Reviewed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ayhan Işık Erdal, MD, FACS, FEBOPRAS · Credentials

Last reviewed: May 4, 2026

The realistic step-by-step process

From the first WhatsApp message to your one-year follow-up, here's what to expect. The timeline is approximate; specifics adjust to your situation.

Phase 1: Initial contact (Day 0)

WhatsApp message or email with brief description of your situation
Reply within hours, requesting photos and operative report from primary
Free WhatsApp video consultation scheduled within 1-3 days

Phase 2: Video consultation (Day 3-7)

30-45 minute WhatsApp video call
Review of photos, operative report, current concerns
Specific surgical plan discussed including graft sources
Realistic expectations conversation — what's correctable, what isn't
Cost quote in writing (typically €4,500-8,500 inclusive)
Tentative scheduling; no obligation to commit

Phase 3: Decision and booking (Day 7-30)

Time to consider, get other opinions, ask follow-up questions
Booking confirmed with deposit (typically 20-30%)
Surgery date scheduled — 4-12 weeks out, depending on availability
Hotel booking and travel coordination assistance
Pre-op blood work and imaging arranged in your home country if needed

Phase 4: Travel to Istanbul (Surgery week, Day -2 to Day 0)

Travel to Istanbul, typically arriving 2 days before surgery
Hotel check-in (5-star options pre-arranged in Şişli/Nişantaşı district)
Day -1: In-person consultation, final pre-op work-up, 3D photography
Final discussion of plan with any adjustments based on in-person examination
Anesthesia consultation
Light dinner, early sleep

Phase 5: Surgery day (Day 0)

Morning admission to JCI-accredited hospital
Pre-op preparation, marking, anesthesia
Surgery (3.5-5 hours typically)
Recovery room (1-2 hours)
Hospital admission overnight or transfer to hotel depending on case
Pain management and rest

Phase 6: Recovery in Istanbul (Day 1-7)

Day 1-3: Hotel rest, hydration, light walking, prescribed medications
Day 4-5: Light activity, short outings if feeling well
Day 7: In-person follow-up, splint removal, photo documentation
Day 7-10: Final hotel days, gradual return to light activity

Phase 7: Travel home (Day 8-10)

Travel home with splint already removed
Direct flights from Istanbul to most major cities
Resume work-from-home if available; gradual return to office work over 1-2 weeks

Phase 8: Long-term follow-up (Months 1-12)

Month 1: WhatsApp video follow-up, photo review
Month 3: WhatsApp video follow-up, photo review
Month 6: WhatsApp video follow-up, photo review, mid-recovery assessment
Month 12: WhatsApp video follow-up, final formal assessment
Optional in-person return if specific concerns require it

What's included throughout

All consultations (initial video, in-person pre-op, follow-ups)
Surgery, anesthesia, hospital stay
Splint, post-op medications
WhatsApp access to clinical team for questions throughout recovery
One year of follow-up
Operative report in English
Photo documentation throughout the process

What's not included

Travel and accommodation (hotel typically €600-1,500 for 8-10 days)
Meals outside hospital
Personal expenses
Time off work
Specialized post-op imaging if requested

The honest expectations throughout

Revision rhinoplasty is a multi-month commitment, not a transactional procedure. The surgical day is one moment in a longer process. The patients who do best are the ones who:

Set aside enough time for proper recovery (don't rush back to demanding activity)
Stay in regular communication during the year of follow-up
Take their photos seriously (helps the surgeon track progress)
Avoid making decisions in low emotional moments (the 6-week mark is the hardest emotionally for many)
Trust the timeline (the nose at month 3 is not the nose at month 12)

Patient journey