Engin Okal is a Turkish plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgeon, who is on the list of the most sought-after specialists in Istanbul. The doctor has worked in leading clinics in Turkey and has extensive experience in blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, facelift, and liposuction. In parallel, he is engaged in scientific activities, published in prestigious international publications, and has awards in the field of medicine.
The director of the international organization Beauty by Experts Medical, Maria Chabdaeva, talked to the doctor. Her company specializes in organizing trips for patients for plastic surgery to the world’s leading specialists.
- Good afternoon, Engin. What plastic surgeries are most in demand among your patients?
Most often, I am approached by patients who want to change the shape of their eyes, nose, and chest. Accordingly, these are blepharoplasty, rhinoplasty, and mammoplasty.
- How long can the result last after blepharoplasty?
Blepharoplasty is plastic surgery on the eyelids, the result of which can last more than 10 years. Among our patients, there are mostly those who need to tighten the sagging skin of the eyelids or remove bags under the eyes. However, recently people who want to change or correct the shape of their eyes have begun to come to us. Plastic surgery of the outer or inner corner of the eye, which allows to expand the look, is popular. Most often, we combine blepharoplasty with a lift of the eyebrows, forehead, and skin resurfacing. In this case, the patient receives the maximum rejuvenating result.
- What types of rhinoplasty do you perform?
Depending on various factors, we perform closed or open rhinoplasty. If the nasal septum is deviated, we perform septoplasty.
- Are there any special indications for closed and open rhinoplasty?
No, there are not. As a rule, the indications are the same. With the closed type of procedure, all microscars are located inside the nostrils, so this is a more gentle type of operation for the patient. But for revision rhinoplasties, I always recommend open surgery.
- If a patient has problems with nasal breathing and wants to change the shape of their nose, is it possible to combine rhinoplasty and septoplasty?
We carry out this type of operation. In this case, the curved parts of the nasal septum to align the patient’s nose are used. Therefore, before the procedure, we additionally stipulate such an option. I would recommend to patients who want to get rid of breathing problems and improve the shape of the nose, to combine these procedures. If the patient does not need to correct the shape of the nose, then we perform only septoplasty. It helps to get rid of snoring.
- How long after surgery do patients need to wait to see the final result?
It is the type of operation that affects the final result. If the patient underwent closed rhinoplasty and has thin skin, he will see the result in 3 months. With thicker skin – after about 4 months. In the case of an open version of the procedure, it is necessary that all the sutures heal, then it will already be possible to see the final result. Typically, this takes about a year.
- Have you had to convince the patient of his choice of the future shape of the nose?
For me, the main condition in my work is to make sure that the patient is satisfied. Therefore, I take into account all his wishes. But from my experience, I can say that most patients have not decided which nose they want, many hesitate and find it difficult to make a choice. There are patients who come for a consultation and ask me, as a plastic surgeon, what shape is best to do. My task is to offer the best option. In any case, we jointly accept the final version of the future shape of the nose.
- Do you carry out computer modeling and how does it help patients determine the future shape of the nose?
I suggest that all patients undergo preliminary 3D modeling. This will help a person visually look at different options for the result and make a final decision. But I would not recommend focusing only on these programs. I believe that, first of all, it is necessary to take into account the anatomical features of the patient’s appearance and proceed from this.
A good result for a plastic surgeon is a harmonious appearance of the patient, which will allow him to feel happy, and satisfied with his own appearance. Therefore, we apply 3D modeling and evaluate the potential results. It certainly helps the patient and I make the final decision.
- How do you perform a facelift?
I would say that we carry out not just a facelift, but a whole range of anti-aging procedures, thanks to which our patients look 10-15 years younger. This complex may include the removal of excess fat, and redistribution of the skin, thanks to which we achieve a lifting effect. This deep resurfacing is a complex anti-aging technology that we use to eliminate deep wrinkles and sagging fat pads, and skin laxity at the level of the CMAS layers. For a perfect result, I can combine deep resurfacing with blepharoplasty, chin and neck liposuction, lipofilling and forehead lift.
- Where will the sutures be located in patients and how noticeable in the future can they be?
I make inconspicuous sutures in the temple area, along the edge of the scalp, down, towards the neck, in front of the ear, and in the crease behind the ear. After six months, all the sutures are already invisible, even the patients themselves do not distinguish them well.
- How long does the result last after a deep lifting?
Much depends on the patient’s lifestyle, genetic predisposition, and weight changes. On average, we observe the result of lifting for 15-20 years.
About breast augmentation
- What problems do you have to solve most often during mammoplasty?
Mostly women come to me who are dissatisfied with the shape or size of their breasts. Sagging breasts occur after pregnancy, sudden weight loss, and in older patients. Many women are dissatisfied with the small size of the mammary glands. Women also come after mastectomy (removal of the breast during cancer treatment). The biggest reward for me is a satisfied and self-confident patient, whom I helped to get rid of complexes.
- What techniques do you use?
We have many different methods. The most popular ones are reduction, lifting of sagging mammary glands, breast augmentation with implants or with the adipose tissue of the patient herself. In this case, we perform liposuction in parallel. I prefer to perform a bust augmentation with a parallel lift. This method allows to achieve the perfect shape of the breast.
- When will the patient see the final result?
At first, the patient will need to wear a bandage and limit physical activity. The swelling will go down in a few months. The final result will be visible after 6 months.
How to arrange a trip to an operation with Engin Okal?
The doctors-coordinators of Beauty by Experts Medical will help you quickly prepare a trip to Istanbul for plastic surgery with Engin Okal. The company cooperates exclusively with trusted clinics, which the director of the company personally visited and made sure of the high quality of service and medical services. All plastic surgeons recommended by Beauty by Experts Medical are leading specialists and have a lot of positive feedback from international patients.
Coordinators-physicians of Beauty by Experts Medical will prepare medical documents, book tickets, and hotel rooms, and will be in touch during the entire stay of patients undergoing procedures with Engin Okal.
