What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is surgery that reshapes the bone and cartilage framework of the nose. It can reduce a dorsal hump, refine or lift the tip, narrow a wide nose, adjust the angle between the nose and upper lip, and bring the overall size of the nose into proportion with the rest of the face.
Because the nose sits in the centre of the face, even small changes can alter your expression noticeably. The aim is therefore not a "new nose" but one that is in harmony with your forehead, lips and chin, looks natural and does not immediately give away that surgery has been done.
The nose is also where breathing begins. A purely cosmetic change that ignores the internal structures can make breathing harder. The main contribution of an ENT surgeon in rhinoplasty is the ability to plan the inside of the nose – the septum, turbinates and nasal valves – together with its outward appearance.
Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty can be considered for adults and older teenagers in good general health who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose, or who have breathing problems alongside a shape concern. Common reasons we see in consultation include:
- A noticeable hump on the bridge of the nose
- A drooping, wide or poorly defined tip
- A nose that is long, large or wide in relation to the face
- A crooked or asymmetric nose after an injury
- A blocked nose caused by a deviated septum, present from birth or acquired later
- Dissatisfaction with the result of previous nose surgery
Realistic expectations matter as much as physical suitability. At the consultation we discuss openly what can and cannot be achieved, and how factors such as skin thickness can influence the final result.
Open vs closed rhinoplasty
There are two main surgical approaches. Which one is used depends on the kind of change needed and on the structure of your nose.
| Closed rhinoplasty | Open rhinoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | All incisions inside the nose | Incisions inside the nose plus a small incision across the columella (the strip between the nostrils) |
| View | Structures are reshaped with limited direct vision | Cartilages are seen and shaped directly |
| Typically used for | Limited changes, mainly to the bridge | Detailed tip work, grafting and revision surgery |
| Scar | No visible external scar | A fine scar that usually becomes hard to see over time |
Whichever approach is chosen, preserving the support structures of the nose is essential for a stable, balanced long-term result.
Septorhinoplasty: breathing and appearance together
The wall of cartilage and bone that divides the inside of the nose is called the septum. A deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or nostril walls that collapse when you breathe in can all cause nasal obstruction. If these problems are present, they can be corrected in the same operation as the cosmetic changes – this is called septorhinoplasty.
A blocked nose can also contribute to mouth breathing at night, snoring and poorer sleep. For patients with these symptoms we also assess them for snoring and sleep apnoea.
Before surgery: consultation and planning
At your first appointment we listen to your concerns and goals, then assess the external shape of your nose and the thickness of your skin. An endoscopic examination of the inside of the nose shows the septum, turbinates and nasal valves. A CT scan may be requested if needed.
Photographs of your face are taken from several angles and the planned changes are discussed using these images. If you are travelling from abroad, you can send photographs and your medical history in advance for an initial assessment, but the final plan is always confirmed after an in-person examination in Izmir. Before surgery:
- Your medications are reviewed, especially blood thinners and herbal supplements.
- Routine blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment are carried out.
- If you smoke, you will be asked to stop before and after surgery, as smoking slows healing.
What happens on the day of surgery?
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital operating theatre at İzmir Özel Gazi Hastanesi and takes 2–4 hours, depending on what is being done. At the end of the operation a small external splint is placed on the nose to protect its new shape; if needed, soft internal splints that allow you to breathe are also placed.
Most patients go home the same day or after one night in hospital. Resting with your head elevated and using cold compresses during the first days helps to reduce swelling.
Recovery after rhinoplasty
Recovery varies from person to person, but the typical timeline looks like this:
| Time | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First 3 days | Swelling and bruising are at their peak; discomfort is usually well controlled with painkillers. |
| Days 5–7 | First check-up: the external splint and any internal splints are removed. |
| Week 2 | Most bruising has faded; many patients return to desk work and social life. |
| Weeks 4–6 | Light exercise can usually be resumed; glasses resting on the bridge are generally avoided until this point. |
| Month 3 | The shape of the nose has largely settled; clearance for contact sports is usually given around this time. |
| 12 months and beyond | The last subtle swelling at the tip resolves and the final result becomes visible. |
We see patients at 1 week, 1 month, 6 months and 1 year. For patients who live in another city or country, interim follow-ups can be carried out by video call, with care provided in English.
Risks and what to watch out for
As with any surgery, rhinoplasty carries risks. These include bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, temporary numbness of the tip, asymmetry and a result that does not fully meet expectations. Some patients may need a minor touch-up procedure later on.
The most effective ways to reduce these risks are a thorough examination, a realistic plan, an experienced surgical team and careful adherence to aftercare instructions. Before surgery we go through all the risks, and anything specific to your situation, in detail as part of the written consent process.
Revision rhinoplasty
Surgery on a nose that has already been operated on, because of problems with appearance or breathing, is called revision rhinoplasty. As cartilage support may have been reduced during the first operation, revision surgery often requires cartilage grafts taken from the ear or rib.
Tissues need to heal completely before a revision, which usually means waiting at least a year after the previous operation. Bringing the operation notes and any earlier photographs is very helpful for planning. If you are also considering other facial procedures, our facial aesthetics page gives an overview of the options.
The information on this page is for general guidance only and does not replace diagnosis or treatment. The right treatment for you can only be decided after an examination, and results vary from person to person.
