Rhinoplasty Surgery (Aesthetic Nose Surgery)

With this surgery the nose can be enlarged or reduced, the arch (dorsal hump) can be removed, the nasal tip can be corrected, wide nostrils can be narrowed and a drooping nasal tip can be lifted. In addition, the deviations inside the nose (septum deviation) are corrected and the turbinates can be reduced.

It can be applied to anyone whose facial bone development is complete (preferably over 18 years old) and who has the stated deformities.

Unless the patient wishes otherwise, the aim is to obtain a natural appearance in harmony with the other organs of the face. A holistic harmony is achieved without disrupting breathing.

The surgery can be performed under general anaesthesia. With the anaesthetist's permission, the patient can, if they wish, become able to go home 3-4 hours after the surgery.

For patients given general anaesthesia, staying one night is recommended; however, depending on the time and duration of the surgery, it is also possible to be discharged the same evening.

On the first day, facial swelling, pain in the nose, throbbing and headache may be seen. Liquid food can be taken 4 hours after the effect of the anaesthesia wears off. The next day bruising begins on the eyelids, but it improves quickly; a cold compress reduces the swelling. Silicone tampons that allow breathing are placed inside the nose; their removal is not painful. A plaster splint is applied over the nose, changed on the 6th day and completely removed on the 12th day. The bruising around the eyes can last 7-10 days. The swelling on the nasal bridge can remain 15-20 days or longer; during this period glasses are not recommended and protection from the sun is necessary. The final shape of the nose emerges in 3-6 months.

Situations such as infection, temporary bleeding or a reaction to anaesthesia, as seen in other surgeries, are possible. Risks can be reduced by following the team's recommendations. Leakage-type bleeding after surgery stops within a few days. In the open technique, the incision at the nasal tip heals leaving a very fine, unnoticeable scar.

Rarely, a secondary procedure may be needed to correct a small deformity; a six-month follow-up is required to decide on this. Depending on the extent of the previous surgery, a small intervention may be sufficient, or cartilage may need to be taken from the ear or rib. The doctor decides by examining the inside and outside of the nose, with a tomography if necessary, and plans by sharing all the details with the patient.

Medications used and allergies must be reported. Smoking should be reduced and stopped at least 1 week beforehand and must not be done while the tampons are in place. Blood thinners (aspirin, NSAIDs, vitamin C) should be stopped a week before. Substances that increase the tendency to bleed, such as green tea, cherries and grapefruit, should be discontinued. A cold sore on the face is an obstacle to surgery and must be reported to the doctor. Infectious illnesses such as flu and colds are an obstacle to anaesthesia.

Swelling and bruising usually disappear within a week. The splint comes off on the 12th day. The patient can return to school or work in 10-14 days; the return to normal life can take a few weeks. Return to sports should be discussed with the doctor.

Blows and friction should be avoided for at least a month. Sports that increase blood pressure should be avoided for two weeks. Sunburn should be avoided for 8 weeks, and sunscreen and, if necessary, a hat should be used. Glasses are prohibited for a month and this can extend up to 3 months depending on bone healing; for this reason it is suitable for glasses-wearers to use contact lenses.

Since all incisions are made inside the nostrils, no suture scar forms as in the open technique. General anaesthesia is preferred and the surgery takes approximately 1.5-2 hours. The hospital stay is one night. The plaster is removed on the seventh-eighth day, and the silicone tampons are removed together with the plaster. If conditions are normal, the patient returns to normal life on the 12th-13th day. The full recovery process is 6 months.