What are dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers are materials injected into different areas of the face to reduce wrinkles and restore volume loss caused by aging, thereby providing a more youthful appearance.

Where can dermal fillers be applied?
Dermal fillers can be applied to many areas of the face. They may be used to restore volume in the cheekbones and cheeks to correct a sunken appearance, reduce nasolabial folds (the grooves extending downward from the sides of the nose), enhance lip fullness, reduce vertical lines around the mouth, improve deep acne scars and other scars, and correct hollows around the eyes.

What do dermal fillers contain?
Today, there are many different types of dermal fillers, each produced by various companies under different brand names. Hyaluronic acid is the most commonly used filler material. The risk of allergic reaction is very low, and if necessary it can be dissolved immediately with an enzyme called hyaluronidase. In addition to hyaluronic acid–based fillers, there are other fillers containing substances such as calcium hydroxyapatite and poly-L-lactic acid. Depending on their composition and density, fillers can be injected at different depths (superficial or deep layers). The duration of temporary fillers varies according to the type of material used and typically ranges between 6 and 24 months. For example, hyaluronic acid fillers usually last about 8–12 months, while fillers containing calcium hydroxyapatite may last approximately 1.5–2 years.

How is a filler procedure performed?
A topical anesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area approximately 30 minutes before the procedure. When necessary, a local anesthetic nerve block may also be performed about 15 minutes before the injection to completely numb the area.

How long does the filler procedure take, and what should I expect afterwards?
The procedure usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes depending on the size of the treated area. In most cases, patients can return to their normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. Mild swelling, redness, or sensitivity may occur but generally resolves quickly. If localized bruising develops, concealer may be used for about 3–4 days. When blunt-tip cannulas are used, vascular injury is minimized and swelling and bruising are typically mild.

How long do fillers last, and what happens afterwards?
Temporary fillers gradually dissolve over time. Depending on the material used and the treated area, their effects usually last between 6 and 24 months. After this period, filler injections can be repeated if desired.

Can fillers be combined with Botox?
Fillers and Botox can be applied during the same session in many areas of the face. However, in deep lines caused primarily by excessive muscle activity (such as the vertical lines between the eyebrows or around the lips), the ideal result is usually achieved by performing Botox first. About one week later, after the muscles have relaxed, superficial filler injections can be applied if needed.

What is dermabrasion?
Dermabrasion is a mechanical skin resurfacing procedure in which the outer layers of the skin are carefully removed using rotating abrasive tips attached to a special motorized device. The goal of the procedure is to smooth irregularities of the skin and reduce the appearance of scars.

What are the advantages of dermabrasion compared with other resurfacing procedures?
Dermabrasion allows the surgeon to reach the desired depth of the skin in a controlled manner. For this reason, it is often preferred over other techniques in the treatment of deep acne scars, the reduction of certain types of scars, and the improvement of vertical wrinkles around the lips (commonly known as “smoker’s lines”).

How is dermabrasion performed?
Dermabrasion is usually performed under local anesthesia. To minimize noticeable redness during the healing period, dermabrasion is often applied not only to the specific scar or problem area but to the entire aesthetic unit of the face that includes the problem area. For example, if there is a small scar on the cheek, dermabrasion is usually applied to the entire cheek on that side, gradually becoming more superficial toward the surrounding areas. For optimal healing and a more uniform appearance, additional resurfacing procedures such as trichloroacetic acid (TCA) peeling or laser skin resurfacing may be applied to other areas of the face. This helps prevent color differences, achieve a more homogeneous skin texture, and reduce localized redness.

How long does dermabrasion take?
The procedure typically takes about 15–20 minutes depending on the size of the treated area. Patients can usually return home the same day. After the procedure, a thick moisturizing cream is applied to the treated area to prevent crust formation. The area should be gently washed with clean water three to four times daily, and the moisturizer should be reapplied each time until the resurfaced skin has fully regenerated.

When can I return to work?
Depending on the depth of the procedure, patients can usually return to work once epithelialization of the skin is complete, typically after about 7–10 days. Redness in the treated area may gradually decrease over several months, and concealer may be used during the early healing period if necessary.

What should I pay attention to after the procedure?
In individuals with darker skin tones, dermabrasion may lead to permanent pigment changes or discoloration. In such cases, alternative treatments may be preferred. After the procedure, patients should protect their skin from sun exposure for at least six months and use sunscreen regularly.

What is facial fat injection?
Facial fat injection is the process of transferring fat tissue taken from a fatty area of the patient’s body—such as the abdomen, under the chin, buttocks, or the inner or outer thigh—to areas of the face with volume deficiency after the fat has been processed through specific preparation steps.

For what purposes and in which areas is facial fat injection applied?
With aging, a reduction and sagging of facial fat occur. Through fat injection (as an alternative to synthetic fillers), the aim is to restore fullness and volume to areas of the face where volume loss is present, thereby achieving a more youthful and fuller facial appearance. Fat injection can also be used as an alternative to implants to correct structural deficiencies in the soft tissues and bony framework of the face. Fat injection can be applied to all areas where volume deficiency is present, most commonly the cheeks, forehead, around the eyes, chin, and lips.

What are the advantages of facial fat injection compared with filler injections?
If performed properly, fat injection is a long-lasting method. While a portion of the injected fat is gradually absorbed over time, approximately 50% of the injected volume typically remains permanently. One of the most important advantages of fat injection compared with synthetic fillers (such as hyaluronic acid or calcium hydroxyapatite), which generally disappear within 1–2 years, is that a significant portion of the injected fat can remain for life. In addition, since the patient’s own fat is used, problems such as allergic reactions or rejection that may occur with synthetic fillers are avoided.

What factors affect the permanence of fat, and does the procedure need to be repeated?
After a single fat injection session, an average permanence rate of approximately 30% to 70% can be achieved. Partial resorption of the injected fat usually occurs within the first year, especially during the first 3–4 months. Afterward, a regeneration process lasting until the second year begins, and some of the lost volume may be regained. For optimal results, fat injection may need to be repeated. The permanence of the transferred fat increases when atraumatic techniques that preserve fat viability are used. Therefore, the longevity of the injected fat depends on the techniques used during harvesting and injection, as well as the preparation process of the fat. The characteristics of the recipient area (such as vascularity, mobility, and frequency of trauma) also affect longevity. For example, fat injected into the lips tends to have much lower permanence compared with fat injected into the cheeks or around the eyes.

How is the fat prepared and injected?
The fat to be injected is harvested by creating a small opening in the skin of the donor area (usually the abdomen) through which a cannula is inserted, and the fat is aspirated using syringes. After the harvested fat undergoes specific preparation steps, it is transferred into syringes and injected into the areas of the face requiring volume restoration using a thin cannula.

How much time off work will I need?
Since there is no surgical incision on the face after the procedure, there is generally no discomfort severe enough to significantly affect daily life, apart from swelling and fullness (and rarely bruising) in the injected areas. Especially during the first 2–3 days, swelling greater than the injected fat volume may occur due to tissue trauma. The swelling usually decreases rapidly over the following days and typically resolves completely within 5–6 days. Most patients can return to their daily activities and work within a few days after the procedure. However, it should be noted that injections performed in the lip area may result in more pronounced swelling in the early period, and the recovery process may take slightly longer. If a larger amount of fat is injected to compensate for expected partial absorption, the additional fullness usually resolves as partial resorption occurs within a few weeks.

What is Botox and how does it work?
Botox is an exotoxin obtained from bacteria under laboratory conditions. It is administered by injecting it into the targeted muscle using a very fine needle. It works by creating a temporary paralysis in the muscle where it is applied. In cosmetic use, the aim is to reduce wrinkles in the skin caused by excessive contraction of facial expression muscles or to adjust the position of nearby structures (such as the height of the eyebrows). By correcting wrinkles caused by the overuse of facial muscles, a more rested and youthful appearance can be achieved. Although the effect depends on the dose, it usually gradually returns to its previous state within approximately 3–6 months.

Does Botox make the face look swollen?
Botox is not a filler material; therefore, it does not create a swelling effect.

Can everyone have Botox?
Except for some rare muscle diseases and known allergies to Botox, it can generally be used safely in most individuals. As with many medical treatments and procedures, it is not recommended for pregnant women or breastfeeding mothers.

Is Botox treatment painful?
Botox treatment of the face is a procedure that usually takes about 4–5 minutes. Botox is injected into the targeted muscle using a very fine needle; therefore, significant pain is usually not felt. For additional comfort, the area can be numbed beforehand with a topical anesthetic cream.

Which areas of the face can it be applied to?
For cosmetic purposes, Botox is most commonly applied to reduce wrinkles caused by excessive facial expressions in the forehead and around the eyes, with several small injections administered in each area. It is most frequently used to reduce horizontal lines on the forehead, vertical and oblique lines between the eyebrows, and radial lines at the outer corners of the eyes (crow’s feet). Injections in certain areas can also help adjust and elevate the position of the eyebrows. Additionally, it may be used to reduce lines caused by excessive contraction of the muscles of the upper lip, chin, and sides of the nose, as well as the vertical bands on the front of the neck.

When does the effect appear, how long does it last, and does it need to be repeated?
Muscle weakening begins approximately 2–3 days after the injection, improvement in wrinkles becomes noticeable within 7–10 days, and the effect usually disappears within 3–6 months. Once the effect wears off, Botox can typically be repeated after about 4–5 months. Repeated applications are not harmful; on the contrary, with repeated Botox treatments the muscles tend to remain relaxed for longer periods, which may lead to a reduction in wrinkles in the treated areas.

What unwanted effects may occur after Botox?
Small bruises lasting a few days may rarely occur at the injection sites. In rare cases, eyebrow asymmetry or temporary drooping of the eyelid may develop after the procedure. Inviting the patient for a follow-up visit about one week later can be helpful to correct such rare issues if they occur.

When can I return to daily activities?
You can return to work and your daily routine immediately after the injections.

What is PRP?

PRP application to the face (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is the name given to treatments performed using platelet-rich plasma prepared from the patient’s own blood. In addition to their role in blood clotting, platelets also release growth factors that promote tissue healing and regeneration. In PRP treatment, a much higher concentration of platelets than would normally reach the tissue through blood circulation is delivered directly to the targeted area. These natural growth factors help reverse the effects of tissue damage or aging and promote rejuvenation.

How is PRP applied?

A small amount of blood is taken from the patient into a special tube and centrifuged. The platelet-rich plasma obtained from this process is then re-applied to the same patient. The application can be performed by direct injection into the targeted areas of the face, neck, or scalp. It can also be applied as a mask after procedures such as microneedling (roller treatment) or skin resurfacing.

Is PRP safe?

PRP treatment is extremely safe because it uses platelets derived from the patient’s own blood.

What should I expect after PRP?

In the treated area (skin or scalp), PRP generally improves vitality and regeneration. Following skin resurfacing procedures (peels), it helps the skin recover and regenerate more rapidly. It can reduce wrinkles, pigmentation, and depressions caused by aging and sun exposure, improve dark discoloration under the eyes, and enhance skin elasticity and brightness. PRP may also accelerate healing in chronic skin wounds, revitalize hair, and help reduce hair loss.

What protocol is followed in PRP treatments?

Even after the first application, increased vitality, brightness, and radiance in the treated area can be noticeable. Depending on the patient’s needs, repeated treatments performed at certain intervals can further increase the effectiveness and longevity of the results.

Is the treatment painful?

Since very fine needles are used during the procedure, the discomfort is generally mild and well tolerated. The sensation can be minimized by applying a topical anesthetic cream before the treatment.

When can I return to daily activities after PRP?

Apart from minimal sensitivity or redness related to the application technique, your normal daily activities are generally not affected after the treatment.

What is chemical skin peeling?
Chemical skin peeling is the process of applying chemical agents to the face in order to renew the skin surface and improve overall skin quality.

What chemicals are used in skin peeling procedures?
Different concentrations of various chemical agents can be used to reach the desired depth of the skin. The most commonly preferred chemicals include glycolic acid and salicylic acid for mild (superficial) peels; Jessner’s solution and 10–25% TCA (trichloroacetic acid) for mild-to-moderate peels; and 35% TCA for medium-depth peels.

What are the effects of chemical skin peeling?
Chemical peeling reduces fine wrinkles and pigmentation on the face. Medium and deeper peels can also tighten collagen beneath the skin, resulting in overall skin tightening and facial rejuvenation.

How is chemical skin peeling performed?
Except for deep peels, most procedures do not require anesthesia.

After cleansing the face, the chemical agent is applied to the skin and may be layered several times depending on the desired depth. The entire procedure usually takes about 10–15 minutes. After chemical peeling, a short-lasting burning sensation may occur depending on the depth of the treatment. Patients can usually return home immediately after the procedure.

What should I expect after the procedure?
Depending on the depth of the peel, some redness and crusting may occur on the face. After superficial peeling, mild redness lasting 1–2 days is common. After medium-depth peels, redness may last about 2–3 days, followed by peeling and flaking of the skin between days 3–7. Once the peeling process is complete, the skin appears more vibrant, smoother, and more evenly toned.

What should I pay attention to after the procedure?
Patients who undergo medium or deep chemical peels should avoid sun exposure for at least six months and use sunscreen regularly. Especially in individuals with darker skin tones or those who are not adequately protected from the sun, pigmentation changes may occur after peeling procedures. For this reason, medium and deep peels are generally recommended for relatively fair-skinned patients and preferably performed during the winter months.