Rhinoplasty

Closed Rhinoplasty

All incisions placed inside the nose, leaving no external scar and allowing swelling to settle more quickly.

At a glance

Operating time: 2–3 hours
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
Hospital stay: 1 nights
Back to desk work: approx. 7 days
Social recovery: approx. 14 days

About this procedure

BeforeAfter

Closed rhinoplasty is the approach to nose reshaping in which every incision is made inside the nostrils. Because no incision is made across the narrow strip of skin under the tip (the columella), there is no externally visible scar. The bridge, a hump, the tip and, where needed, a deviated septum are corrected through these incisions.

Surgical approach and technique

The operation is performed under general anaesthesia and takes about 2–3 hours. Through incisions inside the nose the skin is lifted; a hump is removed or lowered, the tip cartilages are shaped, the nasal bones are narrowed if needed and the septum is corrected. In suitable patients it can be combined with the technique that preserves the bridge. One night is spent in hospital after surgery.

Who is it for?

Often chosen for patients who want a change such as a dorsal hump, a drooping or wide tip, and who have not had nose surgery before. Which approach suits you is decided at examination.

Recovery

A nasal splint is worn for the first week, and there may be swelling and bruising under the eyes. The splint comes off around day 7, when desk work can resume. Social life is usually possible from about the second week. The fine swelling of the tip can take 6–12 months to resolve fully.

Who it may not suit

People with marked asymmetry or a severe deformity of the tip; an open approach may allow more controlled work here
Some revision operations in which cartilage support has to be rebuilt
People who need the nostrils narrowed: although done with the closed approach, this needs a small external incision at the base of the nostril

Closed vs open rhinoplasty

Which approach suits you is decided at examination.

	Closed rhinoplasty	Open rhinoplasty
Incisions	Only inside the nostrils	Inside the nose plus a small incision on the columella
External scar	None	A fine scar on the columella that usually fades over time
View of the structures	More limited; relies on the surgeon's experience	The cartilages are seen directly
Commonly used for	First operations, humps and moderate tip changes	Complex tip problems, some revisions

Preparing for surgery

Smoking and nicotine products must be stopped for a period before and after surgery.
Blood thinners and some herbal supplements are stopped for a period before surgery, under medical guidance.
Blood tests and an anaesthetic assessment are carried out.

Recovery timeline

When	What to generally expect
Day 1	One night in hospital
Week 1	Nasal splint and, if needed, internal silicone splints; swelling and bruising under the eyes
Around day 7	Splint removed and check-up; return to desk work
About week 2	Return to social life
Weeks 4–6	Return to strenuous exercise with the surgeon's approval; glasses as the surgeon advises
Months 6–12	Swelling of the tip largely resolves and the final shape settles

For patients travelling from abroad

We recommend staying in Istanbul for 7–9 nights. The flight home is usually planned for day 7–10, after the splint has been removed and you have been checked.

Possible risks

Like any surgery, closed rhinoplasty carries risks, and all of them are shared with you in writing before the operation:

Bleeding
Infection
Prolonged swelling
Asymmetry or irregularity of shape
Nasal obstruction
Temporary change in the sense of smell
Need for revision
Risks related to anaesthesia

Back to desk work: approx. 7 days. Social recovery: approx. 14 days. Depending on the scope of surgery you should plan for between 6 and 12 nights. The exact figure is confirmed in writing with your treatment plan.

The information on this page is general and does not replace medical advice. Timings and recovery vary between individuals; a definitive plan can only be made after examination.

Frequently asked questions

Closed or open rhinoplasty?

In the closed approach the incisions are inside the nose and leave no external scar. The open approach gives a wider view of the tip and may be preferred for complex tip problems. The choice is made at examination according to the structure of the nose and the change planned.

Does closed rhinoplasty leave a scar?

The incisions are inside the nostrils, so they cannot be seen from outside. If the nostrils are also narrowed, there is a small scar at the base of the nostril, which usually fades over time.

Does the tip drop after closed rhinoplasty?

The tip is secured with cartilage support during the operation. In the first months swelling can make the tip look slightly upturned, and it settles over time.

How long do bruising and swelling last?

Bruising under the eyes has usually largely cleared within 7–10 days. Visible swelling eases over the first weeks, while the fine swelling of the tip can take 6–12 months.

Will my breathing improve?

If there is a deviated septum or another problem inside the nose, it is corrected in the same operation. The aim is to preserve or improve breathing.

At what age can rhinoplasty be done?

The nose usually finishes growing at about 16 in girls and 17–18 in boys; cosmetic rhinoplasty is planned after that age. Assessment may differ where there are serious breathing problems.

When can I wear glasses, exercise and fly?

Flying is usually planned after the splint is removed, on day 7–10. Strenuous exercise resumes after weeks 4–6 with the surgeon's approval. Glasses may be restricted in the first weeks so they do not press on the bridge.

How much does it cost?

The fee is given according to the personal plan set after examination. The quote covers the operation, anaesthesia, hospital, medication, transfers and follow-up visits.

A personal assessment for this procedure

Share your photographs and let us plan the right technique and timeline together.

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