Surgical Solutions for Tissue Repair and Body Contouring

Published: 07.01.2023  ·  Last Updated: 05.08.2026  ·  Prepared by the Academic Hospital Web and Editorial Board.

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery is a branch of medicine that serves a broad field, including congenital anomalies, trauma, deformities following tumour surgery and aesthetic procedures. This specialty covers surgical interventions performed for both health related and aesthetic concerns.

Which Treatments Does Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Cover?

The procedures carried out in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery fall under three main headings: reconstructive surgery, microsurgery procedures and aesthetic surgery.

Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery Procedures

Reconstructive Surgery

• Burn scars,
• Congenital deformities (cleft palate, prominent ears and similar conditions),
• It covers procedures that address functional and aesthetic concerns, such as tissue repair after cancer.

Microsurgery Procedures

• Nerve and vessel repairs,
• It covers delicate surgical procedures such as the reattachment of severed limbs.

Aesthetic Surgery Procedures

Nose Aesthetics (Rhinoplasty)

This is a surgical procedure performed to improve the shape, size and function of the nose. In addition to correcting the aesthetic appearance, it may also help to relieve breathing problems. Because the nose sits at the centre of the face, it may have a significant effect on facial balance and on the person's self confidence.

In Which Situations Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Nose aesthetic surgery may be performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons:

• Correction of a nasal hump
• Reshaping of the nasal tip
• Correction of a deviated nasal structure
• Deformities occurring after trauma
• Breathing problems
• Bringing the nose into better harmony with the face

Breast Aesthetics

This is the general name for the surgical procedures performed in relation to the shape, volume, symmetry and position of the breast. Appropriate breast aesthetic surgery aims for a natural and functional result that is in harmony with the proportions of the body.

Breast Augmentation

It is preferred in cases where breast volume is congenitally small, where fullness has decreased after weight loss, or where there is a marked difference in volume between the two breasts.

Breast Reduction

It is performed because of the back, neck and shoulder pain, postural disorders and skin problems caused by excessively large breasts. It is a functional operation. While the breast tissue is being reduced, reshaping and, in most cases, lifting are carried out at the same time.

Breast Lift (Mastopexy)

It is performed for sagging that develops as a result of pregnancy, breastfeeding, ageing and the effect of gravity. If breast volume is sufficient, a lift alone may be carried out; if there is volume loss, it may be combined with an implant. The aim is to move the breast into a younger and firmer position.

Gynecomastia (Breast Surgery in Men)

Gynecomastia is the enlargement of breast tissue in men. This condition arises because of hormonal imbalances, genetic predisposition, weight gain and certain medicines. The treatment method is determined after examination and imaging.

Tummy Tuck (Abdominoplasty)

This is a surgical procedure in which excess skin and fat tissue in the abdominal area are removed and slackened abdominal muscles are tightened. This operation is not a weight loss operation. It is a contouring and firming operation.

Who Is Abdominoplasty Suitable For?

• People who are not planning a pregnancy. If a pregnancy is planned, the operation is generally postponed, because the abdomen will stretch again.
• Those with separation of the abdominal muscles after childbirth
• Those who experience sagging after significant weight loss
• Those with abdominal laxity that does not improve with exercise
• Individuals who experience sagging after obesity surgery
• Patients whose general state of health is suitable for surgery

Arm Lift (Brachioplasty)

This is the removal of sagging skin and lax tissue on the inner part of the upper arm. In this way a firmer and more aesthetic arm contour is obtained. The most common causes include rapid weight loss, the reduction in skin elasticity associated with age and genetic predisposition. In cases where sagging is accompanied by fat accumulation, the procedure may be combined with liposuction.

Who Is an Arm Lift Suitable For?

• People whose inner arm sagging does not improve despite exercise
• Individuals with excess skin after losing weight
• Patients with marked laxity in the arm area

Thigh Lift

Thigh lift surgery is the procedure in which sagging skin and lax tissue occurring particularly in the inner thigh area are removed and the contour of the leg is tightened.

Who Is a Thigh Lift Suitable For?

• People with marked sagging in the inner thigh area
• Those who experience irritation caused by friction
• Patients with excess skin after losing weight
• Individuals with laxity that cannot be improved with exercise

Mommy Makeover

A mommy makeover is a combined surgical plan that aims to correct the changes occurring in the body after childbirth in a single session. It generally includes the following procedures:

• Tummy tuck (abdominoplasty)
• Liposuction
• Breast lift or augmentation and reduction
• Arm or thigh contouring if required

Who Is a Mommy Makeover Suitable For?

• Those who experience abdominal sagging after childbirth
• Those with separation of the abdominal muscles
• Those who experience breast volume loss or sagging
• Those with areas that do not improve after losing weight
• People who have completed their pregnancy plans,
• It is not recommended in patients whose pregnancy plans are ongoing.

Liposuction

This is the removal of localised fat deposits by the vacuum method. It is not a weight loss operation. It is a body contouring procedure.

The Areas Where Liposuction Is Most Frequently Applied

• Abdomen
• Waist
• Hips
• Back
• Arms
• Under the chin

Does the Fat Come Back After Liposuction?

The fat cells that are removed are permanently taken out of the body. However, if weight is gained afterwards, the existing fat cells may increase in volume. For this reason it is recommended that weight control be maintained after the operation.

Face Lift

This is an aesthetic surgical procedure performed to reduce the sagging, laxity and wrinkles occurring on the face as a result of ageing. The aim is to give the facial contours a firmer, more dynamic and younger appearance. Face lift procedures aim to obtain a younger and more rested appearance while preserving the person's natural facial expression.

In Which Situations Is a Face Lift Performed?

A face lift procedure may be preferred in the following situations:

• Sagging in the face and neck area
• Laxity becoming apparent along the jawline
• Deep wrinkles and lines
• Volume loss in the cheek area
• Laxity of the neck skin
• Loss of facial contour associated with ageing

Ear Aesthetics

This covers the surgical procedures performed to correct the shape, size or position of the ears. Most frequently carried out to correct the appearance of prominent ears (otoplasty), this operation can be performed in both children and adults. Marked differences in ear structure may affect a person's self confidence and social life. With appropriately planned aesthetic procedures, a more natural appearance that is in harmony with the face is aimed for.

Eyelid Aesthetics (Blepharoplasty)

This aims to give a younger, livelier and more dynamic appearance by removing excess skin, fat and muscle tissue from the eyelids. It can be applied to both the upper and the lower eyelids. Eyelid aesthetic surgery offers an effective and long lasting solution for opening up the field of vision, achieving a younger and healthier expression and improving quality of life.

Who Is Eyelid Aesthetic Surgery Suitable For?

It is generally a suitable procedure for individuals aged 25 and over, although it may also be needed at younger ages depending on genetic factors. People who have sagging, puffiness or excess skin on the eyelids and who are troubled by this either aesthetically or functionally may choose this procedure. Individuals who are in good general health, who have no serious eye disease and who do not smoke are among the ideal candidates for eyelid aesthetic surgery.

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Academic Hospital

The Academic Hospital Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery carries out reconstructive operations requiring tissue repair, microsurgical interventions and aesthetic surgery procedures under one roof. Planning is carried out by assessing the patient's general state of health together with their expectations. The department works routinely with the following departments:

• Aesthetic Medicine: completion of the treatment plan with non surgical procedures
• Breast Diseases and Surgery: tissue repair and reconstruction after breast surgery
• Hand Surgery: microsurgical collaboration in nerve and vessel repairs
• Dermatology: assessment of skin lesions and scars
• Ear, Nose and Throat: assessment of breathing problems in nose aesthetic surgery
• Ophthalmology: assessment of eye health before eyelid aesthetic surgery
• General Surgery: planning of body contouring and sagging after obesity surgery

Frequently Asked Questions

References

The general information given on this page about reconstructive and aesthetic surgery procedures is supported by the reliable health sources listed below.

1. NHS, "Cosmetic procedures", nhs.uk
2. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, "Reconstructive Procedures", plasticsurgery.org
3. American Society of Plastic Surgeons, "Patient Safety", plasticsurgery.org
4. MedlinePlus, U.S. National Library of Medicine, "Plastic and Cosmetic Surgery", medlineplus.gov

The information on this page is for informational purposes only; it does not replace medical examination, diagnosis or treatment. Please consult a healthcare institution regarding your complaints.