Rhinoplasty, also known as nose reshaping surgery or nose aesthetics, is one of the most frequently performed procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery. The main goal is to improve nasal shape while maintaining harmony with the rest of the face. Depending on the patient's anatomy and expectations, rhinoplasty can be used to:

• reduce the size or length of the nose (nose reduction)
• adjust the nasal tip projection and height
• refine the angle between the nose and upper lip (nasolabial angle)
• reshape or reduce a nasal hump (dorsal hump)
• modify the shape and size of the nostrils
• in selected cases, augment nasal structure for better proportion

Rhinoplasty may also help improve certain congenital nasal irregularities. In patients with functional concerns, the procedure may include correction of breathing issues such as a deviated septum (often referred to as septorhinoplasty, when both aesthetic and functional goals are addressed).

If you are considering rhinoplasty, this page may not answer every personal question specific to your case. For anything unclear, it is recommended to consult your surgeon for individualized medical guidance.

For questions regarding rhinoplasty costs in Turkey or to receive more detailed information, you may contact the clinic.

Important Considerations Before Deciding on Cosmetic Nose Surgery

After cosmetic rhinoplasty, the appearance of the nose-and therefore overall facial balance-may change. For many people, this refinement can positively affect self-confidence. However, one of the most important factors influencing the surgical outcome is the pre-operative nasal structure.

In the early post-operative period, it is normal to experience swelling and sometimes bruising. Patients should be aware that these effects are temporary and part of the healing process. Once the initial swelling improves and the nasal shape begins to settle (often after the first month), patients typically start seeing a clearer view of the refined nasal contour.

It is also important to approach rhinoplasty with realistic expectations. While facial appearance may change, rhinoplasty does not change a person's life circumstances. Candidates who aim for natural improvement rather than perfection tend to be better suited for the procedure.

During consultation, the surgeon evaluates not only the nasal anatomy but also the patient's general health and psychological readiness. Because rhinoplasty results are intended to be long-lasting, patients are encouraged not to make sudden decisions and to take sufficient time to consider surgery thoughtfully.

Important Considerations Before Deciding on Cosmetic Nose Surgery

After cosmetic rhinoplasty, the appearance of the nose-and therefore overall facial balance-may change. For many people, this refinement can positively affect self-confidence. However, one of the most important factors influencing the surgical outcome is the pre-operative nasal structure.

In the early post-operative period, it is normal to experience swelling and sometimes bruising. Patients should be aware that these effects are temporary and part of the healing process. Once the initial swelling improves and the nasal shape begins to settle (often after the first month), patients typically start seeing a clearer view of the refined nasal contour.

It is also important to approach rhinoplasty with realistic expectations. While facial appearance may change, rhinoplasty does not change a person's life circumstances. Candidates who aim for natural improvement rather than perfection tend to be better suited for the procedure.

During consultation, the surgeon evaluates not only the nasal anatomy but also the patient's general health and psychological readiness. Because rhinoplasty results are intended to be long-lasting, patients are encouraged not to make sudden decisions and to take sufficient time to consider surgery thoughtfully.

Every Surgical Procedure Has Risks

All surgical procedures-whether aesthetic or medically necessary-carry some level of risk. In rhinoplasty, the risk profile may be influenced by multiple factors, including surgical technique and the surgeon's experience with nasal anatomy.

When performed by an experienced specialist, rhinoplasty is generally considered a safe procedure, but no surgery can be described as risk-free in absolute terms.

Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty (Surgical Techniques)

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is commonly performed using two main techniques:

Closed Rhinoplasty

In closed rhinoplasty, incisions are made inside the nostrils. Because the incisions remain internal, there is typically no visible external scar.

Open Rhinoplasty

In open rhinoplasty, an additional small incision may be made across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils), allowing the nasal structures to be accessed more directly. This technique can be useful depending on the complexity of the case.

If nostril narrowing is required, small incisions may be placed near the base of the nostrils. These scars are usually positioned within natural folds and are designed to become less noticeable over time.

The decision between open and closed rhinoplasty depends on the patient's anatomy, surgical goals, and the surgeon's preferred approach.

Revision Rhinoplasty (Secondary Nose Surgery)

In some cases, a second procedure-known as revision rhinoplasty-may be required after healing is completed. The revision rate varies across surgeons and patient populations. In general references, it is noted that a subset of patients may require secondary correction after waiting at least 6 months, depending on healing and outcome.

This is not always predictable, because each patient's:

• bone structure
• cartilage anatomy
• skin thickness
• healing characteristics

can differ significantly. Even with experienced surgeons, individual healing responses may affect outcomes.

When revision rhinoplasty is needed, it is often less extensive than the initial operation and may involve smaller corrective adjustments.

When planning rhinoplasty, one of the most important factors is strong, clear, and realistic communication between the patient and the surgeon. For this reason, it may be helpful to schedule more than one consultation before finalizing the decision-especially to ensure that your expectations are fully understood.

Rhinoplasty planning is based on both the patient's goals and the potential changes that may affect overall facial harmony. However, the surgeon must also evaluate the patient's unique nasal anatomy-including the bone, cartilage, and skin structure-as well as the proportions of the rest of the face. During consultation, your doctor will explain what type of nasal changes are medically possible and aesthetically suitable for you.

It is also important to understand that reference photos may not always be appropriate for every patient's face or nose. During these meetings, you should always share:

• any previous nasal surgeries
• allergies or chronic sinus conditions (if present)
• medications you regularly use
• chronic illnesses or medical conditions

This information helps ensure that rhinoplasty is planned safely and appropriately.

Pre-Operative Preparation

Before surgery, patients are typically advised to stop eating and drinking for the final 8 hours prior to the procedure. On the morning of surgery, hospital admission is completed, and routine anesthesia-related medical checks are performed.

These assessments may include:

• blood tests
• chest X-ray
• electrocardiogram (ECG)

If these evaluations show no contraindications and the medical examination is satisfactory, the patient is cleared for surgery. Your surgeon will explain the full pre-operative plan during your appointments.

Where Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Rhinoplasty is performed in a fully equipped hospital setting. In most cases, patients stay in the hospital for one night for observation.

Type of Anesthesia

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally performed under general anesthesia, meaning the patient is fully asleep throughout the operation. Prior to surgery, an anesthesiologist performs a detailed evaluation and reviews the test results to ensure anesthesia safety.

The Operation (How Rhinoplasty Is Performed)

The duration of rhinoplasty can vary depending on whether there is a functional issue (such as breathing difficulty) and how extensive the planned reshaping is. In many cases, surgery lasts approximately 1 to 2 hours.

During rhinoplasty, nasal structures such as cartilage, bone, and soft tissue layers may be carefully separated and reshaped to achieve the planned result. The exact surgical steps depend on the specific anatomical concerns being corrected.

If the patient has breathing problems related to nasal deviation or septal issues, the operation may require additional procedures such as septoplasty. In these cases, the surgery duration may increase due to the extra corrective steps involved.

After shaping is completed, the nasal skin is repositioned and adapted over the newly structured framework.

Open vs Closed Rhinoplasty Techniques

Rhinoplasty can be performed using two primary approaches:

Closed Rhinoplasty

In the closed technique, incisions are placed inside the nostrils and remain hidden. Many surgeons prefer this approach when suitable, since it may preserve supportive nasal structures and avoids visible external incisions.

Open Rhinoplasty

In the open technique, a small incision is placed on the columella (the thin skin between the nostrils). This incision is typically about 3-4 mm. While it may be noticeable in the early healing period (first 1-2 months), it usually becomes far less visible over time.

Open rhinoplasty may be preferred in certain situations, such as:

• revision (secondary) rhinoplasty
• complex deformities
• cases requiring more detailed structural exposure and correction

When possible, closed rhinoplasty may be preferred because nasal support structures are better preserved and there is no external incision.

Nasal Splint and Internal Supports (After Surgery)

After both open and closed rhinoplasty, the nose is supported to maintain the new shape and protect healing tissues. A nasal splint may be applied using:

• thermoplastic material
• metal support structures
• or a plaster-based cast (depending on technique)

The splint can help:

• control swelling
• provide stability
• reduce risk from accidental impact

In addition, internal nasal supports are commonly placed. These may include silicone nasal packs with a small airway channel, allowing partial breathing through the nose.

The timing for pack removal can vary depending on whether septoplasty (breathing correction) is included. In many cases, packs may be removed between day 2 and day 7, according to clinical assessment and healing progress.

First 48 Hours After Rhinoplasty

During the first 48 hours after cosmetic rhinoplasty, swelling over the nose-and in some patients, bruising and swelling around the eyes-may increase. After the second day, these effects typically begin to improve gradually.

To help reduce swelling and bruising, cold compresses are often recommended during the first 48 hours, as advised by your surgeon. Recovery varies from person to person, and the degree and duration of swelling/bruising can differ depending on individual healing responses.

Early Recovery: Pain, Discomfort, and Daily Activity

In the first few days, some patients may feel:

• facial heaviness
• mild headache
• general discomfort in the nose area

This is usually manageable with prescribed pain-relief medication. After approximately one week, swelling, bruising, and the need for painkillers typically decrease significantly. Many patients report that they need only minimal pain medication after the first week.

On the first day after surgery, patients are usually advised to rest in bed with the head elevated. Except for essential needs (such as using the bathroom), patients are generally not encouraged to stand up frequently on the first day. From the second day onward, patients are often encouraged to take light walks and continue with gentle daily activities to support circulation and recovery.

Rhinoplasty is considered a procedure with a relatively fast recovery period. However, mild nasal drainage (light fluid discharge) from the nostrils is common during the first days.

Because internal incisions need time to heal, patients should avoid actions that increase pressure, such as:

• forceful blowing of the nose
• intense sneezing without support
• activities that strongly increase nasal pressure

Once nasal packing is removed, patients usually feel significantly more comfortable. Similarly, after the external nasal splint is removed, patients can see the early shape of the nose and often feel more at ease.

Return to Normal Life After Rhinoplasty

By the end of 7 days, many patients can go outside and begin returning to social life. However, due to overall facial swelling, changes may still be noticeable. If you work in a public-facing role, it may be more appropriate to plan approximately 10 days off.

For school life and desk-based work, returning after 1 week is often possible. Still, some restrictions remain even after returning to routine life.

Physical Activity and Safety Restrictions

For the first 2 weeks, patients should avoid activities that raise blood pressure significantly, such as:

• running
• swimming
• ball sports and contact sports
• intense physical exercise

For the first 4 weeks, it is especially important to avoid any activity that could cause nasal trauma. During healing, nasal bones and structures are more sensitive. A mild impact that normally would not cause a fracture may lead to complications after surgery and could affect shape.

Sun Protection and Skin Care

After rhinoplasty, the nasal skin may become more sensitive to sunlight. Patients are generally advised to:

• use high-quality sunscreen as recommended
• avoid prolonged sun exposure

When washing the face or removing makeup, the treated area should be handled gently and carefully. This does not mean the nose should not be cleaned-rather, it should be done delicately and according to medical advice.

For professional skin care, it is recommended to choose a qualified medical-grade or professional center. Post-operative skin care may help maintain healthy skin and support overall comfort, especially during the recovery period.

Glasses and Contact Lens Use

For patients who wear glasses:

• contact lenses may be recommended for approximately 1 month
• wearing regular glasses is often delayed for 2 months (about 8 weeks) whenever possible

Continuous pressure from eyeglasses on the nasal bridge can affect healing and may contribute to unwanted shape changes.

For sunglasses, guidance may differ slightly. In many cases, sunglasses can be worn briefly after the first month, but prolonged pressure should be avoided.

Follow-Up Appointments and Healing Timeline

Post-operative check-ups are extremely important. Follow-ups at:

• 1 week
• 1 month
• 3 months
• 6 months

are commonly recommended, because swelling changes over time.

It is generally considered that approximately 80% of swelling may resolve within the first month. The remaining swelling can continue to improve gradually and may take 6 months to 1 year to fully settle.

If necessary, your surgeon may recommend specific methods (such as gentle massage instructions) to support swelling reduction and help refine shape during healing.

Patients are encouraged to remain in communication with their surgeon throughout recovery. Beyond general rules, personal questions often arise-and ongoing guidance can make the process more comfortable and reassuring.

Your New Appearance After Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is performed to improve nasal aesthetics and facial harmony. However, patients should be prepared for the early healing period, as swelling, bruising, and bandages can make the first week emotionally challenging for some individuals.

Even if you are informed beforehand, seeing the early post-operative appearance may feel unfamiliar. Some patients may temporarily question their decision during this period. This is normal, and the first week is generally the most difficult phase.

After about 7 days, when splints and packing are removed, patients often begin to feel much better and more confident about the early result. By the end of the second week, the nose often looks more natural in daily life, and others may not notice obvious signs of surgery.

Adjusting to a new facial appearance can take time. Even if you are happy with the nasal shape, seeing subtle changes in facial proportions may feel unusual at first. This is especially true for people who have lived with a certain facial identity for years or have strong inherited nasal characteristics.

As the days pass and swelling continues to decrease, nasal definition improves. Tip refinement, in particular, is often one of the last changes to settle, and patience is important.

In the early period, reactions from family and friends may feel unexpected. In such moments, it may be helpful to remember why you chose surgery and to compare with your previous photos. If you are satisfied with the planned goals and ready for the recovery process, you are progressing as expected.

Non-surgical rhinoplasty-also known as liquid rhinoplasty-can be an alternative for patients who are afraid of surgery or who have only minor nasal irregularities that may not require a full rhinoplasty operation. It is generally performed using two main approaches.

Nose Thread Lift (Thread Suspension Technique)

In the first method, a thread lifting technique is used to provide support and subtle lifting in specific areas. With appropriate patient selection, it may help:

• increase nasal tip projection (lifting the nasal tip)
• reduce the appearance of a dorsal hump by improving contour balance

Depending on the type of thread used, options may include threads designed to last longer or threads that naturally dissolve over time. However, it is important to note that thread-based non-surgical rhinoplasty is not suitable for every patient, and results are not truly permanent.

Even when longer-lasting threads are used, the effect is typically temporary, and the duration may vary. On average, results may last approximately 6 months to 2 years, depending on the patient's anatomy, the technique, and the material used.

Nose Filler (Dermal Filler Rhinoplasty)

The second approach is nose filler treatment, which is widely used in non-surgical rhinoplasty. Fillers may be either longer-lasting or naturally dissolving, depending on the product selected.

In many cases, hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers are preferred because they are commonly used in aesthetic medicine and tend to be temporary. With dermal fillers, the goal may include:

• increasing nasal tip height (refining tip projection)
• reducing the visibility of a nasal hump through contour balancing
• achieving subtle optical improvement in nasal proportions

In non-surgical rhinoplasty, fillers typically work on a camouflage principle-meaning they do not remove the structural problem but may visually improve the shape by correcting irregularities.

The procedure is generally simple and performed in a clinical setting. Local anesthetic creams may be used, and fillers are often applied with a cannula technique. The treatment typically takes about 10 minutes.

The result is visible immediately, and the longevity depends on the filler type and individual factors. In many cases, the effect can last approximately 1 to 2 years.

When performed in appropriately selected patients and by experienced medical professionals, non-surgical rhinoplasty is usually considered a straightforward and comfortable aesthetic procedure.

In most cases, cosmetic rhinoplasty is planned as a comprehensive procedure that addresses the nose as a whole. However, some patients may have concerns limited mainly to the nasal tip, such as:

• a droopy nasal tip (low tip position)
• a wide or bulbous nasal tip
• lack of tip definition

In these cases, the nasal bridge and overall nasal length may not be problematic, or any minor imperfections may not be considered a priority by the patient. For such selected candidates, a procedure known as nasal tip surgery (often referred to as tip plasty or nasal tip refinement) may be planned. This surgery focuses only on the tip area without reshaping the nasal bridge.

Although it is more limited than full rhinoplasty, nasal tip surgery is still a surgical procedure. It is performed in an operating room environment under general anesthesia. The duration of surgery typically ranges between 30 and 60 minutes, depending on nasal anatomy and the required correction.

After the procedure, swelling may occur in the operated area and over the nose. Since the nasal bridge is not surgically altered, facial swelling and bruising are usually minimal, and recovery may be shorter compared to full rhinoplasty.

In many cases, a rigid nasal splint or internal packing is not required. Instead, thin strip tapes may be applied over the nose to support the tissues and help reduce swelling.

Many patients can return to normal daily life within approximately 3 to 4 days, depending on their recovery process and the surgeon's recommendations.