Frequently Asked Questions in Rhinoplasty in Turkey

Will there be scars after rhinoplasty?

We perform rhinoplasty surgeries in two different ways: open and closed. The closed technique is used in operations that are not difficult. The incision made in the nose is performed inside the nose. In the closed technique, there is no scarring as the skin is closed from the inside with stitches.

6 months after rhinoplasty surgery

The open technique is preferred for difficult surgeries. In this surgery, a V-shaped incision is made in the skin between the two nostrils. The open technique leaves a small scar after rhinoplasty. Initially visible, the scar gradually blurs as the healing process progresses.

How many days after rhinoplasty surgery can I return to daily life?

Generally, a person can return to daily life within 2-3 weeks after surgery. However, full recovery may take several months. During the first few days after surgery, the nose may be bandaged and slightly swollen. There may also be mild pain and swelling in the nose.

For this reason, it is not recommended to go to work and school, do physical activity, or do high-energy work in the first week after surgery.

How long it takes to return to normal life after rhinoplasty surgery may vary depending on the general health status of the person and the size and details of the surgery.

Is it necessary to use tampons after rhinoplasty?

It is not necessary to use tampons after rhinoplasty surgery. However, the use of tampons provides support for the nose during the postoperative healing process and reduces swelling. For this reason, doctors usually recommend the use of tampons for the first few days after surgery. The tampon is used to prevent the accumulation of blood clots in the nose and swelling of the nose. If the tampon is not used, the patient may experience bruising under the eyes and swelling of the cheeks.

If you don't use a tampon, you can staple the appropriate points with string. Tampons and stapling increase the comfort of the patient after the operation.

5th-day rhinoplasty

When is the nasal tampon removed?

After rhinoplasty surgery, the timing of the removal of the nasal tampon may vary depending on the size and characteristics of the procedure and the general health status of the person. The applied tampon is usually kept in the nose for 3 - 5 days.

Does it hurt when the tampon is removed?

Since the tampons used in rhinoplasty surgeries performed in the past adhered to the nose, the pain was felt during the removal process.

Today, the tampons placed in the nose are soft, slippery, perforated silicone materials that do not cause pain. The tampons do not stick to the nasal tissues and do not cause pain during their removal. These silicone tampons provide comfortable breathing due to their soft and perforated structure.

What are nostril problems?

Nostril width problem;

If the nose's wings are wider than the distance between our eyes, we can discuss the nose's wings or holes.

Large nostrils;

The size of the nostrils is usually familial. This size can be mentioned even between human races. The nostrils of African people are wider than the nostrils of people from other societies.

Small nostrils;

Small nostrils are rarely congenital. Mostly it occurs as a result of multiple surgical procedures. Another cause burns.

Nostril asymmetry;

Asymmetry is when both sides are not the same as each other. Both sides of our faces can't be the same as each other. Even both sides of our bodies are not symmetrical. This applies to our noses, eyebrows, lips, and chins. The aspect of nostril asymmetry relevant to plastic surgery is that it is noticeable and does not align with the individual's facial and nasal proportions.

Both our face and nose have an asymmetrical structure, and it is not necessary to correct every defect.

One of the nostrils is lower and one is higher;

The side of the face with the nostrils above the wings of the nose is shorter, and the tip of the nose and chin are also directed that way. It is the most common nostril asymmetry.

The excessive appearance of nostrils;

This condition has nothing to do with the structure of the nostrils. It occurs as a result of shortening the nose too much or increasing the angles too much during nose surgery. It is the biggest fear of those who will have a rhinoplasty.

Widening of the nostrils while laughing;

The widening of the nostrils while laughing depends entirely on mimic movements and the activity and strength of these muscles. Applying Botox to these muscles can also correct smile problems.

Nostrils are prominent from the side;

In front of the septum that divides the nostrils into two, the structure formed by the inner legs of the cartilages that form the wings of the nose is called the columella. In some patients, naturally or during aesthetic surgery, the columella is lower than the wings. It looks more prominent when viewed from the side. This condition may be linked to issues affecting the back of the nose as well as respiratory problems.

How should I sleep after rhinoplasty surgery?

It is important to keep the head above the heart level while sleeping after rhinoplasty. In this way, there will be no pressure on the nose, as the amount of blood going to it will decrease. Keeping the head elevated also reduces bleeding, bruising, pain, and oedema. For this purpose, it is recommended to lie on your back with 2 or 3 pillows under your head. You can turn left and right while lying down so as not to damage the operation area.

If you follow your doctor's advice, sleeping on your back for 6 weeks may be enough.

Is the appearance of the nose after rhinoplasty permanent?

The long-term results of rhinoplasty

The appearance of the nose after rhinoplasty surgery performed by our experienced surgeon Op.Dr. Umit Kucuktepe in our clinic is usually permanent. Unless there is serious trauma, it maintains this permanence for years. However, the appearance of the nose may change in cases such as ageing and regression of the skin. To make this image permanent, the nose must be cleaned and positioned correctly after surgery.

What does it mean for the tip of the nose to fall off? When does the tip of the nose droop?

Nasal tip drooping, as a health condition, means that the tip of the nose moves upwards or shifts to a lower position. In septum surgery, removing the bent cartilage tissue near the tip of the nose decreases the support for the nasal tip, making nasal tip droop inevitable if no precautions are taken. In such patients, the situation can be prevented with procedures that support the tip of the nose.

Sometimes, this angle, which appears high due to post-operative edema by patients, decreases slightly when the edema decreases. This situation may be considered a nasal tip drop by patients. In operations performed with closed techniques, no significant change is seen because the edema is low and the nasal tip ligaments are protected.

In patients with thick nasal skin, the back side of the nasal tip swells after the surgery, and the prominence of the nasal tip decreases. With this decrease, a downward orientation image occurs. For this reason, the tip of the nose may give a downward appearance for 1.5 years in patients with thick skin and 1 year after the operation in patients with normal or thin skin. Our patients should patiently wait for these periods to pass for the targeted nose appearance.

When can I take a bath after rhinoplasty surgery?

When to bathe after rhinoplasty surgery may vary depending on the size and characteristics of the surgery and the general health status of the person. For the first few days after surgery, avoid exposing the nasal area to water by washing your face or cleaning your nose.

It is important that the splint and tampon applied after rhinoplasty do not get wet. Hot water has the effect of increasing edema. Especially in the first 2-3 days after the surgery, avoid washing the head while bathing and stay away from hot water. The patient can remove the splint and take a shower one week after the operation.

Is it possible to have rhinoplasty surgery during menstruation?

Having rhinoplasty during menstruation does not significantly change the success of rhinoplasty. However, it is generally not recommended to have rhinoplasty surgery during menstruation. Hormonal changes occur in the body during menstruation, and these changes may affect the postoperative healing process. Women are more sensitive to pain and stress during menstruation. Hormones can cause water retention in the body during this period, i.e., edema. It may be important to share the dates of this period with the physician to arrange the most suitable surgery date.

What is septoplasty? What are the differences between rhinoplasty and septoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical intervention to make aesthetic changes to the nose. Rhinoplasty surgery can be performed for changes such as nose enlargement or reduction, rounding, lifting, thinner or thicker nose wings, and nostril enlargement. Rhinoplasty surgery is among the surgeries performed to solve aesthetic or functional problems for the nose. It is performed under general anesthesia as well as local anesthesia.

Septoplasty is a surgical procedure to correct the curvature of the inner base of the nose (septum). The septum is the bone or cartilage region in the middle of the inner base of the nose. It separates the right and left cavities of the nose. In some cases, the septum is congenitally or subsequently bent or twisted. In this case, it causes problems such as the inability to breathe, problems with voice formation, or fluid accumulation in the nose.

Septoplasty is an operation in which intranasal structural disorders and problems related to the nose and respiratory tract are treated. It is performed under general anesthesia.

At what age is rhinoplasty performed?

Since the musculoskeletal system is expected to complete its development in rhinoplasty surgeries, the bone development of children is expected to be completed. What is important in rhinoplasty is the development of bone and cartilage structure. The possibility of increasing anesthesia and postoperative complications at advanced ages may reduce the possibility of surgery at advanced ages. However, rhinoplasty can be applied if the patient does not have conditions that will prevent anesthesia. Girls over the age of 17 and boys over the age of 18 typically undergo aesthetic nose operations.

Is the French Strap (thread nose lift) permanent?

French sling (thread nose lift) is a non-permanent aesthetic treatment for the nose. This method provides an instant aesthetic result for the nose with the thread used as a sling. The French sling does not make permanent changes to the nose; it only provides a visual effect. Rhinoplasty surgery should be performed for permanent changes. It does not remain as it was on the first day due to stretching of the threads over time, sagging of the skin, and trauma to the nose. This method is permanent for two years on average. It should be repeated after two years. The French strap method can be used as a preliminary step to achieve a permanent result.

Is rhinoplasty common in men?

Rhinoplasty is common in men. RMen can undergo rhinoplasty surgeries for aesthetic, functional, or both purposes. Justified requests such as aesthetic concerns, breathing comfortably, sleeping comfortably, doing sports comfortably, walking comfortably, and speaking comfortably have made rhinoplasty operations common in men.

Rhinoplasty surgeries in men are usually permanent, and the postoperative recovery period is a few weeks.

What are the social factors affecting rhinoplasty operations?

Aesthetics is a method used to correct or beautify a defective organ. Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic operation performed to change and beautify the shape of the nose. The social factors that are believed to influence rhinoplasty include social media, the social environment, mental health issues, the role of plastic surgeons, cultural changes, and increased access to medical opportunities.

What changes are made to the nasal structure with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery can bring about numerous changes to the nose's structure. The goal of the surgery is to solve aesthetic or functional problems for the nose.

Aesthetic changes for the nose:

• Reshaping the tip of the nose.
• Changing the size of the nose.
• Straightening the bridge of the nose.
• Arrangement of the nostrils.
• Changing the angle of the nose.
• Thinning the wings of the nose.
• Correction of nasal asymmetry.

Functional changes for the nose:

• Elimination of nasal obstruction.
• Regulation of the internal structure of the nose.
• Regulation of sound production in the nose.
• Prevention of fluid accumulation in the nose.
• Prevention of infection in the nose.
• Removal of tumours in the nose.

In rhinoplasty, when are the silicone sheets and plaster placed inside the nose removed?

Silicone sheets or plaster provide support for the nose after surgery and maintain the shape of the nose. For this reason, doctors usually use them for the first few days after surgery. The silicone sheets inside the nose are removed on the 2nd or 3rd day of the operation, while the thermoplastic plaster outside the nose remains for 7-10 days. Silicone sheets that don't stick to nasal tissue are painless to remove.

How many days should I stay in the clinic after nose surgery?

Patients can rest for a few hours after surgery and go home. However, for postoperative complications (such as bleeding, low blood pressure, and nausea), it is preferred to spend the day of surgery in the hospital and be discharged the next day.

How long does it take for swelling and bruising to disappear after rhinoplasty?

Occasionally there may be no bruising in rhinoplasty surgeries. Swelling and bruising vary according to the procedures performed. Bruising becomes invisible within one week. Swelling and edema are at their highest level in the first few days after surgery. While most of the edema disappears in 1 week, a small part of it can last up to 3 months.

Your doctor will tell you how to heal and when to resume normal activities.

What are the characteristics of an ideal nose?

An ideal nose should possess the following features:

• The back should be flat.
• It should not be excessively arched.
• It should be located in the centre of the face.
• There should be no depression or curvature.
• It should have thin and proportional nose wings.
• There should be no drooping or deformation at the tip.
• There should be symmetrical nostrils that are not too big.
• It should have healthy breathing and a sense of smell.
• It should not be big or small compared to the face it is on.
• The angle of the tip of the nose with the upper lip should be 90-105 degrees for women and 90-95 degrees for men.
• The width of the nose should be as wide as the width of one eye or about 1 in 5 of the distance between two ears or the distance between two eye tips.
• The ratio of the length of the nose (between the upper starting point and its tip) to the length of the face (between the ends of the hair on the forehead and the chin) should be 1/3.

Can a deviated septum be corrected with plastic surgery?

The septum is the structure that divides the nasal cavity into two parts. The front part consists of cartilage, and the back part consists of bone. A deviated septum occurs when this structure tilts to one side. In such cases, the patient experiences breathing disorders due to nasal congestion. The curvature may occur in the front or back of the septum.

The deviated septum can be operated on simultaneously with rhinoplasty by a plastic surgeon.

Can nasal flesh and nasal obstruction operations be performed simultaneously with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty can simultaneously remove nasal flesh and nasal congestion. The structures called nasal flesh and concha ensure that the air taken from the nose is heated and moisturised. Nasal flesh enlargement (turbinate hypertrophy) is commonly confused with adenoid and septum curvature.

The nasal meat in the nasal cavity can grow due to allergic reactions or curvature of the septum. As in septum curvature, it causes nasal congestion.

What is nasal depression?

A nasal depression is a disorder caused by the displacement of the nasal structure. This disorder may occur due to reasons such as displacement of the nasal root, weakening of the nasal bone or internal structure of the nose, and failure of the nasal cartilage to heal. The depression may occur after rhinoplasty surgery or it may occur naturally over the years.

Nasal collapse can be corrected with rhinoplasty surgery. In cases of nasal collapse, revision surgeries up to the removal of cartilage from the rib may be required.

How long does a bandage need to be worn after rhinoplasty surgery?

The bandage is usually used for 1-2 weeks after rhinoplasty.

Does the color of the skin change after rhinoplasty?

Yes, the color of the skin may change, but it usually returns to normal.

How long should an intranasal dressing be applied after rhinoplasty?

The intranasal dressing is usually done for a few days.

When do intranasal wounds heal after rhinoplasty?

Intranasal wound healing is usually completed within a few weeks.

How long does intranasal swelling occur after rhinoplasty?

Intranasal swelling usually subsides within a few days.

How long does swelling outside the nose occur after rhinoplasty?

Swelling outside the nose usually subsides within a few weeks.

As Umit Kucukktepe Clinic, we are about to solve all your nose problems at the most affordable prices.

This article is for informational and advisory purposes. The recommendations of your surgeon, who will examine you and perform nose surgery, should be a priority.