Rhinoplasty (a nose job) reshapes the bone and cartilage of the nose to remove a dorsal hump, refine and lift the tip, and — where needed — correct a deviated septum to improve breathing. The goal is not a “done” nose but a natural, functional nose in proportion with your face.
| At a Glance | Info |
|---|---|
| Procedure | Rhinoplasty — bone/cartilage reshaping (± septoplasty) |
| Duration | 2–3 hours (by extent) |
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | 1 night |
| Splint / social return | Splint ~1 week; social return 7–10 days |
| Scar | No visible external incision with the closed technique; a small scar at the columella with the open technique |
| Final result | Once swelling settles, fully at ~1 year |
| Who it’s for | Those with a hump, droopy/wide tip, deviation or breathing issues |
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Because the nose sits at the centre of the face, even small changes noticeably affect the overall expression. The aim of rhinoplasty is not to “shrink” the nose but to straighten the dorsum, refine and correctly position the tip, balance alar width and make the nose proportional to the rest of the face. In the same session a deviated septum can be corrected to improve breathing — this is functional rhinoplasty.
Modern rhinoplasty relies on tissue-sparing techniques: preservation rhinoplasty keeps the natural dorsal framework as far as possible; ultrasonic (piezo) surgery shapes bone with vibration while sparing the surrounding tissue — the aim is to reduce bruising and to shape more precisely.
Types of Rhinoplasty Technique
The right technique is chosen by nasal structure, skin thickness and goal. The approaches below are used alone or together.
Open Rhinoplasty
A small incision at the columella (between the nostrils) gives a wide view and control for complex tip and deviation work. A small scar remains at the columella and usually becomes less visible over time.
Closed Rhinoplasty
All incisions are inside the nose; there is no visible external incision. In suitable cases, less swelling and faster recovery.
Preservation & Ultrasonic (Piezo)
A modern approach that preserves the natural dorsal framework and shapes bone with vibration; the aim is less bruising and a natural dorsal line.
Revision / Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Correction after a previous operation or planning that preserves the ethnic line; requires advanced experience.
What Is Preservation Rhinoplasty?
In preservation rhinoplasty the dorsum is lowered while its natural structure is kept, instead of being removed and rebuilt. In suitable noses the aim is a more natural dorsal line; it is not suitable for every nose (for example, a markedly crooked or very wide dorsum). In a 2026 systematic review (13 studies, 855 patients), reported revision rates ranged from 0 to 7.9%; the studies were of moderate quality [2].
Ultrasonic (piezo) instruments shape bone with vibration. A 2026 meta-analysis of randomised trials found less swelling in the first week after surgery with piezo; evidence on how long the effect lasts is limited [1].
Which Areas of the Nose Are Assessed?
A rhinoplasty plan assesses the dorsum, the tip and the inside of the nose (septum and airway) together. The drawings below show the most common profiles; which procedure you need is decided at the examination.
Dorsal hump
The profile bump is corrected by reshaping the bony and cartilaginous dorsum; in suitable noses a preservation technique or ultrasonic (piezo) instruments can be used. More: crooked or humped nose
Droopy tip
The tip cartilages are shaped with sutures and set to the correct angle; a tip that drops when smiling is assessed separately. More: droopy nose tip · tip rhinoplasty
Hump + droopy tip
Dorsum and tip are planned together, because correcting one also changes how the other looks.
Detailed articles by concern: wide nose · revision rhinoplasty · ethnic rhinoplasty · nose after an injury · non-surgical nose filler
Who Is It For — and Who Is It Not For?
Good candidates
- Those with a dorsal hump, droopy/wide tip or a deviated (crooked) nose
- Those with breathing problems from a deviated septum
- Those whose nasal growth is complete (usually 18+)
- Good general health, with realistic expectations
Cases to defer/assess
- Uncontrolled chronic illness or bleeding disorder
- Active smoking (impairs wound healing)
- Adolescence, before nasal growth is complete
- Unrealistic or “someone else’s nose” expectations
Rhinoplasty is individual; the same technique won’t give the same result in everyone — the plan is made to fit your facial proportions.
Comparing Rhinoplasty Methods
| Method | Suitable for | Scar | Recovery |
|---|---|---|---|
| Open rhinoplasty | Complex tip/revision | Small scar at the columella | 7–10 days splint |
| Closed rhinoplasty | Suitable dorsum/tip cases | None (inside nose) | 7 days splint |
| Ultrasonic (piezo) | Hump, bone shaping | By technique | Less bruising |
| Non-surgical (filler) | Very minor irregularity | None | Temporary |
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed? (Step by Step)
Planning & incision
Facial proportions are analysed; closed = inside the nose, open = a small incision at the columella.
Dorsum & tip
The hump is reduced with preservation/ultrasonic technique; tip cartilage is refined to the correct angle with sutures.
Closure & result
Incisions are closed with fine sutures; a straight dorsum and balanced tip angle emerge.
Planning & analysis
Facial proportions, skin thickness, dorsum and tip are assessed; the open/closed technique and goal are decided.
Anaesthesia & incision
General anaesthesia; closed = inside the nose, open = a small incision at the columella.
Dorsum correction
The hump is flattened with preservation or ultrasonic technique; the dorsal line is harmonised with the face.
Tip shaping
Tip cartilage is refined with sutures to the correct angle and projection.
Septum & osteotomy
If needed, the septum is corrected (breathing) and the bones are narrowed with controlled osteotomy.
Closure & splint
Incisions are closed with fine sutures; a protective splint and, if needed, internal support are applied.
Recovery — Day by Day, Week by Week
Swelling and bruising around the eyes are normal; rest with the head up and cold packs help. Pain is mild and managed with medication.
The splint and any internal supports are removed; most bruising subsides in this period.
Most patients return to social life; the nose begins to take rough shape, with swelling still present.
Obvious swelling settles; fine swelling at the tip is the last to resolve.
The last tip swelling resolves and the final refined result fully settles.
Recovery varies by skin thickness, technique and personal factors; swelling can last longer in thick skin.
Aftercare: Do’s and Don’ts
✓ Do
- Keep your head elevated and use cold packs in the first days
- Follow the splint and internal-care instructions exactly
- Keep the inside of the nose gently moist with the recommended solutions
- Attend your check-ups and protect from the sun
✕ Avoid
- Smoking (impairs healing and tissue nutrition)
- Blowing your nose and any impact in the first weeks
- Wearing glasses (pressure on the dorsum — until advised)
- Heavy exercise, bending and hot environments (swelling)
Getting Back to Daily Life
- Glasses: even after the splint is removed, glasses should not rest on the nasal bridge for a few weeks (often 4–6 weeks); contact lenses or bridge-free options are recommended.
- Sport: light walking is possible from the first days; strenuous exercise is usually postponed for a few weeks and contact sports for longer.
- Flying: usually possible once the splint has been removed and the first check-up has been done.
- Blowing the nose and sneezing: do not blow your nose in the first weeks; sneeze with your mouth open.
- Sun: protect your nose from the sun in the first months; swelling and discolouration can increase.
- Back to work or study: desk work is usually possible after 7–10 days.
Timings depend on the person and the procedure; your surgeon confirms your exact schedule.
Check-up Schedule and When to Call Right Away
The first check-up is usually around the first week, when the splint is removed; further check-ups are planned over the following months as the swelling settles and at the end of the first year. If you travel from abroad, remote follow-up with photos is agreed in advance.
Call without waiting if you have
- Nosebleeding that does not stop or gets worse
- Increasing pain, swelling or redness
- A fever above 38 °C
- Blurred or double vision, or sudden swelling around the eyes
- Marked difficulty breathing
In an emergency, call 112 in Turkey (or your local emergency number) first, then let our team know.
Risks and Possible Complications
Rhinoplasty is a planned operation and, like any operation, carries risks; it is important to know them in advance.
Swelling & bruising
Expected and temporary; may last a few days around the eyes. Cold packs speed it up.
Prolonged tip swelling
Especially in thick skin, fine tip swelling can last months; patience and massage are advised.
Asymmetry / irregularity
Small irregularities may occur; corrected with a revision if needed.
Breathing / airway
If function is not assessed, a breathing issue can persist; the septum is addressed in the same session.
Rare but serious
Infection, serious nosebleeding and, very rarely, complications affecting the area around the eyes have been reported; the warning signs are listed above under “Check-up Schedule and When to Call Right Away” [3].
Careful planning, technique and following the aftercare advice help to reduce risks. Smoking is the single most important preventable risk factor.
What Can Rhinoplasty Correct — and What Not?
What it can correct
- A dorsal hump on the profile
- The shape, width and angle of the tip
- The width of the dorsum and the base
- Deviation and breathing problems caused by the septum (septorhinoplasty)
Its limits
- Thick skin limits how refined the tip can become; swelling lasts longer
- Natural facial asymmetry does not disappear completely; perfect symmetry is not the goal
- Blockage caused by allergy, polyps or sinusitis is not corrected by rhinoplasty and needs separate treatment
- Results, healing and tissue response vary from person to person
What Should You Pay Attention To?
- 1A natural, personalised goal. Not “the same nose for everyone” but a result that fits your facial proportions.
- 2Breathing (functional) assessment. Alongside aesthetics, the septum and breathing must be assessed.
- 3Realism about skin thickness. Thick skin means longer swelling and healing; expectations should reflect that.
- 4The surgeon’s rhinoplasty experience. Rhinoplasty is one of the most technical facial surgeries; before/after and revision experience matter.
Expected Change (Medical Illustration)
The images in this section are not photos of real patients. The schematic illustration below shows the typical side-profile change of rhinoplasty: from a humped dorsum and droopy tip to a straight dorsum and balanced tip angle.
Illustrations are for information only; individual results vary by anatomy, skin thickness and technique and are not guaranteed.
Rhinoplasty in Istanbul: Consultation, Surgery and Check-ups
Rhinoplasty is a technical operation whose result depends on the surgeon’s planning. The examination takes place at the practice in Ataşehir, Istanbul; the operation is performed in a hospital operating room (Memorial Göztepe Hospital). If you are travelling, plan in advance the time needed for splint removal and the first check-up.
Examination and plan
Nasal structure, skin thickness and breathing are assessed together; the technique is decided at the examination.
Where surgery takes place
Under general anaesthesia in a hospital operating room; usually one night in hospital.
Check-up and return
The splint is removed after about one week; your return date is decided after the first check-up.
Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya: Specialty and Professional Background
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery (2017); working in plastic surgery since 2012, including specialty training. Member of TPRECD (Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons) — member record.
The aim is a nose that respects your facial proportions, breathes and looks natural.
Examinations at the practice in Ataşehir; operations at Memorial Göztepe Hospital. Consultations in Turkish, English and German.
More on the about page.
Preparing for Surgery
- 1Analysis & planning. Facial proportions, skin thickness, dorsum/tip and breathing are assessed; technique and expectations are clarified.
- 2Smoking, medication and supplements. Smoking impairs healing and is stopped for the recommended period before and after surgery. Aspirin, some painkillers and supplements such as fish oil, vitamin E and ginkgo can increase bleeding; they are usually stopped 1–2 weeks before surgery. Tell us about all your medicines at the consultation, and do not stop regular medication without your doctor’s advice.
- 3Tests. The tests and checks needed for general-anaesthesia fitness are carried out.
- 4Logistics. Rest and a companion are arranged for the first days after surgery.
Questions to Ask Your Surgeon
- Is an open or closed technique suitable for me, and why?
- Do you use preservation / ultrasonic (piezo) technique?
- Will my breathing/septum be addressed in the same session?
- How does my skin thickness affect the result and recovery?
- What is your revision experience and can I see similar cases?
- When will the final result become clear?
For Patients Travelling From Abroad
If you are travelling to Istanbul, online pre-consultation, surgery, splint removal, check-up and your return are planned together. For rhinoplasty a stay of about 7–10 days in Istanbul is usually recommended, so that the splint can be removed and the first check-up completed.
Online pre-consultation
Photos or a video call give preliminary information only; they do not replace a face-to-face examination.
Length of stay
Stay in Istanbul until the splint has been removed and the first check-up done; the time varies with the procedure.
Flying home
Book your return flight only after the surgeon has checked you; agree in advance how follow-up will continue and how to reach us if a problem appears.
Rhinoplasty Prices in Istanbul
The price of rhinoplasty depends on the chosen technique (open/closed, ultrasonic), whether septum/breathing work is added, whether it is a revision, the anaesthesia and the hospital and surgeon’s experience. An exact figure can only be given after a consultation or online pre-assessment, once a plan tailored to you is drawn up.
Mini Glossary
- Dorsum
- The upper edge that forms the nasal profile line; the hump sits here.
- Tip
- The end of the nose; shaped by cartilage, with its angle and projection corrected.
- Septum
- The middle wall dividing the nostrils; deviation causes breathing problems.
- Osteotomy
- Controlled breaking of the nasal bones to narrow/straighten them.
- Preservation / Piezo
- Modern, tissue-gentle techniques that preserve the natural dorsum and shape bone with vibration.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the rhinoplasty result become clear?
The nose takes rough shape in the first weeks, but fine tip swelling is the last to resolve; the final result usually settles at 6–12 months, longer in thick skin.
Is open or closed technique better?
Neither is absolutely superior; the choice depends on nasal structure and goal. Open gives more control for complex tips and revisions; in suitable cases there is no visible external incision with the closed technique. It’s decided at consultation.
Will my breathing problem be fixed in the same session?
In most cases, yes. A breathing problem caused by a deviated septum can be addressed in the same session as aesthetic rhinoplasty (septorhinoplasty). How much breathing improves depends on the cause.
How long does the splint stay, and is it painful?
The splint usually stays ~1 week. Modern techniques often use thin, breathable silicones instead of painful packing; pain is generally mild and easily managed.
How long does bruising last?
There may be a few days of bruising around the eyes; most of it subsides within 1–2 weeks. With ultrasonic (piezo) and preservation techniques the aim is to reduce bruising; how long it lasts varies.
At what age can it be done?
After nasal growth is complete, usually 18 and over. The deciding factor is completed growth, not age.
Will my ethnic line be preserved?
Yes. The goal is not a “one-size” nose but a natural result that respects your ethnic and gender line and fits your face.
Will I need a revision (second operation)?
Most patients do not; a small proportion may need a revision for fine corrections after healing. Whether a revision is needed depends on the nasal structure, skin thickness and healing, and is discussed at the consultation.
How much does it cost?
Price depends on technique, septum/breathing work and whether it is a revision. A personal figure is given after a consultation or online pre-assessment.
Is rhinoplasty about making the nose smaller?
Not only. The aim is to arrange the dorsum, tip and proportions to fit the face; some noses even need added support.
Will I see the final shape right after surgery?
No. The rough shape shows in the first weeks; fine tip swelling is the last to go, and the final shape usually settles at 6–12 months, later in thick skin.
Can a nose filler replace surgery?
A filler is only a temporary option for minor irregularities; a hump, tip and breathing problems need surgery. More: nose filler.
Sources
- Armanfar S, et al. Piezoelectric versus conventional rhinoplasty: a GRADE-assessed systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Aesthet Surg J. 2026;46(8):891–906. doi:10.1093/asj/sjag082
- Gucuk D, et al. Shaping the future of nasal surgery: a systematic review of preservation rhinoplasty. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2026;50(13):4962–4978. doi:10.1007/s00266-026-05853-9
- Rettinger G. Risks and complications in rhinoplasty. GMS Curr Top Otorhinolaryngol Head Neck Surg. 2007;6:Doc08. PMC3199839
Videos
Rhinoplasty technique explainers, patient journeys and FAQs on our channel.
Medically reviewed by
Specialist in Aesthetic, Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
- Specialist since 2017
- Member of TPRECD
- Ataşehir, Istanbul
- Türkçe · English · Deutsch
Op. Dr. Ali Çetinkaya is a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. Member of TPRECD (Turkish Society of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons). He completed his residency in 2017 and practices at his private clinic in Ataşehir, Istanbul, specializing in deep plane facelift, neck lift, rhinoplasty, and eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty). He offers consultations in Turkish, English, and German for international patients.
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This content is for information and does not replace a physician’s examination.
