How can you restore your body shape after childbirth, and which modern plastic surgery methods truly work? In this interview, we discuss liposuction and the “mommy makeover” with an expert from Turkey.
Dr. Aykut Gok is one of the sought-after plastic surgeons in Turkey, specializing in aesthetic procedures of the face and body. The doctor has extensive clinical experience and performs a wide range of procedures, including rhinoplasty, mammoplasty, liposuction, and abdominoplasty. In his practice, he focuses on achieving natural-looking results and facial harmony, selecting solutions based on each patient’s individual characteristics. He активно works with international patients, offering a clear and safe treatment process, which makes him a popular choice in the field of medical tourism.
The interview with the doctor was conducted by Maria Chabdaeva, Director of the international company Beauty by Experts Medical, specializing in organizing medical trips to leading plastic surgeons worldwide.
- Good afternoon, Dr. Aykut!
Thank you. Have a great day as well.
- It’s a pleasure to see you.
I’m glad to see you again too.
- Could you please tell us about your experience in plastic surgery? How many procedures do you perform per year?
I graduated from medical school in Cerrahpaşa, after which I received my specialist degree from Üsküdar University Medical School. I have my own clinic in the Nişantaşı district of Istanbul, and it has been operating for four years.
Popular procedures and the doctor’s approach
- Could you tell us about your favorite procedures? Which surgeries do you perform best?
I always aim to perform every procedure at the highest level, but I particularly enjoy performing liposuction, facelift surgery, and Mommy Makeover procedures.
- Regarding Mommy Makeover, when is this procedure recommended and what does it involve?
It is a комплекс of procedures aimed at restoring a woman’s body after childbirth. The timing depends on breastfeeding. Approximately 6–8 months after a woman stops breastfeeding, we can perform a Mommy Makeover procedure.
- And which procedures are included in a Mommy Makeover?
Pregnancy and breastfeeding most often negatively affect the abdomen and breasts. Therefore, we primarily perform breast surgery, tummy tuck, and liposuction.
- What are the restrictions after surgery? For example, can a woman hold her child, and how soon after the procedure?
After any body contouring surgery, we do not recommend lifting heavy objects or engaging in intense physical activity for two weeks. After this period, patients can return to their normal routine. However, there are additional restrictions. For example, after body surgeries, sun exposure should be avoided for two months.
Liposuction, J-Plasma, and abdominoplasty
- Regarding liposuction, I know you use J-Plasma. What are its advantages compared to traditional liposuction?
Yes, J-Plasma is a relatively new device. We use it in addition to liposuction. In fact, it is not a liposuction technique but a device used to tighten the skin after fat removal. We usually prefer to combine liposuction with VASER and J-Plasma technology. J-Plasma works through instant heating, which helps tighten the skin. Therefore, if we are concerned that the patient may develop loose skin after liposuction, we strongly recommend J-Plasma to prevent this.
- What is the effect of abdominoplasty? When is it performed as a standalone procedure, and when should it be combined with liposuction?
Liposuction helps remove fat from problem areas, but if the patient has excess loose skin, a tummy tuck is required. If there is loose skin without excess fat, liposuction is not necessary. However, in most cases, patients have both issues—fat deposits in the abdominal area and a risk of skin sagging after fat removal. Therefore, we often combine abdominoplasty with liposuction.
- Is abdominoplasty recommended for patients who have previously lost weight, for example after bariatric surgery?
Yes.
- Can abdominoplasty and liposuction be performed if the patient has scars?
Yes, they can.
- What are the restrictions after body surgeries such as liposuction and tummy tuck? When can a patient return to work?
In fact, liposuction and tummy tuck procedures differ. After liposuction, a two-week restriction is usually sufficient. However, during a tummy tuck, we typically tighten the abdominal muscles, which also affects the skin in the hip area. Therefore, patients may need to walk slightly bent forward for some time. In such cases, the recovery period is usually extended to about three weeks.
- Do you use any special techniques that make procedures like tummy tuck, breast surgery, or facelift more effective or less painful?
When it comes to pain, we simply use effective pain management medications. As for the results, I do have my own techniques that help improve outcomes. I carefully monitor my patients, so I understand how results change over three to four years. For example, the navel area—we try to make it slightly smaller because it tends to stretch over time. This helps maintain a beautiful abdomen even years later. We also aim to enhance abdominal muscle definition. As for the breasts, we sometimes slightly overcorrect, because due to gravity they will naturally settle over time. So during the first year, the result may appear a bit tight, but after 2–3 years it looks very natural and aesthetically pleasing.
- What do you mean by a more defined abdominal area?
We achieve this by performing high-definition liposuction, which makes the skin thinner and enhances the visibility of the underlying muscles.
- So you create a more athletic look?
Exactly.
- That’s interesting—how is this achieved?
There are two ways to achieve a more athletic abdominal appearance. The first is high-definition VASER liposuction. The second is a procedure called Six Pack surgery, which involves sculpting the abdominal muscles. I don’t particularly like this method because it creates artificial muscles rather than enhancing natural ones. With VASER liposuction, we simply remove excess fat, thin the skin, and highlight the patient’s natural muscle structure. That is the difference between artificial and natural results. I always prefer natural outcomes.
- Is this technique included in every liposuction procedure, or is it additional?
The Six Pack procedure is an additional option, and I usually do not perform it. With high-definition liposuction, we assess the patient’s expectations. If the patient wants a defined abdomen, we perform VASER liposuction. If not, we perform standard liposuction. These are different procedures.
Facelift and rejuvenation
- I see. And regarding facelift surgery, what results can patients expect? How many years younger do they look?
It is difficult to say exactly how many years younger a patient will look. Our goal is to make the skin look fresher and tighter. Patients will definitely look younger, but quantifying it in years is not easy.
- Approximately?
Well, my patients usually say around 15 years.
- How long does the result last?
The results of these procedures are long-lasting. Patients can enjoy the effect for many years. However, the aging process continues. If a patient ages faster, they may need another procedure in 5–10 years. If aging is slower, the results will last longer.
- Do you have any tips on how to slow down aging?
Yes—maintain a healthy lifestyle: drink more water, exercise, get enough sleep, and eat properly. This is very important.
- Sometimes you perform a full facelift, and sometimes only a part of the face. How do you decide?
We choose the technique based on the patient’s concerns and problem areas. If the issue is in the upper face, we operate on the upper area; if in the mid-face, then on the mid-face. In general, the choice also depends on age. For younger patients, we perform temporal lift, upper facelift, or the so-called “ponytail lift.” For older patients, a full facelift is usually more appropriate.
- What about scars? Are they visible?
With the “ponytail lift,” the scar is hidden under the hair and is completely invisible. With other techniques, there may be slight visible scars—typically in front of and behind the ear. Once fully healed, they become barely noticeable, although they may be visible for 3–6 months.
- When do they become invisible?
After about six months, the scar heals completely and becomes barely noticeable.
- What is the “ponytail lift” procedure?
There are many marketing names—cat eye surgery, temporal lift, brow lift—but essentially they refer to similar techniques. A small incision, about 2.5 cm long, is made in the scalp under the hair. Through this incision, we perform all the necessary adjustments, focusing on lifting the brows and mid-face. We may also create a “fox eye” or “cat eye” effect by slightly changing the eye shape.
- Does it look natural?
Yes, it creates a natural, youthful, and attractive appearance.
Postoperative care and safety
- Do patients sometimes need additional correction after surgery?
We have a dedicated team that monitors patients after surgery. We provide detailed instructions on post-operative care and what to watch for. If patients follow our recommendations, everything usually goes smoothly without complications.
- What if inflammation occurs? Does the patient need to return to Istanbul?
After surgery, we keep patients in Istanbul for a certain period, depending on the procedure. For example, after a facelift, we usually keep the patient for about one week. If no complications appear during this time, it is very unlikely that any will occur later, and the patient can safely return home.
- Thank you very much. It was a pleasure seeing you again.
Thank you, likewise.
How to travel to Turkey for plastic surgery with Dr. Aykut Gok?
Dr. Aykut Gok performs a wide range of aesthetic procedures, including liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift surgery, and комплекс post-pregnancy procedures. Each treatment plan is tailored individually based on the patient’s needs and goals.
The company Beauty by Experts Medical works with trusted clinics and experienced plastic surgeons. All medical facilities are carefully selected, equipped with modern technology, and meet international safety standards. The selection of specialists is supervised by Director Maria Chabdaeva, taking into account the doctor’s experience, specialization, and patient reviews.
To organize your trip for plastic surgery in Turkey with Dr. Aykut Gok, simply contact the medical coordinators at Beauty by Experts Medical or submit an online request. Specialists will guide you through every step, help prepare medical documents and photos for preliminary evaluation, and forward your case to the doctor for review.
At every stage—from the first consultation to your return home—you will be supported by medical coordinators. They assist with travel arrangements, accommodation, transfers, translation, and ongoing communication. This comprehensive approach ensures a safe, smooth, and comfortable treatment experience in Turkey.
