What Is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is a surgical procedure performed to improve the size, shape or function of the nose. Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya, who practices in this field in Ankara, plans a personalized operation for every patient based on their facial features and individual expectations.
Rhinoplasty covers a wide range of interventions, including removing a nasal hump, reshaping the tip, narrowing or widening the nostrils, and adjusting nasal length. An internal nasal deviation (septum deviation) can also be corrected in the same session, resolving both aesthetic and functional issues in a single operation.
Because the nose sits in the very center of the face, it is one of the elements that shapes overall appearance. For this reason, a detailed facial analysis is performed before surgery; the nose is planned in proportion to the facial features and a personalized plan is created.
Open or Closed? Differences Between Techniques
Rhinoplasty is performed with two main techniques: the open technique and the closed technique. Prof. Dr. Yalçınkaya prefers closed technique rhinoplasty whenever the case allows, because this method leaves no external scarring and recovery is noticeably shorter.
| Feature | Closed Technique | Open Technique |
|---|---|---|
| External scarring | None | Small scar (columella) |
| Swelling duration | Less & shorter | More & longer |
| Operation time | Generally shorter | Slightly longer |
| Visualization | Limited (requires experience) | Wider |
| Complex cases | In selected cases | Suitable for any case |
When Is the Closed Technique Preferred?
The closed technique cannot be used in every patient; choosing the right case is decisive. In general, the closed technique may be planned in the following situations:
- Correction of a nasal hump
- Raising or lowering the root of the nose
- Moderate nasal tip refinement
- Narrowing of the nostrils (alar base)
- Resolving functional and aesthetic problems together
When Does the Open Technique Come Into Play?
In complex revision cases or marked asymmetries, the open technique may be preferred because it provides a wider field of view. The choice of technique is not merely a matter of preference; your nasal structure, your expectations and the surgeon's experience together determine it, and the decision is made at the examination. At the consultation, your nasal structure is analyzed with digital imaging and the choice of technique is discussed with you.
How Does the Operation Process Work?
The rhinoplasty process is managed in 4 stages:
Recovery Process: What to Expect
Recovery varies from person to person, but a general timeline can be outlined. The first 24-48 hours are a rest period: there is packing (if used) inside the nose and a splint or cast on the outside; bruising and swelling may appear around the eyes and nose. With the closed technique these signs are usually milder and begin to ease within a few days.
At the end of the first week, light daily activities can be resumed, but physical exertion is avoided. Returning to desk work and social life is usually possible in the 2nd week. The final shape of the nose emerges within 6-12 months; in patients with thick skin this may take longer.
Week-by-Week Recovery Timeline
The timeline below is general information. Recovery varies from person to person, and your doctor guides the process during follow-up visits.
- First 24-48 hoursA rest period. Keep the head elevated and apply a cold compress around the eyes without touching the nose. Breathing through the mouth may be necessary, which is normal.
- Days 1-3Swelling and bruising are at their peak. Rest, drink plenty of fluids and avoid salty foods.
- Days 4-7Internal nasal packing is usually removed on day 5-7; the splint comes off on day 7-10. Bruises start to turn yellow and fade, and breathing becomes easier.
- Week 2Most bruising has cleared; desk work and daily activities can be resumed. Mild swelling continues, which is normal.
- Weeks 3-4Most of the swelling subsides and the contours of the nose begin to define. Light exercise may be allowed with the doctor's approval.
- Week 6Glasses can be gradually introduced. Approval can be requested from the doctor for swimming and light-to-moderate sports.
- Months 3-6The shape becomes clearer. Swelling at the nasal tip is the last to subside.
- Months 6-12Swelling resolves completely and the final shape emerges. With the closed technique, this period may be shorter, down to 4-6 months, in some patients.
What to Watch Out For During Recovery
- Keep the head elevated for at least 4 weeks (2 pillows)
- Drink plenty of water and eat fresh fruit
- Use sunscreen (sun exposure during the swelling period can cause spots)
- Attend follow-up visits regularly
- Do not massage the nose area unless the doctor advises it
- Smoking and alcohol (they slow healing)
- Sun and tanning beds (at least 3 months)
- Glasses (6 weeks; contact lenses are preferred)
- Sleeping on your stomach (at least 6 weeks)
- Intense exercise and heavy lifting (6 weeks)
- Adhesive tapes unless the doctor advises them
When to Contact Your Doctor Immediately
Contact your doctor without delay in any of the following situations:
- Bleeding that cannot be stopped or is getting worse
- Fever above 38.5 °C
- Sudden and severe increase in pain
- Redness, increased warmth or discharge (signs of infection)
- Vision problems or severe headache
Who Can Have Rhinoplasty?
- Individuals over 18 whose nasal bone development is complete (age 17 may be suitable for tip surgery in individuals whose development is complete)
- Those unhappy with the shape or size of their nose
- Those experiencing breathing difficulty (septum deviation, turbinate hypertrophy)
- Those whose nasal shape was affected by an accident or trauma
- Those with congenital nasal structural issues
- Those whose general health is suitable for surgery
Age and development: For surgery, the patient should be 18 or older with completed nasal bone development. For limited surgery on the nasal tip, age 17 may be suitable in individuals whose development is complete. Eligibility is assessed at the examination.
Skin structure: Skin thickness can affect how long swelling at the nasal tip takes to subside and how the tip takes shape; in patients with thick skin, the final appearance settles later. For this reason, skin structure is assessed together with nasal structure at the consultation.
Male Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty in men is planned with different goals compared to women. While the nose is generally narrowed and lifted in women, in men a strong, natural look that suits the face takes priority. Hump correction, straightening the nasal bridge and adjusting the tip position are the most requested procedures among male patients.
Prof. Dr. Yalçınkaya prepares individual plans that account for male anatomy, considering the nasofrontal angle, nose-lip angle and overall facial symmetry. In male rhinoplasty, avoiding an over-operated look is essential; the goal is always a naturally corrected, undetectable profile.
Revision Rhinoplasty (Secondary Nose Surgery)
If you're not satisfied with a previous nose surgery performed by another doctor, revision (secondary) rhinoplasty can be performed. Revision cases are technically more complex than primary surgeries; issues such as tissue adhesions, insufficient cartilage, or asymmetry may be involved.
Prof. Dr. Yalçınkaya is also experienced in revision rhinoplasty. At the first consultation, the current condition is assessed in detail, realistic expectations are discussed, and a personalized surgical plan is prepared. At least 12 months must pass since the primary surgery before a revision can be performed.
Why Might Revision Rhinoplasty Be Needed?
The need for revision can arise for functional or aesthetic reasons.
- Worsened breathing or newly developed obstruction after the first surgery
- Septum deviation that was not fully corrected
- Shifting of the internal structure during wound healing
- Asymmetry
- Insufficient correction (the hump or tip shape did not change as much as expected)
- Over-resection (the nose became too small or the tip collapsed)
- Thickening of the nasal tip due to scar tissue buildup
- A cartilage graft shifting or becoming visible
How Long Should You Wait Before a Revision?
Because swelling after rhinoplasty can last up to 12 months, an appearance that is disliked early on may improve on its own over time. For this reason, the decision for revision is not rushed; usually at least 12 months are allowed to pass, and in some cases 18 months allows a more reliable assessment.
Septorhinoplasty: Aesthetics and Breathing in Nose Correction Surgery
A significant share of patients seeking rhinoplasty are actually troubled not only by appearance but also by difficulty breathing. Structural problems such as a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or narrowing of the nasal valve restrict airflow even when they are not noticeable from the outside. Addressing both problems in a single operation is called septorhinoplasty.
In septorhinoplasty, the internal deviation is corrected while the nasal bridge, tip and overall proportions are reshaped according to the planned aesthetic goal. What people commonly call "nose correction surgery" is most often this: not just an aesthetic touch, but an integrated surgery in which function is also repaired.
At this point the doctor's Ear, Nose and Throat background is decisive. A surgeon who can evaluate nasal anatomy from an airway perspective builds the aesthetic plan without compromising breathing function. Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya works in facial aesthetics in addition to her ENT and Head and Neck Surgery specialization; septorhinoplasty planning is an area where these two perspectives are used together.
What Is a Deviated Septum and What Symptoms Does It Cause?
The septum is the cartilage-and-bone wall that divides the nasal cavity in two. It is normally expected to be straight; it may be off the midline from birth or after a blow or trauma. A deviated nasal bone affects the bony structure visible from outside, while a deviated septum affects the partition inside the nose; the two can also occur together.
In a marked septum deviation, the following symptoms may be seen:
- Constant or one-sided nasal blockage
- Mouth breathing and snoring
- Frequent sinusitis attacks
- Headache and facial pressure
- Nasal dryness and occasional bleeding
Septoplasty corrects the deviated septum and, unless an aesthetic procedure is planned, does not change the outer appearance of the nose. When septoplasty and rhinoplasty are planned in the same session, the procedure is called septorhinoplasty.
Why Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya?
Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya graduated from Gazi University Faculty of Medicine in 2008 and completed her Ear, Nose, Throat and Head-Neck Surgery specialization at Ufuk University Faculty of Medicine in 2013. She then gained hands-on clinical experience before opening her own clinic in Çankaya, Ankara in 2019, was named associate professor that same year, and became a full professor in 2025.
- Over 15 years of surgical experience
- 30+ international scientific publications and congress presentations
- International certifications and cadaver courses in rhinoplasty and aesthetic surgery
Rhinoplasty Consultation in Çankaya, Ankara
The practice is located in the Mustafa Kemal District of Çankaya, Ankara, in Via Green Business Center. The location can be reached by public transport from Çankaya and neighboring districts.
The decision for rhinoplasty is not made in a single meeting. At the first consultation, your nasal structure, skin thickness, breathing function and facial proportions are evaluated together, and your expectations are compared with what is anatomically possible. The decision for surgery is made together after this assessment.
The most common question from patients researching a doctor for rhinoplasty in Ankara is which technique is right for them. This question has no general answer that can be given on a web page; the choice of technique varies with the bone and cartilage structure of the nose. At the consultation you learn which approach is planned on your own anatomy and why.
Preparing Before Surgery
Preparing for rhinoplasty is important for a safe and predictable operation. After the consultation, patients are generally asked to:
In addition, the following are recommended:
- Complete blood count, coagulation tests and imaging if needed (determined at the consultation)
- Wearing comfortable clothing that buttons or zips in the front
Risks and Complications
As with any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries certain risks. An experienced surgeon and proper patient selection significantly reduce these risks, though they cannot eliminate them entirely. Possible risks include:
- Anesthesia-related risks (an anesthesiologist assessment is done before general anesthesia)
- Bleeding and infection (rare, managed with proper care)
- Swelling or bruising lasting longer than expected
- Asymmetry or minor irregularities (revision considered if needed)
- Temporary or permanent changes in breathing
- Temporary reduction in sense of smell
Most of these risks are temporary and rarely lead to serious outcomes in experienced hands. Your personal risk factors (chronic conditions, smoking, previous surgeries) are assessed in detail at the pre-operative consultation, and your personal risk profile is shared with you.
Factors That Affect the Cost of Rhinoplasty in Ankara
Under health regulations, price information for rhinoplasty cannot be shared on a website. However, knowing what determines the cost helps you prepare for the consultation. The main factors that affect the fee in rhinoplasty are:
- Scope of the surgery: A procedure limited to the nasal tip and a comprehensive operation addressing the bridge, tip and septum together do not require the same time or preparation.
- Whether a functional procedure is added: Performing breathing-related procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction in the same session changes the operation plan.
- Primary or revision: Revision rhinoplasty is technically longer and more complex because of tissue adhesions and the need for cartilage grafts.
- Graft requirement: In some cases a graft must be taken from rib or ear cartilage; this adds a stage to the surgery.
- Anesthesia and hospital conditions: The hospital where the operation is performed, the anesthesia team and the post-operative stay all affect the cost.
- Follow-up process: Post-operative check-ups, dressings and splint removal are part of the process.
For this reason, a single figure given by phone or message is not realistic. After your nasal structure is assessed at the examination, the scope of the procedure becomes clear and you receive personalized information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Prices vary depending on the scope of the surgery, the technique, and the patient's individual condition. We recommend booking a consultation for exact pricing.
The shape achieved with rhinoplasty is long-lasting. The final appearance emerges within 6-12 months. Very minor changes may occur with aging; this is natural for any surgical procedure.
In closed technique rhinoplasty, all incisions are made inside the nostrils. There is no external stitch mark or scar.
Yes. An internal nasal deviation (septum deviation) and aesthetic correction can be performed in the same session. This way, both breathing and appearance are improved in a single operation.
Light daily activities can be resumed at the end of the first week. Returning to desk work and social life is usually possible in the 2nd week. The splint comes off on day 7-10. Waiting 4-6 weeks is recommended for strenuous physical activity.
Nose filler (nonsurgical rhinoplasty) is a temporary method; the filler material temporarily changes the shape of the nose. Surgical rhinoplasty is needed for true volume reduction or hump correction. Filler results last approximately 12-18 months.
Yes. In men, the goal is a natural profile that adds strength and symmetry to the face. The nasofrontal angle, nasal bridge height and tip position are assessed separately based on male facial anatomy. Excessive narrowing or lifting does not give an aesthetically appropriate result in men.
At least 12 months must pass since the previous surgery; this prevents a new intervention before the tissues have fully settled. Revision surgeries are technically more complex, but a personalized assessment by an experienced surgeon is recommended.
Prof. Dr. Esin Yalçınkaya performs closed technique rhinoplasty in Çankaya, Ankara as an ENT and Head and Neck Surgery specialist. She has spoken at international congresses and performed hundreds of operations. You can call +90 530 470 19 31 for a consultation.
Yes, rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Surgery time with the closed technique is 1.5-2.5 hours. All necessary pre-operative and anesthesia tests are arranged by our clinic.
Rhinoplasty is a surgery with both aesthetic and functional outcomes. The surgeon's experience in this field, expertise in the closed technique, and a realistic assessment of your expectations at the examination are important. At the consultation you can ask about previous case experience and the technique to be used.
Operations are performed in a hospital setting with an anesthesia team and post-operative follow-up. This matters both for safety and for a quick response to possible complications.
Rhinoplasty is the aesthetic surgery that shapes the external appearance of the nose. In septorhinoplasty, the internal deviation (septum deviation) is also corrected, so breathing function is repaired as well. In patients who have difficulty breathing, septorhinoplasty is usually planned and both procedures are done in a single session.
In everyday language, "nose correction surgery" mostly refers to septorhinoplasty, where both shape and breathing problems are addressed together. "Nose job" or "rhinoplasty" more often describes the appearance-focused operation. Which procedure is performed is determined at the examination by assessing the internal structure of the nose.
The practice is located in the Mustafa Kemal District of Çankaya, in Via Green Business Center, Block B. To book, you can call +90 530 470 19 31 or write via WhatsApp. Working hours are Monday-Saturday, 09:00-18:00.
The patient should be 18 or older with completed nasal bone development. For limited surgery on the nasal tip, age 17 may be suitable in individuals whose development is complete. Eligibility is assessed at the examination.
No. A deviated nasal bone affects the bony structure visible from the outside, while a deviated septum affects the cartilage-and-bone partition inside the nose. Both can cause breathing difficulty; if both are present, they can be corrected in the same session.
Because of pressure changes, travel is generally recommended at least 2 weeks after surgery, with the doctor's approval. The exact timing may vary with your individual recovery.
To avoid pressure on the nasal bridge, glasses are generally postponed for 6 weeks. During this period, contact lenses or frameless alternatives may be considered.
The first 48-72 hours are usually the most challenging because of swelling and the packing or splint. After this period, discomfort decreases noticeably.
The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. An in-person consultation with a physician is required for an assessment specific to your case.