Prof. Mehmet Veli Karaaltın, MD

Prof. Mehmet Veli Karaaltın, MD is a specialist in Aesthetic Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery practicing in the Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery unit at Acibadem Taksim Hospital in İstanbul. His subspecialty is advanced limb reconstruction, and his clinical work covers both aesthetic procedures and complex reconstructive surgery, including the care and treatment of chronic wounds. He has more than 29 years of experience in medicine.

Dr. Karaaltın graduated from İstanbul University Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine in 1997 and completed his specialty training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine in 2004. He subsequently obtained Medical Specialization Board qualifications in Hand Surgery (2012) and in Oral, Facial and Maxillofacial Surgery (2013). His professional experience includes positions at Özel Çapa Hospital (2004–2007), Özel Huzur Hospital (2007–2008), Medikal Park Bahçelievler Hospital (2008) and Bezmialem Vakıf University (2010–2013), and he joined Acıbadem Healthcare Services in 2011. He is a member of the Turkish Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Association, the Turkish Hand and Upper Extremity Surgery Association and the Reconstructive Microsurgery Association. His published work includes studies on free flap techniques for reconstruction of maxillofacial and other defects, the use of fascia lata for nasal dorsal contouring in rhinoplasty, adipose-derived regenerative cell therapy in wound treatment, and the design of surgical instruments.

Clinical focus

In aesthetic surgery, Dr. Karaaltın’s areas of expertise include breast augmentation, breast reduction, rhinoplasty and surgical face lift. Each of these procedures is planned individually, taking into account the patient’s anatomy, medical history and expectations, and the possible benefits, limitations and risks of surgery are discussed before any decision is made.

In reconstructive surgery, his focus is on advanced limb reconstruction and on the care and treatment of chronic wounds. His board qualifications in hand surgery and in oral, facial and maxillofacial surgery, together with his membership in the Reconstructive Microsurgery Association and his publications on free flap reconstruction, reflect a background in microsurgical reconstructive techniques. Reconstructive treatment plans depend on the nature and extent of the defect or wound, and may involve staged procedures and coordination with other specialties.

How Dr. Karaaltın works with international patients

Dr. Karaaltın consults in Turkish and English. The international patient team at Acibadem coordinates the exchange of medical reports and imaging before the visit, arranges appointment scheduling and supports patients during their stay in İstanbul. A first consultation typically covers a review of the patient’s medical history and any previous surgery, a clinical examination, and a discussion of which surgical options may be appropriate, along with the expected course of recovery and follow-up. Video consultation is available for international patients who wish to discuss their situation and review documents with Dr. Karaaltın before deciding whether to travel; a final treatment plan is confirmed only after an in-person assessment.