I had my septo-rhinoplasty with Dr. Handan a week ago, after a lifetime of struggling with breathing issues and a deviated septum. While I could have done the surgery in my own country, finding a doctor who really understood both functionality and aesthetics was the most important thing for me. I spoke with six other doctors, but no one convinced me like Dr. Handan did. From my first contact with her team to our video consultation, she came across as incredibly professional, empathetic, and ambitious
— a quality I really value because an ambitious surgeon is someone who pushes to give each patient the best possible result.
Dr. Handan and her nurses Kübra and Nisa went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and always felt taken care of. She even provided a free shuttle service for my partner and me during our stay, which isn't normally included in the service I had originally booked. This was such a kind gesture that really showed she cares about her patients beyond just the surgery itself.
For anyone thinking of doing this procedure internationally, here are my honest thoughts:
- The language barrier at the hospital was a bit tricky, since most nurses didn't speak English (thank goodness for Google Translate!). But because everything went smoothly, it didn't end up being a big issue. Recovery, however, was tough, especially during the first week. The swelling was pretty intense for the first four days and has only started to go down now. Just know everyone's body reacts differently, so your experience might be easier for you.
- Mentally, it's also a bit of a journey. Your face is going to look unfamiliar at first, and you won't see the final result for six months to a year. While I went into this decision feeling confident, it's essential to approach it without unrealistic expectations of perfection. It's okay to change something you're not happy with, but surgery alone won't create self-love.
I'm grateful to have made this decision at 30, a much more self-assured version of myself than I was in my early twenties.
- If you're considering rhinoplasty in Turkey, make sure to choose a doctor who's also an ENT specialist if you have functional concerns. When I found Dr.
Handan, I immediately felt like she and her team really cared; I wasn't just another number on the list.
Plus, recovering by the seaside in Antalya was incredibly peaceful and way better than being in a hectic city.
If you've read this far, just know that with Dr. Handan, you're in truly capable hands. I'll keep you all posted with an update in six months!