Rhinoplasty – often called a nose job – is a technically demanding procedure in facial plastic surgery. Small changes of a millimetre or two can alter the balance of the whole face and the way air flows through the nose. On this page, Op. Dr. Mehmet Ali Korkmaz, a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery in Antalya, explains what the operation involves, who it may suit, and what recovery realistically looks like for patients travelling from the UK and elsewhere.
What is rhinoplasty and what can it change?
Rhinoplasty is surgery that reshapes the nose by adjusting its bone, cartilage and, in some cases, the internal structures that affect breathing. It can address both appearance and function in the same operation.
Common reasons patients ask about rhinoplasty include:
- a dorsal hump visible in profile
- a wide, drooping or bulbous tip
- a nose that looks crooked or deviated after an injury
- wide nostrils or nasal bones
- a nose that seems out of proportion with the rest of the face
- breathing difficulty caused by a deviated septum or narrow internal valves
When the septum – the wall dividing the two nostrils – is straightened at the same time, the operation is called septorhinoplasty. Many people who come for cosmetic reasons also have some degree of obstruction they were never aware of, which is why breathing is assessed at every consultation.
What rhinoplasty cannot do is give you someone else’s nose. The result is shaped by your skin thickness, cartilage strength and facial structure, so the aim is a nose that fits your own face.
Who is a suitable candidate for a nose job in Turkey?
Suitable candidates are generally healthy adults whose facial growth is complete, who have a specific concern about the shape or function of their nose, and whose expectations are realistic. Suitability is always decided at a medical examination, not from photographs alone.
You may be a reasonable candidate if:
- your nose has finished growing (usually in the late teens)
- you are in good general health and any chronic conditions are under control
- you do not smoke, or are able to stop for several weeks before and after surgery
- you can describe what bothers you and accept that the outcome has limits
- you can stay in Antalya for the early recovery period and attend follow-up checks
Additional caution is needed if you have had previous nasal surgery, bleeding disorders, uncontrolled high blood pressure, or if you are preoccupied with a minor feature to a degree that affects daily life. In those situations, surgery may not be the right answer, and an honest conversation is part of good care.
Open or closed rhinoplasty: which technique is used?
Both techniques can produce good results; the choice depends on what needs to be changed. Open rhinoplasty is usually preferred for complex tip work, while closed rhinoplasty may suit more limited changes.
| Open rhinoplasty | Closed rhinoplasty | |
|---|---|---|
| Incisions | Inside the nostrils plus a small cut across the columella | Inside the nostrils only |
| Visibility for the surgeon | Direct view of the cartilage framework | More limited view |
| Typical uses | Tip refinement, asymmetry, revision, grafting | Hump reduction, smaller adjustments |
| Visible scar | A fine line under the nose that usually fades well | None on the skin surface |
| Tip swelling | Can take longer to settle | Often settles a little faster |
Cartilage grafts, usually taken from the septum, may be used to support or reshape the tip and to keep the airway open. If septal cartilage is insufficient – for example after previous surgery – other donor sites such as ear or rib cartilage may be discussed. Your surgeon will explain which approach is planned and why.
How is the operation carried out?
The operation is performed in a hospital setting under general anaesthesia and usually takes about 2–4 hours, depending on its complexity.
In outline:
- Before surgery: a detailed consultation, nasal examination, photographs for planning and routine blood tests. Blood-thinning medicines and some supplements may need to be paused, but only on medical advice.
- During surgery: the bone and cartilage are reshaped through the planned incisions; the septum is straightened if needed; the skin is redraped over the new framework.
- At the end: an external splint is placed over the nose. Soft internal splints or light packing may be used for a few days.
- After surgery: most patients stay in hospital for one night for monitoring and pain control.
How long should you stay in Antalya after rhinoplasty?
Most patients from abroad are advised to stay in Antalya for about 7–10 days. This allows the external splint and any stitches to be removed and the early healing to be checked before you fly home.
A typical first fortnight looks like this:
| Time after surgery | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Days 1–3 | Swelling and bruising peak; nasal congestion; sleeping with the head raised |
| Days 3–5 | Internal splints or packing removed if used; breathing through the nose gradually improves |
| Days 5–8 | External splint and any external stitches removed; first view of the new shape, still swollen |
| Days 7–10 | Final check in Antalya; fit to fly in most cases if healing is on track |
| Weeks 2–3 | Bruising largely faded; many people return to desk work |
Flying causes cabin pressure changes that can increase swelling and discomfort for a short time. Waiting until the splint is off and you have been reviewed reduces that risk. If you have a long-haul flight or a history of clotting problems, discuss this specifically at your consultation.
What is recovery like once you are back in the UK?
The first 2 weeks are the most restrictive; after that, daily life gradually returns to normal while the nose continues to refine for many months.
Practical points for the weeks after you return home:
- Work: desk-based work is usually possible after 1–2 weeks; physical jobs may need longer.
- Glasses: avoid resting frames on the bridge of the nose for around 4–6 weeks.
- Sun: protect the skin of the nose from strong sun for several months, as it may discolour more easily.
- Nose blowing: avoid forceful blowing for the first few weeks; saline sprays are often recommended.
- Exercise: light walking straight away; more strenuous exercise usually after 3–4 weeks; contact sports after at least 2–3 months.
Follow-up does not stop when you leave Antalya. Photo or video check-ins can be arranged, and you are encouraged to contact the clinic promptly if you notice anything unexpected. It is also sensible to register with your GP so you have local support for any general medical concern.
When will I see the final result?
Around 70–80 % of the swelling usually settles in the first 2–3 months, but the final shape typically takes 12–18 months, and sometimes longer in people with thicker skin. The tip and the area just above it are usually the last to refine.
Because of this long settling period, it is not advisable to judge the result too early. If a revision is considered, surgeons generally wait at least a year after the first operation so that the tissues have matured.
What are the risks and possible complications of rhinoplasty?
Like any operation, rhinoplasty carries risks. Most are uncommon and manageable, but they should be understood before you decide.
Possible risks include:
- bleeding, including nosebleeds in the first days
- infection
- reactions or complications related to general anaesthesia
- prolonged swelling, particularly at the tip
- temporary or, rarely, lasting numbness of the tip or upper teeth
- asymmetry or irregularities that may become visible as swelling settles
- persistent or new breathing difficulty
- septal perforation (a hole in the septum)
- visible scarring at the columella after open rhinoplasty
- skin changes such as small visible blood vessels
- dissatisfaction with the appearance, sometimes leading to revision surgery
Smoking, certain medications and not following aftercare instructions increase several of these risks. Your individual risk profile is discussed at the medical examination, and you will receive written aftercare guidance.
How do I prepare for a consultation?
A useful consultation starts with a clear description of what you would like to change and any breathing problems you notice. Bring a list of current medication, details of previous nasal injuries or surgery, and any relevant medical reports.
You can send initial photographs for a preliminary assessment, but the decision about whether surgery is appropriate – and which technique to use – is only made after an in-person examination. To arrange an appointment or ask a question, please visit the contact page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
Heavy frames resting on the nasal bridge are usually avoided for around 4–6 weeks, because pressure on bones that have been reshaped can affect how they settle. Light glasses can sometimes be taped to the forehead or supported in another way. Contact lenses are often possible once the eyelid swelling has gone down, typically after the first week. Your surgeon will tell you what applies to your case.
Is there a minimum age for a nose job?
Rhinoplasty is generally not recommended until the nose and face have finished growing, which is usually in the late teens. Beyond physical maturity, emotional readiness and realistic expectations matter. There is no strict upper age limit; older patients are assessed on their general health, skin quality and any medical conditions. Final suitability is always decided at a medical examination.
Will people be able to tell I had surgery?
In the first 1–2 weeks, a splint, bruising and swelling make it obvious that something has been done. After that, most people return to everyday life with mild puffiness that others rarely notice. How natural the result looks later depends on your anatomy, skin thickness and the plan agreed with your surgeon; a balanced change rather than a dramatic one tends to suit the face best.
Can rhinoplasty be combined with other procedures?
Rhinoplasty is sometimes combined with septum correction to help breathing, and occasionally with other facial procedures such as ear correction or eyelid surgery. Combining operations lengthens anaesthesia time and may extend recovery, so it is not suitable for everyone. Whether a combination makes sense for you is assessed individually during your consultation and examination.
How soon can I exercise after rhinoplasty?
Gentle walking is encouraged from the first days to support circulation. Raising your heart rate with jogging, the gym or cycling is usually postponed for about 3–4 weeks, and swimming for about 4–6 weeks. Contact sports, ball games and anything with a risk of a knock to the face are generally avoided for at least 2–3 months while the nasal bones consolidate.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery · Medical Director, AYT Clinic
This page is for general information only and does not replace a medical consultation. Suitability, risks and expected results are assessed individually during an examination.