• Rhinoplasty

RHINOPLASTY

Nose Aesthetics

Rhinoplasty is an aesthetic surgical operation that aims to create a natural-looking nose in harmony with the face by reshaping the bone and cartilage structure of the nose. When necessary, breathing problems inside the nose are also corrected in the same operation.

At Op. Dr. Mert Seçer’s clinic, measurements are taken for each patient according to their facial proportions, and the operation is planned according to the individual anatomy. The aim is not only a nose that looks good in the first months, but a strong, functional nose that keeps its shape over the years.

WHAT IS RHINOPLASTY?

Who Is It Suitable For?

In rhinoplasty, the bone and cartilage structures that spoil the aesthetic appearance and, when necessary, the nostrils are addressed. A hump on the nasal bridge, a drooping or wide nasal tip, a nose that is too large for the face and asymmetries can be corrected with this operation. In addition to the aesthetic appearance, breathing problems are solved at the same time.

Who Is It Suitable For?

  • People whose bone and cartilage development is complete
  • People who are not satisfied with the shape, size or proportion of their nose to their face
  • People with a hump on the nasal bridge or a drooping or wide nasal tip
  • People with breathing problems due to a crooked nose or deviated septum
  • People whose general health is suitable for surgery

HOW IS THE OPERATION PERFORMED?

Open and Closed Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. Most patients go home on the evening of the operation.

The operation can be performed using an open or closed technique. Which technique is chosen depends on the structure of the nose and the extent of the change to be made. During the operation, the nasal bridge is corrected, the nasal tip is reshaped and, if necessary, the septum (the wall separating the two nostrils) is straightened to open the airway.

A Strong Cartilage Framework

The long-term result of the nose depends on the cartilage support built during the operation. Leaving sufficient support from the septum and correctly designing the cartilage grafts placed in the nasal tip are the key elements that allow the nose to keep its shape over the years.

DOES THE NASAL TIP DROOP?

Cartilage Support and Permanence

One of the most frequently asked questions after rhinoplasty is whether the nasal tip will droop over time. A drooping nasal tip is not inevitable; what really matters is the cartilage support given to the nasal tip during the operation.

Op. Dr. Mert Seçer’s note: To put it plainly: the nasal tip droops if the cartilage support is insufficient. This support is usually insufficient for one of two reasons: either too much of the septum was removed during the operation, or the cartilage grafts that should have been placed in the nasal tip were not designed correctly. When this foundation is not built properly, the nasal tip eventually gives in to gravity. When the cartilage framework is built solidly, the nose keeps its shape for many years.

RECOVERY PROCESS

From the First Day to the First Year

Recovery after rhinoplasty varies from person to person but generally progresses as follows:

  • First days: Keeping the head elevated while sleeping helps reduce swelling. Taking the prescribed medication regularly is important.
  • First 2 weeks: No painkillers other than those prescribed should be used.
  • Day 10: Patients have largely recovered and can comfortably return to social life.
  • Month 3: About 80% of the swelling has resolved.
  • Year 1: The nose takes its final shape at around the end of the first year.

Swelling in the nasal tip resolves later than on the nasal bridge. A slightly full-looking tip in the first months is therefore a natural part of healing.

WHAT CAN YOU DO, AND WHEN?

Daily Life After Rhinoplasty

Answers to the most common questions about returning to daily life after surgery:

  • Shower: You can shower as early as the day after surgery. It is only recommended that the operated area, i.e. the nose, is kept dry for 1 week.
  • Glasses: Glasses can be worn, but not immediately; only 3 weeks after surgery.
  • Holiday: You can go on holiday 1 week after surgery. However, you should wait 3 weeks before swimming in the sea or a pool.
  • Sport: Light exercise such as walking is allowed immediately after surgery. Strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and movements that increase internal body pressure can be started after 1 month.
  • Smoking and alcohol: Smoking and alcohol are restricted for a certain period before and after surgery, because smoking can cause vascular problems that impair healing.

Op. Dr. Mert Seçer’s note: Following these rules is as important as the operation itself so as not to put your recovery at risk. You can ask us anything about these time frames at your follow-up visits.

NOSTRIL RETAINER

Nostril Support Device

A nostril retainer is a silicone device placed in the nostrils. It helps maintain the shape of the nostrils after surgery and supports them during healing.

Op. Dr. Mert Seçer’s note: A nostril retainer is not something we need to use for every patient. However, in some patients, especially those whose nostrils we have reduced, we may need it. In these patients we have it worn for about 3–4 weeks. Because every nose is unique, we decide whether it will be used according to the surgical plan.

SECONDARY RHINOPLASTY

Revision Rhinoplasty

Secondary (revision) rhinoplasty is a corrective operation performed on people who have had rhinoplasty before. It requires more experience and care than primary operations, because it involves working with tissue that was altered in the previous operation and often with reduced cartilage support.

When Is It Needed?

  • Collapse of the nasal wing (valve) inward when breathing deeply, or not getting enough air
  • A hump on the nasal bridge not sufficiently removed in the first operation
  • A drooping nasal tip that was not corrected, a tip that droops over time or looks bulbous
  • A nose that was not reduced enough or was reduced too much relative to the face
  • Deformities caused by trauma

Revision operations are not a standard procedure applied to everyone. The method is determined according to the current condition of the nose and the patient’s expectations. During a detailed consultation before surgery, the planned procedures are explained to the patient, the necessary tests are planned and the decision for surgery is made after the examination.

RISKS

As with any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries risks. Swelling and bruising after surgery are expected. Other risks include bleeding, infection, breathing problems, asymmetry and a result that does not meet expectations; in some cases a corrective operation may be required. Risks are discussed in detail during the examination, taking into account the patient’s nose structure and health.

For selected patients who do not want surgery and have only minor irregularities in the nasal profile, nose filler (non-surgical rhinoplasty) may also be considered.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

How long does rhinoplasty take?

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes approximately 1.5–2 hours. Most patients go home the same evening.

When can I return to social life after rhinoplasty?

Patients have largely recovered from day 10 onwards and can comfortably return to social life.

Does the nasal tip droop after rhinoplasty?

A drooping nasal tip is not inevitable. The tip droops when cartilage support is insufficient; when the cartilage framework is built solidly, the nose keeps its shape for many years.

When can I wear glasses after rhinoplasty?

Glasses can be worn 3 weeks after surgery.

When can I shower after surgery?

You can shower the day after surgery; only the nose should be kept dry for 1 week.

When can I exercise after rhinoplasty?

Light exercise such as walking is allowed immediately. You should wait 1 month for strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.

What is a nostril retainer, and does everyone need one?

It is a silicone device placed in the nostrils. Not every patient needs it; it is used for about 3–4 weeks, especially in patients whose nostrils have been reduced.

When does the nose reach its final shape?

About 80% of the swelling resolves by month 3; the nose takes its final shape at around the end of the first year.

This content was prepared by Op. Dr. Mert Seçer.
Last updated: 22 October 2026