening to my body. Swelling, tightness, and fatigue were very much part of the process, but week by week things have clearly started to shift.

By now, I’ve gradually resumed daily life. I’m back at work on reduced hours, carefully rebuilding focus and energy without pushing too hard. Brisk walking has become part of my routine, specifically to support lymphatic drainage, which feels beneficial both physically and mentally. Post-operative massages have been incredibly helpful in reducing tension and supporting recovery, even though they sometimes come with a reminder that healing is still ongoing.

What stands out most is how non-linear recovery really is. Some days feel almost “normal,” while others still require extra rest and adjustments. I’ve learned to respect those fluctuations instead of fighting them. Strength and confidence are slowly returning, and small milestones now feel like real wins.

Overall, I’m pleased with the progress so far. I’m not rushing the process, but I do feel encouraged and optimistic. Healing takes time, and at four weeks post-op, I can honestly say I’m moving forward - carefully, consciously, and with growing trust in my body.

From the very first contact until well after I returned home, my experience in Turkey has been exceptional.

I underwent an extensive abdominoplasty with muscle repair, a pubic lift and 360 lipo. This is major surgery, and for me it was essential to feel complete trust in the surgeon, the medical team and the aftercare process.

Dr. Ak was the cornerstone of this experience. From our first consultation, he was calm, confident and extremely clear in his explanations, which immediately gave me a sense of trust. His expertise and professionalism were evident at every stage, and I always felt safe, well informed and taken seriously. The medical team around him was equally attentive and professional, and the care in the hospital was excellent throughout my stay.

A very special mention goes to Rabia, my patient coordinator. She played a crucial role in making the entire process smooth and stress-free. Always available, incredibly kind, patient and reassuring, she guided me through every step with warmth and professionalism. Knowing she was there at all times made a huge difference, especially during the more intense moments of the journey.

Another key part of the recovery process was the aftercare, which clearly reflects the high standards set by Dr. Ak and his team. This is where my masseuse, “Tornado Serpil,” truly stood out - a nickname she fully earned. Within half an hour she would come in, take care of wound care, perform an intensive lymphatic drainage massage and, if needed, help with showering and getting dressed. She works with such efficiency, focus and energy that once she leaves, you genuinely need a moment to sit down and process everything that just happened. Intense, but absolutely essential for recovery. I started post-op massages in Turkey and continued them after returning home, and I am convinced this played a major role in my healing process.

What impressed me most overall was how well everything was organized. Even flying back home just one week after such major surgery, something I could hardly imagine beforehand, turned out to be perfectly manageable thanks to the clear guidance, excellent planning and continuous support from the team.

I am very satisfied with my results so far (even though I am still healing) and extremely grateful for the entire experience. I was recommended to Dr. Ak through other patients’ experiences, and I can honestly say I would recommend him and his team without hesitation.

Thank you to everyone involved for the care, professionalism and dedication, it truly made all the difference!