Treatment guide · Face & nose

Rhinoplasty

Surgery that changes nasal shape, structure or size. Planning should assess breathing as well as appearance.

Evidence-informed editorial guide · Medical review pending · Not personal medical advice
Typical procedure timeOften around 1.5–3 hours; revision or complex functional surgery may take longer.
AnaesthesiaUsually general anaesthesia.
HospitalCommonly day surgery or one overnight stay.
Suggested Turkey stayOften 6–9 days so the surgeon can review healing and remove the external splint when appropriate.

The essentials

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty may reshape bone, cartilage, the nasal tip or nostrils. Septoplasty or functional work may be added when obstruction is present. Open and closed approaches describe incision access, not quality by themselves.

What it may aim to do

  • Refine proportion, bridge, tip or nostril shape
  • Correct post-traumatic or congenital differences
  • Address selected functional problems when clinically indicated

Is this treatment suitable for me?

A webpage cannot determine this safely. Suitability must be decided by the responsible specialist after reviewing your symptoms, examination, medical history, medicines and relevant tests. Our coordinator can help you prepare the right records, but does not make the clinical decision.

Request an assessment

Plan ahead

Your pre-surgery timeline

A practical planning guide for elective surgery. A shorter timeline can still be appropriate; your surgeon and anaesthesia team’s written instructions always take priority.

013 months before

Research and consultation

Compare qualified surgeons and hospital settings. Share your full medical history, previous operations and goals. If you use nicotine, ask the surgical team when you must stop.

021 month before

Confirm the plan

Confirm the procedure, written quotation, aftercare, travel and companion arrangements. Complete requested tests and disclose every medicine, supplement, allergy and contraceptive.

031 week before

Prepare for recovery

Reconfirm arrival and support arrangements, collect only prescribed items and prepare loose clothing and your recovery space. Never stop a medicine unless your clinical team tells you to.

041 day before

Follow written instructions

Follow the hospital’s exact fasting, washing and medication instructions. Pack your ID, reports and regular medicines. Tell the team promptly if you become unwell.

05Surgery day

Final safety check

Follow the confirmed arrival and fasting plan. Remove jewellery, make-up or contact lenses if instructed, and do not plan to drive after sedation or anaesthesia.

Do not copy a generic online medication or fasting schedule. Instructions differ by procedure, anaesthetic, medical history and the medicines you take.

NHS guidance ASPS guidance
01
Procedure and techniqueHow it may be performed and what to discuss
  • Open rhinoplasty with a small external columellar incision
  • Closed rhinoplasty through internal incisions
  • Structural cartilage grafting or preservation techniques
  • Septorhinoplasty when functional septal work is also required

The appropriate technique can only be selected after examination, clinical indication and informed consent.

02
Recovery and travelTypical milestones, Turkey stay and fit-to-fly decision
Week 1

A splint and internal support may be used. Swelling, bruising and congestion are expected.

Weeks 2–3

Many people return to non-physical work; visible bruising usually improves.

Weeks 4–8

Activity increases gradually and the nose remains vulnerable to impact.

6–18 months

Tip swelling and fine definition continue to change; revision decisions should not be rushed.

Planning your stay in Turkey

Often 6–9 days so the surgeon can review healing and remove the external splint when appropriate. This is a planning range. The treating team must confirm discharge and fitness to travel.

03
Price and inclusionsWhat may change the quotation
  • Primary versus revision surgery
  • Functional septal or valve work
  • Cartilage graft source
  • Surgeon, hospital, anaesthesia and overnight stay
  • Imaging, medication and follow-up

Often included—confirm in writing

  • Surgeon and anaesthesia fees stated in the written quotation
  • Hospital or licensed surgical-facility charges
  • Routine pre-operative tests listed in advance
  • Standard medication and scheduled early follow-up

Often excluded—ask before paying

  • Flights, travel insurance and unrelated medical care unless stated
  • Extra nights, companion expenses or additional tests unless listed
  • Treatment of complications, readmission or revision unless the policy says so
  • Any procedure added after examination and informed consent
04
Questions and answersFAQ and a short consultation checklist
Open or closed rhinoplasty — which is better?

Neither approach is universally superior. Access is chosen according to anatomy, planned changes and surgeon experience.

When will I see the final result?

Major swelling improves early, but tip definition and subtle asymmetry can continue changing for a year or longer.

Can breathing and appearance be treated together?

Yes, when indicated, but both functional and aesthetic goals should be documented and discussed with the surgeon.

Can my result be guaranteed?

No. Surgery can improve a concern, but healing, scars, symmetry and the final result vary. A responsible surgeon explains the realistic range of outcomes and the possibility of revision without promising perfection.

When can I fly home?

Only after the treating team confirms that recovery is progressing safely. The suggested stay on this page is a planning range, not medical clearance. Longer flights, anaemia, mobility limits and clot risk may require a longer stay.

What should I arrange before travelling?

Share an accurate medical history, medication and supplement list, smoking or nicotine use, previous surgery and relevant photographs or reports. Arrange travel insurance, an adult companion where advised, time away from work and a named follow-up clinician at home.

When should I seek urgent help?

Follow the hospital's written emergency plan. New shortness of breath, chest pain, one-sided leg swelling, uncontrolled bleeding, fainting, high fever, rapidly worsening pain or sudden colour change require urgent medical assessment.

Ask the treating doctor

  • Why do you recommend this procedure for my case?
  • Who will perform the procedure, and where?
  • What should I expect during recovery?
  • What follow-up will I receive after I return home?
05
Sources and review statusReferences used for this general guide

These sources support general information only and do not replace advice based on your examination and history.

NHS — Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty) American Society of Plastic Surgeons — Rhinoplasty
Last editorial update
19 September 2026
Medical reviewer
Pending appointment

Understand your rhinoplasty options

A coordinator can explain which medical records a specialist is likely to need and prepare a transparent comparison without promising suitability or results.

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