Rhinoplasty: The Process and What to Know

Rhinoplasty is a surgery performed to improve the shape of the nose and, when needed, breathing function. The goal is not a single nose that fits everyone, but a natural and balanced look in harmony with the person's facial proportions. For this reason, planning is entirely individual.

What is rhinoplasty done for?

Rhinoplasty can be done for both aesthetic and functional reasons. Aesthetically, issues such as a hump on the nasal bridge, the shape of the nasal tip, the size of the nose or its proportion to the face are addressed. Functionally, conditions that make breathing difficult, such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, can be evaluated in the same operation. Aesthetics and function are often considered together.

Which methods are used?

There are generally two techniques. In the open technique, access is through a small incision between the nasal tip and the two nostrils, providing a wider field of view. In the closed technique, the incisions remain inside the nose, leaving no external scar. Which technique is suitable is determined by the structure of the nose, the procedure to be performed and the expectations; both have their own advantages.

Who is it suitable for?

People who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose or their breathing function, who are in suitable general health and have realistic expectations can be evaluated. It is important that nasal development is complete. Suitability is determined by considering nose and facial structure, skin thickness, any previous nasal surgery and general health together.

How is the surgery planned?

The most critical stage in rhinoplasty is planning. The nose is evaluated not on its own but together with the whole face; its relationship with the chin, forehead and lips is taken into account. Skin thickness is an important factor affecting the result; the approach differs for thick- and thin-skinned noses. The goal is not to change the person, but to improve balance while preserving the facial expression.

What is the recovery process like?

For the first week there is a protective splint on the nose; during this time mild swelling and bruising around the eyes may occur and usually decrease noticeably within 1–2 weeks. Most people return to social life after about 1 week. Heavy sports and activities with a risk of impact are postponed for a few weeks. The swelling in the nose settling completely and the final result becoming apparent takes time; this process can extend over months, and for fine details up to about a year.

Will there be a visible scar?

In the closed technique, since the incisions remain entirely inside the nose, no visible external scar is left. In the open technique, there is a very small incision on the bridge of tissue between the nasal tip and the two nostrils; in the vast majority of cases this scar heals very well and becomes indistinct over time, making it hard to notice.

Does it affect breathing?

A well-planned rhinoplasty usually does not negatively affect breathing; in fact, if there is a functional problem such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates, breathing can be eased by correcting it in the same operation. Even so, the nose is a delicate structure both aesthetically and functionally; in some people, depending on the healing process, tissue structure or a pre-existing condition, temporary or permanent changes in breathing may occur. Therefore a detailed pre-operative assessment and realistic expectations are important.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is rhinoplasty a painful surgery?

It is usually not as painful as thought. In the first days there is mostly nasal congestion and a feeling of pressure; this is kept under control.

Is the result immediately visible?

No. Although the first change is seen early, the swelling subsides over time and the final result becomes apparent within months, and for fine details in about a year.

Is the scar at the nasal tip permanent?

The incision in the open technique is very small and in the vast majority of cases becomes indistinct over time. In the closed technique there is no external scar.

Will my breathing be affected after rhinoplasty?

In most people breathing is preserved, or improves if there is a functional problem. However, the nose is a delicate structure; in some people, depending on healing or tissue characteristics, temporary and rarely permanent changes in breathing may be seen. This is why a detailed pre-operative assessment is important.

Can both an aesthetic and a breathing problem be corrected at the same time?

Yes. Breathing problems such as a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates can often be addressed together with the aesthetic procedure in the same operation.

About the Author

Op. Dr. Yasemin Aydınlı is a graduate of Hacettepe University English Medical Faculty and completed her specialty training at Ankara University. She is a member of TPRECD and ISAPS and works in aesthetic and reconstructive surgery in Istanbul.

This content is for general information only and is not a substitute for medical advice. Every patient is different; suitability and the process can only be determined through a personal examination and consultation.

Op. Dr. Yasemin Aydınlı

Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeon

Offers personalized aesthetic solutions with a priority on naturalness and balance.