What Is Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)?
Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, can be defined as the reshaping of the nose to make it more harmonious, healthy, and attractive in shape and function, as it is the face’s most prominent feature.
Our noses play a significant role in defining our facial characteristics. Sometimes, our expressions and smiles may not be fully expressed due to the shadow cast by the nose. That is why rhinoplasty is one of the most preferred and prioritized cosmetic surgeries. Any nasal obstruction or internal issues causing nasal congestion can also be addressed in the same procedure. By correcting the deformity through aesthetic surgery, individuals can breathe more easily and healthily and achieve a more comfortable and satisfying appearance of their noses.
Why Should I Have Nose Surgery?
What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?
Deformities in the shape of the nose can pose social and emotional challenges for individuals. In today's world, where expectations regarding appearance are heightened, there is a motivating drive to achieve better results. In a world where awareness is increasing, it is admirable when individuals take the initiative to do something for themselves. The most significant investment one can make is in oneself. These procedures, once kept secret years ago, are now accepted as a natural need. It is easy for fortunate individuals who do not experience issues with their noses to assume that such surgeries are unnecessary. Bringing out a beautiful smile and enhancing one's gaze can bring about a sense of well-being when the nose harmonizes with these features. It has positive effects on a person's self-perception and self-confidence. Increased self-confidence starts externally and positively influences all areas of life and self-perception. Obtaining information from reliable and professional sources and accessing highly qualified surgeons have become more accessible today.
Nose surgery prices are now within reach for various income levels compared to only the wealthy in previous years. Nose surgery prices may vary slightly from month to month, regionally, and the experience and capabilities of the surgeon. It is normal to feel hesitant about deciding on surgery, but having face-to-face consultations to act is highly beneficial. There are various opportunities for rhinoplasty in Ankara and many other cities in Turkey, and it is easy to reach out to qualified physicians. The fact that nose surgeries are performed intensively in our country contributes to the experience and success in this field.
How to Choose a Doctor for Nose Surgery?
The primary criterion for achieving the desired outcome in nose surgery is choosing the right surgeon. The best indicator of a doctor's success is their past achievements. The long-term results of previous surgeries they have performed and the care they have shown to their patients will provide you with valuable information. It is essential that the doctor primarily focuses on this field rather than multiple areas, is meticulous and detail-oriented, has a developed sense of beauty and aesthetics, and has strong communications skills that prioritize the patient's well-being and understanding of the process and expectations. The best way to understand this is to communicate with the doctor's previous surgical patients and listen to their experiences with the surgical process, approach, and outcomes. The best way to get to know a surgeon interested in beauty is to examine the results of their previous surgeries. It is hard to expect an individualized approach if they create the same nose for everyone. In such a case, facial harmony is left to chance. Everyone is unique, so the nose should be in harmony with the face’s uniqueness.
Every individual deserves a nose suitable for their physical features and psychological makeup. The economic aspect can also be considered an essential criterion in choosing a doctor. Nose surgery prices vary. However, correcting a poorly performed surgery can cost much more financially and emotionally. Your budget should be seen as an investment in yourself and your health. Rhinoplasty prices in Ankara may differ from nose surgery prices in other regions. The main criterion should be embarking on the journey with a suitable doctor with whom you feel comfortable. Nose aesthetic surgery can be a psychologically exhausting process. Getting the proper support during the process makes it easier and more enjoyable. Ultimately, the decision to undergo rhinoplasty is made for you to feel better about yourself.
Regarding the surgical technique, whether it is an open or closed technique, structural or preservative technique, the choice will depend on what your doctor deems more beneficial for you. The advantages and disadvantages of techniques are specific to each technique, the dynamics of your nose, and your surgeon’s experience.
When Should I Have Nose Surgery?
There is no specific season for nose surgery. You can have it whenever you want. However, some considerations may vary depending on the season. In the winter, undergoing surgery without catching a cold is essential, and precautions to stay healthy should be taken accordingly. In the summer season, extra care is taken to protect the nose from the sun, and it should be kept in mind that sunglasses may need to be avoided for a while. The recovery from nose surgery is not significantly affected by the season it is performed. Personal care and attention are more important.
How is Nose Surgery Performed?
What if I'm Afraid of Anesthesia? Is Being Put to Sleep Necessary?
While some cases of nose surgery may not require general anesthesia, it is generally preferred for major rhinoplasty procedures. Local anesthesia can be used for nose-tip lifting, nose-tip refinement, or minor corrections. Under general anesthesia, nose surgery is more comfortable than anticipated in today's conditions. The anesthesia used in nose surgeries nowadays is much more comfortable, and the possibilities of side effects have decreased. Uncontrolled involuntary speech or other actions upon awakening can cause stress in younger patients. Most of the speech during this period is usually incoherent, and the person quickly regains composure. The fear of not waking up from anesthesia is also a common concern, but the risk of not safely reaching home by getting into your car on any day is higher. In some patients, losing control over their consciousness can cause uneasiness. However, your doctor and the surgical team have performed many similar surgeries. After taking the necessary precautions and choosing the right doctor, surrendering yourself confidently to your doctor and her team is a part of the trust. It is impossible to control every aspect of life, including your nose surgery. Many things, including going out on the street daily, carry their risks, but we still need to take precautions and move forward.
Worrying about using a hammer or bone fractures during nose surgery is unnecessary. The bones can be cut highly precisely and controlled using the latest technological or manual instruments in skilled hands. Knowing the technical details or watching surgery videos will only cause unnecessary stress. It is better to leave these matters and the necessary expertise to your doctor and relax.
What Kind of Nose Expectations Should You Have?
You may have seen photos of many different noses and researched extensively to decide what you want. Perhaps you have chosen to leave it entirely to your doctor. Nose surgery is a delicate matter. Knowing what you like and why you don't like particular aspects will guide us. Nose aesthetic surgery is not a simple nose lift or straightening procedure. Paying attention to subtle details makes the procedure more natural and improves outcomes. It is good to have an idea of what you want. Even if you need a clear idea, discussing it with us and gathering information during the process will reduce uncertainty. However, insisting on replicating specific noses you like may not always be realistic.
Everyone has different facial characteristics, such as the firmness, thickness, and strength of their cartilage tissue, the structure of their bones, facial proportions, jaw and forehead transitions, and even the thickness of their skin. Therefore, a nose that you like may not be harmonious with your face or technically feasible. Of course, it would be more appropriate to show noses you don't like as well to help us understand your preferences. We will do whatever is necessary within the limits of your features to achieve what you desire. I often ask my patients "What would make you happy?" and "What kind of nose would make you unhappy?" It is crucial for me to know that we are on the same page and share the same aesthetic and well-being perception. I am fully aware that the primary goal of the surgery is to make the person in front of me feel good. Rhinoplasty surgery is an art. Therefore, it should be planned uniquely and entirely personalized. No one should resemble another person; they should find the opportunity to express themselves. Instead of creating identical noses, valuing an individual's characteristic features within this framework will produce more appealing results.
I am Afraid of ending up with an unnatural-looking nose. Is it Possible to Have a Natural Nose without Feeling Alienated?
Our main goal is not to transform you into a completely different person but to emphasize and bring out the best in you. We want to highlight your characteristic facial expression rather than disrupt it. We aim for a result where you don't appear as if you've had major surgery but where an improvement in your face is noticeable. The procedure should enhance your overall facial harmony. After a while, forget that you had surgery and feel you have lived with this nose for a lifetime. If these goals are achieved, we have reached the target of a natural nose that suits you.
What is the Suitable Age for a Nose Surgery?
Is it Too Early or Too Late for Me?
In the case of nose surgeries involving bone and cartilage interventions, they are not preferred during childhood when growth is still ongoing. We prefer the rapid growth period of adolescence to be completed for nose aesthetics or correction of nasal septal deviations. This age is around 16-17 for girls, while for boys, it is around 17-18. If rhinoplasty, i.e., nose aesthetics, is to be performed in this age group, the timing can be decided by evaluating the development of the nose in person. Since the developmental process varies for everyone, the decision can be made to perform the surgery earlier or to wait. Since this decision will affect the long-term results of the surgery, it is appropriate to wait for the postponed surgery patiently. If bone development is suitable, we prefer to perform the surgery at an appropriate time to help develop self-confidence.
It is best not to have the idea of being too late in adults. The readiness process varies for everyone. We do not impose an age limit unless you have a chronic condition that would hinder the surgery. The outcome of nose aesthetics surgery will undoubtedly differ from that of a younger individual, but you can still achieve satisfactory results. With age, the nose will continue to relax and sag. Your nose concerns will increase year after year, and each day will surpass the previous one. Your nasal obstruction and shape irregularity will tend to worsen. Therefore, the best time to act is now, without delay, by saying, "I'm ready, and I am ready now."
How Should I Prepare for a Nose Job? Before a nose job (rhinoplasty) surgery, there are several steps you should take to prepare:
• Quit Smoking: If you smoke, it is essential to quit before the surgery. Smoking can negatively impact the healing process and increase the risk of complications. It can also contribute to increased bleeding during the surgery. • Medications: Inform your surgeon about medications you currently take, including blood thinners. Depending on your specific case, your doctor may advise you to stop taking certain medications before the surgery to minimize the risk of excessive bleeding. Follow your doctor's instructions regarding medication management. • Herbal Supplements: Avoid taking herbal supplements, vitamins, or teas that can thin the blood. These substances, such as garlic, can interfere with the surgical process and increase the risk of bleeding. Consult with your doctor about which supplements to avoid. • Allergies and Medical History: Make sure to inform your surgeon about any allergies or previous surgeries you have had, particularly those related to your nose. Previous procedures or allergies can impact the surgical plan and outcome. • Menstrual Cycle: If you are a female patient, avoiding scheduling the surgery during the first few days of your menstrual cycle is generally preferred. This is because there may be increased swelling and bleeding during this time. Discuss the best timing with your surgeon. • Upper Respiratory Infections and Cold Sores: If you have an active upper respiratory infection or cold sore outbreak, it is advisable to postpone the surgery. These conditions can increase the risk of complications and hinder the healing process. • General Health: Take care of your overall health in the weeks leading up to the surgery. Eat a balanced diet, avoid excessive alcohol consumption, and stay away from smoking and recreational drugs. Maintaining good health can contribute to a smoother recovery. Communicating openly with your surgeon and following their specific instructions for pre-operative preparation is crucial. They will provide personalized guidelines based on your circumstances to ensure a successful surgery and optimal recovery.
Preparing for Surgery
Feeling nervous and anxious as the surgery decision is made and the date approaches is normal and part of the process. There's no need to feel bad about it. It can be the first surgery in many people's lives. Like many other patients, you will go through this process and overcome it. We will be by your side throughout the process. Let's briefly talk about what you will experience.
You must go to the hospital for blood tests and anesthesia evaluation a few days before the surgery. It is appropriate to go on an empty stomach for preparation. After the necessary tests are done, the anesthesiologist will evaluate your condition, and if there are no issues with your results, they will approve the surgery. Before the surgery, you will be asked to sign a consent form regarding anesthesia and the operation. This form is something that needs to be signed before any surgical procedure. You can review it before the surgery and ask any questions. If your nose surgery is scheduled for the morning, you must go to the hospital at the specified time after fasting from midnight the previous day. It is normal to be called in much earlier than the surgery time. You will get dressed for the surgery, your IV line will be placed, and you will be prepared. A sedative medication may be administered to calm any anxiety as you go to the operating room, which will make you feel better and more relaxed. Choose clothing that is buttoned in the front or easily fits over your head. You will need clothing you can wear without straining your nose when discharged.
Will I Need Postoperative Care After Rhinoplasty?
After rhinoplasty surgery, you can eat, get up, and attend to your needs about 4 hours later. If your general condition is good, you can be discharged 6-8 hours after the nose surgery. You won't have much swelling on the first day. Typically, you notice it when you wake up the next morning. This is perfectly normal and starts to decrease and fade after 3 days. We do not recommend driving on the day of surgery. The first week, which you will spend resting, is essential. Working while leaning forward can increase swelling. Nevertheless, you will feel fine and can take care of your personal hygiene comfortably. However, during the first few days, the stress and fatigue experienced during the surgery and the recovery process can be tiring, so it is beneficial to have a calm period.
What is the Recovery Process Like After Rhinoplasty? What Should I Pay Attention To? When Can I Return to Work?
After rhinoplasty surgery, your nose will be placed inside special plastic protection to adapt to its new shape and limit swelling. Ice therapy and painkillers are applied for 2 days to prevent pain and swelling. Generally, there is not much pain; you may feel a sense of pressure and fullness. It is appropriate to sleep on your back with your head elevated from the back. The plastic protector on the nose is removed 7-10 days later. At this stage, general swelling has subsided, but slight swelling remains. This slight swelling attracts little attention from others in your daily life. The rapid resolution of swelling begins within the first month, and it is not very noticeable that you have had surgery. It will take at least 1 year to reach the final result and complete the process. Bruising varies from person to person, but thanks to new techniques developed, many patients do not have any bruising or have very minimal bruising. In patients with bruising, this condition completely resolves within a few days.
Will my Nose Droop After the Surgery?
Will it Ruin my Appearance?
Rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging types of surgery for guaranteed results. Regardless of how experienced the surgeon is and how well the surgery is performed, the structure of the nose's cartilage and bones, skin characteristics, and healing process play a determining role in the outcome. Both the surgeon and the patient take risks in rhinoplasty surgery. Even with experienced surgeons, the need for revision surgery may arise in 5-15% of cases. The extent of these revision surgeries is also essential. Revisions can vary in scale, from minor to significant procedures. The experience of the chosen doctor is highly important. The high overall success rate of the surgeon makes it worthwhile to take this risk.
How much are Rhinoplasty Prices?
Rhinoplasty prices can vary in Ankara, Istanbul, or other peripheral regions. They are influenced by various factors, such as the hospital where the rhinoplasty is performed, the experience and education of the surgeon, the investment they have made, and the time dedicated to the surgery. Compared to international comparisons, Turkey offers good surgeons offering affordable rates. Like many other things, rhinoplasty prices can be affected by the current economic conditions, such as inflation and the extent of corrections needed in the surgery. Therefore, the prices of rhinoplasty surgery can vary over time and by the nose structure.