As one of the largest cities in Türkiye, Istanbul is home to many healthcare institutions and doctors in the field of plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. For this reason, when choosing a plastic and aesthetic surgeon, it is important to consider criteria such as the doctor’s specialist training, board certifications, experience, academic background and communication during the consultation together. In this article, these criteria are discussed with reference to the education and professional background of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ's Education and Career
1.1. Educational Background and Certificates:
One of the first criteria to look at when choosing a plastic surgeon is whether the doctor has completed specialist training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. After graduating from Selçuk University Meram Faculty of Medicine in 2008, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ completed her specialist training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at the same faculty. During her specialist training, she worked for one year as a clinical research fellow in the Department of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Mayo Clinic in the USA with a TÜBİTAK scholarship, and obtained a microsurgery certificate. International board certifications are another criterion that can be considered: Dr. Karadağ holds the European Board Certification in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS). For more information about Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ, click here.
1.2. Academic Titles and Publications:
The doctor’s academic background and scientific work are also among the criteria that can be considered. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ became a faculty member at Acıbadem University in 2017 and received the title of associate professor in October 2022; she has scientific articles published in national and international journals. For more information about Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ’s academic publications and work, click here.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ's Areas of Expertise and Treatment Methods
2.1. Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery Procedures:
In addition to many aesthetic surgery procedures such as breast aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction, fat injections and skin rejuvenation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ also works in the field of reconstructive surgery.
2.2. Innovative Treatment Methods and Technologies:
The surgeon’s keeping up with current techniques and methods in the field is important in determining the appropriate treatment option for each patient. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ evaluates treatment options according to the patient’s condition and expectations.
The Consultation and Patient Information Process
3.1. Discussing Expectations and Risks:
Discussing the patient’s expectations, state of health and appropriate treatment options in detail during the consultation is an important criterion in choosing a surgeon. The possible risks and realistic results of each procedure should be addressed openly in this discussion.
You can reach the relevant page via the Patient Satisfaction link.
3.2. Planning the Recovery Process:
The post-operative recovery process varies from person to person. When the surgeon clearly explains the recovery process, follow-up appointments and the points to be observed before the operation, it helps the patient to be prepared for the process.
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ's Office on Bağdat Avenue
4.1. Office Facilities and Location:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ’s office on Bağdat Avenue has a modern and spacious design and offers her patients a comfortable environment. The office is also easily accessible, allowing her patients to reach it conveniently. To view photos of the clinic, click here.
4.2. Appointment Process and Contact Details:
To contact Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ and to book an appointment, the telephone number and e-mail address of her office can be used. An appointment can also be requested through the doctor's website. The appointment process is carried out quickly and efficiently.
Professional Memberships and Scientific Work of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
5.1. National and International Society Memberships:
In addition to national societies such as the Turkish Society of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (TPRECD), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ is also a member of internationally recognised societies. This allows her to collaborate with specialists worldwide and to access the most up-to-date knowledge and methods in her field.
5.2. Scientific Work:
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ’s scientific work on breast aesthetic surgery and stem cell applications has been published in international journals. A clinical study she conducted during her time at Mayo Clinic was presented at the Chang Gung – Mayo Clinic Symposium in Reconstructive Surgery in 2014.
Criteria to Consider When Choosing a Plastic and Aesthetic Surgeon
The following criteria can be taken into account when choosing a plastic and aesthetic surgeon:
Specialist Training and Experience: Whether the doctor is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, and their experience with the planned procedure, should be evaluated. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ has been working in the field of plastic surgery since 2009, for more than 17 years.
Board Certifications and Academic Background: Certifications such as EBOPRAS (European Board Certification in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery), academic titles and scientific work provide information about the doctor’s training. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ holds the EBOPRAS certification and the title of associate professor.
Consultation and Information: It is important that treatment options, possible risks and realistic results are explained clearly during the consultation. The doctor should take the time to answer the patient’s questions, and the decision should be made together with the patient.
Communication and a Patient-Centred Approach: Working with a doctor who listens to the patient’s expectations and concerns and who is accessible throughout the treatment process makes the pre- and post-operative period easier.
Clinic and Healthcare Facility: The location of the clinic and of the healthcare facility where the operation will be performed, ease of access and access to follow-up appointments can also be considered. Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ’s clinic is on Bağdat Avenue.
Professional Memberships: A doctor’s membership of national and international professional societies indicates that they follow developments in the field; however, it is not a selection criterion on its own.
Choosing a surgeon is a personal decision; it is recommended to consider these criteria together and to ask all your questions during the consultation.
About Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
Professional Background and Areas of Interest of Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ
Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and has been working in this field since 2009. She is a member of national and international professional societies, notably the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ISAPS) and the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons.
In addition to aesthetic surgery procedures such as breast aesthetic surgery, rhinoplasty, facelift, liposuction, fat injections and skin rejuvenation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Çiğdem Karadağ also performs reconstructive surgery procedures. She is particularly interested in breast, abdominal and facial aesthetic surgery.
To read the newspaper article about female and male surgeons, click here. (in Turkish)
Post-operative Follow-up
Regular check-ups in the post-operative period are important for monitoring recovery and detecting possible problems early. When choosing a surgeon, it is useful to ask how post-operative follow-up will be carried out. A forum thread on the subject: Forum page
The time taken to return to daily life after surgery varies according to the procedure performed and the individual’s rate of recovery. These periods should be planned together with the doctor during the consultation.
