Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery Guide – Istanbul Touch

Plastic and cosmetic surgery cover a wide range of procedures. This guide explains the most common treatments, candidacy, risks, recovery, and costs. Our goal is to set clear expectations so patients can make informed decisions.

Plastic vs. Cosmetic Surgery

Plastic surgery includes both reconstructive and aesthetic procedures.
Examples: skin cancer closure, trauma repair, breast reconstruction, cleft repair, scar revision.

Cosmetic surgery focuses purely on appearance.
Examples: rhinoplasty, breast augmentation, liposuction, abdominoplasty, facelift, eyelid surgery.

Who Is a Candidate?

• Stable health with no uncontrolled conditions.

• Non-smoker or willing to stop before and after surgery.

• Realistic goals—photos show possibilities, not guarantees.

• Stable weight for body contouring.

• Good skin quality helps results.

• Enough time available for recovery.

Consultation Process

1. History, medications, and allergies.

2. Physical exam, photos, and measurements.

3. Plan options, risks, benefits, and alternatives.

4. Incision locations, scars, and expected feel.

5. Anesthesia plan.

6. Recovery timeline and follow-ups.

7. Quote, deposit, and date selection.

Common Procedures

Rhinoplasty

• Goal: reshape the nose and improve breathing if needed.

• Approaches: open or closed.

• Areas: bridge, tip, dorsum, septum, nostrils.

• Time: 2–3 hours.

• Anesthesia: general.

• Splint: 5–7 days.

• Swelling: months to settle, tip refines slower.

• Risks: bleeding, infection, asymmetry, breathing changes.

• Revision rate: 5–15% depending on complexity.

Breast Augmentation

• Goal: increase volume and improve shape.

• Options: implants (saline or silicone) or fat transfer.

• Placement: subglandular, submuscular, dual plane.

• Incisions: inframammary, periareolar, transaxillary.

• Risks: capsular contracture, malposition, rupture, sensation changes.

• Activity: arms limited 1–2 weeks, gym after clearance.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

• Goal: lift and reshape.

• Patterns: periareolar, vertical, wise pattern.

• Often combined with augmentation or reduction.

• Scars depend on lift amount.

Breast Reduction

• Goal: reduce size and relieve symptoms.

• May qualify for insurance coverage with documentation.

• Risks: healing issues, nipple sensation changes, asymmetry.

Gynecomastia Surgery

• Male chest contouring with liposuction and/or excision.

• Compression vest for 4–6 weeks.

Liposuction

• Removes stubborn fat pockets.

• Not a weight loss method.

• Areas: abdomen, flanks, thighs, arms, back, neck.

• Risks: contour irregularity, seroma, numbness, blood clots in large cases.

Abdominoplasty (Tummy Tuck)

• Removes excess skin and fat.

• Repairs abdominal muscle separation.

• Drains sometimes used.

• Recovery includes early walking and bent posture at hips for 1–2 weeks.

Mommy Makeover

• Combines breast and abdominal procedures.

• Can be staged or done in one operation depending on safety.

Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL)

• Fat transfer to buttocks.

• Strict safety: injection only above muscle.

• Requires compression and sitting restrictions.

Facelift and Neck Lift

• Repositions deeper layers, removes excess skin.

• Incisions around ear and hairline.

• Swelling and bruising: 2–3 weeks.

Eyelid Surgery (Blepharoplasty)

• Upper eyelids: remove skin and fat.

• Lower eyelids: reposition or remove fat, tighten skin.

• Dry eye evaluation when symptoms exist.

Otoplasty

• Corrects prominent or misshaped ears.

• Common in teens and adults.

• Headband support for several weeks.

Chin & Jawline Surgery

• Chin implants, sliding genioplasty, or liposuction under chin.

• Often combined with rhinoplasty for balance.

Non-Surgical Options

• Injectables: neuromodulators and fillers.

• Energy devices: lasers, RF, ultrasound.

• Medical skincare: retinoids, sunscreen, pigment control.

• Results are temporary and require maintenance.

Safety and Anesthesia

• Local anesthesia for small areas.

• IV sedation or general for larger procedures.

• Accredited facilities reduce risk.

• VTE prevention: compression devices, mobility, medications when indicated.

• Antibiotics according to guidelines.

Risks of Surgery

• Bleeding or infection.

• Seroma or hematoma.

• Poor wound healing or thick scars.

• Asymmetry.

• Nerve changes.

• Revision may be needed.

Recovery Timeline

• Days 0–2: rest, fluids, short walks.

• Days 3–7: bruising peaks then fades.

• Week 2: stitches out, desk work possible.

• Weeks 3–4: swelling improves, light exercise.

• Weeks 6–8: heavier training.

• Months 3–6: scars flatten, final shape.

• One year: scars mature.

Scar Care

• Keep clean, follow dressing plan.

• Silicone gel or sheets after closure.

• Sunblock for 12 months.

• Massage, laser, or injections if needed.

Lifestyle for Healing

• Stop nicotine 4 weeks before and after.

• Control diabetes and blood pressure.

• High protein diet.

• Hydration.

• Avoid blood thinners unless approved.

Cost Ranges

• Rhinoplasty: $2,000–12,000

• Breast Augmentation: $3,000–10,000

• Breast Lift: $3,500–9,000

• Breast Reduction: $4,000–10,000

• Liposuction (one area): $1,500–5,000

• Abdominoplasty: $4,000–12,000

• Facelift/Neck Lift: $6,000–20,000

• Eyelid Surgery: $2,000–7,000

• BBL: $4,000–12,000

• Otoplasty: $2,000–6,000

Financing Options

• Pay in full before surgery.

• Third-party medical financing.

• Bank installment plans.

• Avoid risky zero-interest promotions.

Choosing a Surgeon

• Board-certified plastic surgeon.

• Accredited operating facility.

• Before/after photos that match your case.

• Clear explanation of trade-offs.

• Comfort in asking questions.

• Written consent and instructions.

Red flags: unclear credentials, cash-only, guaranteed results, no risks discussed.

Pre-Op Checklist

• Medical clearance if required.

• Stop nicotine and blood thinners per protocol.

• Arrange rides and home support.

• Fill prescriptions early.

• Set up recovery station.

Post-Op Checklist

• Follow medication schedule.

• Sleep in instructed position.

• Short walks every few hours.

• Track drains if present.

• Call for fever, sudden swelling, or uncontrolled pain.

FAQs

• Can I combine procedures? Yes, if safe.

• How long do results last? Aging continues but habits extend results.

• Will I see scars? Yes, but placement and care reduce visibility.

• When can I fly? After first follow-up, with precautions.

• When can I return to work? Desk jobs: 7–14 days. Physical jobs longer.

• Is pain severe? Controlled with medication and blocks.

• What about revisions? Sometimes needed after swelling resolves.

Data & Outcomes

• Smoking increases wound complications.

• High BMI raises risks in abdominoplasty and large liposuction.

• Longer surgeries increase clot risks.

• Satisfaction improves with education and realistic goals.

Setting Expectations

• Swelling is normal.

• Sensation may change then improve.

• Small asymmetries are common.

• Final look takes months.

Travel for Surgery

• Arrive days early for labs and rest.

• Stay long enough for checks.

• Confirm local emergency plan.

• Arrange translation if needed.

• Prepare for payments and prescriptions.

Nutrition for Healing

• Protein intake supports repair.

• Vitamin C and zinc help wound healing.

• Avoid crash diets before surgery.

Work and Training Timelines

• Rhinoplasty: desk work 5–7 days, avoid impact for months.

• Breast Augmentation: desk work 5–10 days, upper body later.

• Liposuction: desk work 3–7 days, cardio after 2 weeks.

• Abdominoplasty: desk work 10–14 days, core training later.

• Facelift: social downtime 2–3 weeks.

Maintenance of Results

• Sun protection.

• Stable weight.

• Regular skincare.

• Scheduled follow-ups.

Decision Worksheet

• My top goals are written.

• I accept scars and downtime.

• I have home support for the first week.

• I can stop nicotine.

• I have funds for surgery and recovery.

• I am prepared for follow-up and possible revision.

Comparing Quotes

• Surgeon’s fee.

• Anesthesia fee.

• Facility fee.

• Implant/device cost if needed.

• Garments, meds, follow-ups.

• Revision policy.

Contact and Next Steps

• Write down goals and questions.

• Collect medical history and medications.

• Schedule consultations.

• Choose based on safety, clarity, and fit.

Book Your Consultation Today
Get Your Personalized Quote
Start Your Transformation with Istanbul Touch