Rhinoplasty (nose job) is an operation that aims to bring the shape of the nose into harmony with the facial features and, when necessary, to correct the internal structure of the nose to allow comfortable breathing. It is one of the most frequently performed procedures in aesthetic surgery. The goal in rhinoplasty is not "the same nose for everyone", but a natural appearance that suits the person's own facial proportions.
What can be changed with rhinoplasty?
- A hump on the nasal bridge can be removed and the bridge line corrected
- The nasal tip can be lifted, refined or made more defined
- The nose can be reduced overall or its proportions changed
- The angle between the upper lip and the nose can be adjusted
- The nostrils and the width of the nasal wings can be corrected
- A deviation inside the nose (septal deviation) and enlarged turbinates can be corrected in the same session
If there is a problem that makes breathing difficult, it is treated in the same operation; for this reason, the examination assesses not only the external appearance but also the internal structure of the nose and breathing. Discussing expectations together before surgery is important in order to clarify which changes are possible with the bone and cartilage structure.
What is the right age for rhinoplasty?
The nose is expected to have finished developing before surgery. Depending on the rate of development, this is usually around 16-17 in women and 17-18 in men. In people with a marked deformity due to trauma, it can be performed at an earlier age. There is no upper age limit; however, at an older age, general health, medications used and anaesthesia risks are assessed in detail.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Both techniques are widely used; which one is chosen depends on the existing structure of the nose and the extent of the correction to be made. Sometimes the two are used together.
| Open rhinoplasty | Closed rhinoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Incision site | The skin between the nostrils (columella) + inside the nose | Inside the nostrils only |
| Field of view | The nasal framework is seen directly | The view is more limited |
| When it is suitable | Marked deformities, detailed work on the nasal tip, revision | More limited and predictable corrections |
| External scar | A very small scar on the columella — becomes barely noticeable over time | No external scar |
How is rhinoplasty performed?
The operation usually takes 1-3 hours, depending on the extent of the procedure. Afterwards, tape and a plastic splint are applied to the nose so that the bone keeps its new shape and swelling remains limited. Silicone nasal packing that allows comfortable breathing is placed inside the nose. The hospital stay is usually one night.
How does recovery progress?
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| First 2 days | Cold compresses minimise bruising, swelling and oedema; pain is controlled with painkillers |
| Days 2-3 | The silicone nasal packing is removed (painlessly) |
| Week 1 | The splint on the nose is removed |
| Week 2 | The tapes are removed; most of the bruising fades and social life resumes |
| Months 2-3 | Most of the shape settles |
| 1-1.5 years | The nose takes its final shape; follow-ups are at 3, 6 and 12 months |
During this period, you are asked not to put pressure on the nose, to postpone wearing glasses until the doctor allows it, and to avoid heavy lifting and working while bending forward. Protection from the sun is important with regard to swelling and discolouration. Smoking delays healing.
Risks and possible problems
In the early period, bleeding, infection, a circulation problem in the nasal skin or an allergic reaction to the tape may occur. In the late period, there may be long-lasting swelling and firmness of the nasal skin, numbness at the nasal tip or a more visible scar. The result may not always be exactly what the person expected.
Revision rhinoplasty — nose surgery performed a second time — is considered when an aesthetic or functional problem persists. Because the tissues need to settle, a wait of at least 6 months, preferably 1 year, is required before revision. In this operation, it may be necessary to take cartilage from the rib.
Other facial aesthetic procedures such as eyelid surgery can be planned in the same session as rhinoplasty. For an assessment and a personalised plan, you can contact the clinic; for the doctor's training and experience, see the About Me page.
Frequently Asked Questions
When can I shower after nose surgery?
You can usually shower once the splint and tapes on the nose have been removed, that is, about one week after surgery. Until then, the body is washed with lukewarm water without wetting the face and hair. Even after the splint is removed, water should not be aimed directly at the nose, and lukewarm rather than hot water should be preferred. Turkish baths, saunas and prolonged hot steam are not recommended for the first month; heat can increase swelling and bruising. The exact timing is decided by the doctor who follows your recovery.
How long does rhinoplasty recovery take?
The first week is the period when the splint and tapes are in place; swelling and bruising are most noticeable at this stage. After the splint is removed, most of the bruising fades within two weeks and the person can return to social life. Swelling at the nasal tip resolves more slowly: most of the shape settles in 2-3 months, and final refinement can take up to a year. These timeframes vary depending on the person's skin thickness, nasal structure and the technique used.
What is the right age for rhinoplasty?
Surgery is considered once the nose has finished developing; this is usually around 16-17 in women and 17-18 in men. If there is a marked deformity due to trauma or a problem that obstructs breathing, intervention may be needed at an earlier age. There is no upper age limit, but at an older age a detailed assessment is made of general health, medications used and anaesthesia.
Is rhinoplasty done only for appearance?
No. The aim of rhinoplasty is for the nose to gain an appearance in harmony with the face and for the person to breathe comfortably. If there is a condition that makes breathing difficult, such as a deviation inside the nose (septal deviation) or enlarged turbinates, it is also treated in the same operation. For this reason, the examination assesses not only the external appearance but also the internal structure of the nose and breathing.
What should I pay attention to after nose surgery?
In the first days, the head is kept elevated and no pressure is applied to the nose. Wearing glasses, blowing the nose, heavy lifting and working while bending forward are avoided until the doctor allows them. Sport is usually resumed gradually after one month; contact sports require a longer wait. Protection from the sun is important with regard to swelling and discolouration. Since smoking delays healing, quitting is recommended.