How long do I need to stay in Turkey after rhinoplasty?

About 7–8 days, until the splint is removed and you have been checked.

When will my nose look normal?

Most bruising fades in 2 weeks; most swelling in 3 months; the final shape after 12–18 months.

Can I fly after rhinoplasty?

Usually after the splint is removed, around day 7, with your surgeon’s approval.

Rhinoplasty in Turkey: open, closed or piezo, recovery and how long to stay (2026)

What it is

The surgeon reshapes bone and cartilage through incisions inside the nose (closed) or with a small additional incision across the columella (open). The septum can be straightened at the same time to improve breathing. Ultrasonic (piezo) instruments are used by some surgeons to shape bone more precisely.

Techniques

Open rhinoplasty

Small scar under the nose; better visibility for complex changes.

Closed rhinoplasty

All incisions inside the nose; suitable for some cases.

Piezo (ultrasonic) rhinoplasty

Ultrasonic tools to shape bone; may reduce bruising for some patients.

Septorhinoplasty

Combines appearance and breathing (septum) correction.

Revision rhinoplasty

Correcting a previous operation – more complex, ask about experience.

Who it suits

Usually a good candidate

Adult with a fully grown nose
Specific, realistic goals
Breathing problems that can be corrected at the same time

Think twice / discuss first

Expecting a “perfect” nose or a celebrity’s nose
Previous rhinoplasty without a specialist review
Unwilling to wait a year for the final result

Your stay in Istanbul, step by step

Day 1Consultation, photos, planning, tests.
Day 2Surgery (2–3 hours); often one night.
Days 3–6Hotel rest with head raised; cold compresses; no glasses.
Day 7–8Splint and stitches removed; check-up; clearance to fly.

Recovery timeline

Weeks 1–2Bruising and swelling around the eyes fade.
Weeks 2–3Back to work and social life for most people.
Week 6Exercise usually resumes; avoid glasses resting on the nose as instructed.
Months 12–18Final shape; the tip is the last to settle.

Risks and complications

Asymmetry or a result you are not happy with (revision rates are significant)
Breathing problems
Bleeding, infection
Numbness of the tip
Persistent swelling

This list is not exhaustive. Your surgeon should explain the risks that apply to you, in writing, before you consent.

Cost: what drives the price

Price depends on the surgeon, open or closed technique, whether the septum or cartilage grafts are included, revision versus primary surgery, and the package. Ask whether a revision policy is included.

Few Istanbul facilities publish prices for this treatment on their own website, and we only show prices that facilities publish themselves. Ask for a written, itemised quote.

Questions to ask the clinic

Are you a plastic surgeon or ENT surgeon, and how many rhinoplasties do you do?
Open or closed, and why?
Will you also correct my breathing?
Can I see computer simulations and, more importantly, real results 1 year later?
What is your revision policy?

Clinics in Istanbul for this treatment

These 6 Istanbul facilities from our cosmetic surgery list are among the most searched from the UK. Check with each one that it performs this exact procedure, who the surgeon is, and where it takes place.

All cosmetic surgery clinics →

Related treatments

Facelift Eyelid surgery

Rhinoplasty in Turkey: open, closed or piezo, recovery and how long to stay

Key facts