Rhinoplasty

What is Rhinoplasty surgery?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting the external appearance of the nose, usually together with the septum. Since there are many techniques used in rhinoplasty, complaints related to breathing, previous nasal trauma and operations, and the patient’s expectations regarding appearance should be carefully evaluated during surgical planning. If the nose is being operated on for the first time, this is called Primary Rhinoplasty.

What is the purpose of Rhinoplasty surgery?
The aim of the surgery is to correct the deformity without impairing breathing and, in patients with breathing problems, primarily to improve breathing. Since soft tissues that may vary are involved in the surgery, despite all experience, the patient’s exact visual expectations cannot always be met; the aim is to achieve a result as close as possible to those expectations.

Is Rhinoplasty surgery a difficult operation, and how long does it take?
Rhinoplasty is not a difficult or painful operation. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 2.5-3 hours.

How is Rhinoplasty surgery performed?
The surgery is performed through incisions made inside the nose (closed technique) or both inside and outside the nose (open technique). In general, excess cartilage is removed, the hump on the nasal bridge is corrected, the nasal septum is straightened if it is crooked, the nasal bridge is refined, and the tip of the nose is supported to create a more delicate and triangular appearance. If necessary, the nasal wings and nostrils are also shaped. Afterwards, silicone tampons are placed inside the nostrils and plastic splints are placed on the nasal bridge, and the operation is completed.

What are the possible risks and complications of Rhinoplasty surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, bruising-swelling, asymmetry and scarring after Rhinoplasty surgery. These risks will be minimized as much as possible with the appropriate approach of your surgeon and by the patient strictly following the recommendations.

Are there any side effects of Rhinoplasty surgery?
Rhinoplasty surgery does not have any specific side effects, and the surgical risk is not higher than that of other aesthetic surgeries.

Will there be scars after Rhinoplasty surgery?
If Rhinoplasty is performed with the closed technique, no scar is visible from the outside. If Rhinoplasty is performed with the open technique, a V-shaped surgical scar is formed at the junction between the nose and upper lip. However, the scars fade over time and become much less noticeable. Unless examined very closely, they are difficult to notice, and in the long term they become barely visible.

What should be done before Rhinoplasty surgery?
Before Rhinoplasty surgery, our doctor evaluates the patient and a plan is made regarding the procedure to be performed. The surgery date is decided. As with all other surgeries, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should not be used starting 1 week before surgery. Only medications that the patient needs to use because of existing diseases should be taken with the doctor’s knowledge. You will be informed about how many hours you need to fast on the day of surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before Rhinoplasty surgery?
Since smoking significantly affects wound healing, it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke for 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. The patient should be aware that smoking is one of the main causes of poor healing.

How should we sleep after Rhinoplasty surgery?
In order to prevent swelling in the facial area from increasing and to allow it to decrease over time, you should sleep on your back with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows. You may sleep on your side after 3 weeks, while 3-4 months should pass before sleeping face down.

How is dressing performed after Rhinoplasty surgery?
After Rhinoplasty surgery, a small amount of blood leakage from the tip of the nose is normal. For this reason, a dressing called a nasal tip dressing will be applied to absorb this bleeding. This dressing will be changed as it becomes stained with blood.

When can I return to work after Rhinoplasty surgery?
After Rhinoplasty surgery, your tissues will have healed sufficiently within 7 days. However, in most cases, completing 10 days is sufficient before going out in public and returning to work.

When can I start exercising after Rhinoplasty?
For the first 3 days after Rhinoplasty surgery, you are generally advised to rest, walk around the house and perform simple daily activities. After 3 days, you may take short and careful walks outside. However, straining, lifting weights and strenuous exercise are not recommended during the first weeks. Generally, all types of sports activities are allowed after 2 months.

When are the nasal tampons and splint removed after Rhinoplasty surgery?
Seven days after Rhinoplasty surgery, your nasal tampons will be gently removed, and the bandage and splint on the nasal bridge will also be removed. Generally, a new bandage is not applied. Removal of the splint and bandage is an easy procedure, so please do not worry.

Will the stitches be removed after Rhinoplasty surgery?
Since the sutures used in Rhinoplasty surgery are completely hidden, there is no need for stitch removal.

Is Rhinoplasty surgery very painful?
Most patients state that they experience very little pain after Rhinoplasty surgery. Mild tightness and pain may be expected in the surgical area, and regular use of the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers is generally sufficient.

When can I take a shower after Rhinoplasty surgery?
After surgery, you can wash below your chin without getting the bandage wet, and you may have your hair washed as in a hair salon. On the seventh day after surgery, after your nasal splint and tampons are removed, you can take a shower comfortably. Extremely hot or extremely cold water is not recommended during the early period.

When can I swim in the pool or sea after Rhinoplasty surgery?
It is recommended to wait 2 months before swimming in the pool or sea.

When can I travel after Rhinoplasty surgery?
After Rhinoplasty surgery, short-distance road travel can be made after 4 days. For a 1-2 hour flight, it is appropriate to wait until 7 days have passed.

How long should sexual intercourse be avoided after Rhinoplasty surgery?
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure increases, which may cause unwanted bleeding after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to wait 3 weeks before sexual intercourse.

Is it harmful to wear glasses after Rhinoplasty surgery?
Glasses should not be worn for 2 months after Rhinoplasty surgery. Contact lenses may be used.

When can I start sunbathing or use a solarium after Rhinoplasty surgery?
After Rhinoplasty surgery, sunbathing and solarium use are not appropriate for the first 3-4 months because the surgical areas may be affected and the scars may become darker.

How much does Rhinoplasty surgery cost?
In order to provide clear information about the cost of Rhinoplasty surgery, the patient’s complaints and aesthetic expectations need to be evaluated objectively, and the procedures required need to be determined. Pricing information will be provided after the examination.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.