Aesthetic and Plastic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Süleyman Köken stated that rhinoplasty is an operation that corrects breathing problems as well as deformities, and answered frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty.

What is Rhinoplasty? It is a surgical procedure performed on patients who are generally bothered by deformities in the shape of their nose. Rhinoplasty can also be used to correct breathing problems in patients, if any.

When should rhinoplasty be performed? Before rhinoplasty, the patient’s bone development must be complete. Because bone and cartilage development is not yet complete, even if the surgery is very successful, there is a possibility of the nose becoming crooked or deformed again in the following months. Therefore, we always require the patient to be at least seventeen or eighteen years old. From the age of eighteen onwards, rhinoplasty can be performed on any patient who is unhappy with the shape of their nose.

How is rhinoplasty performed? Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. It takes approximately 2-3 hours. Depending on the patient’s nose shape and the surgeon’s experience, the surgery can be performed using either an open or closed method. The technique should be chosen according to the patient’s nose shape.

What is the recovery process like after surgery? After the surgery, silicone splints and a plaster cast are placed on the bridge of the nose. We keep these in place for a week until the bones fuse. Also, because it is perforated, the patient can breathe easily by frequently spraying saline solution onto the splint. It is very important for the patient to avoid any trauma in the first few months. Because the bones are very fresh, bending or deformity may occur. We do not recommend the use of glasses for a certain period of time.

Can I exercise after surgery? Bending forward after surgery increases swelling in the area. Therefore, light walks without bending too far forward are acceptable, and brisk walking can begin from the first month onwards. Competitive and strenuous sports should be avoided during this recovery period. Care should be taken to avoid blows to the nose.

When can I go on vacation after surgery? Each patient must be evaluated individually. If we are sure that the stitches have healed during the first and second week check-ups, patients are free to travel, swim in the sea, or go swimming. However, it is important to ensure that the sea and pool are clean. We recommend that patients rinse their noses with saline solution and use an antibacterial cream after swimming in the pool or sea.

In which season can rhinoplasty be performed? Rhinoplasty can be performed in any season. However, a cast is placed on the bridge of the nose for a week, and this cast contains packing. Especially in the summer, it can be very difficult to go without showering in this hot weather. Therefore, the spring months we are currently in are actually the ideal time for surgery. The timing of the surgery affects the patient’s comfort, not the success of the surgery.