Ankara Body Contouring Specialist

Within safe limits, generally 3-5 liters of fat can be removed in a single session; this amount complies with the safety standards established by international plastic surgery associations. The amount of fat to be removed may vary depending on the patient's weight, body mass index, overall health status, and the scope of the surgery. Since excessive fat removal can pose risks such as blood loss, fluid imbalance, and prolonged anesthesia, safety is always prioritized. Thanks to VASER liposuction technology, fat cells are targeted more selectively, making it possible to achieve more effective and smoother results within the same safety limits. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem creates a personalized safe plan for each patient through detailed pre-operative examination and blood tests. When necessary, multiple sessions can be planned to safely increase the total amount of fat removed.

Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty) is performed on individuals with skin sagging and loosened abdominal muscles that develop after childbirth or significant weight loss. Especially in women who have had multiple pregnancies, rectus diastasis (separation of the abdominal muscles) is common and cannot be corrected through exercise alone; with abdominoplasty, the muscles are brought back together and the abdominal wall is tightened. People whose general health is suitable for surgery and who do not smoke or can quit at least 4 weeks before surgery are good candidates. Before the operation, the patient's blood values, chronic disease history, and medication use are evaluated in detail. It is recommended to have completed family planning, as subsequent pregnancies can negatively affect surgical results. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem determines whether a mini abdominoplasty or full abdominoplasty is needed during the examination and presents the most suitable surgical plan to the patient.

VASER liposuction selectively breaks down and emulsifies fat cells using ultrasonic energy, then gently removes them through thin cannulas. In classic liposuction, fat cells are directly pulled out by mechanical force, whereas in VASER technology, ultrasound waves target only fat cells and cause much less trauma to surrounding tissues (blood vessels, nerves, connective tissue). As a result, post-operative bruising, swelling, and pain are significantly reduced and the recovery process is shortened. Another important advantage of VASER is that it stimulates subcutaneous collagen fibers, contributing to skin tightening; this allows smoother and more natural results, especially in patients whose skin elasticity has begun to decline. High-definition (Hi-Def) VASER liposuction also enables detailed body sculpting such as defining abdominal muscles. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem evaluates each patient's skin quality and fat distribution to determine the most suitable technique between VASER and classic liposuction.

BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) is an aesthetic procedure in which fat harvested via liposuction from areas such as the abdomen, waist, back, or legs is specially processed and purified before being injected into the buttock area. Since both removing fat from unwanted areas and augmenting and shaping the buttocks are performed simultaneously, the patient's overall body proportions improve dramatically. The harvested fat is purified through centrifugation or filtration so that only healthy and viable fat cells are transferred to the buttocks, increasing the fat survival rate. During injection, the fat is carefully placed at different layers and angles to create a natural and symmetrical buttock contour. For the first 2-3 weeks after surgery, sitting directly on the buttock area must be avoided and a special sitting cushion should be used. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem achieves natural and aesthetic results in BBL operations by strictly adhering to safety protocols and planning the appropriate volume for each patient's body structure.

After body contouring surgeries, low-intensity activities such as light walking can generally be started 1-2 weeks after the operation; this early movement supports blood circulation, accelerates healing, and reduces the risk of blood clots. Moderate-intensity activities (light jogging, cycling) can be resumed after 3-4 weeks, while for sports such as weightlifting, swimming, and intense cardio, it is recommended to wait at least 6-8 weeks. For patients who have undergone tummy tuck surgery, the return to exercises that strain the abdominal area may take longer since the abdominal muscles need to heal completely. Continuing to use compression garments during post-operative exercise is important for tissue support. Early and excessive exercise can cause increased swelling, seroma formation, or delayed wound healing, so activities should be guided by the approval received during follow-up appointments. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem monitors each patient's recovery process through regular check-ups and personally determines the timing for returning to sports.

Yes, the fat cells removed through liposuction are permanently eliminated from the body and adult fat cells do not regenerate; therefore, the number of fat cells in the treated area is permanently reduced. However, remaining fat cells in the body can increase in volume with weight gain, and disproportionate fat accumulation may be seen especially in areas where liposuction was not performed. Therefore, adopting balanced and healthy eating habits after surgery, exercising regularly, and maintaining an ideal weight are critically important for the permanence of results. The final results of the operation typically emerge within 3-6 months as swelling and edema completely subside; patience during this period is important. Liposuction is not a weight loss method but a contouring procedure aimed at improving body contours. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem provides comprehensive guidance to his patients on post-operative lifestyle, nutrition, and exercise programs to ensure long-term satisfaction.

Yes, tummy tuck and liposuction can be safely combined in the same session for many patients, and this combination is a very common practice. This combined operation provides more comprehensive and aesthetic results, especially for patients who have both excess fat deposits and skin sagging, creating a holistic body contour that cannot be achieved with individual procedures alone. When liposuction applied to the waist, hip, and back areas is combined with a tummy tuck, 360-degree body contours become much more defined and proportional. An important advantage of combined surgery is that the patient goes through a single anesthesia and a single recovery period, which provides efficiency in terms of both time and cost. However, the total duration and scope of the combined surgery must be carefully planned according to the patient's overall health status; keeping the anesthesia time within safe limits is essential. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem determines the suitability of combined operation through comprehensive pre-operative evaluation and defines a customized surgical strategy for each patient.

After body contouring surgeries, it is generally recommended to wear compression garments for 4-6 weeks; for more extensive procedures such as tummy tuck, this period can extend to 6-8 weeks. During the first 2-3 weeks, the garment should be worn 24 hours continuously day and night, only removed for showering; after which daytime-only use can be adopted. The compression garment controls edema and swelling in the surgical area, prevents fluid accumulation (seroma), and supports lymphatic drainage. It also helps the skin adapt to new body contours, ensuring smoother and more even surgical results. It is critically important that the garment fits correctly and meets medical standards; an overly tight garment can impair blood circulation, while a loose garment cannot provide adequate support. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem personally determines the appropriate garment type, pressure level, and duration of use for each patient based on the scope of surgery and the recovery process.

A mommy makeover is a combined surgery in which multiple aesthetic procedures are performed in a single session to correct changes that occur in the body after pregnancy and breastfeeding. This comprehensive operation typically includes tummy tuck (abdominoplasty), liposuction, and breast surgery (breast lift, reduction, or augmentation); arm lift or genital aesthetics can also be added depending on needs. By performing multiple procedures in a single session, the patient receives only one anesthesia, goes through a single recovery period, and saves on overall costs. Women who have completed their family planning, finished their breastfeeding period, and are close to their ideal weight are the most suitable candidates for a mommy makeover. The surgery duration can range from 4-6 hours depending on the combined procedures; therefore, the patient's overall health must be suitable for extended anesthesia. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem listens to each mother's individual needs and aesthetic goals, prepares a personalized mommy makeover plan, and closely monitors the post-operative recovery process.

For body contouring surgeries, it is ideally recommended that the patient be no more than 10-15% above their target weight and their body mass index (BMI) generally be below 30. These surgeries are not a weight loss method; they are performed to correct stubborn fat deposits, regional disproportions, and skin sagging that cannot be resolved through diet and exercise. It is critically important that the weight is stable before surgery, meaning no significant weight changes for at least 3-6 months, because post-operative weight gain or loss can negatively affect surgical results. In patients with high BMI values, anesthesia risks, wound healing issues, and complication rates may increase, so pre-operative weight control may be necessary. For patients who have experienced massive weight loss after bariatric surgery (gastric sleeve), more comprehensive procedures such as body lift can be planned; however, the weight must first stabilize. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem comprehensively evaluates the patient's body mass index, fat distribution, skin elasticity, and overall health status during the examination to determine the most appropriate timing and procedure for surgery.

The first week after tummy tuck surgery is a rest period at home; during this time, pain medication use, light walks, and drain care may be required. In the second and third weeks, patients can generally return to light daily activities and desk work; however, heavy lifting and movements that strain the abdominal muscles should be avoided. From the sixth week onwards, most patients can return to full activity and sports; however, this timeline may vary depending on the scope of surgery and individual healing speed. A compression garment should generally be worn for 6-8 weeks; this helps reduce swelling and allows the skin to adapt to new contours. The scar maturation process takes 12-18 months; during this period, scar care creams and sun protection are applied to keep the scar as thin and faded as possible. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem closely monitors the recovery process through regular follow-up appointments and guides his patient at every stage.

BBL (Brazilian Butt Lift) is a popular aesthetic surgery that achieves a natural and voluminous appearance by transferring fat harvested from the patient's own body to the buttock area. During the fat harvesting phase, VASER liposuction is generally preferred; thanks to this technology, fat cells are harvested with less damage and post-transfer viability rates increase. The harvested fat undergoes a special process to be purified, cleansed of blood and non-fat tissues, and only healthy fat cells are prepared for injection. During injection, fat is placed in micro-droplets at different depth layers of the buttocks; this technique ensures the fat develops blood supply and becomes permanent while creating a natural appearance. For post-operative safety, it is mandatory to avoid sitting directly on the buttocks for the first 2-3 weeks, to sleep face down or on the side, and to use a special BBL cushion. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem analyzes each patient's body proportions to determine the amount of fat to be applied to the buttocks and the shaping strategy, achieving excellent results while strictly adhering to safety protocols.

Whether skin sags after liposuction largely depends on the patient's skin elasticity, age, and the amount of fat removed. In young patients with good skin elasticity, the skin naturally contracts after fat removal, adapting to new contours, and sagging generally does not occur. In patients of advanced age or with reduced skin elasticity after significant weight loss, a certain degree of sagging may occur after liposuction. An important advantage of VASER liposuction technology is that ultrasound energy stimulates subcutaneous collagen fibers, contributing to skin tightening; therefore, there is less risk of sagging with VASER compared to classic liposuction. In areas with significant skin sagging, additional procedures such as tummy tuck, arm lift, or body lift may be needed in combination with liposuction. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem evaluates skin quality and elasticity during the pre-operative examination and creates the most suitable surgical plan to minimize the risk of sagging.

Yes, body contouring surgeries can be safely combined in many situations; the most well-known example of this approach is the multiple procedure application called 'mommy makeover.' In combined surgeries, different procedures such as tummy tuck with liposuction, breast surgery with tummy tuck, or BBL with waist liposuction can be performed in the same session. Safe combination protocols require that the total anesthesia time generally does not exceed 6 hours and that blood loss is kept under control. In patients requiring very extensive correction, surgeries can be divided into two or more stages (staged procedures) to maintain safety limits; typically 3-6 months is waited between stages. Important advantages of combined surgeries include single anesthesia, single recovery period, and savings on total cost. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem comprehensively evaluates each patient's health condition and aesthetic goals to create a safe and effective combination plan.

In full tummy tuck surgery (full abdominoplasty), the belly button is relocated to a new position and reshaped; this procedure is called umbilicoplasty (navel aesthetics). During surgery, the belly button stalk is preserved while the abdominal skin is pulled down, and the belly button is placed in its new, anatomically correct position; thus achieving a natural and aesthetic appearance. In the umbilicoplasty technique, the shape, depth, and size of the belly button can be customized to suit the patient's body structure; it can be designed in round, oval, or vertical forms. The fine surgical scar around the belly button fades over time and becomes nearly invisible; this process is usually completed within 6-12 months. In mini tummy tuck surgery, the belly button is not affected; only the excess skin below the navel is removed. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem designs a belly button appropriate to each patient's anatomy, aiming to achieve the most natural appearance after surgery.

Gynecomastia surgery is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to correct abnormally enlarged breast tissue in men and typically involves a combination of liposuction and breast gland excision. Before surgery, hormonal evaluation is important to identify underlying causes of gynecomastia (hormonal imbalance, medication use, etc.) and treat them if necessary. During surgery, excess breast gland tissue is removed through a small incision around the areola (nipple area), and liposuction is used to remove surrounding fatty tissue, creating a flat and masculine chest contour. A compression vest must be worn for 3-4 weeks after surgery; this vest controls swelling and ensures proper tissue healing. Results generally become apparent within 2-3 months, and surgical scars are concealed around the areola, becoming nearly invisible over time. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem determines the most appropriate surgical technique based on the grade of gynecomastia (Grade I-IV), offering his patients natural and permanent results.

Post-operative nutrition after body contouring surgery is a critical factor that directly affects the healing process, and a protein-rich diet is recommended. High-protein foods (chicken, fish, eggs, legumes) accelerate tissue repair and help surgical wounds close faster; a daily intake of at least 1.2-1.5 grams/kg of protein should be targeted. Foods with anti-inflammatory properties - fresh fruits and vegetables, omega-3 rich fish, turmeric, ginger - contribute to reducing swelling and supporting healing. Adequate water intake (at least 2-2.5 liters per day) is essential for edema elimination and toxin removal; excessive salt consumption should be limited for the first 4-6 weeks as it can cause fluid retention and increase swelling. Vitamins and minerals such as vitamin C, zinc, and iron support wound healing; when necessary, supplement use can be started under doctor supervision. Alcohol consumption should be stopped for at least 4 weeks; because alcohol can increase bleeding with its blood-thinning effect, weaken the immune system, and interact with medications.

In inner thigh lift (medial thigh lift) surgery, an incision is made starting from the groin crease extending along the inner thigh, and excess skin and subcutaneous fatty tissue are removed to give the leg a firmer and more contoured appearance. In arm lift (brachioplasty) surgery, an incision is made on the inner part of the arm from the armpit to the elbow area, and hanging skin and excess tissue are removed. In both surgeries, when necessary, liposuction is combined to first remove excess fat from the area, then the lifting procedure is performed; this results in smoother and more proportional outcomes. Surgical scars are planned to remain on the inner aspects of the arms and legs and fade significantly over time; the scar maturation process takes approximately 12-18 months. The recovery process generally requires 2-3 weeks of light activity restriction and 4-6 weeks of compression garment use; full recovery is achieved in 6-8 weeks. Op. Dr. İrfan Erdem evaluates each patient's degree of sagging and skin quality, selects the incision technique that will leave the minimal scar, and achieves natural, proportional results.