Rhinoplasty at a glance
Rhinoplasty is surgery that changes the shape and size of the nose and, where needed, improves breathing. Dr. İsmet Emrah Emre performs it under general anaesthesia at partner hospitals in Istanbul, through a small incision under the nose (open technique) using piezo instruments. As an ENT surgeon he can correct a deviated septum in the same operation. Most bruising and swelling settle within 7–10 days; the final shape of the nose takes 6–12 months.
Key facts
- Operation time
- 1.5–3 hours
- Anaesthesia
- General, at a partner hospital
- Technique
- Open (incision under the nose), piezo
- Hospital stay
- Usually 1 night
- Internal splints
- Silicone, removed day 3–4 (no packing)
- Stitches & external splint
- Removed day 7
- Back to work
- 7–10 days
- Exercise
- Light exercise after 3–4 weeks
- Glasses
- Avoid for about 6 months
- Final result
- 6–12 months
- Minimum age
- 17 for women, 18 for men
- Follow-ups
- Day 5, week 1, months 1, 3 and 6
Recovery timeline
- First 24 hoursPressure, mouth breathing and light oozing are normal; keep your head raised and use cold compresses.
- Days 2–3Swelling and bruising peak, especially under the eyes.
- Days 4–7Bruising fades; splint and stitches come off on day 7 and most people return to social life.
- Week 2Bruising has mostly gone; most people will not notice you had surgery.
- Months 1–3Most swelling resolves; the tip may still be slightly swollen.
- Months 6–12The final result settles and the tip takes its final shape.
Frequently asked questions
Is rhinoplasty painful?
You feel no pain during surgery. There can be some pain for the first 24–48 hours, controlled with medication.
Is nasal packing used?
No. Soft internal silicone splints are used instead and removed on day 3–4.
Will there be a scar?
The open technique leaves a small scar under the nose that usually becomes invisible within 6 months.
Will my breathing improve?
If you have a deviated septum it is corrected in the same operation, and breathing usually improves.
When can I fly home?
Plan to stay at least 7 days, until the stitches and splint are removed. Later check-ups can be online.
How should I prepare?
Tell the doctor about all medication; blood thinners such as aspirin are usually stopped a week before under medical supervision. Stop smoking at least 2 weeks before and alcohol a few days before.
Rhinoplasty or tip plasty?
Rhinoplasty is for problems involving the bony structure such as a hump, width or deviation; tip plasty is enough when only the tip is droopy, wide or round. This is decided at the consultation.
The initial consultation is free of charge. Patients living outside Istanbul or abroad can have it online via Zoom. Fees depend on the scope of the procedure and the partner hospital; a personal quote is given after the consultation and is fixed once a surgery date is booked.
To book a consultation: +90 533 236 26 95 (phone / WhatsApp)
This page is general information and does not replace an examination; the right treatment, timings and recovery plan for you are decided at your consultation.
