Short answer
Rhinoplasty is surgery that changes the shape, size or proportions of the nose and can also correct breathing problems. It usually takes 2-4 hours under general anaesthesia with 1 night in hospital. Most patients stay in Istanbul for about 7 days, have the splint removed before flying home, and return to work after 7-10 days.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is an operation that reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose. It can reduce a hump, refine a wide or drooping tip, straighten a crooked nose, narrow the nostrils or change the angle between the nose and the upper lip.
Function matters as much as appearance. If you have a deviated septum or narrow airways, the surgeon can correct these in the same operation (septorhinoplasty).
Who is it for?
Rhinoplasty suits adults, and teenagers whose nose has finished growing (usually from 17-18), who are unhappy with the shape of their nose or have breathing problems linked to its structure.
- A dorsal hump or bump
- A wide, bulbous or drooping tip
- A crooked nose, including after injury
- Breathing problems from a deviated septum
How the procedure is done
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia. In open rhinoplasty, a small incision across the skin between the nostrils (the columella) gives the surgeon full view of the structure. In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are inside the nose. Your surgeon recommends the approach that suits your nose.
The surgeon reshapes cartilage and bone, uses cartilage grafts if extra support is needed, then places a splint on the nose. Soft internal silicone splints may be used instead of traditional packing.
Metropolmed's own surgical team performs the operation in Istanbul, and a personal coordinator stays with you from your first message to your 12-month follow-up. The rhinoplasty package includes pre-operative tests, 1 night in hospital, medication, 6 hotel nights with breakfast, VIP transfers, a final check-up and 1 year of WhatsApp follow-up. Your hotel, VIP transfers and a medical interpreter are arranged before you land in Istanbul.
Preparing for rhinoplasty
Before surgery, your surgeon discusses your goals using photographs of your face from several angles. Bringing reference pictures of noses you like can help, as long as you accept that the result must suit your own face and skin.
Pre-operative tests are done in Istanbul. You should stop smoking and avoid blood-thinning medicines and supplements for about 2 weeks before surgery, unless your own doctor says otherwise.
- Share your goals and any breathing problems
- Stop smoking about 2 weeks before
- Bring glasses as well as contact lenses
- Plan no flights for about 7 days after surgery
Recovery and results
Swelling and bruising around the eyes are strongest in the first 3-4 days and mostly fade within 2 weeks. The external splint is removed after about 7 days, usually just before you fly home.
Most patients return to desk work after 7-10 days and to exercise after 4-6 weeks. The nose looks much better within the first month, but subtle swelling, especially in the tip, takes up to 12 months to settle fully.
Risks and safety
Risks include bleeding, infection, temporary breathing difficulty, numbness of the tip, asymmetry and a result that differs from what you expected. A small number of patients need a revision operation, which is why careful planning matters.
A doctor assesses your nose, skin thickness and breathing in person before surgery and agrees a realistic plan with you.
Recovery timeline
- Day 1Overnight hospital stay, splint and dressings.
- Week 1Splint removed around day 7, fly home.
- Week 2Most bruising gone, back to work.
- Month 1-3Swelling reduces steadily, exercise resumes.
- Month 12Final shape as tip swelling settles.
Frequently asked questions
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Most patients describe pressure and a blocked feeling rather than strong pain. Pain is usually well controlled with prescribed medication for the first few days.
Open or closed rhinoplasty, which is better?
Neither is better for everyone. Open rhinoplasty suits complex changes and tip work, while closed rhinoplasty suits more limited changes; your surgeon recommends one after examining you.
What does the rhinoplasty package include?
It includes pre-operative tests, 1 night in hospital, medication, 6 hotel nights with breakfast, VIP transfers, a final check-up and 1 year of WhatsApp follow-up.
When can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
Usually after about 4-6 weeks. Until then, glasses should be taped to the forehead or contact lenses used, so they do not press on the healing bones.
Can rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
Yes, if your breathing problem comes from the structure of the nose, such as a deviated septum. This is assessed in your consultation.
