Rhinoplasty in Istanbul
Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to improve its proportions, symmetry or breathing. Dr. Semih Yıldız plans each operation around your facial balance and skin quality, aiming for a natural result that suits your face.
AT A GLANCE
Anaesthesia: General
Operation time: 2–4 hours
Hospital stay: 1 night
Stay in Istanbul: About 7 days
Back to work: 1–2 weeks
Final result: Around 12 months
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job or nose reshaping surgery, changes the shape, size or proportions of the nose. It can reduce a dorsal hump, refine a wide or drooping tip, straighten a crooked nose, reshape the nostrils or, when combined with septal surgery, improve breathing.
A natural result depends on facial balance, skin quality and keeping the supporting structures of the nose stable. The goal is a nose that looks as if it has always been yours, without an operated look.
Who is a good candidate?
- Adults in good general health whose nasal growth is complete
- People bothered by a hump, a wide or drooping tip, asymmetry, nostril shape or a crooked nose
- Patients with breathing problems caused by a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates
- Anyone with realistic expectations who can stop smoking before and after surgery
If you have had nose surgery before, revision rhinoplasty requires a separate, more detailed assessment.
Rhinoplasty techniques
There is no single technique for every nose. After reviewing your anatomy, skin thickness and goals, Dr. Semih Yıldız selects the approach and explains why it suits you.
Open rhinoplasty
A small incision across the columella, the skin bridge between the nostrils, gives a direct view of the nasal framework. It is preferred for detailed tip work and for complex or revision cases, and the scar usually becomes barely visible.
Closed rhinoplasty
All incisions are placed inside the nostrils, so there is no external scar. It suits selected changes to the bridge and hump.
Preservation rhinoplasty
Instead of removing and rebuilding the bridge, the existing dorsum is lowered and reshaped while its natural contour is kept. It is an option for suitable noses with a hump.
Septorhinoplasty
Cosmetic reshaping is combined with correction of a deviated septum, so appearance and breathing are treated in the same operation.
Revision rhinoplasty
Corrects the result of a previous operation. It often requires cartilage grafts from the septum, ear or rib and more detailed planning.
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How the operation is performed
- Planning: your photos, medical history and goals are reviewed and the surgical plan is agreed before the day of surgery.
- Anaesthesia: the operation is performed under general anaesthesia and usually takes 2–4 hours.
- Access: the nasal framework is reached through an open or closed approach, depending on the plan.
- Reshaping: bone and cartilage are refined, for example by reducing a hump, narrowing the nasal bones, shaping the tip with sutures or grafts and straightening the septum when needed.
- Closing: the incisions are closed and a protective splint is placed on the nose.
- Aftercare: most patients stay one night in hospital for monitoring before moving to their hotel.
Recovery timeline
First 2–3 days: Swelling and bruising peak. Keep your head elevated; discomfort is usually controlled with simple painkillers.
Around day 7: The splint and any external stitches are removed. Bruising fades over 10–14 days.
Week 2: Most patients return to desk work and social activities.
Weeks 4–6: Gradual return to exercise. Full sports, and glasses resting on the nose, usually after 6 weeks.
Month 3: Most of the swelling has settled and the nose looks natural to others.
Month 12: The final shape appears as residual swelling at the tip resolves; thicker skin can take longer.
How to prepare
- Stop smoking and nicotine products at least 4 weeks before and after surgery.
- Tell us about all medicines and supplements; blood thinners, aspirin, ibuprofen, fish oil and some herbal products may need to be paused.
- Send clear front, side and oblique photos of your nose for the online assessment.
- Plan about 7 days in Istanbul and 1–2 weeks away from work.
- If possible, travel with a companion for the first days.
Risks and possible complications
Every operation carries risk. Possible complications of rhinoplasty include:
- Bleeding or infection
- Breathing difficulty
- Asymmetry or an unsatisfactory shape
- Visible or internal scarring
- Changes in skin sensation or sense of smell
- Septal perforation or skin problems
- Prolonged swelling
- The need for revision surgery
Benefits, limitations and alternatives are discussed in detail during your consultation and informed consent.
Your rhinoplasty journey in Istanbul
Before you travel
Share your photos and medical history for an online consultation. You receive a personalised plan, an expected recovery timeline and a written quotation before booking flights.
Surgery day
After pre-operative tests and a face-to-face consultation with Dr. Semih Yıldız, the operation takes place in hospital.
Recovery in Istanbul
You recover at your hotel and return for check-ups. The splint is usually removed around day 7, before you fly home.
Back home
Follow-up continues remotely through photos and video calls, so your progress is monitored after you return.
Rhinoplasty cost in Istanbul
Rhinoplasty prices in Turkey start from €2,470 for primary rhinoplasty, €1,830 for nasal tip surgery (tip plasty), €3,100 for revision rhinoplasty and €3,490 for ethnic rhinoplasty. The price depends on the complexity of the surgery, such as the need for cartilage grafts or septal work, and the length of your hospital stay. To get Dr. Semih Yıldız’s personal price, request a free online assessment. You receive a written quotation with clear package details.
The surgery price includes hospital fees, anaesthesia, implants where required for the procedure, follow-up checks, medications and any required compression garments. Hotel accommodation and transfers are not included.
Frequently asked questions
How much does rhinoplasty in Istanbul cost?
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In Turkey, prices start from €2,470 for primary rhinoplasty, €1,830 for tip plasty, €3,100 for revision rhinoplasty and €3,490 for ethnic rhinoplasty. To get Dr. Semih Yıldız’s personal price, request a free online assessment.
How long should I stay in Istanbul?
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Most international patients stay about 7 days, so the splint can be removed before the flight home. Confirm travel dates only after your plan is agreed.
Is rhinoplasty painful?
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Most patients describe pressure and a blocked nose rather than severe pain. Discomfort in the first days is usually well controlled with medication.
When can I go back to work?
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Most people return to desk work after 1–2 weeks. Jobs that involve heavy physical effort may need more time.
When will I see the final result?
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Early change is visible when the splint is removed, but swelling, especially at the tip, keeps refining for many months. The final result is usually judged at around 12 months.
Will I have visible scars?
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Closed rhinoplasty leaves no external scar. Open rhinoplasty leaves a small scar across the columella that usually becomes barely noticeable.
Is open or closed rhinoplasty better?
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Neither is better for everyone. The approach depends on your anatomy and the changes you want, and is chosen during planning.
Can rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
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Yes. If breathing problems are caused by a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, they can be corrected in the same operation (septorhinoplasty).
When can I fly home?
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Usually after the splint is removed, around day 7, once your recovery has been checked.
Can I wear glasses after surgery?
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Glasses should not rest on the bridge of the nose for about 6 weeks. Contact lenses or taping the glasses to the forehead are common solutions.
This page provides general information and does not replace a medical examination.
Related guides
Open or closed rhinoplasty: which technique suits you?