Perforator Artery-Based Free Flap (2015 HUV)

The possibility of breathing issues was my primary concern going into this. And honestly, that has been the biggest challenge in recovery so far, with one nostril constantly feeling stuffed. My surgeon performed a closed rhinoplasty. Everything is still very swollen along the bridge, but I can already see that my nose tip appears more refined, which is a great sign. The surgeon and the clinic itself were excellent. The general staff were great, though post-op instructions could have been a bit more explicit. I'm satisfied with the medical care I received so far

My surgeon was very honest about what constituted realistic results for my age and took the time to explain exactly where the incisions for my lower face and neck procedure would be placed. That conversation set the tone for the entire process. I'm still in early recovery, and I'm feeling better than expected. The clinic staff has been easy to reach and has stayed in touch, which is comforting. Be prepared for some additional expenses, like extra lab tests and all meals except breakfast. My one piece of advice is to ask the clinic beforehand if your hotel is in a walkable area, as that can make a difference.

My biggest worry was what the final profile would look like, especially after having a significant dorsal hump removed. It’s very early in the recovery process, and my nose bridge is still quite swollen, so I can't really see the new shape of the tip yet. That’s to be expected. However, the surgeon and all the staff have been attentive and clear about the healing timeline, which has been reassuring. The level of care was great. While I’m waiting for the swelling to go down to see the final result, the medical support I received was excellent.

If you are thinking about finally fixing your profile, prioritize finding a skilled surgeon over the clinic’s administrative support. I opted for an open rhinoplasty to remove a significant dorsal hump, and at just fifteen days post-op, the bridge is already straighter as wanted. While the surgeon was excellent and the facility was clean, the staff felt a bit disorganized at times. Recovery is slow. Currently, the biggest challenge is the dry, crusty feeling inside my nose that makes breathing difficult. Despite the lingering swelling, the nose tip looks natural and fits my face well. It is early days. If you are preparing for this, my best advice is to be patient and try to relax.

What I liked most was the medical expertise, honesty, transparency, and friendliness of Dr. Mehmet Melih Cicek. I came into the consultation with a relatively clear idea about my nose, and Dr. Cicek took a lot of time to examine my nose in advance to see what was possible with my nasal structure and what was not. He then directly and realistically informed me about what he could change about my nose and what (probably) could not be changed. It was a purely aesthetic surgery, and he placed great importance on the functionality of my nose, not just its appearance, which speaks highly of him as a doctor. It has been two weeks since my surgery, and I am already more than happy with the result! I would like to sincerely thank Dr. Cicek! The German-speaking translator Songül was also very nice and helpful and always available. She accompanied me to all appointments with Dr. Cicek, which was a great help and took care of everything. The hospital stay was very good, the room was very large, clean, and modern. The nurses were nice and took good care of me after the surgery. The transfer service from the airport to the hotel and back, as well as from the hotel to the hospital, was also very good. My medical coordinator Yeva from Bookimed, with whom I was in contact from the beginning via WhatsApp, was very friendly and helpful and guided me well through the entire process. Additionally, he is always available, and I receive quick responses from him even after the surgery.