Plastic Surgery
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty (nose job) reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose using an open or closed technique under general anaesthesia, and can correct breathing problems in the same operation.
- Method Open or closed rhinoplasty
- Anaesthesia General
- Surgery time Usually 1.5–3 hours
- Hospital stay Usually 1 night
- Stay in Istanbul Usually 7–8 days
The method
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, commonly called a nose job, is a surgical procedure that reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose. A hump on the bridge, a drooping or wide tip, asymmetry, deviation and deformities after injury are all addressed with this operation. A deviated septum or enlarged turbinates that obstruct breathing can be corrected in the same session; this is known as functional rhinoplasty.
There are two basic techniques. In the open technique a few-millimetre incision is made across the skin between the nostrils (the columella) and the skin is lifted so the framework is seen directly; it is preferred for complex deformities and revision surgery. In the closed technique all incisions stay inside the nostrils, there is no external scar and swelling is usually less; it suits more limited corrections. The surgeon decides which is appropriate according to the structure of the nose and the goal.
The bone can be shaped with classic instruments or with piezo (ultrasonic) devices. Ultrasonic vibration cuts only bone and spares the surrounding soft tissue, which helps keep bruising and swelling more limited. The choice of instrument is also the surgeon’s.
The operation is performed under general anaesthesia in a fully equipped hospital and usually takes 1.5–3 hours. Most patients stay one night. Because the nose sits at the centre of the face, planning looks not only at the nose but at the face as a whole (chin, forehead and lip proportions); the goal is not "a small nose" but a natural nose in proportion to your face.
Surgery is performed at licensed partner hospitals in Istanbul by a plastic surgery specialist. JSH does not perform treatment; it coordinates the journey planned by the surgeon. Suitability and technique are the surgeon’s decisions.
Planning
Designed to the Whole Face
At the assessment, photos taken from the front, both sides and below are sent to the surgeon. At the examination, the thickness of the nasal skin, the strength of the cartilage, the airway and the facial proportions are assessed; skin thickness directly affects how sharply the result shows and how long the swelling lasts.
The surgeon discusses the intended shape with you over the photos. This is not a "guaranteed result" but a way of setting expectations within a realistic frame: every nose has limits set by its bone and cartilage.
If a breathing problem is to be corrected in the same session, the plan is made accordingly; aesthetic and functional corrections can be combined in a single operation.
Age: facial growth must be complete, so surgery is usually planned from 18 (somewhat earlier in girls, at the surgeon’s discretion).
Comparison
Open or Closed Technique?
Both techniques are widely used and safe; the difference is how the surgeon reaches the framework. The choice depends on the structure of the nose and the extent of the correction.
Open Rhinoplasty
- A few-millimetre incision between the nostrils (columella) that fades with time
- The whole framework is seen directly; high control in complex deformities and tip work
- Usually preferred for revision surgery and marked asymmetry
- Swelling may last a little longer; tip numbness can persist for months
- Usually a slightly longer operation
Closed Rhinoplasty
- All incisions inside the nostrils; no visible external scar
- Less tissue is separated; swelling and bruising usually more limited, recovery a little faster
- Suitable for narrower tasks such as hump removal and limited tip refinement
- The surgeon’s field of view is narrower; may not be chosen for extensive corrections
- Usually a shorter operation
Bone and Cartilage, in Proportion to the Face
The nose is assessed together with the forehead, chin and lips, not on its own. The goal is a natural nose in proportion to your face.
Suitability
Who Is It for?
Rhinoplasty is considered for adults whose facial growth is complete, who are in good general health, who do not smoke or are ready to stop, and whose expectations are realistic. Structural problems that make breathing difficult can be a reason for surgery alongside aesthetic concerns.
Suitability is decided solely by the surgeon. Surgery is postponed in cases of bleeding disorders, uncontrolled chronic illness, active infection and pregnancy. No plan is made for an operation that is not suitable.
Planning
How Is the Trip Planned and How Long Is the Stay?
For patients from abroad the process usually fits into a single trip of 7–8 days: examination and tests on arrival, surgery and one night in hospital the next day, removal of packing on day 2–4, removal of the splint and a stitch check on day 6–8, then clearance to fly and the journey home. The flight is usually planned after the splint comes off, with the surgeon’s approval.
In the first days after surgery there is packing inside the nose (if used) and a protective splint on the bridge. Many surgeons now use silicone splints or a packing-free technique; which is used depends on the work done and is explained to you in advance.
The result appears gradually: most of the swelling settles in the first three months, the tip refines last, and the final shape usually settles at 9–12 months. The result is therefore not judged on the first weeks; the surgeon’s check-ups continue remotely with photos.
The process
How Does the Surgery Work?
From your first message to your follow-up after returning home, the journey runs through a single coordinator. The surgery week has five stages.
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01
Assessment
Your photos and medical history are sent to the surgeon; the plan is confirmed at the clinic with an examination, blood tests and an anaesthesia assessment.
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02
Planning and Approval
The intended shape is discussed with you over the photos; the technique (open or closed) and any airway correction are decided.
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03
Surgery
Under general anaesthesia, usually completed in 1.5–3 hours. Bone and cartilage are reshaped and the septum corrected if needed. A splint and, where used, packing are placed.
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04
Hospital Stay and Discharge
You stay one night in hospital; after a check-up the next day you move to your hotel. Medication and aftercare instructions are given in writing.
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05
Packing, Splint and Return
Packing is removed on day 2–4 and the splint on day 6–8; after a check-up you are cleared to fly and the return is arranged. Check-ups continue remotely.
Where it takes place
At Partner Hospitals, Planned by Your Surgeon
Surgery is performed at licensed partner hospitals in Istanbul, in a fully equipped operating theatre, by a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. Suitability, technique and the operation itself are the surgeon’s decisions; JSH does not influence them, it organises everything around them.
Our job is the rest of the journey: choosing the hospital and surgeon that fit your needs, passing your photos and medical history to the surgeon, building the surgery and follow-up schedule around your flights, transfers and accommodation, and remote check-ups after you return home.
We communicate in English, Turkish and Polish. Every step (hospital stay, check-up days, aftercare instructions, the date you are cleared to fly) is sent to you in writing, and you stay in touch with the same coordinator after you are back home.
Preparation and aftercare
What to Do Before and After Surgery
This list is for guidance only; the written instructions your surgeon gives you take precedence. Your coordinator is available for any question.
Before Surgery
- Stop blood thinners, aspirin and similar medication at least 7–10 days before surgery in consultation with your surgeon; report herbal supplements too.
- Stop smoking at least 2–4 weeks before surgery; it directly affects wound healing and blood supply to the tissues. Stop alcohol a week before.
- Tell us about chronic conditions, regular medication and previous operations during the assessment; pre-operative blood tests and, if needed, an anaesthesia consultation are carried out.
- Do not eat or drink after midnight before the operation (general anaesthesia).
- Plan for a companion and for the first night in hospital; bring comfortable, front-buttoning clothes.
- If you wear glasses, prepare for lenses or taped-to-the-forehead solutions for the first 2–3 months.
After Surgery
- Sleep on your back with your head raised for the first 3–4 nights; apply cold compresses around the eyes, not to the nose.
- Do not blow your nose; sneeze with your mouth open, avoid heavy lifting and bending forward in the first week.
- Do not touch the splint or packing; apply the nasal care and rinse solution as your surgeon prescribes.
- Avoid exercise, saunas, steam rooms and hot showers for 2–3 weeks; heavy exercise usually resumes after 4–6 weeks.
- Do not rest glasses on the bridge of the nose for the first 2–3 months; protect the nose from sun and, for 6 months, from any activity in which it could be knocked.
- No smoking for at least 4 weeks; send your check-up photos regularly from the requested angles.
Recovery
Recovery After Surgery
Timings are given for guidance only; recovery varies from person to person and is followed up by your doctor.
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First 3 Days
The splint and any packing are in place; bruising around the eyes, facial swelling and a blocked nose are expected. Pain is usually well controlled with medication.
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Week 1
Packing is removed on day 2–4, the splint and stitches on day 6–8. Bruises turn yellow and fade; with the surgeon’s approval you fly home.
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2–3 Weeks
Noticeable swelling subsides and bruising clears; most people return to desk work and social life in this period. The nose may still be swollen and numb.
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1–3 Months
Most of the swelling has gone and the shape becomes clear. Restrictions on glasses and contact continue; exercise resumes gradually.
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3–6 Months
The tip softens and sensation returns; fine swelling, especially at the tip, may persist.
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9–12 Months
The final shape settles; in thick-skinned noses this can take longer. Results vary from person to person.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty
It is performed under general anaesthesia, so nothing is felt during the operation. Afterwards, a blocked nose and a feeling of pressure are more troublesome than pain; the prescribed medication is usually enough.
Neither is superior; open is preferred for extensive corrections and revisions, closed for limited corrections. The surgeon decides according to the structure of your nose.
In the closed technique there is no external incision. In the open technique the few-millimetre scar between the nostrils fades within months and is not noticeable at normal distance.
It depends on the operation; many surgeons use silicone splints or a packing-free technique. If packing is used it is removed on day 2–4, and removal is a few seconds of discomfort.
A deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can be corrected in the same operation. The airway is assessed at the examination and included in the plan.
Most of the swelling settles in 3 months and the tip refines last; the final shape usually settles at 9–12 months. In thick skin this can take longer.
Desk work usually after 10–14 days; light walking from the first week and heavy exercise after 4–6 weeks with the surgeon’s approval.
Glasses that rest on the bridge are not worn for the first 2–3 months; lenses or glasses taped to the forehead are recommended during this time.
The surgical reshaping is permanent; the nose continues its natural changes with age. Rarely, a second operation (revision) is needed for small corrections, usually considered only after at least a year.
Usually 7–8 days: examination, surgery and one night in hospital, removal of packing and splint, check-up and clearance to fly. The schedule is built around your flights and check-ups continue remotely afterwards.
Let’s Assess Your Suitability Together
Share your questions and, if you have them, your photos. Our team will complete a preliminary assessment with the partner clinic’s doctor and get back to you.