Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Hamdi Sakarya

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ahmet Hamdi Sakarya is a double board-certified (European and National) Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgeon. Dr. Ahmet has a US Medical Equivalency Certificate (ECFMG) which is required to practice medicine legally in the United States. He is a member of the American Plastic Surgery Association, the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, the Turkish Plastic, Reconstructive, and Aesthetic Surgery, and the Turkish Reconstructive Microsurgery Association.

Dr. Sakarya has been practicing plastic surgery for almost 14 years. He has completed his two-year reconstructive microsurgery fellowship, focusing on facial nerve reconstructions and palsy, and complex head and neck cancer reconstructions under world-renowned reconstructive surgeons, Fu Chan Wei and David Chuang, at Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Taiwan. Even though Dr. Sakarya has been practicing both aesthetic and reconstructive procedures all over the body, his main focus is facial aesthetics and reconstructive microsurgery procedures. 

Interview with:

Assoc. Prof. Ahmet Hamdi Sakarya

(Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery)

Hello, doctor, and thank you for taking the time to speak with us today. Let’s start by discussing your journey to becoming a double board-certified plastic surgeon. What inspired you to specialize in this field?

Hey there! Thank you for having me. I’ve always been fascinated by human anatomy, and plastic surgery is the specialty with the broadest surgical field. It requires mastery of the anatomy and surgical techniques involving soft tissue, bone, cartilage, nerve, vessels, tendons, and fat—knowledge that is not found in any other surgical specialty. The limitless number of surgical techniques and the fact that each patient’s design and procedure are unique, rather than standardized, truly fascinates me. That’s why I decided to focus on this field.

During the 14 years of your career, what are some of the most notable milestones you’ve achieved as a plastic surgeon?

With nearly 14 years of experience as a plastic surgeon, I’m proud of my accomplishments, which include completing an intensive residency at Hacettepe University, the leading plastic surgery center in Turkey. I’ve demonstrated my strong medical foundation by achieving high scores on the USMLE exams, expanded my expertise through prestigious fellowships in reconstructive microsurgery and peripheral nerve surgery, and served the public during two years of mandatory medical service in a small border town. I’ve performed numerous reconstructive surgeries, and currently, I balance a thriving private practice with an academic role at Marmara University, which allows me to train the next generation of surgeons.

We’re seeing your facelift procedures gain more and more popularity, and your name is becoming synonymous with natural-looking results. Could you tell us more about the facelift techniques you use?

The main goal of facelift surgery is to address signs of aging, such as jowls and sagging skin. There are various techniques, including mini facelifts, endoscopic facelifts, temporal facelifts, SMAS plication, high-SMAS facelift and the extended deep-plane facelift. However, I almost always perform deep-plane technique surgery. Each technique requires a different level of expertise, but the extended deep-plane facelift and extended high-SMAS facelift is the most comprehensive and technically demanding, however I abandoned High-SMAS technique because extended deep-plane technique has all the advantages of High-SMAS technique which is a direct elevation of the midface especially with my modified application of deep-plane technique. It provides the best results in terms of longevity, natural appearance and effectiveness. 

For how long have you been active in the field of facelift surgeries?

I have been actively performing facelift surgeries for the last 7 or 8 years. However, I had been performing more facial nerve and nerve reconstruction surgeries than facelift surgeries. Considering my 14 years in the field, I developed my own deep-plane technique with the knowledge I gained from reconstructive surgeries. I do not approach facelift surgeries like any other operation but consider it like a soft tissue reconstructive surgery.

Speaking of reconstructive surgeries, how have they influenced your approach to aesthetic procedures?

During my two-year fellowship in reconstructive microsurgery, I focused on facial nerve reconstructions and complex head and neck cancer reconstructions under Dr. Fu Chan Wei and Dr. David Chuang. It was an eye-opening experience that broadened my vision of aesthetic and reconstructive surgery and gave me a deeper understanding of detailed facial anatomy and the nuances of reconstructive techniques. I am also working in the field of reconstruction of hands, legs and any body part you can think of. Microsurgery is really fascinating. It includes reconstruction of the whole body and it requires expertise of handling all kind of tissues like soft tissue, skin tissue, vessels, nerves, ligament, tendons and bone cartilage. 

When creating personalized treatment plans for your patients, what criteria do you consider?

When designing treatment plans, I consider the patient’s unique anatomy, their desired outcomes, medical history, and overall health. I also factor in their expectations and concerns, while staying updated on the latest advancements in plastic and reconstructive surgery. This comprehensive approach ensures each patient receives a tailored treatment plan that best suits their needs.

What prompted you to pursue the US Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE) and obtain European board certification? What are your aspirations for practicing in the United States?

I pursued the USMLE to expand my career opportunities and contribute to the field of plastic surgery on a global scale. I aspire to practice in the United States to share my expertise with a broader patient population and collaborate with leading surgeons. Doesn’t that sound great?

How do you envision the future of plastic surgery and its role in enhancing people's lives? 

I see plastic surgery evolving to meet the changing needs of patients. With advancements in technology and techniques, it will play an increasingly important role in improving people’s lives, both physically and emotionally. It will not only address cosmetic concerns but also restore function and self-esteem, enhancing overall well-being.

Outside of your surgical expertise, what are some of your personal interests or hobbies that you enjoy pursuing?

I really, really enjoy pursuing surgeries, snowboarding, dancing, martial arts, and travelling. These activities allow me to unwind, de-stress, and maintain a healthy work-life balance.

What advice would you give to young surgeons who aspire to make a global impact?

To aspiring surgeons, I’d say commit to lifelong learning and continuous professional development. Understand that hard work and learning are not burdens but rather necessities that will set you apart. Since our work involves people, it’s essential to succeed in loving people first.