Rhinoplasty in Istanbul From Abroad: How Long to Stay and How Follow-Up Works

If you are travelling to Istanbul for rhinoplasty, plan to stay at least until the first review at which the external splint is removed, which is usually about a week after surgery.³ Add to that the examination and anaesthesia assessment at least one day before surgery. Waiting 7–10 days before flying after facial surgery is generally advised, so the return date should be chosen with that in mind.^1,2

Planning is not only about the number of days, though. How many consultations take place before surgery, whom to contact if a problem arises after you return home and how long-term follow-up will work should all be clear from the start.¹ This guide takes those steps in order.

Before you travel: online consultation and initial review

Many patients take the first step through an online consultation. It covers your concern, what you hope to change, whether you have breathing problems, your medical history and the medicines you take. If photographs are needed for the initial review, we will tell you which angles to use and how to share them.

The NHS advises people considering cosmetic surgery abroad to have two consultations with the surgeon who will operate before any surgery; they also give time to reflect on the decision.¹ An online consultation is a first assessment; examination of the inside and outside of the nose and the final plan take place in person before surgery.

Information worth preparing

• Any previous nasal surgery, injury or filler treatment
• Long-term conditions, medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners
• Allergies and previous experience with anaesthesia
• Snoring, pauses in breathing during sleep or a tendency to bleed; the rhinoplasty guideline recommends assessing these before surgery⁴

A sample timeline

The timeline below shows a typical plan; it may change with the extent of surgery and your recovery.

Bruising and swelling around the eyes can last two to three weeks, so take that into account if you have photographs or important meetings soon after returning.³ We describe how swelling settles over the months in the rhinoplasty swelling timeline.

When can you fly home?

The NHS advises waiting 7–10 days before flying after facial cosmetic procedures.¹ The American Society of Plastic Surgeons also advises waiting 7–10 days after facial procedures such as facelift, eyelid surgery and rhinoplasty.² That period matters for bleeding and swelling, and it allows the first review, when the splint is removed, to take place.

The NHS points out that air travel and major surgery both increase the risk of blood clots.¹ On long flights, drinking plenty of water, getting up to walk regularly and following your doctor’s advice help reduce that risk. The exact flight date is confirmed at the one-week review.

After you return: follow-up and contact

The result of rhinoplasty emerges over months, not a week, and the final shape is usually assessed at about a year.^3,4 That is why the follow-up plan should be discussed before surgery. In Op. Dr. Esin Özlem Atmış’s planning, rhinoplasty reviews take place in person, because both the outside and the inside of the nose are examined and breathing is assessed at the same time.⁴ If you live abroad, it helps to plan later visits to Istanbul around these reviews.

The NHS advises people having surgery abroad to find out in advance how aftercare will be provided and to be aware that travel insurance often does not cover problems related to surgery.¹ You will know from the start whom to contact and how if an unexpected problem arises after you return; in an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department where you are.

Points to keep in mind

• Do not squeeze surgery and the return flight into the same week; attending the first review matters.
• Do not stay alone during the first week after surgery; having someone with you makes things easier.
• Avoid strong sun, pools and the sea in the first weeks; ASPS advises avoiding sun, alcohol and swimming after surgery.²
• Do not stop or start blood thinners or supplements without speaking to your doctor.

Frequently asked questions