What is Rhinoplasty?

The nose is located in the middle of the face and is the first striking structure on the face. The ratio of the nose to the other structures on the face significantly affects its aesthetic appearance. If a person is upset by one or more of the following problems about the shape of his/her nose, s/he may consider surgery:

• Arched nose
• Curved nose
• Drooping nose tip
• Long nose tip
• Wide and large nose tip
• Narrow nose
• Flattened nose tip

How is rhinoplasty performed?

Types of rhinoplasty

Open Rhinoplasty

In open rhinoplasty surgery, the incision is applied to the area which is accepted as the middle pole of the nose. The nasal skin and then cartilage tissue are lifted from this incision site. Necessary procedures are performed depending on the nasal functions or disorders of the nose structure; cartilage tissue and skin are replaced back on the nasal middle pole again and the operation is completed by closing the incision. Open rhinoplasty is the preferred method of surgery because it provides a clear view of all structures and the best result during surgery.

Closed Rhinoplasty

In closed rhinoplasty, various incisions are applied depending on the process to be made on the nose, but the incisions are applied through the nostril and are not visible from the outside. The swelling developing after the operation resolves more rapidly in closed rhinoplasty surgery.

When the two techniques are compared, in open rhinoplasty, the surgeon has more control over the interior of the nose and therefore can perform a clearer reshaping, but the healing process may be slightly longer. A mild scar, though subtle, is likely to remain. In closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon's experience is very important. In this technique, the healing process is both more comfortable and shorter for the patient. In addition, since it's performed through the nostrils, it does not leave any scar.

How long does rhinoplasty take?

Although general anesthesia is recommended for the comfort of the patient, this operation performed under either local or general anesthesia, depending on the case, takes 2-3 hours on average.

Is rhinoplasty a painful procedure?

Most patients say that they did not have as much pain as they expected after rhinoplasty. The medications applied to the nose during the surgery prevents pain after surgery.

Before Rhinoplasty

Things to consider before surgery

Before the operation, the patient should inform the surgeon and anesthesiologist who will perform the aesthetic surgery about all details about his existing medications and general health status.

Before the operation, s/he must notify his/her surgeon of upper respiratory tract infections, fever, cough, sore throat, abdominal pain, flu, cold, cold sores s/he might have. Stop taking blood thinner medications, herbal teas, fish oil and avoid any special herbal cure applications 1 week before surgery. 

You're advised to limit smoking 2-3 weeks before surgery since smoking will have a negative impact on recovery process.

After Rhinoplasty

Issues to consider after the operation:

• Supporting the head with a pillow during the first two nights after rhinoplasty and sleeping in a vertical position as much as possible will minimize your risk of developing edema.
• Eating regularly and sleeping regularly help to speed up the healing process.
• Avoid strenuous activities or activities requiring bending for at least three weeks.
• Do not wear glasses for the first 4-6 weeks.
• Avoid exposure of nasal region to direct sunlight for at least 3 months. You're advised to wear a high-factor sunscreen or a protective hat for this purpose.
• Avoid swimming in the sea, pool or bathing in sauna for the first 4-5 weeks.
• Avoid drinking alcohol and smoking as they will have negative impact on recovery of sutures and prevent regeneration of tissues.
• Avoid blowing your nose in the first weeks.

Price of Rhinoplasty

The price of rhinoplasty varies by the hospital where the surgery will take place and the procedures to be performed. The operative time is prolonged in line with the nature of the procedure to be performed.

There is a difference between the pricing applied to a patient who will only have a correction of nasal tip and the pricing applied to a patient who will have both rhinoplasty and correction of breathing functions.

Various procedures including visible humps on the bridge, a previous rhinoplasty, making a new nose using a bone from the ribcage are subject to different prices.

What are the risks of rhinoplasty?

There is no surgery without any risk, but it is important to be operated by a surgeon who knows these risks well and can take precautions against them.