Background and credentials
Doç. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal completed his medical education at Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine, one of Turkey's leading academic medical institutions, followed by plastic surgery residency and fellowship training. He holds the academic title of Doçent (Associate Professor) awarded by the Inter-University Council of Turkey.
Dr. Erdal is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS) and holds the European Board certification in Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (FEBOPRAS). He is a member of the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), the International Confederation for Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (IPRAS), the European Association of Plastic Surgeons (EURAPS), and the Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (TPRECD).
His academic publications have appeared in peer-reviewed international plastic surgery journals, including original surgical maneuvers referenced in the international literature.
Philosophy on buccal fat removal
Dr. Erdal's approach to buccal fat pad removal is deliberately conservative. The buccal fat pad has biological and structural functions beyond pure aesthetics — it cushions the chewing muscles, occupies anatomical space, and contributes to the soft, healthy appearance of a young face.
The fashionable 'snatched' look — produced by maximum or near-maximum resection — flatters certain faces at certain ages. It also predictably produces a hollow, gaunt, prematurely-aged appearance as the patient ages. Because the procedure is not reversible in any meaningful sense, this is not a trade most patients would knowingly make if presented honestly with the long-term outcome.
For this reason, Dr. Erdal:
- Performs a conservative partial resection — typically 2–3 grams per side in suitable candidates
- Declines roughly one in four buccal fat inquiries on the basis of unsuitability
- Provides every patient with an honest assessment of long-term outcomes before surgery, not just immediate post-op outcomes
- Will not perform 'maximum' or 'aggressive' resection on request, regardless of patient pressure
Practice and credentials at a glance
- Title: Associate Professor (Doçent) of Plastic Surgery
- Board certifications: FACS (American College of Surgeons), FEBOPRAS (European Board)
- Medical school: Hacettepe University Faculty of Medicine
- Memberships: ISAPS, IPRAS, EURAPS, ASPS, TPRECD
- Regulatory: Turkish Ministry of Health USHAŞ International Health Tourism Certification (2026034015610080000444996)
- Languages: Turkish, English
- Location: Teşvikiye Caddesi No:9/12, Şişli, Istanbul
Speak with Doç. Dr. Erdal
Schedule a free WhatsApp consultation with Doç. Dr. Erdal. Send a few facial photos and your questions — typical response within 2 hours during business hours.