4.9 from 108 verified reviews
I’m five days post the second surgery now, and everything is working as it shouldMissisMinnie, Turkey, 24 02 25I will turn 60 this year 🎉 and have decided to undergo a facelift, arm lift, and rhinoplasty at Dr. Atsal’s Clinic. Like many others, I struggled to cope with age-related changes in these areas, never liked my nose anyway, and was fortunate enough to afford the procedures. It was a true gift to myself , and I feel incredibly lucky. I am quite confident in my physical abilities. I’m pretty fit, a non-smoker, and of normal weight.
I chose Turkey because I live in Europe, had a friend who had surgery there and was impressed with the standard, and, of course, because of the pricing. I researched surgeons and clinics for almost three months and obtained cost estimates from my top three choices. Reviews were more important to me than memberships or conference attendances; before-and-after photos, as well as real patient experiences, played a bigger role than global prestige. Dr. Atsal’s clinic stood out as the most professional to me. They weren’t pushy, seemed very well-organized, and although their tone sometimes felt a little too “lovey-dovey” for my taste (I’m naturally more distant and skeptical), I trusted them the most. Having visited Turkey twice before, I could also connect this communication style with my experience of their culture and mentality. Yes, the doctor will hug you. 🤗 It’s nice. It’s Turkey.
Between choosing the clinic and undergoing surgery, I deliberately waited another three months to give myself plenty of time to think it over and read about other people’s experiences.
The clinic (especially Gülce ❤️) was always available for my questions,; whether anxious, unnecessary, or just plain silly. I work in a similar setting where we use WhatsApp groups for clients, so I was familiar with that style of communication. I also really appreciated their Facebook page, where people could openly share concerns and even critiques. They didn’t seem to remove critical posts, which made me trust them even more. Let’s face it - things can go wrong, and expectations don’t always align with reality.
I arrived on a Sunday evening and was picked up Monday morning. I wasn’t very nervous about the arm lift but incredibly anxious about my nose. I had a rather bulbous nose and wanted a defined, straight one, but I wasn’t sure if that was realistic or if we would fully understand each other. At some point, I just had to trust the doctor, the process, and take a leap of faith - and that was the biggest lesson of this journey. ✨ These people really know what they’re doing. My nose is still in a cast, and I don’t yet know how it will settle in six months, but I’m optimistic. 🤞
After surgery, I felt as expected- pretty awful. I spent a night in the hospital and was then moved to the hotel, though I barely remember that first night. On Wednesday morning, I was picked up again for my second surgery (facelift, neck lift, upper and lower blepharoplasty).
A huge shoutout to their driver 🚗 - despite heavy snow, everything was handled flawlessly. Absolutely five-star service. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
After the second surgery, I struggled with blood pressure and fluid retention, which really scared me (probably more than it should have). And yes, communication can be tricky if you don’t speak Turkish, rely on Google Translate, and can’t wear your glasses! Also, yes, the food in the hospital is… well, unusual. But this is Turkey, and olives and feta are part of their idea of a post-op diet If you can’t handle that, bring your own food or go to another country.
Atsal’s team is incredibly switched on. They are all quite young and probably have no idea what it feels like to be older, in a foreign hospital bed, feeling worried, terrible, and slightly entitled because, in the end, we paid a lot… but they are unbelievably optimistic, attentive, and friendly. 💙 A special thank you to Şeri, who brought me juice, to the young man whose name I can’t remember but who went out in a snowstorm to get me bananas , and of course, to Gülce, who really needs to learn how to take time off!. And the doctor? He really knows what he is doing. Nothing else to say here. Brilliant guy. 👏
And again; trust the process. When they tell you to walk every hour for 10 minutes, do it. 🚶♀️ You can’t sleep anyway. Gather your drains and walk. They know why they are telling you this. The catheter comes out as soon as you’re mobile again (and when you see how full it is after your surgery, you’ll be very, very grateful they gave you one). 😅
When they say you’ll be discharged in the morning and you think, “What? I can’t do that!” - trust them. You’ll be fine. Go back to the hotel, sleep, walk loops around the garden, pet the cats 🐈, and rest again. Don’t worry if you can’t sleep for more than two hours at a time. It will be okay. Yes, there’s bruising and tension, but take it slow. I’m five days post the second surgery now, and everything is working as it should. Today, I finally feel like I’ve turned a corner. Drinking tons of (warm) water and walking made all the difference - again, just like they said! 💦
Tomorrow, I’ll fly home ✈️ and have a four-hour drive ahead of me. I’m a little worried, but when I asked Dr. Atsal if he thought I’d be okay, he simply said, “Of course!” So, I will be. I am sure! 💪😊
