Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose and, when needed, improves breathing through the septum. It suits healthy adults, and older teens whose nose has finished growing, with realistic goals. Plan about 7–8 days in Istanbul.
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Rhinoplasty, often called a nose job, changes the shape, size or proportions of the nose. The surgeon reshapes the bone and cartilage, then lets the skin re-drape over the new framework. At Vivid Clinic, planning is breathing-first: the septum and internal airway are checked before the aesthetic plan is agreed.
| Procedure time | Typically 2–4 hours, depending on complexity |
|---|---|
| Anaesthesia | General anaesthesia |
| Hospital stay | 1 night |
| Recommended stay in Istanbul | 7–8 days |
| Splint and stitches | Removed around day 7 |
| Back to desk work | Usually 7–14 days |
| Exercise | Walking from day 1; gym at 4–6 weeks; contact sports around 8 weeks or when your surgeon clears you |
| Glasses | Resting on the nose avoided for about 4–6 weeks |
| Final result | Around 12 months (thicker skin can take longer) |
| Results last | Long term; the nose still ages naturally with the rest of the face |
Results from Vivid Clinic patients, shared with consent. Individual results vary. 6 cases shown; each caption states what the photos show and what is not recorded.
These profile comparisons come from the clinic library; the technique (open, closed, preservation) is not recorded per case.
Before: Small hump, slightly drooping tip. After: Straighter bridge, lifted tip.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Before: Convex bridge with hump. After: Straight bridge, refined tip.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Before: Prominent hump, longer nose. After: Smoother, straighter profile.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Before: Dorsal hump, drooping tip. After: Straight bridge, lifted tip.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Before: Dorsal hump, drooping tip. After: Smoother bridge, lifted tip.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Before: Dorsal hump. After: Smoother, straighter profile.
Vivid Clinic patient, shared with consent. Individual results vary; this is one case, not a promise of your outcome.
Photos are unedited clinic composites; before and after photos may differ in lighting, clothing and pose. Consent is on file at the clinic.
People who are persistently distressed by a feature others barely notice may be offered a supportive conversation before any surgical plan.
The right approach depends on your anatomy, skin thickness and goals. These are the mainstream techniques your surgeon may discuss.
A small incision across the columella, the strip between the nostrils, lets the surgeon lift the skin and see the whole framework.
All incisions sit inside the nostrils. Swelling may settle slightly faster, but access is more limited.
Instead of shaving the hump and rebuilding the bridge, the whole dorsum is lowered while its natural top surface stays intact.
Your surgeon may also discuss septorhinoplasty for breathing (see our deviated septum and septoplasty guide), tip plasty for tip-only changes, and heritage-conscious rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty is usually more complex and often needs extra cartilage from the septum, ear or sometimes rib.
An anaesthetist gives general anaesthesia and monitors you throughout. Afterwards you spend the night on the ward under nursing care.
Photographs, agreed goals and consent reviewed on the day.
General anaesthesia, monitored throughout by an anaesthetist.
Open or closed incisions, as planned.
Hump, septum, nasal bones and tip reshaped as planned.
Cartilage grafts support the airway and new shape where needed.
Fine stitches and a splint, then a night on the ward.
Day 1
A VIP transfer takes you from the airport to your hotel. Your patient coordinator stays in touch throughout, with an interpreter if needed.
Day 2
An in-person consultation, photographs, blood tests and anaesthetic review, then surgery. You stay one night in hospital with nursing care.
Days 3–6
Head elevated, cold compresses around the eyes and gentle walks. A dressing or wound check is arranged during this period.
Days 7–8
The splint and any external stitches are removed, and you receive your written aftercare plan. After a final check you fly home.
Front, side and three-quarter photos let a plastic surgeon on Prof. Dr. Pilancı's team review your nose and breathing. You hear which technique fits, or whether surgery is not advised. Free, no obligation.
Expect a nose that looks more balanced with your face and, where functional work was done, freer breathing. Early photos are not the final picture: the bridge settles first and the tip last.
The changes to bone and cartilage are long lasting, although your nose will continue to age naturally with your face.
For a closer look at the first weeks, see our rhinoplasty recovery guide. The Vivid Clinic 24/7 support line and your coordinator remain available after you leave Istanbul.
In short: filler (a “liquid rhinoplasty”) can camouflage small issues for a while. Only surgery makes lasting changes to size, structure or airflow.
| Surgical rhinoplasty | Liquid rhinoplasty (filler) | |
|---|---|---|
| What it can do | Change size, shape and structure | Camouflage a small hump or lift a tip |
| Make the nose smaller? | Yes | No |
| Improve breathing? | Yes, with septal or airway work | No |
| How long it lasts | Long term | Temporary |
| Main risks | Bleeding, infection, irregularities, breathing problems, revision | Rare but serious vascular risks |
Our natural-looking injectables guide explains where injectables fit. Still researching the destination? Our guides to rhinoplasty in Turkey and the nose job Turkey checklist cover travel planning. All options are on our face aesthetics page.
Rhinoplasty prices are given only after a surgeon has reviewed your photographs, because the operation varies so much from one nose to another. The consultation is free. For general background, see our rhinoplasty cost in Turkey article.
Typically covers:
Your price depends on
Rhinoplasty planning at Vivid Clinic is overseen by Prof. Dr. Özgür Pilancı, who also medically reviewed this page. His profile sets out his training so you can check it independently.
Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgeon
No surgery is without risk. Reported revision rates in the medical literature vary widely, which is why realistic planning matters.
Travelling from the UK? Read the NHS guidance on cosmetic surgery abroad. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons describes the same dual purpose of appearance and airflow.
Plan on 7–8 days. You arrive on day 1, have your consultation, tests and surgery on day 2, spend one night in hospital, and rest at your hotel. The splint and any external stitches are removed around day 7. After a final check, you are usually cleared to fly on day 7 or 8. Flying earlier with the splint on is not recommended, because swelling and bleeding risk are highest in the first week.
Often, yes. A deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or collapsed nasal valves can be corrected in the same operation as the cosmetic changes. This combined surgery is called septorhinoplasty. Your surgeon examines the inside of your nose at consultation and may request a scan. Breathing usually improves once internal swelling settles, typically over four to six weeks, although results depend on the underlying cause.
It depends on the hump and the nose around it. Preservation rhinoplasty works well for many moderate humps on a relatively straight nose, lowering the bridge while keeping its natural surface. Very large humps, strongly crooked noses, thick skin or previous surgery may be better served by structural techniques. Your surgeon will recommend the approach that suits your anatomy after reviewing your profile photos and examining you in person.
Yes, provided enough time has passed, usually at least 12 months, so swelling has settled and scar tissue has matured. Please send your previous operation notes if you have them, plus clear photos. Revision is often more complex than a first operation and may need cartilage from the ear or rib. It can also mean a longer stay and slower settling. Your surgeon will explain realistically what can and cannot be improved.
You will see a clear change when the splint comes off around day 7, but that is not the final result. Most visible swelling fades within 3–6 weeks and the bridge looks refined within about three months. The tip settles last, so the final result is usually assessed at around 12 months, and sometimes later with thick skin or revision surgery. Regular photo check-ins with your Vivid Clinic coordinator help track progress.
Most people return to desk work after 7–14 days, once most bruising has faded; light make-up usually covers what remains by weeks 2–3. Walking is fine from day 1. Light gym work is usually allowed from around week 4, heavier training later, and contact sports around 8 weeks or when your surgeon clears you. Avoid resting glasses on your nose for about 4–6 weeks.
Send clear front, side and three-quarter photos of your nose through WhatsApp or our online form. A plastic surgeon on Prof. Dr. Pilancı's team at Vivid Clinic reviews them and tells you honestly which technique fits your nose and breathing. If you had surgery before, include your operation notes. You then receive a personalised treatment and travel plan for Istanbul. The consultation is free, with no obligation.
Send front, side and three-quarter photos of your nose. It is free and there is no obligation to book.
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