Rhinoplasty is an operation whose outcome depends largely on the surgeon's planning and skill; it is performed in the centre of the face, and correcting it is harder than the first operation. For this reason the question "which surgeon?" is as important as the operation itself. Many physicians perform rhinoplasty in Istanbul; this article does not tell you whom to choose, it describes the criteria you should weigh.
1. Specialty: ENT or plastic surgery?
In Turkey rhinoplasty is performed by two specialties: Ear, Nose and Throat / Head and Neck surgeons, and Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic surgeons. Both training programmes cover rhinoplasty. The difference is in emphasis: ENT training concentrates on the internal structures of the nose, the septum, turbinates and breathing function; plastic surgery training covers facial aesthetics as a whole. The right question is not "which specialty?" but "how focused is this surgeon on rhinoplasty?" The specialist qualification, academic title and academic background are verifiable facts; do not hesitate to ask about them.
2. Is a functional assessment performed?
A good rhinoplasty consultation does not look only at the outside of the nose. Whether or not you have breathing complaints, the septum, turbinates and nasal valve need to be assessed, because aesthetic changes affect the airway. Is the inside of the nose examined with an endoscope, is breathing asked about, is a CT scan requested when needed? Positive answers show that the surgeon treats the nose as a whole.
3. The quality of the consultation
The consultation is the rehearsal of the operation. Points to watch:
- Does the surgeon listen to your expectation and summarise it in your own words?
- Are limiting factors such as skin thickness, cartilage structure and facial proportions stated openly?
- Does the surgeon explain what can be changed and what will remain limited, or say "yes" to every request?
- Are the risks and the possibility of a second operation discussed?
- Are you given time to decide?
A consultation that approves every request and sets no limits is not a sign of realistic planning.
4. How can experience be judged?
Experience is about focus more than years. You can ask how often the surgeon performs rhinoplasty, whether they work with revision cases, and about their experience with noses similar to yours. Academic background, scientific publications and membership of professional societies are verifiable signs that the surgeon follows the field systematically. Confirm that the surgeon who plans the operation will also perform it.
5. Where the operation is performed and anaesthesia
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia; a fully equipped hospital, the presence of an anaesthesiologist and the possibility of an overnight stay when needed should be asked about. Find out in advance which hospital is used, its licensing status, and whom you will contact in an emergency after the operation.
6. The post-operative follow-up plan
Rhinoplasty does not end with the operation; removal of the splint, check-ups in the first weeks and monitoring of swelling affect the result. How many follow-up visits there will be and when, how you can reach the surgeon with questions, and how check-ups will be planned if you are coming from another city or country should be clear at the consultation.
7. A second opinion and time to decide
Rhinoplasty is not an urgent operation. Seeking opinions from more than one surgeon and deciding without haste is natural. Be aware that different surgeons may propose different plans for the same nose; what matters is that the proposed plan is explained to you in a way that makes sense and that you have understood it.
8. Warning signs
- Statements that guarantee a particular result or use words such as "definitely",
- A decision to operate given by phone or message without an examination,
- A date offered quickly without discussing risks and limits,
- Breathing function never being asked about,
- Pressure to make a decision.
Prof. Dr. Şahin Ulu's approach
The author of this article, Prof. Dr. Şahin Ulu, is a specialist in Ear, Nose and Throat / Head and Neck Surgery and a professor; he trained at Gazi University Faculty of Medicine and served as Chair of the ENT Department at Afyon Kocatepe University and Bahçeşehir University. His approach to rhinoplasty is based on addressing aesthetic planning and breathing function in the same operation; endoscopic examination of the inside of the nose, individual planning and a discussion of expectations are standard in his consultations. He applies the criteria above in his own practice. For more information see the About and Rhinoplasty: Overview pages.
This article is for general information; treatment decisions are made only after a face-to-face examination.