Rhinoplasty in Istanbul

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can reduce or refine a dorsal hump, change the width of the bridge, reshape or support the tip, adjust the angle between the nose and lip, or correct asymmetry after injury. When there is a breathing problem, such as a deviated septum or collapse of the nasal valves, functional surgery (septorhinoplasty) can be performed at the same time.

There are two main approaches. In closed rhinoplasty all incisions are inside the nostrils, leaving no external scar. In open rhinoplasty a small incision across the columella (the strip between the nostrils) gives the surgeon direct visibility of the cartilage framework, which can be helpful for complex tip work or revision cases. Both are valid techniques; the choice depends on what needs to be changed and your surgeon's experience.

Who may be suitable?

• Women whose facial growth is complete, usually from late teens onwards
• Concerns about the shape, size or symmetry of the nose
• Breathing difficulties related to nasal structure
• Good general health and non-smoking
• Realistic expectations and patience with a long swelling period
• A clear sense of what you would like to change, discussed openly with your surgeon

What can this procedure address?

• A dorsal hump or uneven bridge
• A wide, bulbous, drooping or over-projected tip
• Wide nostrils or nasal asymmetry
• A crooked nose, including after injury
• Deviated septum or nasal valve problems affecting breathing

Consultation & assessment

For your online assessment you share front, profile, oblique and base-view photographs confidentially, along with any history of nasal injury, previous surgery, allergies or breathing difficulty. The surgeon gives an initial view of what may be achievable and whether a functional component is likely to be needed.

In Istanbul your surgeon examines the nose inside and out before surgery is confirmed, including a functional breathing assessment of the septum, turbinates and nasal valves. Skin thickness, which strongly influences how much definition is possible, is discussed. Many surgeons use photographs or simulations to agree goals, but these are a communication aid and not a promise of outcome. Consented before and after photographs may be reviewed with you.

How the procedure is performed

Through either an open or closed approach, the surgeon reshapes the cartilage and bone. A hump may be reduced by rasping or removing bone and cartilage; the nasal bones may be narrowed by controlled osteotomies; the tip may be reshaped with sutures or cartilage grafts.

If breathing is affected, the septum can be straightened (septoplasty) and valve support improved. Cartilage for grafting is often taken from the septum, and less commonly from the ear or rib, particularly in revision surgery.

At the end of the procedure, a splint is placed on the nose for about a week. Internal splints or soft packing may be used, depending on your surgeon's preference.

Anaesthesia

Rhinoplasty is usually performed under general anaesthesia. Your anaesthetist will review your medical history and medications. Local anaesthetic is also used during the procedure to reduce bleeding and discomfort.

Recovery timeline

1. Days 1–3

   Congestion, swelling and bruising around the eyes are common. Breathing through the nose is limited. Rest with your head elevated.

2. Week 1

   The external splint and any internal splints are usually removed around day 7. The nose looks swollen and the tip feels stiff.

3. Weeks 2–3

   Bruising fades and many women return to work and social life. Avoid knocks to the nose and wearing glasses that rest on the bridge.

4. Week 6

   Nasal bones are more stable and most exercise can resume with approval. Breathing continues to improve.

5. 3–6 months

   The nose looks more refined, although the tip may remain swollen, especially with thicker skin.

6. 12+ months

   Swelling continues to settle over 12 months or more, and the final shape emerges gradually.

What to expect during the first week

• Keep your head elevated and avoid lying flat
• Do not blow your nose; sneeze with your mouth open
• Keep the splint dry and do not remove it yourself
• Use saline sprays or rinses only as instructed
• Avoid bending, lifting and hot baths or saunas
• Report heavy bleeding, increasing pain or fever

Scars

Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible external scar. Open rhinoplasty leaves a small scar across the columella that usually heals well and becomes difficult to see. Alar (nostril) reduction leaves fine scars in the natural crease of the nostril.

Results

Rhinoplasty can create a nose that is more balanced with your face and may improve breathing. The final shape takes 12 months or more to emerge, and the tip is often the last area to settle. Your surgeon may review consented before and after photographs with you. Results vary between individuals.

Results vary between individuals. Consented before-and-after images of similar cases may be reviewed with your specialist during consultation — before & after

How long do results last?

The structural changes are long-lasting, although the nose continues to change subtly with age, as do the surrounding features.

Potential risks and complications

All surgical procedures carry risks. Your surgeon will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and individual risks with you before you decide whether to proceed.

• Persistent swelling, particularly of the tip, especially in women with thicker skin
• Breathing difficulty or nasal obstruction
• Asymmetry or irregularities of the bridge or tip
• Over-correction or under-correction
• Bleeding, including nosebleeds in the first weeks
• Infection
• Septal perforation
• Altered sensation of the tip or upper teeth
• Need for revision rhinoplasty, which is a recognised possibility even with an experienced surgeon
• General risks of anaesthesia

Choosing a surgeon

• Specialist training in plastic surgery or ENT/facial plastic surgery with a focus on rhinoplasty
• Registration with the Turkish Medical Association and relevant society membership that you can verify
• Extensive experience with rhinoplasty, including functional and, where relevant, revision surgery
• Consented before and after photographs showing a range of nose types and skin thicknesses
• Hospital privileges and a clear plan for follow-up during the long swelling period

Our specialists

Rhinoplasty in Istanbul

Istanbul is a well-established destination for rhinoplasty, with surgeons who perform the procedure regularly and private hospitals with modern facilities. Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals.

A stay of around 7–10 days is generally recommended so that the splint can be removed and your surgeon can check healing before you fly. Because swelling settles over 12 months or more, remote follow-up with photographs is an important part of the plan.

The cost of rhinoplasty in Turkey depends on the surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, whether the procedure is primary or revision, whether functional surgery or rib cartilage is needed, hospital stay and accommodation. A personalised written quote follows assessment. Choose your surgeon and hospital based on medical quality, not price alone.

Costs depend on your surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia, complexity and any combined procedures — see treatment costs in Turkey.

Your hospital

Depending on the surgeon and procedure, treatments may be performed at leading private hospitals in Istanbul, including LIV Hospital Vadistanbul, Memorial Bahçelievler and selected Acıbadem hospitals. Your written treatment plan confirms the hospital before you travel. Hospitals & Facilities

Aftercare when you return home

• Avoid glasses resting on the bridge until your surgeon advises
• Protect the nose from knocks and strong sun
• Send photographs for remote reviews at agreed intervals
• Be patient with tip swelling and avoid judging the final result too early
• Seek medical advice for persistent bleeding, increasing pain or fever

Our aftercare pathway