Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping Surgery)

Rhinoplasty, commonly called nose reshaping surgery, is a surgical procedure performed to change the shape and size of the nose and, where necessary, to improve breathing by correcting structural problems inside the nose. The aim is a nose that is in harmony with the face and functions well.

Rhinoplasty can be performed for aesthetic reasons, functional reasons or both. Planning is based on the person's facial structure and expectations; results vary from person to person.

What Is Rhinoplasty (Nose Reshaping Surgery)?

Rhinoplasty includes procedures such as correcting a hump on the nasal bridge, shaping and lifting the nasal tip, reducing or enlarging the nose, and refining the nostrils and the sides of the nose. A drooping nasal tip can also be corrected with this operation.

Anatomical problems inside the nose, such as a deviated septum (the central partition of the nose), can make breathing difficult. In functional nose surgery, these problems are corrected to make breathing easier. Aesthetic and functional corrections can be planned in the same operation.

Who Can Have Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is considered for people who are not satisfied with the shape or size of their nose, who have a nasal deformity that is congenital or acquired (for example after an injury), or who have breathing problems caused by the nose.

The operation is performed once the nose has finished growing, usually from the age of 18. Procedures performed before nasal growth is complete may lead to results that are not as expected. There is no upper age limit; general health is assessed by the doctor.

It is important that candidates are in good enough general health for surgery and have realistic expectations. The ideal nose shape is different for everyone; the goal is a result that suits the person's facial features. The decision should be made by the person themselves, not because of pressure from family or others.

Who Should Not Have Rhinoplasty?

The operation is not performed, or is postponed, in the following situations:

• Nasal growth is not yet complete
• Active infection of the nose or sinuses
• Uncontrolled chronic diseases and bleeding disorders
• Pregnancy
• Unrealistic expectations

People with a chronic disease or who take medication regularly should tell the doctor during the consultation; the doctor decides whether the operation is suitable.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

The process starts with an examination and consultation. At this stage, the person's expectations, health, facial structure and the internal and external structure of the nose are assessed, and the doctor recommends a suitable surgical plan.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and generally takes 1–3 hours; the duration depends on the extent of the procedures. Because the operation is performed under anaesthesia, no pain is felt during surgery.

The operation can be performed with an open or closed technique. In the closed technique, the incisions are made inside the nose; in the open technique, a small additional incision is made on the bridge of skin between the nostrils (columella). The doctor decides which technique is suitable based on the structure of the nose and the procedures planned.

During the operation, the cartilage and bone structure of the nose is reshaped; depending on the aim, the nasal bridge, tip, sides and nostrils are treated. After the incisions are closed, a splint or tape is applied to the outside of the nose; if necessary, silicone splints or packing are placed inside the nose.

Is Rhinoplasty Permanent?

Rhinoplasty permanently changes the cartilage and bone structure of the nose, and the results are long-lasting. However, injuries to the nose and skin changes that come with ageing can affect the appearance of the nose over time.

It takes time for the nose to reach its final shape after surgery. Bruising and marked swelling usually decrease within the first 1–2 weeks; however, it may take months for the swelling, especially at the nasal tip, to resolve completely. Visible change appears in the first months; the final result is often assessed at around one year.

Skin thickness and the person's tissue structure affect the healing time and the result. Following the post-operative instructions and attending follow-up appointments support the healing process.

What Should Be Considered When Having Rhinoplasty?

It is important that the operation is performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in suitable hospital conditions. Communicating openly with the doctor, stating your expectations clearly and listening to the doctor's recommendations allow realistic planning.

You need to share your health status, past illnesses, and the medicines and supplements you use fully with the doctor. This information is important for planning the operation safely.

Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption have a negative effect on healing. Smoking should be stopped and alcohol limited at least two weeks before surgery; the doctor may recommend a longer period.

Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries some risks. It is important that the doctor explains the possible risks in detail before surgery and that the person is informed about them.

What Should Be Considered Before and After Rhinoplasty?

Before surgery, aspirin and medicines or herbal supplements that can increase bleeding should be stopped as advised by the doctor. Regular medicines should be continued as the doctor recommends. When planning the date of surgery, enough time should be set aside in work and personal life for recovery.

After surgery, swelling, bruising and mild pain around the nose and under the eyes are normal. The hospital stay is usually 1 day. The external splint is usually removed 3–4 days after surgery; the doctor determines the timing.

During recovery, it is necessary to rest, take the prescribed medicines, follow the instructions for caring for the tape and splint, and attend follow-up appointments regularly. During this period, activities that could result in a blow to the nose should be avoided, and strenuous physical activity should not be started until the doctor advises. Light walking supports recovery.

Protecting the skin from the sun after surgery and using the sun protection products the doctor recommends are advised. If pain increases, fever develops, bleeding does not stop or there is marked difficulty breathing, the doctor should be consulted.

It may take time to get used to the change in appearance, and unexpected emotional reactions may occur during this process. Support from people close to you, and professional support if needed, can be helpful during this period.

How Should You Eat After Rhinoplasty?

A balanced diet after surgery supports the healing process. Protein is important for tissue repair; chicken, fish, eggs, meat, dairy products, yoghurt and pulses are good sources of protein.

Fresh fruit and vegetables are rich in vitamins and minerals. Foods containing vitamin C, such as citrus fruits, spinach and broccoli, can be included in the diet. Drinking enough water also supports the healing process.

In the first days, soft foods that are easy to chew, such as soup, yoghurt and purées, can be preferred. Salty foods can be limited, as they may increase swelling.

Because some herbal products and supplements can increase bleeding, they should not be used before or after surgery without consulting the doctor. The doctor's advice on diet should be followed.

What Are the Risks of Rhinoplasty?

Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries some risks. The most common are swelling, bruising, temporary nasal congestion and temporarily reduced sensation at the nasal tip.

Less commonly, anaesthesia risks, nosebleeds, infection, asymmetry, difficulty breathing, a perforation of the septum, a noticeable scar with the open technique and the need for a corrective (revision) operation because of dissatisfaction with the result may occur. Thick skin and scar tissue are factors that can limit the result.

To reduce the risks, a detailed examination, setting realistic goals and following the post-operative instructions are important.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty

Who is suitable for the operation?

Rhinoplasty can be considered for people whose nasal growth is complete, whose general health is suitable, who are not satisfied with the shape of their nose or have breathing problems caused by the nose, and who have realistic expectations. The doctor decides on suitability after the examination.

What should be considered before rhinoplasty?

Expectations should be shared openly with the doctor. Smoking should be stopped at least two weeks before surgery; aspirin and medicines that can increase bleeding should be stopped as advised by the doctor.

Is rhinoplasty a permanent operation?

Yes, the results are long-lasting. However, blows and injuries to the nose and age-related changes can affect its appearance.

How is the technique used in the operation decided?

The technique is decided by the doctor after the examination, taking into account the structure of the nose, the procedures planned and the person's expectations.

When can I return to daily life?

Provided care is taken to avoid any blow to the nose, it is usually possible to return to daily life about one week after surgery.

When can I return to work?

People whose work does not require physical effort can usually return to work within one week after surgery. The timing depends on how recovery progresses.

How long after surgery can I take a shower?

A shower can usually be taken after the external splint has been removed. The splint is usually removed 3–4 days after surgery; the doctor may recommend a different period.

How long after surgery can I do sport?

It is usually recommended to start sport one month after surgery. For contact sports in which the nose could be hit, the doctor's approval should be awaited.

Will there be a visible scar on the nose?

In the closed technique, the incisions are made inside the nose; no incision is made on the outside of the nose. In the open technique, a small scar remains on the bridge of skin between the nostrils; this scar usually becomes less noticeable over time.

Will there be swelling and oedema after surgery?

Yes, swelling and oedema after surgery are normal. Bruising and marked swelling usually decrease within 1–2 weeks; however, it may take months for mild swelling at the nasal tip to resolve completely.

Will my nose feel numb?

After surgery, temporarily reduced sensation and numbness may occur in the nose, especially at the tip. This usually improves within weeks or months; if it persists, the doctor should be consulted.

What conditions have a positive effect on the result of the operation?

The main conditions that have a positive effect on the result of the operation are:

• A detailed consultation between the patient and the doctor
• The patient stating their expectations clearly
• The doctor informing the patient about the possible outcome and risks
• The operation being performed under sterile conditions
• The operation being performed by a specialist doctor in the field