What Is Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)?
As appearance has become ever more important, rhinoplasty has recently taken first place among the most popular operations. In this operation, performed to give the nose a more aesthetic appearance, the nasal surgeon works on the cartilage and bones beneath the skin to achieve the planned result.
The operation that corrects deformities of the nose – chosen for health reasons as well as aesthetic expectations – is called rhinoplasty. It is a cosmetic operation chosen by many people, and it gives very good results when performed correctly.
In operations to change the appearance of the nose, which plays a big role in facial expression, preserving the sense of smell and breathing function is also important. To ensure comfortable breathing and sense of smell after surgery, the specialist should also aim to resolve factors such as a deviated septum, sinusitis and enlarged turbinates during the operation.
Deformities of the nose – the first thing noticed when looking at a face – can sometimes be very bothersome. With advances in medicine, these problems can be overcome with a well-performed operation.
This procedure, called rhinoplasty, offers solutions for health as well as appearance. The most important point is that, because the nose is responsible for breathing, it should be performed by expert plastic surgeons or ENT specialists focused on this field. Otherwise, results that are hard to reverse may occur.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
The surgical plan takes into account the tissue characteristics of the nose, the details of the aesthetic problem and the patient's expectations. Problems requiring treatment during the operation, such as enlarged turbinates, a deviated nose and sinusitis, can also be added to the plan.
Aesthetic nose surgery is performed under general anaesthesia, and its duration depends on what needs to be done. It takes longer when the sinuses need treatment and in patients who have had the operation before. Especially in secondary cases, it can also take longer if cartilage has to be taken from the ear or rib.
In this operation, the cartilage, skin, bone – or, when necessary, all of these – are altered. When planning, what the patient wants to change and the characteristics of the skin are taken into account, and the plan is made after the necessary examinations.
Like all operations, rhinoplasty carries risks. These may include permanent numbness around the nose, an uneven appearance, discolouration, difficulty breathing, scarring, persistent swelling and the need for revision surgery.
Before surgery, the doctor discusses whether rhinoplasty will be effective. The medical history is reviewed, and the patient's health and motivation are assessed. The patient is clearly told what they will and will not gain from the operation. Patients with the bleeding disorder haemophilia may not be suitable.
After the necessary blood tests, a physical examination determines the effect of rhinoplasty on breathing. Photographs of the nose are taken and the expected result is simulated on the computer; these are used for before-and-after assessment and during the operation.
After surgery, mild swelling and blood-pressure fluctuations due to anaesthesia may occur, so it is advisable to have a companion with you for a night or two.
Who Can Have Rhinoplasty?
It is generally chosen to repair deformities after injury, correct congenital deformities, improve breathing difficulties, make breathing easier and change physical appearance.
What Is the Structure of the Nose?
The upper part of the nose consists of bone, the lower part of cartilage, and its surface is covered with skin. Because it plays an active role in breathing, it is the most important organ of the respiratory system.
Cost of Rhinoplasty 2026
The cost of nose surgery is determined precisely after the doctor's examination. The surgeon will give detailed information about the aesthetic changes to be made to the nose. The hospital you choose and the doctor's experience are also important factors in the price.
When Should Rhinoplasty Be Done?
- When the nasal tip is droopy
- When the nose has a hump
- When the nasal tip is deformed
- When there is enlarged tissue (turbinates) inside the nose
- When the nose is crooked or collapsed
- When the nose is too big or too small
- When the nasal tip is pointed
- When the nasal tip is over-rotated (upturned)
Is There an Age Limit for Rhinoplasty?
For this procedure, the muscular and skeletal systems must be sufficiently developed. Children are therefore expected to complete their development. More precisely, what matters is not age but completed development of the bones and cartilage – which means a lower age limit of seventeen for girls and eighteen for boys.
On the other hand, at older ages the risk may increase because of complications related to anaesthesia. It is best to be examined by a doctor and decide accordingly.
What Types of Rhinoplasty Are There?
There are many types of rhinoplasty, and the doctor chooses the most suitable after the necessary examination. Options include 3D, dynamic, open, closed and packing-free rhinoplasty.
The main methods are open and closed rhinoplasty. Open rhinoplasty is performed more often because it is easier and the most widely taught method worldwide, but at our clinic we perform closed rhinoplasty because recovery is shorter and it leaves no visible scar.
What to Expect Before and After Surgery
Nose surgery is a moderate-to-minor aesthetic operation. Local anaesthesia is not suitable; being put to sleep is strongly recommended. Because it is an important and delicate operation, it must be performed in a fully equipped hospital. When performed by an expert doctor with good references, you can avoid potential negative outcomes.
Before Surgery
Medication should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Aspirin-type drugs in particular increase bleeding and carry risks, so special attention should be paid to them. Medication approved by your nasal surgeon may be used.
Supplements and herbal remedies should also be avoided before surgery. Smoking should be stopped, as it slows healing and increases the risk of infection.
After Surgery
Patients can usually get up within 4–6 hours after the procedure and can start eating after 4 hours if there is no nausea or vomiting. Depending on the patient's general progress, we ask you to stay in hospital for 1 night.
After the operation, a cast is placed on your nose, and if necessary splints are placed inside it. You may have some pain on the first night, which is normal; ice packs help with headache.
Swelling may occur on your nose and face, varying from person to person. There may be some discharge from the tip of the nose on the first day, which is normal.
Because patients may swallow blood during the operation, vomiting may occur afterwards. There is no need to panic, but it is a good idea to inform your doctor if this happens.
After the second day you gradually return to normal life. After the cast is removed, a thin tape is applied and the swelling begins to subside more quickly.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
Although it is an easy operation and patients are discharged quickly, they should be careful in some respects. Diet should be taken care of, smoking and alcohol must be avoided, and the nose must be protected from knocks.
Mild swelling and blood-pressure fluctuations due to anaesthesia may occur after surgery, so it is advisable to have a companion with you for a night or two. Recovery after nose surgery varies from person to person – between 1 week and 2 months depending on skin type.
- Full recovery after aesthetic nose surgery takes between 6 months and 1 year.
- Swelling visibly decreases after the first month.
- In patients with thick skin, it can take more than a year for the skin to settle.
Rhinoplasty Prices 2026
One of the things people who want an aesthetic nose most want to know is how much the operation costs. Your doctor will give the most accurate answer after the necessary checks and examinations, because rhinoplasty prices vary with the operation.
Non-Surgical Rhinoplasty Prices 2026
In this procedure, fillers are used. It is generally preferred for asymmetries and deformities of the nose, provided the structure of the nose is suitable.
How Should You Choose a Doctor?
Once you decide on surgery, be meticulous in choosing your doctor; otherwise many serious problems, especially with breathing, may arise. In a preliminary consultation with your rhinoplasty surgeon, ask about the technique used, previous references and 3D modelling.
What Is Tip Rhinoplasty?
Tip rhinoplasty is performed when the nasal tip is too droopy, the nose is asymmetric or the tip is excessively upturned. Unless there is a specific reason, the nasal bones are not touched.
How Long Does Nose Surgery Take? Is a Hospital Stay Needed?
The duration depends on the details of the operation and varies from person to person, but on average rhinoplasty takes about 1.5 hours.
It is recommended to stay in hospital for 1 night after surgery; your doctor will tell you how many days you need to stay.
Is There Pain After Nose Surgery? What Do Patients Experience During Recovery?
If no packing is used during the operation, the process is painless. Silicone splints are used so that the patient can breathe comfortably.
During recovery, the nose should be protected from pressure and direct sunlight should be avoided. The patient should be kept under regular medical supervision for 1 week after the operation.
Is Packing Necessary in Nose Surgery?
Packing is rarely used today; silicone splints are preferred instead, allowing the patient to breathe comfortably. Silicone splints placed inside the nose during surgery stabilise the wound and give better results in rehabilitation.
How Soon Do Patients Return to Normal Life After Nose Surgery?
The patient can return to normal life in the first week – provided they do not knock their nose. They should observe the post-operative precautions. They can brush their teeth from the first day, and should avoid heavy sport for a few months.
Why Is Aesthetic Nose Surgery Difficult?
Although the bones and cartilage are structurally independent of each other, they are parts of a whole. Tissues that behave differently must be planned from different angles, and differences are also observed during healing.
I See Very Bad Results – Will Mine Be Like That?
Noses that scream "I've been operated on", that are very small and show the nostrils when you look at them, are unfortunately examples of poor results.
However, with modern techniques that reposition the nasal tissues, rhinoplasty achieves wonderful results.
And, of course, with good planning.
How Can I See What My Nose Will Look Like After Surgery?
Your doctor will show you estimated results using computer programs designed for this purpose. Although this is not an exact measurement and plan, it gives you a general idea. Your doctor will ask you to hold a ruler for the photo and will print it at actual size, so that your post-operative nose appearance can be determined.
What Complications and Problems Can Occur?
The complications that can occur after any operation also apply to rhinoplasty.
- There may be a risk of bleeding from the medium-sized vessels inside the nose, but this is stopped with packing.
- Breathing may be difficult after the operation, especially due to swelling; in such cases a second operation may be needed.
- Adhesions may form in the structure called the septum, which can cause breathing problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should this operation be performed by a plastic surgeon or an ear, nose and throat (ENT) specialist?
Either an ENT specialist or a plastic surgeon can perform this operation. Discuss every detail with your doctor to make sure they are an expert in this field.
Do you break the bones?
The bones are not broken; sometimes they are rasped. When shaping is needed, they are cut through fine incisions made from the inside.
Can this operation be performed under local anaesthesia?
General anaesthesia is the most suitable for this operation. Local anaesthesia is not considered appropriate when the bones need to be treated.
Is packing necessary?
Packing is not essential in nose surgery, and many operations do not need it. However, packing may be needed if major work has been done inside the nose. New-generation splints are short silicone ones – not long like the old ones – so there is nothing to worry about.
Will it hurt a lot when the packing is removed?
Although patients worry about removal of the packing after surgery, it is not a painful procedure. Your doctor can give you the most accurate information about whether packing will be used and what type.
Is the aim of rhinoplasty to make the nose smaller and "remove bone"?
Rhinoplasty is definitely not aimed at simply making the nose smaller or bigger; its purpose is to give the nose the desired appearance. When the cartilaginous hump is very large, the excess is removed.
Another feature of such noses is a droopy tip, which is lifted with rhinoplasty. In cases where the tip looks bulbous, it is also refined and narrowed.
Can I show a photo of someone whose nose I like?
A photo of a nose you like will show exactly what you want. However, you should not expect an exact copy, because your doctor will determine what suits your face.
When can I work after surgery?
The answer depends on your job. If you have a desk job, you can start work after 3–4 days. If your job involves interacting with people, you should plan to return after 10–20 days. Your doctor will give you the most accurate information.
If you are experiencing problems with your nose such as breathing difficulties, dissatisfaction with its appearance, structural deformities, enlarged turbinates, a droopy, pointed or upturned tip, or a hump, you can consult a specialist for detailed information and rhinoplasty.
The information on this page is for general information only; always consult your doctor for diagnosis and treatment.