Professor Dr. Karaaltin
Globally Renowned Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
Triple Board-Certified | Innovator | Educator | Microvascular Pioneer
A Global Journey Rooted in Excellence
Born in 1972 in Kirkuk, Iraq, Professor Dr. Karaaltin is a proud Turkish descendant. At just six months old, his family moved to the United States of America, where he spent his formative years completing his early education across West Lafayette, Indiana, and Orange County, Los Angeles (1976–1988).
In 1990, Dr. Karaaltin returned to Turkey to pursue his medical education. He graduated from Istanbul University, Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty (English Program), one of the most prestigious institutions in the country. Ranking 12th out of 25,000 in the National Medical Specialization Exam, he went on to complete a six-year residency in Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery at Hacettepe University, Ankara—earning the Turkish Board Certification in this field.
In 2012, his excellence was recognized internationally when he became a Fellow of the European Board of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery (EBOPRAS), achieving full European accreditation.
Educator, Mentor, Leader
As a faculty member at Bezmialem and Acıbadem Universities, Dr. Karaaltin has taught hundreds of medical students and mentored numerous plastic surgeons who have gone on to become leaders in their field. His passion for education is matched only by his dedication to innovation.
Innovations in Aesthetic Surgery
Dr. Karaaltin is globally respected for his innovations in aesthetic surgery, particularly in:
- Rhinoplasty: Co-editor and chapter contributor to Advanced Aesthetic Rhinoplasty: Art, Science & New Techniques, he also introduced the SMART Template for superior dorsum contouring, first unveiled in 2020 at the European Society of Rhinoplasty in Bergamo, Italy.
- Facial Rejuvenation: Developer of the Four-Corner Concept, which integrates cellular therapy into facial anti-aging.
- Regenerative Medicine: A pioneer in stem cell-based wound healing, burn management, and breast reconstruction. He serves on the Advisory Board of the Global Stem Cell Group (since 2018).
Global Recognition & Surgical Milestones
Dr. Karaaltin is a proud member of ISAPS (International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons) and a champion of ISAPS’s Diamond Concept, which places patient safety at the forefront of aesthetic practice worldwide.
He has performed groundbreaking surgeries including:
- World’s Third Full Face Transplant
- First Quadruple Limb Transplant
- World-Record Twin Separation: Led a 9-hour surgical separation of Thoraco-Omphalopagus conjoined twinsusing state-of-the-art 3D modeling and regenerative techniques.
His expertise in microvascular free flap surgery, nerve transfers, and facial reanimation is world-renowned. He also authored definitive chapters on facial paralysis treatment in leading textbooks and continues to be a keynote speaker at global conferences.
Pushing Boundaries in Lymphatic Surgery
A current focus of Dr. Karaaltin’s research and surgical work is on multi-level vascularized lymph node transfer, offering hope and advanced solutions for patients suffering from lymphatic obstruction and lymphedema.
Advocate of Safety: Advanced Safe BBL
Known for his dedication to patient safety, Dr. Karaaltin has established strict surgical protocols for high-demand procedures such as Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), coining the term Advanced Safe BBL to ensure optimal aesthetic results while minimizing risk.
Awards & Honors
- Best Experimental Paper (2017) – Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery Journal
- Contributor to the UK Best-Seller Book on Modern Facial Rejuvenation Techniques
- Invited keynote speaker at leading international microsurgery and regenerative medicine symposia
Dr. Karaaltin is a devoted father of twins and the husband of the Vice Dean of Cerrahpaşa Medical Faculty. His life and career are a testament to dedication, innovation, and compassion.
Timeline of Landmark Achievements
A curated journey of surgical innovation and global recognition by Professor Dr. Karaaltin
World’s Third Full Face Transplant & First Quadruple Limb Transplant
As a core surgical team member at Hacettepe University, Ankara, Dr. Karaaltin participated in two historic procedures:
- The world’s third full face transplantation
- The first-ever quadruple limb transplant
Innovation in Facial Paralysis Surgery
Dr. Karaaltin pioneered and popularized the Free Extensor Digitorum Brevis and Extensor Hallucis Brevis Muscle Functional Transfer technique, offering a dynamic, natural solution for smile restoration in facial paralysis patients.
“A demonstrative clip showing the versatility of Dr. Karaaltin’s dynamic muscle transfer technique.”
Life-Saving Treatment of “The Miracle Man” Adem Kılıç
Dr. Karaaltin led the complex reconstructive efforts that saved the life of a man with over 75% total body surface area burn injuries, widely regarded as a near-impossible case in modern medicine.
Caption:
Mr. Adem Kılıç, known as “The Miracle Man,” visiting Dr. K after three years from the tragic accident that nearly took his life.
Awarded Best Scientific Paper in Plastic Surgery
Dr. Karaaltin’s original contribution to reconstructive surgery received the Best Scientific Paper of the Month distinction in an internationally recognized plastic surgery journal.
Multi-Level Free Vascularized Lymph Node Transfer Popularized
In a remarkable pediatric case, Dr. Karaaltin introduced and performed bilateral six-level vascularized lymph node transfer for lymphedema in a 14-year-old Romanian patient, setting a precedent in the field.
World Record: Fastest-Ever Separation of Conjoined Twins Using 3D Technology
A world record was set as Professor Dr. Karaaltin and his surgical team successfully separated craniopagus conjoined twins from Algeria (Chefa & Safa) in under 9 hours using advanced 3D surgical planning.
The First Kaplan Prize – Pioneering Lymphedema Surgery
Dr. Karaaltin is honored with the First Kaplan Prize for his groundbreaking work in multi-level lymph node transfer, solidifying his global leadership in lymphedema surgery.
“A visionary approach awarded with the highest distinction in the field.”
Legacy of Excellence This timeline reflects just a fragment of Professor Dr. Karaaltin’s lifelong dedication to pioneering surgical breakthroughs, patient-centered care, and academic leadership across reconstructive and aesthetic surgery.
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