Rhinoplasty, in its most general definition, is the process of surgically reorganizing the bone, cartilage and soft tissue structures of the nose to improve it aesthetically and functionally. This operation aims to achieve a nose with a more harmonious, natural appearance with other elements of the face, while also aiming to eliminate breathing problems caused by the nose. Aesthetic purposes include; proportioning the general size of the nose to the face, correcting the hump on the nasal bridge, reshaping the nasal tip (lifting, thinning, lowering), correcting the size or shape of the nostrils and eliminating asymmetries in the nose. The main goal is to achieve a natural appearance that is harmonious with the general character of the face, away from exaggeration.
Functional purposes usually focus on breathing-related problems. Conditions such as septum deviation (curvature of the nasal septum), turbinate hypertrophy (enlargement of nasal turbinates) or internal structural disorders resulting from trauma can make breathing difficult, cause snoring, decrease in sleep quality and chronic fatigue. During rhinoplasty surgery, such structural problems are also corrected, opening the airway and enabling the person to breathe more comfortably. Most of the time, aesthetic and functional improvements are performed together in the same operation (septorhinoplasty), so the individual both achieves the desired appearance and experiences a significant increase in breathing quality. This comprehensive approach plays an important role in improving the patient’s overall quality of life.
Although nose surgery is a common and effective procedure, it may not be suitable for every individual. Various factors are considered in determining ideal candidates. First of all, it is essential that the candidate’s bone and cartilage development is completed. This generally corresponds to around 16-17 years of age for girls and 17-18 years of age for boys. This age limit is important for the results obtained after surgery to be permanent and for the nose to have completed its development. However, general health status is also a critical factor. Individuals who do not have a serious chronic disease that could prevent surgery (uncontrolled diabetes, advanced heart or lung disorders, etc.), do not have an active infection, and do not have bleeding coagulation disorders are more suitable candidates.
Psychological state and expectations are as important as physical health. It is necessary for the candidate to have realistic expectations from rhinoplasty and to fully understand the possible results, risks and recovery process of the surgery. Nose surgery can improve a person’s appearance and increase self-confidence, but it does not promise perfection or solve all problems in life. Individuals who make the decision to have surgery of their own free will, have high motivation and are psychologically stable are more satisfied with the process. In addition, since smoking negatively affects wound healing, it is strongly recommended to quit smoking at least a few weeks before surgery and throughout the recovery process. A detailed preliminary examination and open communication with the doctor play a key role in clarifying whether the person is a suitable candidate for the operation.
Nose surgery operations can be performed using different techniques according to the patient’s nasal structure, expectations and surgeon’s preference. Basically, there are two main surgical approaches, open and closed, but with the development of technology, modern methods that offer more precise and effective results are also widely used. Each technique has its own advantages and application areas. When determining the most suitable technique for his patient, the surgeon takes into account the existing problems in the nose, the targeted changes and the anatomical features of the patient. The goal is always to achieve the most natural and functional result.
In this technique, a small incision is made in the skin strip called “columella” that separates the two nostrils. Thanks to this incision, the nasal skin and soft tissues are lifted upward, making the nasal bone and cartilage skeleton completely visible. The surgeon’s direct control over all structures offers an important advantage, especially in correcting complex deformities, eliminating serious asymmetries or revision surgeries. It provides a wider field of view and intervention opportunity. The incision scar usually becomes indistinct over time.
In this approach, all incisions are made from inside the nostrils, so no visible scar remains from the outside. The surgeon reaches the bones and cartilages by working from inside the nose and performs the necessary shaping. Since it offers a more limited field of view, it can generally be preferred in less comprehensive corrections, such as slight nasal bridge filing or making minimal changes to the nasal tip. The recovery process may generally be slightly faster than the open technique and less swelling may be seen.
It is a corrective surgery applied to patients who have had one or more nose surgery operations before but have not achieved the desired result or have developed new problems. Due to reasons such as the changed anatomical structure, presence of scar tissue and need for cartilage grafts, it is generally a more challenging operation that requires more experience than the first surgery.
It is a combined surgery where breathing problems such as septum deviation and turbinate enlargement are also corrected along with aesthetic corrections.
It is the process of cutting and shaping the nasal bones using a special device (piezo) that works with sound waves. This technique minimizes the risk of damaging surrounding soft tissues, vessels and nerves while precisely intervening on bones. In this way, less bruising and swelling after surgery and faster recovery are expected.
The reasons why individuals seek nose surgery are quite diverse and usually appear as aesthetic concerns, functional problems, or a combination of both. This operation offers solutions in a wide range from the desire to have a nose more compatible with facial features to the elimination of serious breathing problems. The decision for surgery is made as a result of detailed evaluation by an experienced surgeon in line with the person’s needs and expectations.
The main situations where nose surgery is considered necessary are:
Aesthetic Concerns: It is one of the most common reasons. The person’s dissatisfaction with the general appearance of their nose falls into this category.
Nose Size: A nose that is too large or too small for the face.
Nasal Bridge: Having a prominent hump or protrusion on the nasal bridge.
Nasal Tip Shape: Low, drooping, excessively raised, wide, narrow or asymmetric nasal tip.
Nostrils: Wide, narrow or asymmetric nostrils.
Nasal Curvature: C or S-shaped curvatures or asymmetries in the general line of the nose.
Congenital Deformities: Congenital shape disorders.
Functional Problems (Breathing Problems): The goal is to correct functional disorders rather than the aesthetic appearance of the nose.
Septum Deviation: The cartilage and bone wall (septum) inside the nose being curved to one side, narrowing the airway and causing breathing difficulties.
Turbinate Hypertrophy: Excessive enlargement of turbinates, also known as nasal flesh, can cause nasal congestion.
Nasal Valve Narrowing: Structural problems in narrow areas inside the nose that regulate air flow.
Post-Trauma Repair: Correction of fractures, collapses or deformities that occur in the nose as a result of accidents, falls, impacts or sports injuries. Such traumas can lead to both aesthetic and functional problems.
Revision Rhinoplasty (Corrective Surgery): These are secondary surgeries applied to patients who have had one or more nose surgery operations before but are not satisfied with the results obtained or have experienced new problems (aesthetic or functional). Revision surgeries are generally more complex operations that require more experience than the first operation.
Nose surgery, namely rhinoplasty, is a detailed surgical process that is carefully planned for each patient, aiming to both address aesthetic concerns and solve functional problems of the nose. This operation aims to achieve a nose with a natural appearance that is compatible with the general lines of the face, while also making healthy breathing possible. A successful rhinoplasty surgery is possible with the expertise of an experienced surgeon and a meticulous surgical approach. Here is comprehensive information on how nose surgery is performed step by step:
One of the most critical stages of the rhinoplasty process is the detailed evaluation and personalized surgical planning phase performed before surgery. This stage directly affects the success of the operation.
Initial Consultation and Detailed Examination:
In your first meeting with your surgeon, information is obtained about your general health condition, medications you use regularly, allergies and operations you have had before. Then, the internal and external structure of your nose is carefully examined. The thickness of your skin, the structure of your cartilages and bones, the shape of your nostrils, the position of your nasal tip and its compatibility with other features of your face are evaluated in detail. If you have breathing problems, they are also addressed at this stage.
Clarification of Expectations and Simulation Studies:
What kind of results you expect from surgery is discussed clearly and precisely. Your surgeon shares with you what might be aesthetically possible, considering the current structure of your nose and the general proportions of your face. Today, many clinics can give you an idea about the possible appearance of your nose after surgery using advanced 3D imaging and simulation technologies. This both helps your expectations become concrete and enables you to develop a common aesthetic understanding with your surgeon.
Determining the Surgical Technique:
Based on the existing aesthetic and functional problems in your nose, the targeted changes and your surgeon’s experience, it is decided which rhinoplasty technique (open rhinoplasty, closed rhinoplasty) or which modern technologies (for example, ultrasonic piezo surgery) will be used. Each technique has its own advantages and application areas.
Health Checks and Pre-operative Instructions:
Some blood tests and other necessary examinations are performed to evaluate your general health condition before surgery. Important preparation instructions such as stopping smoking and alcohol consumption at least 2-3 weeks before surgery, discontinuing blood thinning medications (aspirin, some painkillers, etc.) and some herbal supplements under doctor’s supervision are communicated to you.
Anesthesia Selection and Application
The vast majority of nose surgery operations are performed under general anesthesia for patient comfort and surgical safety. General anesthesia ensures that your consciousness is closed during surgery and you do not feel any pain or discomfort. Some minor interventions such as more limited nasal tip surgery or with the joint decision of the surgeon and patient, local anesthesia and sedation (regional anesthesia supported by sedative drugs) method can also be preferred. Before surgery, an anesthesiologist will meet with you to determine the most appropriate and safe anesthesia method for your health condition.
After anesthesia is applied, your surgeon begins the operation to implement the previously planned changes. This stage of surgery differs according to the selected surgical technique:
Open Rhinoplasty Technique:
In this method, a small, inverted “V” or step-shaped incision is made in the skin area called “columella” that separates the two nostrils. Through this incision, the nasal skin and underlying soft tissues are carefully lifted upward. In this way, the surgeon can work with a wide field of view by directly seeing the bone and cartilage skeleton of the nose. The open technique is frequently preferred especially for those with serious deformities in the nose, those with obvious asymmetry, or patients who have had an unsuccessful nose surgery before (revision rhinoplasty) because it offers more control and intervention opportunities.
Closed Rhinoplasty Technique:
In this method, all surgical incisions are made from inside the nostrils. Therefore, no visible incision scar remains when viewed from the outside after surgery. The surgeon reaches the nasal bones and cartilages through these incisions created from inside the nose and performs the necessary shaping operations. The closed technique is generally a suitable option for patients who require more limited corrections and where major changes in nasal structure are not planned.
Structural Reorganization of the Nose
Bone and Cartilage Interventions
The surgeon reshapes the nasal bones and cartilages according to the predetermined plan. If there is a hump on the nasal bridge, this hump is filed or cut and removed in a controlled manner. Wide nasal bones are cut with special instruments and brought together in a controlled manner to narrow the nasal bridge. When needed, cartilage pieces (grafts) usually taken from the patient’s own nose (septal cartilage), ear or rarely ribs are used to provide support to the nasal tip, eliminate irregularities on the nasal bridge or complete missing parts in the nasal structure.
Nasal Tip Aesthetics (Tip Plasty)
With nasal tip aesthetics, which is an important part of rhinoplasty, the shape, position and size of the cartilages at the nasal tip can be changed to lift, thin, shorten, lengthen or reposition the nasal tip. The goal is to achieve a nasal tip that is compatible with the face and natural.
Functional Corrections (Septoplasty and Turbinate Surgery)
If the patient has a septum deviation (curvature of the nasal septum) that causes breathing problems, this condition is corrected with “septoplasty” procedure in the same surgical session. In addition, if the nasal turbinates are excessively large and blocking the airway, they are also reduced with appropriate methods (turbinate surgery) to improve respiratory functions.
Aesthetic Closure of Incisions
After the reshaping of the nose is completed, the nasal skin and soft tissues are gently adapted over the newly created bone and cartilage skeleton. The incisions made are carefully closed using very fine and aesthetic suture materials that usually dissolve on their own or will be removed a few days after surgery.
After the surgical procedure is completed, some applications are made to protect the new shape of the nose, support healing and control possible bleeding.
The duration of nose surgery varies depending on the variety of procedures to be performed, the complexity level of surgery, the selected surgical technique and the surgeon’s experience. Generally, a standard rhinoplasty surgery is completed between 1.5 to 3 hours. However, this time may be longer in revision surgeries or cases requiring very comprehensive structural changes.
This information provides a general outline of nose surgery. Since each patient’s anatomical structure, needs and recovery process will differ, it is of great importance to get the most accurate and personalized information from your own surgeon. Strictly following your doctor’s recommendations in the post-operative period plays a critical role in obtaining natural and functional results and having a healthy recovery process.
The recovery process after nose surgery varies from person to person depending on the patient’s general health condition, the scope of the procedure performed and the surgical technique, but generally goes through certain stages. Strictly following your doctor’s recommendations during this period both ensures a comfortable recovery process and directly affects the success of the result obtained from surgery. Swelling (edema) and bruising on the face, especially around the eyes and nose after surgery, is an expected condition. This swelling and bruising usually reaches its most intense level within the first 2-3 days and then gradually decreases. It may take 6 months to 1 year, or sometimes longer in patients with thick skin, for the nose to take its final shape and all swelling to completely resolve. Therefore, it is important to be patient and allow the natural course of the healing process.
The main points to consider in the post-operative period are:
The success of nose surgery is largely directly related to the surgeon’s experience, expertise and aesthetic understanding. Reshaping the nose, which is located at the very center of the face and is one of the key elements of expression, requires both technical skill and an artistic perspective. Therefore, it is of critical importance for individuals considering rhinoplasty to be extremely meticulous about doctor selection in terms of surgical outcome and patient satisfaction. The right surgeon choice not only ensures reaching the desired aesthetic appearance, but also guarantees the preservation or improvement of the functional health of the nose. A wrong choice can lead to disappointed expectations, additional corrective surgeries and unnecessary health risks.
One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a doctor is the surgeon’s level of experience in rhinoplasty. A surgeon who has performed many nose surgery operations before and has encountered different nose types and complex cases will be more competent in predicting and managing possible complications. The surgeon’s area of expertise is also important; usually Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery specialists or Ear Nose Throat (ENT) specialists perform rhinoplasty surgeries. Doctors who have received special training in rhinoplasty and have concentrated on this field from both specialties should be preferred. Examining the surgeon’s before and after photos of previous patients can give an idea about aesthetic understanding and results achieved. In addition, communication in the first meeting with the doctor, instilling confidence in you, understanding your expectations and providing satisfactory answers to your questions should also be effective in the decision-making process.
The cost of nose surgery can vary significantly depending on many different variables. Prices are usually determined on a personal basis because each patient’s nasal structure, needs and complexity of surgery are different. Therefore, a face-to-face meeting with a surgeon and a detailed examination are absolutely necessary to get accurate price information. However, knowing the basic factors that generally affect rhinoplasty prices can be guiding when making budget planning and decisions. It should not be forgotten that surgeon selection and surgical quality should have priority over price; because a low-cost option may be more expensive in the long run due to additional revision surgeries and health problems.
The main factors affecting nose surgery prices are:
The table below shows average and estimated price ranges for different types of nose surgery (rhinoplasty) procedures for 2025 in Istanbul. The cost of nose surgery can vary depending on many factors such as the surgeon’s experience and expertise, standards of the hospital or clinic where surgery will be performed, surgical technique used (for example open, closed, piezo etc.), scope of surgery (being primary surgery or revision), type of anesthesia and post-operative additional services.
| Nose Surgery (Rhinoplasty) Procedure Type | Average Price Range (TL) – Istanbul 2025 | Notes |
| Closed Nose Surgery | 120,000 – 200,000 | Generally suitable for more limited interventions, no visible incision scar from outside. |
| Open Nose Surgery | 100,000 – 200,000 | Provides the surgeon with a wider field of view and intervention area when more complex or comprehensive corrections are needed. |
| Functional Nose Surgery (Septorhinoplasty) | 50,000 – 75,000 | Primarily aims to correct breathing problems such as septum deviation and at the same time provide aesthetic improvement. |
| Revision Nose Surgery | 150,000 – 350,000 | Performed to correct the results of people who have had nose surgery one or several times before; generally more complex than the first surgery. |
| Comprehensive Primary Nose Surgery | 150,000 – 250,000 | Performed for the first time, aiming to ensure complete harmony of the nose with the face both aesthetically and functionally, includes detailed and comprehensive surgical procedures. |
Since surgery is performed under general anesthesia, no pain is felt during the operation. There may be mild to moderate discomfort, fullness and pain for the first few days after surgery. This condition is effectively controlled with painkillers that your doctor will prescribe.
There will be noticeable swelling in the nose immediately after surgery and in the first weeks. Most of the swelling goes down within the first 1-2 months and the new shape of the nose emerges in its main lines. However, complete resolution of edema and the nose taking its final, settled shape usually takes 6 months to 1 year, sometimes longer.
Yes, if you have structural disorders that cause breathing problems such as septum deviation and turbinate enlargement, these problems can also be corrected during rhinoplasty surgery (septorhinoplasty). In this way, both aesthetic improvement and easier breathing are achieved.
For rhinoplasty, it is generally expected that bone and cartilage development is completed. This is around 16-17 years of age for girls and 17-18 years of age for boys on average. While there is no upper age limit, it is important that the person’s general health condition is suitable for surgery.
In the closed rhinoplasty technique, since all incisions are made from inside the nostrils, no externally visible scar remains. In the open rhinoplasty technique, a small incision is made in the area called columella between the two nostrils; this scar usually becomes largely indistinct over time and does not attract attention.
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