I am very, very satisfied with my experience with Dr Hakan and his team. My results even exceeded my expectations. Honestly, whenever I look at some side-by-side before-and-after photos, I get so happy I did it!
It was still in our consultations when I felt I could trust him, although I tried to be as sceptical as possible. I had already talked with several of his past patients, who were all beyond happy.
As for my background, аt the time, I was only 31 and skinny, but my genetics gave me a round, even squarish face, huge cheeks (I had already had bichectomy, a round of Kybella, and botulinum neurotoxin to my masseters, but that wasn't enough), weak chin, and hooding eyes. To make matters worse, the outer corners of my eyes were lower than the inner ones, and there was scleral show.
So, in early March 2025, I had chin implant, midface lift, temporal lift, canthoplasty and upper blepharoplasty. The doctor also recommended fat transfer and jawlift, which I turned down at the time, but in retrospect think I should've done.
As for my experience, I need to say that at no point did I feel uncomfortable, pushed, nor neglected. Quite the opposite! We went over all my concerns and wishes at my two video consultations with Dr Hakan, and at our face-to-face consultation ahead of the surgery. It was obvious he understood what I was saying, and that he remembered what I had previously told him. On the day of surgery, when he came to my room, he was also very kind and friendly, but also appeared very professional and focused. This was him at all our meetings.
I was honestly surprised by the level of attention and care. I booked the transfer from/to the airport and the hospital, so at every point, his assistant, Tutku would be in touch to let me know where the transfer is. I know it was far pricier than a regular taxi, but I'm so happy I didn't have to think about the transport in a city as giant and busy as Istanbul. Also, I had an in-person consultation every other day, so it was definitely worth it. Another logistics thing I found really comfortable for myself was that all appointments happened in the early afternoon (about 10-11 AM), including surgery day.
The hospital and the clinic are very modern and quite luxurious. The doctor, the assistant and the nurse I had during the night after the surgery all spoke excellent English, and were very friendly and caring. The nurse didn't leave my side throughout the night and helped me take a small walk around the floor at some point. Then, I was sent home with a pack of all the necessary medicine and printed instructions, even supplements! For the first week until our last face-to-face consultation, I was asked for updates every day, and got precious reassurance every time, as well as extensive replies for all my concerns and questions.
Recovery was smooth. Once the first tapes were off, I would do upwards of 10k steps a day around the city and along the promenade by the sea. The only really unpleasant thing I went through was the chemosis I got right after the surgery and then a few weeks later. Although unpleasant, it's a temporary thing that is quite common whenever you have too much work around the eyes. Eyewash drops and minimised screen time + patience were all I had to do to get rid of it. Once home, I had follow-ups every week for the first month, and then once monthly.
Now, over 4 months later, I'm still happy I made up my mind to do this, and I still can't believe it went so smoothly and hassle-free. Would definitely recommend Hakan and choose him right away if I decide to have anything else done.
