Nose Surgery
Rhinoplasty
A natural nose in harmony with your face that respects your breathing.
Approximate timings reflect the practice information supplied for Op. Dr. Soner Tezcan. Additional procedures, health and recovery may change the plan. Surgery, stay and activity plans are confirmed during consultation and follow-up.
What is it?
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose and, if needed, improves breathing.
Who is it for?
People with a hump, droopy tip, crooked nose or breathing difficulty whose facial growth is complete.
How is it done?
An open approach is generally used. Shape and breathing are assessed together during consultation.
Recovery
Approximate return to work/social life: 10–12 days. This does not mean full recovery or clearance for exercise or flying. Swelling and tissue settling may take longer and are reviewed during follow-up.
What is rhinoplasty and who is it for?
Rhinoplasty reshapes the size, bridge and tip of the nose and its proportion to the face. The aim is not a nose that looks "operated", but one that sits naturally in harmony with the rest of the face. A dorsal hump, a drooping or wide tip, a crooked or asymmetric nose, or a nose that is large for the face are the most common reasons for surgery. Rhinoplasty is performed from age 16 for girls and 18 for boys. Under 18, surgery is planned only when the nose causes significant psychological distress and with the consent of a parent.
Breathing is assessed too
The nose is not only an aesthetic feature. The inside of the nose is examined at consultation; if a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates make breathing difficult, they are corrected in the same operation as the aesthetic changes, so one surgery improves both appearance and breathing.
Before surgery: consultation and a personal plan
At the first consultation facial proportions, skin thickness, the bridge and tip, and the cartilage and bone structure are assessed in detail, and your expectations are discussed. Every face is different, so no standard nose shape is applied; the target profile is agreed together to suit your features. Patients from abroad can start with an online pre-consultation using photos; the final plan is confirmed at examination.
How is the operation performed?
Surgery takes place under general anaesthesia and usually lasts 2–3 hours. Op. Dr. Soner Tezcan generally uses the open technique, which gives a direct view of the nasal framework for more controlled shaping. Bones are shaped with piezo (ultrasonic) instruments or the classic method, depending on the patient's anatomy. In revision rhinoplasty, or when extra support is needed, cartilage grafts taken from the rib or behind the ear may be used; these operations take about 3–4 hours. Dissolvable stitches are used, so no stitch removal is needed.
The first days after surgery
Patients usually stay in hospital for 1 night. Internal packing is removed on day 3 and the external splint at the check-up on day 6. Swelling and bruising around the eyes are common at first and usually fade clearly within 1–2 weeks. Pain is mostly mild and is controlled with prescribed medication: antibiotics, painkillers, stomach protection, antibiotic ointment and a nasal spray, as prescribed by the doctor.
Recovery timeline
Return to work and social life takes about 10–12 days. Light walks are recommended in the first week; light exercise can start after week 2, normal sport after the first month and weight training after 2 months. Glasses should not be worn for 2 months to protect the nasal bones. Swelling settles gradually and the final shape develops over time; at the tip of the nose this can take up to a year. This timeline is a general plan and is adapted at follow-up.
For patients travelling from abroad
Depending on your return date, 1–2 check-ups are scheduled before you leave and a fit-to-fly report is provided. Follow-up continues online after you return home.
Aftercare and follow-up
- One or two checks are planned before departure according to the return date. A flight report is provided; fitness and timing for travel require medical assessment. Anti-embolism stockings form part of the care plan.
- Antibiotics, pain relief, stomach protection and antibiotic ointment are used only as prescribed. Dose, application site and duration are individual; do not start treatment independently.
- Absorbable sutures are used; routine stitch removal is not planned. Scar cream is started after wound closure at the time advised by the surgeon.
- Nasal spray is used as prescribed. Glasses are avoided for the first two months; subsequent use depends on review.
- General activity plan: gentle walking in week one; light exercise after week two; regular sport after month one; weight lifting after month two. Every stage requires review and surgeon clearance; some procedures need longer restrictions.
Frequently asked questions
Is rhinoplasty painful?
Most patients describe the pain as mild. The main discomfort is nasal congestion in the first days, which eases noticeably once the packing is removed on day 3.
Will my nose look natural?
The plan aims for a nose that suits your face and does not look "done". The target shape is agreed together at consultation based on your facial proportions.
Will my breathing improve as well?
If a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates affect your breathing, they are corrected in the same operation.
When can I fly?
1–2 check-ups are done before you leave and a fit-to-fly report is issued; fitness to fly is assessed by the doctor at follow-up.
When can I wear glasses?
Glasses should not be worn for 2 months after surgery so the nasal bones can heal.
What is the minimum age for rhinoplasty?
From 16 for girls and 18 for boys. Under 18, parental consent is required and surgery is planned only when the nose causes significant psychological distress.