RHINOPLASTY
GUIDE
For Patients of Dr. Emre ilhan
NOSE SURGERY & REVISION RHINOPLASTY
Anaesthetic: General Anesthesia
Duration of operation: Approximately 2 or 2,5 hours
Hospital stay: 1 night
Minimum stay in Turkey: 8 days after surgery
Price determination: The cost for the operation depends on your condition and your surgery
parameters.
What is rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is cosmetic or reconstructive surgery of the nose. It is also known as nasal refinement
and is often called a nose job. A rhinoplasty can correct many problems of the nose stemming
from genetics, trauma, or disease and can fix many aesthetic problems as well. A hump may be
removed to give a more pleasing, symmetrical look. The cartilages of the nose can be molded and
trimmed to create a more compact or pleasing shape. Rhinoplasty can refine the nose and bring
balance and harmony to the face.
At what age can rhinoplasty surgery be performed?
In general, rhinoplasty for purely cosmetic reasons should be avoided before the face and nose
have completed most of their growth. For most people, this means that they should put off surgery
until the middle or late teens.
Extensive nasal surgery is generally avoided in children unless there is severe disfigurement.
There are major growth centers in the nose that affect the growth of the face as a whole. In cases
of severe disfigurement due to accidents or birth defects, surgery is performed in an attempt to
restore the alignment of those growth centers.
Rhinoplasties performed on teenagers and young adults are often beneficial to a person’s social
development and self-confidence. In older people, the aging process is reflected in many ways in
the nose and correction of flaws can add youthfulness and freshness to the appearance.
What does a typical rhinoplasty consultation entail?
A plastic surgery consultation is your chance to meet with him and her and discuss what you want
out of your rhinoplasty surgery. Your doctor will discuss your goals with you and will explain what
can be achieved realistically. A good doctor will not just slim your nose or shorten it. He or she will
take into account your entire face and bone structure to see what type of nose would suit you best.
There is no “one size fits all” when it comes to this procedure. A rhinoplasty is as individual as you
are!
Can you provide sufficient analysis before rhinoplasty if it’s all done over the Internet?
Dr. İlhan can perform sufficient analysis over the Internet to determine if you would be a good candidate for rhinoplasty. However, before he can get into the specifics of your rhinoplasty, however,
he feels strongly that he needs to see you in the office and examine you, because there is a lot if
important information that can only be gathered by direct examination of your nose.
How is a rhinoplasty performed?
A rhinoplasty can be performed under either local anesthesia with sedation or general anesthesia.
Dr.Ilhan prefers general anesthesia for both pirmary and revision rhinoplasty.Surgery generally
lasts about two and a half hours.In the revision cases it can lasts about 5 or 6 hours and it depend
on the deformity of the nose. An incision is made either across the bottom of your nose between
your nostrils (an open technique) or in the mucosal lining of your nostrils (a closed technique).
Dr.Ilhan prefers open approach in %80 of the cases.And he prefers open technique in all the revision cases.
The surgeon then may use surgical tools to shave down a hum, remove or rearrange cartilage, or
break and rearrange bone to reshape the nose. After he or she is done, the incisions are closed.
Your nose may be packed with gauze or other materiall and a splint or cast may be applied.
You will be awakened after the procedure you will be taken to your room and you will have to stay
1 night at the hospital for the Hilotherapy mask application to reduce swelling and bruising. At the
post operative first day Dr.Ilhan will see you in the hospital and discharge you with a prescription of
antibiotics.You must have someone to drive you home since you will not be able, or be allowed, to
drive yourself. Dr.Ilhan keeps the silicon splints and the thermoplastic nasal splints 5-7 days afterthe surgery.After your discharge from the hospital you will have controls at 3rd ,6th,and 9th days
postoperatiely and they will be done in Dr.Ilhans office.
What should I expect postoperatively?
For the first day after your rhinoplasty you will not feel well. After your surgery your surgeon will
have placed a dressing over your nose and a gauze pad underneath it to catch blood and secretions. You will be told when you can remove the dressing, but usually you can do this in a few
hours. You will feel a bit sore and headachy for a day or two, and your nose will be tender. Because the back of your nose connects to your throat and stomach, you may have swallowed some
blood during the surgery. This can cause nausea, as can anesthesia, and you may vomit a blacklooking mixture within a few hours of surgery. Usually, nausea subsides after you throw up. If you
continue to vomit and/or run a high fever, contact your doctor immediately.
You may have some discomfort from the packing and cast on your nose. Some patients feel claustrophobic and feel that they cannot breathe. When the cast is removed, you might feel some pain
during the removal.
You will need to sleep with your head elevated for several days to a week after your surgery. Bruising and swelling will be present for several days after surgery and your nose will be sensitive for
about a month and a half during your rhinoplasty recovery.
When will the cast be taken off and does this hurt?
The cast is removed about 5-7 days postoperatively and removal is usually not very painful. You
may feel a slight stiffness in the upper lift after the cast is removed because the swelling moves
downward. This will subside in a matter of hours. Be very careful not to bump your nose for several weeks after the cast has come off as it is vulnerable to breakage. Your nose isn’t a bone china
figurine, but it will not be as strong as it was before the rhinoplasty until it completely mends in
about 2 months.
If you had a rhinoplasty to narrow flared nostrils, you will have your sutures removed when the
cast comes off. Suture removal may sting a bit, especially since it is in a sensitive area.
When will I be able to see the results?
Your nose is going to look swollen and bruised for at least a few days. The swelling starts to disappear about a week after the cast is removed or a week after surgery. About 80% of the swelling
and all of the discoloration are usually gone by 2 weeks after surgery. Swelling starts to resolve
more slowly after that. Ninety percent of the swelling is gone by 2 months after surgery and the
rest slowly disappears over the next year.
Although the nose is still swollen after the first month, this will not be visible to anyone else. You
will see your nose becomes more refined with better definition over the first year.
The inside of your nose may be swollen for about 3 weeks after the surgery. Nasal breathing may
be difficult during this time. If surgery is performed to straighten the nasal septum, an improvement
in breathing starts to be noted at about 3 weeks.
What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is generally safe, but things can go wrong. There is the risk of infection, adverse reaction to the anesthesia, and excessive bleeding. Even when a highly skilled surgeon performs your
surgery, sometimes your body may not heal correctly or have adverse reactions causing undesired
results. If is possible that you will need additional surgery.
You may lose your sense of smell for a period of time; in rare cases, this is permanent. You may
develop scar tissue inside your nose that interferes with breathing or causes a whistling noise. You
can develop a permanently drippy nose. You may have red spots and bruises on your nose that
fade very slowly, and are sometimes permanent.
Visible scarring is usually minimal if the incisions are made inside of the nose, but if an open technique is used, or if narrowing of the nostrils is desired, scars may be visible for some time.
You may also simply be unhappy with the results. Rhinoplasty has the highest rate of revision of
cosmetic surgery.
Are there any new techniques to repair a deviated septum. Is cauterization used? Does the
nose always have to be packed after surgery?
There are several ways to fix a deviated septum. Generally cauterization (using a hot instrument to
burn the mucosa) is used to help prevent recurrent nosebleeds, not to repair or straighten the septum. Generally, packing the nose is needed after rhinoplasty and septoplasty to keep the repaired
structures in correct alignment and to reduce bleeding and swelling. Some surgeons use tubes or
straws placed in the center of the packing so that you can breath through your nose somewhat.
Most patients find the packing to be a psychological discomfort rather than a physical one.Dr.Emre
İlhan Uses silicone splints with airway and thermoplastic splint for the outside packing and takes
all the packings between postoperative day 5-8.
I am 16 and have been thinking of rhinoplasty for a long time. At what age is it safe to have
a rhinoplasty?
Usually rhinoplasty is deferred until about age 14 to 15 in girls and 17 to 18 in boys. The difference
in ages is because girls reach their full growth a few years before boys do. You need to complete
your growth before your nose can be revised. There are major growth centers in the nose that affect the growth of the face and it is best not to disrupt these unless absolutely necessary. A qualified surgeon can better advise you after a personal examination.
I’m getting a deviated septum and a hump fixed all in one. What kind of scarring should I
expect? Also, how long after the operation will it take before I see the results?
Usually, scarring with even an open rhinoplasty, where the incision is made at the bottom of the
base of the nose, is very minimal. If your surgeon uses a closed technique, incisions are within the
nostrils. Which technique your surgeon uses depends on what technique he or she prefers and
whether you need extensive work. You can expect swelling to subside within the first month or so
and you will have a very good idea of the results then. But the end result may not be seen until at
least 9 months to a year postoperatively.
How much does a rhinoplasty cost?
The overall costs vary regarding your condition, your surgery parameters and whether its your firstsurgery or youre having a revision rhinoplasty.
Revision rhinoplasty is a more involved plastic surgery type because it requires your surgeon to
adjust previous surgical results or undergo more extensive appearance changes — a surgery that
can be time-consuming and lengthier than traditional rhinoplasty. If you choose a revision rhinoplasty surgery, you can expect the surgical costs to be higher.
A stay overnight in the Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital. You should discuss the fee for your rhinoplasty with your surgeon or someone in his or her office and get all the information in writing.
Some portions of some rhinoplasties will be covered by health insurance if you have documented
breathing difficulties. You need to contact your health insurer to find out what might be covered.
Your surgeon’s office can contact your health insurer, but make sure that you get things in writing
from the insurer.
How long do I need to stay in hospital for after rhinoplasty surgery?
Patients are required to stay overnight at the hospital, barring any complications.
Do I need to be accompanied by somebody to Turkey for my rhinoplasty surgery?
All clients will be met at the airport and taken to their hotel. You will come to the clinic for your consultation one or two days before the surgery.And you can check in to the hospital 1 day before the
surgery for the blood counts and the anastesia visit. The client will also be taken back to their hotel
after being discharged. However, some people prefer to have a friend or relative accompany them
during their trip to keep them company.
How long do I need to stay in Turkey for after rhinoplasty surgery?
Patients are required to spend a minimum of 8 days in Turkey after rhinoplasty surgery.
It’s been five months since my surgery and now I notice that when I run or workout my
nose drips. Is this just part of the healing stage or do I need to bring this up to my doctor?
Many patients complain of runny noses after rhinoplasty/septoplasty surgery. Most of the excess
mucous production stops after about 9 months, but it can continue well after that. For now, I can
only advise you to carry more Kleenex around because the drippiness may persist for several
more months.
My plastic surgeon mentioned that a shot of cortisone might help with some of the scar tissue in my nose. Why is this?
Injections of cortisone or similar corticosteroid drugs can help break up excess scar tissue. Injections like these are commonly used to reduce swelling and inflamed tissue. However, care must
be taken regarding excess use of these injections because it can break down the tissue too much.
Corticosteroids also have a number of side effects. Discuss the matter with your surgeon.
I’m going to get my nose done soon and my doctor also recommended getting a chin implant because he says my nose will still appear ‘big’ because my chin recedes. Do people
get both these procedures at the same time?
This is a very common recommendation from a cosmetic surgeon. A weak chin can make even
an ideal nose look larger than it actually is. Chin augmentation is a relatively minor procedure
when implants are used, although it does have some risks of its own, such as lower lip numbness.
A more extensive procedure would be to detach a piece of the lower jaw at the chin and move it
forward and reattach it to the jawbone. Either type of chin augmentation can be done at the same
time as a rhinoplasty.
I have to get my cast off soon and want to know if it is going to hurt. Is there anything I can
do beforehand?
Most patients report a little tenderness when the cast is removed, but if your surgeon uses a cotton swab saturated with alcohol to help remove the adhesive from the tape and glue you should be
okay. It really shouldn’t cause you great discomfort.
The sutures that may be removed at the same time may hurt a bit. Ask your surgeon if you can
take a pain reliever (probably not anything with aspirin in it) in advance or if he can numb the area
first.
I have thick nasal skin and a surgeon I spoke with said that I may not be able to see much
detail with my rhinoplasty. Is this true? Should I see another surgeon?
For many patients with thick skin, the skin is thinned out in the surgery as the tip is worked on,
which can help with definition. But many patients with thick skin actually do better with rhinoplasty.
Very thin skin, shows every little imperfection.
Going on several consultations and getting a second, third, or more opinions is a good idea in any
case.
Is it improper to ask to speak with other patients who have had revision rhinoplasty done
by the surgeon I am considering?
It is not at all improper! And you absolutely should ask. All surgeons should have a referral list of
prior patients who can discuss particulars and trade stories. I personally spoke with patients beforehand and I am on my own doctor’s referral list.
You may wonder if all of the referral patients are only the happy ones or if they receive compensation. I have found in my experience that there are one or two patients who wish they had done
more research beforehand or had gone to another doctor entirely. I think it is helpful to the patient
considering the procedure to gain a well-rounded opinion.
What is a “hanging columella”?
The nasal columella is the fleshy section of the external nose that separates the nostrils. It is the
bottom of the septum. A hanging columella is when this section is prominent or hangs down between the two nostrils.
Is it possible for someone to be allergic to dissolvable stitches? And if so, what is the reaction like?
An allergy to dissolvable sutures isn’t as uncommon. The symptoms include redness, itchiness,
and sometimes pus formation. Sometimes symptoms may not show up until about 3 to 4 weeks
after surgery. The best thing to do in some cases is to remove any of the remaining suture material
and replace it with nylon sutures. These sutures are usually removed in 10 days. Another option
can be to use tissue glue, although this is not often done with rhinoplasty.
If your skin gets red and itchy around a suture, whether absorbable or nondissolving, it may be
time for them to be removed. Your body will tell you when you are healing. Healing skin often turns
itchy.
Can pollybeak deformity be corrected?
Yes. Pollybeak deformity is a common complication of a rhinoplasty. The nose ends up looking a
bit like a parrot’s beak, hence the name pollybeak. It may be due to poor technique on the part of
the surgeon, but may also due to unpredictable healing. The nose may initially look fine after swelling first starts to resolve, but then ends up with downward droop of the lower third of the nose.
Sometimes, pollybeak will resolve on its own within a few months with further healing.
Treatment for pollybeak deformity can involve steroid injections to reduce swelling in the early
stages of healing. Most surgeons will wait a year before recommending revision surgery. Revision
surgery may include further work on the dorsum of the nose and, in some cases, an implant or
graft.
I had a rhinoplasty and septoplasty almost 6 months ago. I still can hardly breath in one of
my nostrils. Is this normal?
Breathing is usually restored by the sixth month after surgery. Most patients notice improved
breathing within a month or two of surgery. I would suggest that you have a follow-up visit with
your surgeon and ask his advice.
Patient Itinerary
Arrival - A driver will wait for you at the arrivals area with your name on a board and take you
to your taxi. The driver will know your destination and takes you to your accommodation. Airport
transfer is complimentary. Most patients arrive in Istanbul the evening one day before surgery and
comes to dr.Emre Ilhan’s office at the Bagdat Street 342-9 for the consultations and spend the first
night in their hotel or they can stay at the hospital. You can have a late dinner but you should not
eat or drink anything after midnight. Please call us for additional questions from +905326459438.
Accommodation - Due to our volume of out-of-town patients, we have been able to arrange discounted rates with these hotels. A small selection of hotels close to the Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital is provided below. There are many alternative hotel choices in İstanbul to suit all budgets.
Please make your booking and payment directly with the hotel.
A 7 days stay at a hotel is recomended after the surgery.
The Asia City Hotel
This hotel is beautiful and very close to the Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital
We have pre-negotiated a special rate for our rhinoplasthy correction patients:
EUR 60/night for a beautiful suit
EUR 80/the cost for two people
EUR 110/the cost for three people
The cost per night including breakfast
A few meters from the Hospital
http://www.hotelasiacity.com
[email protected]
The Marmara Çamlıca Residence
The Marmara Camlica Residence features spacious apartments with a kitchen.
In the surrounding area, guests will find a variety of restaurants serving local food. The hotel offers
packed lunches.
EUR 70/ the cost for one person
EUR 80/the cost for two people
EUR 115/the cost for three people
T: +90 216 362 10 10
F: +90 212 292 33 21
www.themarmarahotels.com
[email protected]
9.2 miles from the Hospital
Consultation day - The easiest way to get to the clinic from the hotel is to take a taxi. You will be
meet your surgeon for your consultation. The surgeon will take you through the procedure, your
expectations and answer and queries or questions you may have. He will ask you about previous
surgeries, medication you may take and medical conditions. During your consultation, Dr. İlhan
will thoroughly examine both the inside and outside of your nose. In addition, the Rhinoplasty
consultation will include a computerized image of your face that will allow you to see your desired
changes and anticipated goals for Rhinoplasty surgery. After your consultation but before surgery
you will be asked to pay for the surgery in full, either by cash. Once the test results have come
through you will be taken into surgery.
Surgery day - Upon arrival at the hospital you will have your pre op tests, followed by the consultation with your surgeon. The anesthetist will also visit you and discuss your medical questionnaire
with you. Depending upon the surgery, you could spend up to one night at the hospital. You will
be checked regularly by nurses throughout the day and night and your surgeon will check on you
daily. Before you are discharged the surgeon will give you a thorough check-up and after you are
discharged you will be picked up and taken back to your accommodation. You will be taken for
several check-ups with your surgeon before you fly back home. For most surgeries absorbable
stitches are used and there is no need for stitch removal. For surgeries where non-absorbable
stitches are used you will be advised when to visit your GP for stitch removal. During your final
check-up the surgeon will give you your discharge papers in English. Depending on the type of
surgery you had you might be required to wear compression garments for 4-6 weeks after surgery.
It is very important you follow the surgeon’s instructions on aftercare once you return home.
On the day of your departure you will be taken to the airport (you should allow a minimum of 2
hours at the airport for check-in, security, etc.)
Your Op.Dr.Emre Ilhan contact will stay in touch with you after you have returned home.
We look forward to meeting you in Turkey!
About Dr. Emre İlhan
A. Emre İlhan, MD. Born in 1976 in İstanbul. After graduating from Sırrı Yırcalı Anatolian High
School in 1994, he has completed his medical degree from Ege University Faculty of Medicine
, İzmir, in 2000. Trained in otolaryngology (ear, nose and throat specialty) — head and neck
surgery. He did his Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT) and Head and Neck Surgery residency at Vakıf
Gureba Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, for the years from 2001–2005. Between the
years, 2005-2006 he has undertaken the task of Chief Erzurum Mareşal Çakmak Military Hospital
Clinical finished his military service.
His research interests include aesthetic nose surgery, functional nose surgery and revision rhinoplasty. He is board certified and member of the The Turkish Society of Otolaryngology Head
and Neck Surgery, European Society of Allergy and Clinical Immunology, European Facial Plastic
Surgery Association , Turkey Facial Plastic Surgery Association, Turkish Sleep Research Society,
Mediterranean Countries Otology Neurotology Society and Turkish Medical Association
Dr.Ilhan’s philosophy is to make a unique and a tailored nose surgery fits your face with harmony
and balance with no breathing difficulties.
He has been working in his private clinic as a Facial Plastic Surgeon, RinoCenter, since 2006 and
except his scientific articles in congresses and magazines. He continues to give national lectures
on advanced Rhinoplasty techniques.
More information:
www.emreilhan.com
www.rinoplasti.com
www.otoplasti.com
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Adress and contact information
Ask Dr. Emre İlhan a question or arrange an appointment for a nose surgery consultation by calling us or emailing us at [email protected].
Clinic:
RinoCenter
Adress: Bağdat Caddesi, Opposite the Divan Patisserie – No 342, Kat 3 Daire 9 Erenköy /
İstanbul
Phone: +90 216 355 50 05
Fax: +90 (216) 467 28 77
E-mail: [email protected]
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Hospital:
Acıbadem Ataşehir Hospital
Adress: Küçükbakkalköy Mah. Vedat Günyol Cad. No.36 Ataşehir/İSTANBUL
Phone: +90 216 655 44 44
Fax: +90 216 655 44 00
E-mail: [email protected]
Map:
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