Planning Your Rhinoplasty Trip to Istanbul

Before you book: the online assessment

Your journey starts at home. Send your full name, email address, clear photos of your nose and your medical history through WhatsApp. Useful photos include front view, both side profiles, three-quarter views and a view from below, taken in daylight without make-up or filters.

Tell the team if you have had nasal surgery before, when it was performed and any details you have about it. Also mention medications, allergies, breathing problems and chronic conditions. This information allows Dr. Aydın to assess whether you are a suitable candidate and to prepare a personalized plan and quote.

Choosing your dates

Plan to stay in Istanbul for about seven days. Avoid scheduling important events, photos or travel in the two weeks after surgery. If you take regular medications, especially blood thinners, supplements or hormonal treatments, ask in advance which ones need to be paused before surgery.

Smoking and alcohol slow healing. If you smoke, stopping well before surgery and during recovery improves your result.

Day 1: arrival and consultation

After arrival, you settle into your hotel. The in-person consultation includes a detailed nasal examination, a review of your photos and goals, and a discussion of the surgical plan, including what will change and what will be preserved. Pre-operative blood tests and an anesthesia assessment are completed so that surgery can go ahead safely.

This is the right time to ask every remaining question. You should leave the consultation knowing exactly what the operation involves and what your recovery will look like.

Day 2: surgery and hospital night

On surgery day, you fast from the night before as instructed. The operation is performed under general anesthesia in hospital and typically takes about three hours, with a range of two to five hours depending on complexity.

You spend the first night in hospital for monitoring. The next morning, you are examined and discharged to your hotel with medication and written aftercare instructions.

Days 3 to 6: resting at the hotel

These days are for rest. Keep your head elevated, apply cold compresses as advised, drink plenty of water, eat soft foods and avoid bending forward. Short walks are encouraged, but avoid crowded places and anything that could knock your nose. Most patients no longer need painkillers after the third day.

Your nose will feel blocked because of internal swelling and the soft splints inside. This is expected and improves once the splints are removed.

Day 7: splint removal and clearance to fly

Around the seventh day, the internal silicone splints are removed. The procedure is painless and takes about 15 to 20 seconds. External tape or splints are checked, and the surgeon confirms that early healing is on track before you travel.

You leave with instructions for the coming months and a clear plan for sending follow-up photos from home.

What to pack

Pack button-up or zip-up tops so you do not pull clothes over your face, a travel pillow to keep your head elevated, lip balm, saline spray if advised, a reusable water bottle, comfortable clothes and a pair of sunglasses light enough not to rest heavily on your nose. Bring a list of your medications and any previous medical records.

After you fly home

During the flight, stay hydrated, avoid alcohol and do not blow your nose. At home, continue to follow your aftercare instructions. Send photos to the team at one, three, six and twelve months, or whenever you have a question. Most concerns during recovery are normal and can be answered remotely.