Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty in Istanbul: A Natural Nose That Looks and Breathes Better

Your nose sits at the centre of your face. Even a small change in its shape can transform your profile, balance your features and change how you feel when you look in the mirror. Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most delicate operations in facial plastic surgery, because it must improve both the appearance and the breathing function of the nose.

I am Op. Dr. Akın Şahin, a European Board certified ENT, head and neck and facial plastic surgeon. I perform rhinoplasty in Istanbul for patients from Turkey and around the world. My goal is simple: a natural-looking nose that suits your face, breathes well and still looks like you.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes the nose by modifying its bone and cartilage framework. It can reduce a hump on the bridge, refine or lift the tip, narrow a wide nose, straighten a crooked nose, or improve the balance between the nose and the rest of the face.

Rhinoplasty is not only cosmetic. Many patients also have a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates or weak nasal valves that make breathing difficult. When the appearance and the breathing problem are corrected together, the operation is called septorhinoplasty. Because I am an ENT surgeon as well as a facial plastic surgeon, I assess the inside of the nose in every patient and correct breathing problems in the same operation when needed.

Every rhinoplasty is unique. There is no “standard” nose that suits everyone. The right nose for you depends on your facial proportions, skin thickness, ethnicity, gender and personal goals. That’s why every operation I perform is planned individually.

Types of Rhinoplasty I Perform

Primary Rhinoplasty

A primary rhinoplasty is a first-time nose operation. It is the most common type, and it gives the best opportunity to achieve an excellent, natural result, because the tissues have not been operated on before.

Ultrasonic (Piezo) Rhinoplasty

Ultrasonic rhinoplasty uses a piezoelectric device to shape the nasal bones with precise ultrasonic vibrations instead of chisels. It protects the surrounding soft tissues and usually means less bruising and swelling in the first weeks.

Preservation Rhinoplasty

Preservation rhinoplasty keeps the natural structure of the nasal bridge intact and lowers it as one unit, instead of removing a hump and rebuilding the bridge. In suitable patients, it gives a very smooth, natural bridge.

Structural Rhinoplasty

Structural rhinoplasty reshapes and strengthens the cartilage framework, often with cartilage grafts. It is ideal for crooked noses, weak or drooping tips, breathing problems and complex cases.

Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty corrects a nose that has been operated on before, whether the problem is appearance, breathing or both. It is more complex than a primary operation and requires careful planning. Learn more on my revision rhinoplasty page.

Septorhinoplasty

Septorhinoplasty combines rhinoplasty with septoplasty to improve both the shape and the breathing function of the nose in one operation. Learn more in septorhinoplasty: fix your nose shape and breathing in one operation and on my septoplasty page.

Male Rhinoplasty

Male rhinoplasty requires a different approach. Men usually need a straighter, stronger bridge and a less rotated tip. Over-reducing a male nose can make it look feminine, so preserving masculine character is essential.

I explain how I choose between these techniques in ultrasonic, preservation or structural rhinoplasty: which technique is right for you?

Why Choose an ENT and Facial Cosmetic Surgeon for Your Nose?

The nose is not only a facial feature; it is also the entrance to your airway. A rhinoplasty that narrows the airway can create new breathing problems, even if the nose looks better. This is why who performs your rhinoplasty matters as much as how it is performed.

As an ENT (ear, nose and throat) surgeon, I am trained in the internal anatomy and breathing function of the nose. As a facial plastic surgeon, I focus on facial proportions and aesthetics. Before every rhinoplasty, I examine the inside of the nose with an endoscope, so that both the appearance and the function are planned together.

I am certified by the Turkish ENT Board and the European Board of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery (UEMS/EBEORL), and I am a full member of the Turkish Society of Facial Plastic Surgery. Choosing a surgeon with this combination of training gives you the best chance of a nose that looks natural and works well.

Your Rhinoplasty Journey in Istanbul, Step by Step

1. Online consultation. You send me front, side and base photos of your nose on WhatsApp and tell me what you would like to change. I give you an honest assessment of what can be achieved, which technique I recommend and the price.
2. Planning your trip. We agree on a surgery date. I recommend planning 7 to 10 days in Istanbul for a primary rhinoplasty.
3. Face-to-face consultation. After you arrive, I examine your nose in detail, including breathing, skin thickness and cartilage support. We discuss the plan together, and you can ask any remaining questions. Pre-operative tests are done the same day.
4. Surgery. Rhinoplasty usually takes 2–3 hours under general anaesthesia in a fully equipped hospital. Depending on the case, you either stay one night in hospital or return to your hotel the same evening.
5. Splint removal. I remove the splint around day 6–7 and you see your new nose for the first time.
6. Flying home and follow-up. Most patients fly home around day 7–8. I follow up with you through photos and WhatsApp at 1, 3, 6 and 12 months.

You can read the full timeline in rhinoplasty recovery day by day.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?

A good candidate for rhinoplasty is a healthy adult whose facial growth is complete, usually from age 18, and who wants to improve the shape or function of their nose. You may benefit from rhinoplasty if you have a hump on the bridge of your nose, a wide or bulbous tip, a drooping tip, a crooked nose, a nose that is too large for your face, or breathing difficulties.

Realistic expectations are essential. Rhinoplasty can improve your nose and bring it into better balance with your face, but the goal is not to create a “perfect” nose copied from a photo. The best results are those that look as if you were born with them.

Rhinoplasty may need to be postponed if you have an active sinus infection, uncontrolled medical conditions or if you smoke and are not willing to stop before and after surgery. I always review your general health before planning the operation.

Natural Results: My Approach to Rhinoplasty

My philosophy is natural rhinoplasty. I aim for a nose that fits your face, your ethnicity and your gender, rather than a “one-size-fits-all” shape. An over-operated nose with a pinched tip or an over-scooped bridge may look dramatic in the first weeks, but it rarely ages well.

Natural results come from careful planning. I analyse your face from every angle, consider your skin thickness and the strength of your cartilage, and discuss the result with you using photos. During surgery, I preserve as much of the natural structure as possible and add support where it’s needed, so that the result stays stable for many years.

A natural nose should also breathe well. That’s why every plan includes both the outside and the inside of the nose.

Recovery After Rhinoplasty

Recovery after rhinoplasty is easier than most patients expect. Swelling and bruising peak in the first 2–3 days and fade over two weeks. Most patients return to work after 10–14 days, and to the gym after about 4–6 weeks. You should avoid resting glasses on your nose for six weeks.

The nose continues to refine for many months as swelling settles, especially in the tip. About 80% of the swelling usually resolves within three months, and the final result is visible after around 12 months. I explain this in detail in rhinoplasty swelling stages: a month-by-month guide.

Is Rhinoplasty Safe?

Rhinoplasty is a safe operation when it is performed by an experienced, qualified surgeon in an accredited hospital. As with any surgery, there are risks, such as bleeding, infection, breathing problems or the need for a minor revision, but these are uncommon with careful planning and technique.

If you are travelling from abroad, choosing the right surgeon is the most important decision you’ll make. I explain what to check, which red flags to avoid and which questions to ask in is it safe to get a nose job in Turkey? How to choose your surgeon.

Rhinoplasty Cost in Turkey

The cost of rhinoplasty depends on the complexity of the operation, whether breathing problems are corrected at the same time, and whether it is a primary or revision case. In 2026, a primary rhinoplasty in my practice starts from around $2,900, with packages that can include hotel stay and VIP transfers.

You can see full prices, packages and what’s included on my rhinoplasty cost in Turkey page. For an exact price, send me photos of your nose and I’ll give you a personal quote.