Dr. Ali Ozgur Karakas is one of Turkey’s well-known plastic surgeons, specializing in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. He has many years of clinical experience and performs a wide range of procedures, including rhinoplasty, breast surgery, and body contouring. In his practice, he applies modern surgical techniques and an individualized approach to every patient, which is especially important for medical tourism patients. International patients often choose him for his combination of professionalism, safety, and natural-looking aesthetic results.
The interview was conducted by Maria Chabdaeva, Director of the international company Beauty by Experts Medical, which organizes medical travel for patients seeking treatment with leading plastic surgeons worldwide.
- Good morning, Dr. Ali. Nice to meet you.
Nice to meet you. I’m very glad to see you here. Welcome.
- Could you please tell us about your experience? Which surgeries do you enjoy performing the most?
I operate on patients who have lost a significant amount of weight. Currently, I specialize in body contouring surgeries for women after childbirth. These are called Mommy Makeovers. They usually combine liposuction, tummy tuck, and breast lift or augmentation.
My main focus is also facial surgery. I specialize in face and neck lifts, especially deep facelifts. Sometimes I operate on patients after bariatric surgery, who have significant excess skin. I help them achieve beautiful arms, legs, and hips. These are my main procedures, but I also perform blepharoplasty—upper, lower, or full-circumferential—as well as otoplasty. These are all key areas of my practice.
- That’s impressive. How many years have you been working as a plastic surgeon?
My path was unique: I started with a residency in anatomy, then became an orthopedic resident. However, this was brief because my main focus was reconstructive surgery. I decided to become a plastic surgeon. Since 2009, I have been practicing plastic surgery for 13 years and running my private practice.
- Could you explain more about the Mommy Makeover? Which techniques do you use for liposuction and tummy tuck? Do you use any innovative methods?
There are different methods depending on the procedure. For some tummy tucks, liposuction may not be needed if the patient is very slim. But if there is excess fat, we perform liposuction. I prefer using the Lipomatic device for this. Some patients ask about ultrasound devices like Vaser, which I also use. I also use J-Plasma for skin tightening.
For tummy tucks, traditional methods like Lipomatic are safe and sufficient. Vaser is rarely used, followed by a standard abdominoplasty. The approach depends on the skin condition and texture. Typically, I make a wide incision up to the rib arch and remove as much skin as possible to achieve a tight, flat abdomen. I position the scar close to the pubic area to keep it hidden and avoid widening the sides to prevent “ears” on the flanks.
- It’s important to keep them as small as possible.
Exactly.
- You mentioned Lipomatic liposuction. Could you explain how it works?
It’s a device that works with a mechanical vibration mechanism to facilitate fat removal. We also use tumescent fluid, which inflates the tissue to minimize bleeding and make liposuction easier. The device creates a wave-like effect inside the tissue, loosening fat while protecting veins, arteries, and nerves. This ensures faster and smoother healing.
- Which breast procedures do you perform? I’ll explain for our patients: breast correction after childbirth restores the original shape. What procedures are included?
In a typical Mommy Makeover, we restore the breasts and abdomen. After pregnancy and breastfeeding, gravity and age deform body contours. Patients want to regain their previous shape. We perform 360° liposuction, back liposuction, and thigh liposuction. Hip liposuction helps restore natural curves. Simultaneously, we perform a tummy tuck, removing excess skin. We also tighten the abdominal fascia, suturing between muscles to create a flat, firm abdomen. We shape the waist to make it slimmer and more contoured.
For the breasts, sagging due to breastfeeding is corrected with implants. Some patients don’t need implants, so we reshape the breast with a lift using their own tissue. Others with larger breasts may require reduction and lift. We offer multiple options: reduction mammoplasty alone, lift with reduction, lift with implants, or implants alone.
- Is it possible to have a vaginoplasty?
Yes. We perform surgeries on the genital area because, as you know, during natural vaginal deliveries, the vaginal tissues stretch. Therefore, we need to tighten them. We give patients several recommendations regarding the healing period. In addition to labiaplasty, we perform vulva reshaping, fat injections, and surgeries to reduce the size of the labia majora and minora.
- How long should a patient wait after childbirth to have a mommy makeover?
Yes. This is a very common question because the abdominal tissues need time to recover after delivery. For an abdominoplasty, we recommend waiting at least nine months after childbirth, as the muscles and soft tissues gradually return to normal. Regarding breast surgery, if the patient is still breastfeeding, we advise waiting one year.
- After she finishes breastfeeding?
Yes, after she has finished breastfeeding. I have some experience in this regard. I have had impatient patients, and I performed surgeries, but I do not recommend it. I advise everyone to wait one year after stopping breastfeeding for a safe procedure.
- How long should a patient stay in Istanbul during a mommy makeover?
For this procedure, we usually need 7 days. The first two days, patients stay in the hospital. On the first day, they come to the clinic for preoperative examinations, after which the surgery can be scheduled. The patient undergoes surgery on the first evening. On the second night, we monitor the patient’s overall condition. If everything is fine, they are discharged to the hotel. After discharge, I examine patients 2–3 times, sometimes at the hospital, sometimes at the hotel. If necessary, I can visit the hotel for a check-up. Ideally, the patient should stay in Istanbul for 5 days. During this period, they should wear compression garments, follow a diet, and perform special exercises. We provide all necessary recommendations.
- Should compression garments be worn? For how long?
Compression garments are special corsets for patients. We recommend wearing them for two months, as they help tissues heal faster. Lymphatic massage is also very effective for recovery after surgery.
- Can lymphatic massage also be done in Istanbul while the patient is here?
Yes.
- Should massage continue after returning home?
It depends on the patient’s condition. Sometimes 8 sessions are enough, sometimes 20. It all depends on the healing process. On average, 10 sessions are recommended.
- If the patient wants to have another child, when is it possible? Are there any restrictions?
I recently read a scientific article on this topic. We use PDS sutures, which are absorbable, so they dissolve over time. We recommend waiting two years after the surgery before becoming pregnant again.
- What recommendations do you give your patients after surgery?
After surgery, first of all, patients should maintain proper hydration, as the body loses a lot of fluids. We recommend drinking water and staying active, as movement improves lymphatic circulation, speeding up healing. We also advise eating frequently in small portions, consuming protein and vegetables. Vegetables provide vitamins, and protein is essential for faster recovery.
- And for strengthening muscles?
Yes, exactly. I also emphasize massage. Another important part is physical activity. Patients always ask about exercise. We recommend starting very light activity, like walking, one month after surgery. After two months, they can gradually resume any sport. We avoid heavy activity early because of the sutures, which could be damaged. These are my main postoperative recommendations.
- Any tips to make the surgery more effective? Like losing weight, dieting, or drinking more water?
This is a very important question. We have calculated that the body mass index should be below 30 for optimal results, as heavier patients have more fat tissue, which raises safety concerns. Therefore, we advise patients to follow a strict diet before surgery to ensure the skin can properly tighten.
- How long should patients prepare for surgery?
If the BMI is below 30 and can be maintained for 3–4 months, the patient is considered ready for surgery.
- All right. Is there anything else that should be done besides diet and exercise to prepare for the surgery?
For us, the main concern is postoperative bleeding. Therefore, for more effective preparation, we recommend that patients stop taking vitamins at least 15 days before surgery. Vitamin E and vitamin C can increase the risk of bleeding. Ginger has a similar effect. If a patient has an intrauterine device (IUD) for contraception and it is copper-based, that is not a problem. However, if it contains hormones, it becomes a very serious concern for us due to blood clotting issues and the risk of embolism. Thromboembolic events may occur. In addition, if patients drink green tea or take any herbal supplements, they should stop at least one month before surgery, as the effects of herbs can be long-lasting. Hormonal pills should also be discontinued.
- Contraceptives?
Yes, this is very important because they can pose a serious risk. We have experience with such cases, which is why we warn patients about the possible negative consequences. Oral contraceptives should be discontinued.
- I see. And how much fat can you remove with liposuction?
In general, textbooks recommend removing up to 5% of the patient’s total body weight in fat. What does that mean? For example, if a patient weighs 100 kg, we can remove five kilograms. In some cases, we may increase the amount to six or even eight kilograms, depending on the patient’s individual characteristics. We aim to remove as much as safely possible to achieve an ideal body contour. We always discuss the planned volume with the patient, but the general rule for this type of procedure is to remove up to 5% of the total body weight.
- Thank you very much, doctor. It was very interesting speaking with you.
It was a pleasure meeting you in Istanbul. I look forward to welcoming your patients and seeing you here.
How to Travel to Turkey for a Mommy Makeover with Dr. Ali Karakas?
To arrange your trip for a Mommy Makeover in Turkey, simply contact the medical coordinators at Beauty by Experts Medical using the phone numbers listed on the website or submit an online request. The specialists will provide detailed консультаtion, help you prepare the necessary medical records and photos for a preliminary evaluation, and forward your case to the selected plastic surgeon for remote review.
Beauty by Experts Medical works exclusively with trusted clinics and experienced plastic surgeons. All medical centers are carefully selected, equipped with modern technology, and comply with international safety standards. Doctors are chosen under the supervision of Director Maria Chabdaeva, taking into account professional reputation, experience, and patient feedback.
Throughout every stage of preparation and your stay in Turkey, medical coordinators provide full support. They assist with travel planning, airport transfers, hotel arrangements, translation services, and remain in contact until you safely return home. This comprehensive approach ensures that your Mommy Makeover is performed comfortably and safely, allowing you to take a confident step toward restoring your figure and regaining self-confidence.
