Nihal Üstün, MD

Nihal Üstün, MD is a specialist in Aesthetic Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery. She works within the Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery unit, and her listed areas of expertise are reconstructive surgery and aesthetic surgery. She joined Acibadem Health Group in 2024, where she sees patients from Turkey and abroad in this field.

Dr. Üstün graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2004. She then completed her specialty training in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery at Ankara Numune Training and Research Hospital, finishing in 2011. Her training therefore covers both the reconstructive and the aesthetic sides of the discipline, which is reflected in the two areas of practice listed in her profile.

Clinical focus

The first of Dr. Üstün’s listed areas is reconstructive surgery. In general terms, reconstructive procedures are performed to restore the form or function of tissue that has been affected by injury, disease, a congenital difference or earlier surgery. Whether a reconstructive operation is appropriate, and which approach is considered, depends on an individual assessment of the affected area, the patient’s general health and the treatment that has already taken place. Existing medical reports, operative notes and imaging are therefore an important part of the evaluation.

Her second listed area is aesthetic surgery, meaning procedures undertaken to change a feature of appearance rather than to treat an illness. In this area, the discussion with the patient usually centres on what the patient hopes to change, whether that expectation is realistic, the patient’s health status, and the possible risks and recovery period of any procedure. As with reconstructive surgery, a recommendation can only be made after a clinical examination and a detailed conversation about the options, including the option of not operating.

How Dr. Üstün works with international patients

Dr. Üstün speaks Turkish and English, and interpreters can be arranged for patients who prefer to communicate in another language. Before a visit, the Acibadem international patient team coordinates the collection of prior reports and imaging, arranges appointments and organises the hospital visit. A first consultation typically covers the patient’s history and symptoms, a review of existing imaging and previous treatments, a clinical examination and a discussion of the options that may be suitable. Video consultation is available for international patients, which allows a patient living abroad to speak with Dr. Üstün, describe their concern and share existing reports before deciding whether to travel. A video consultation is a preliminary conversation; a physical examination is still required before any surgical plan is confirmed, and the information gathered remotely is reviewed again in person during the hospital visit.